McNabs Island Photo Gallery



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A trip to McNabs Island begins with a ferry ride from Fisherman's Cove at eastern Passage. Arrange dropoff and pickup with either Mike Tilley (465-4563) or Steve Taylor (Taylor Made Tours, 448-4982). Mike Tilley is pictured here.This is the usual island dropoff point, a short section of sandy beach on the island's east side, south end. Just follow the path through the grass to find the road.Most of the island's shore is rocky, like this section near the dropoff point, east side, south end.You might see an Osprey guarding her nest. Small dogs should be kept close lest they become dinner.The main road leads to the north end.There are 2 forts on the island: Fort McNab at the south end, and Fort Ives at the north end. Fort McNab is presently undergoing restoration, so only this new sign is accessible to visitors.No hunting. The island's deer and other animals are to be left in peace. Note the spelling of Lawlors Island, with the concluding s. Locals insist that the correct spelling includes the s, although the island's name appears on many maps as Lawlor island.The absence of cars makes for a picturesque road, although it can be muddy if the weather has been wet.This is likely the only bench on the island. See next photo to read plaque text.The island has a chequered history of which this is but one small part.Evidence of the island's military past often appears at roadside, or may be seen through the woods.Wild roses sometimes border the road.Erosion from storms has turned McNabs Pond into a tidal inlet.McNabs Pond.McNabs has a long sandy beach on the west side.GarrisonPier, near the beach, is on the island's west side. It is used as a landing point for boats coming from Halifax. It is the only place to offload the heavy equipment needed for the restoration of Fort McNab. McNabs Island Teahouse.Hugonin Battery. McNabs’ fortifications were maintained by the British who left Halifax in 1906.Hugonin Battery interior.Ferns are everywhere.And wildflowers too.Ferns.Wildflowers and an old iron fence.Ferns.Fort Ives is a ruin, but there is quite a lot left to explore, albeit with care. Crumbling masonary does pose a safety threat if you don't exercise care when exploring the site.Fort Ives.Fort Ives.Fort Ives' canon.Fort Ives' canon.Fort Ives' canon.Fort Ives' canon.Fort Ives' canon. Fort Ives' canon machinery.Fort Ives.Fort Ives.Fort Ives.Fort Ives.Fort Ives.Fort Ives.Fort Ives.Crumbling masonary at Fort Ives.Crumbling masonary at Fort Ives.Many seedlings grow amid the ruins.Old iron at Fort Ives.McNabs is amazingly free of trash. These derelict cars await shipment to mainland wreckers. There is no pavement on the island. A few of the island's remaining residents have owned vehicles, but during my visits I saw none that were working.The Friends of McNabs Island Society does an annual island cleanup, so shoreline trash is not plentiful. Nevertheless, here is the proverbial kitchen sink!Wild roses growing at the south end of McNabs.A view of Halifax from the south end of McNabs. Returing to Fisherman's Cove on the McNabs Island Ferry.