McNabs Island Trail Run: Halifax Harbour, Canada

Jul 6

Written By Rod Sardari, GISP, PhD

McNabs Half Marathon by Urban Trail Racing

McNab's Island - McNab’s Provincial Park

JULY • 06 • 2024

McNabs Island is the largest island in Halifax Harbour, located in Nova Scotia, Canada, just minutes away by boat from Halifax or Dartmouth.

This beautiful island is a provincial park known for its lush natural landscapes, hiking trails, and rich history. This Island is a mix of natural beauty and history.

Elevation: The island features rolling hills with a maximum elevation of about 40 meters (130 feet), offering stunning views of the surrounding harbour.

History: McNabs Island has a fascinating history, starting as a seasonal site for the Mi'kmaq people. After Halifax was founded in 1749, it was first named Cornwallis Island. By the late 1700s, it became home to the McNab family, who lived there for over a century.

The island played a crucial role in defending Halifax Harbour with its fortifications, which include military sites from the 19th and 20th centuries. During World War II, it housed coastal defenses and anti-submarine nets to protect against German U-boats.

Notable Buildings and Features

Fort McNab: A historic castle-like fort, designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, showcasing late 19th-century military engineering.
Sherbrooke Tower and Fort Ives: Other key military sites that were part of Halifax’s defense network.
Maugher Beach Lighthouse: Known as "Hangman’s Beach," this iconic lighthouse tested the first kerosene lamps in 1851.
Victorian Gardens and Picnic Grounds
Historic Homes and Cemeteries: Including the original McNab family home and a burial site for early settlers and cholera victims.