McNabs and Lawlor Islands

 

McNabs

Visitor Notices: McNabs and Lawlor Islands are alcohol-free year-round. Alcohol-free means no alcohol is permitted in the park.

     

 

At the mouth of Halifax Harbour, the park carries visitors back in time, and back to nature. Just a short boat trip from various points in the metro area, military and history buffs, birders, and hikers will
be enthralled with this park's intriguing past and beautiful natural surroundings so close to the dynamic downtown.

McNabs, comprised of 400 ha (1000 acres), presents a combination of historical and natural features. Lawlor Island is intended as a natural area, and is not open to the public. Fort McNab, a national historic site operated by Parks Canada, is situated on McNabs Island.


Features of Interest ( see brochure for details )

  • Ives Point An anchor point for a First World War submarine net, offers panoramic views of Halifax
    Harbour.
  • Fort Ives Built in 1864,was updated in the 1890s, and again during the First World War. It features two rifled muzzle-loading guns in their original casements.
  • Indian Point Takes its name from the Mi'kmaq people,who were forced to relocate there by the
    British in 1760.
  • Conrad House Summer home of A.J.Davis. Later the residence of Gladys Conrad, the islands's
    last full-time resident. mcnabs
  • Matthew Lynch House Home of Bill Lynch, the midway king.
  • Hugonin Battery Constructed in 1899-1900, was used by the Department of National Defence
    as an acoustic monitoring station until 1993. Site is off-limits to visitors.
  • A. J. Davis Soda Pop Factory Operated before and during Prohibition producing soda pop as
    well as a special concoction called “Pure McNab”.
  • The Teahouse (closed) was built in the 1980s on the site of the former Hugonin-Perrin estate.
  • Maugers Beach Named for Captain Joshua Mauger, a merchant and ships provisioner,
    who acquired five acres here for drying and processing fish.
  • Maugers Beach Lighthouse Built during the Second World War on the site of Sherbrooke Tower, a military tower that was completed in 1828 and later adapted as a lighthouse. In 1852 Dr.Abraham Gesner used his new kerosene fuel to operate the lighthouse for a trial period.
  • Hangman's Beach used by the British Admiralty to hang deserters. The bodies were left hanging as a warning to sailors considering desertion.
  • Back (Wreck) Cove The final resting place of several scuttled ships. A favourite picnic and
    recreational area for boaters.
  • Fort McNab Built in 1889,was the first fortification in Halifax to use breech-loading guns,making
    it the most powerful fort to guard the city.




Services

McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park has limited services. Visit the island at your own risk. Drinking water is not available on the island. Pit toilets are situated at several locations. There are no waste management facilities on the island. Pack-in and pack-out garbage and recyclables.

There are no emergency facilities or telephone. In the event of an emergency, use a cell phone to contact 911.

The weather tends to be variable and cooler than on the nearby mainland. Dress appropriately. Sturdy footwear is recommended.

  • Due to the extensive damage incurred from Hurricane Juan, open fires are not permitted on the Island.
  • Bicycles are restricted to the main roads; motorized vehicles are prohibited.
  • Please keep pets on a leash at all times.
  • Firearms are prohibited in the park.
  • Beaches, old forts, wharves and other ruins may contain hazards. Explore with caution.

 

Programs and Events at McNabs and Lawlor Islands Provincial Park

 Linked here is a listing of Parks Events taking place this season.

The Friends of McNabs Island Society organizes cleanups, tours and events on McNabs Island. For more information visit www.mcnabsisland.ca

 
       

Camping

McNabs Island is primarily a day-use park. While there are no formal campsites established, the draft management plan for the park proposes a number of formal campsites, however until they are established the public is permitted to use the interim sites described below.

To ensure public safety and minimize negative environmental impacts, the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources has established 10 interim campsites on McNabs Island. Camping will be permitted in these sites only. These temporary sites, which are near the Tea House, will be available by reservation only. They are being provided while the Province develops plans for a more formal camping area on the island.

To reserve a site, you must contact the Waverley office of the Department of Natural Resources at 902-861-2560 Monday to Friday (except holidays) between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. This is the only means to reserve these sites .

To further minimize impact on the area, parks personnel are emphasizing the, leave-no-trace concept, expecting users to remove all goods that they bring to a site.

Campers who make reservations for the new sites are also being reminded that they are only booking a camping opportunity, not a specific site. Campsites at all provincial campgrounds are occupied on a first-come, first-served basis.


 

How to Find the Park

Visitor access to McNabs Island is by boat only. Commercial ferries are available on a ad hoc basis from Fisherman's Wharf (Eastern Passage) and the Halifax Waterfront. Visitors arriving at the Garrison Pier are asked not to block the platforms or to moor to the pier.

If you require information about the park, download the brochure or visit: McNabs and Lawlor Island Provincial Park Draft Management Plan