Spending time lazily on the shores of a little-known island sounds pretty peaceful and inviting, with the surf quietly rolling in, and the seagulls soaring overhead.
But we are here to remind you that things may not always be what they seem. There are some islands you may not want to venture out to.
You may not have heard of this particular island amongst those that lie in the Atlantic Ocean. It is just off the shore of beautiful Mahone Bay, NS. It goes by the name Sacrifice Island, and for good reason.
Many years ago when German and French settlers arrived in the area, conflict arose between them and the natives. As a result, a group of the native people allegedly kidnapped several of the white children and rowed them out to the island where the children tragically met their demise.
Since then, there have been many boaters and fisherman in the area who have witnessed ghostly white lights on the island, for which no explanation could be found. They are thought to be the spirits of the murdered children.
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Indian Island is another lesser-known spot off the eastern shore of Nova Scotia. It lies just south of the scenic Lahave Islands, but is well-known to the locals. 
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Devils Island and McNabs Island just off Halifax’s waters are also rumored to be haunted.
Folklorist Helen Creighton collected a lot of true ghost stories from Devils Island. Mysterious footprints, noises and apparitions were common to those that lived there. Many years after it was abandoned, mainlanders could still see lights in the houses. The spectres continued to haunt it.
I spent a summer afternoon on Devils Island a few years back, when several structures on the island were still in existence. In case you missed it, check it out:
Devil's Island Investigation(<--link)
One section of McNabs was called ‘Hangman’s Beach”. At one time, bodies of executed mutineers, Navy deserters and pirates hung freely around the beach, to warn approaching ships of what happens to those delving into undesirable activity in the area. Two hundred cholera victims have also been buried there. Ghostly encounters on McNabs over the years include the ghost of an unknown man, as well as a ghost horse and carriage. (We spent a day here a few years ago. Very interesting place, but unfortunately did not lay eyes on any spirits.)
An article about ghoulish islands would be incomplete without mentioning Deadman’s Island in Halifax, NS. Technically, it is not an island anymore as it is connected to the mainland in the Northwest Arm. Originally, British military trained there, and then it was used as a burial ground for prisoners of war from the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. The dead (numbering into the hundreds)were wrapped in canvas and thrown in unmarked graves. No wonder it’s haunted! Several local paranormal investigation groups have spent time there and captured EVP’s, among other evidence of spirits refusing to leave.
Nova Scotia Paranormal Events will be doing our own investigation of this intriguing place in the coming months!
There are approximately 3,800 islands off the shores of Nova Scotia. Some have been long-deserted, others have never seen a human being. They are not without their secrets and legends: buried treasure, pirate raids, maritime disaster and mayhem.
And obviously, a few of them are still home to phantoms and apparitions.
My grandfather owned Sacrifice Island and we spent most of our childhood summers there. My grandfather would tell us the stories and tales behind the island at family gatherings. This was the only place where I felt at peace. I remember going into the woods and sitting in a specially picked tree listening to all of the different sounds. A huge piece of my heart stayed there even after my mother sold the property. I imagine my grandfather's spirit being there and being angry that it no longer is part of our family treasures. He would chase of the commercial clam diggers to ensure there was enough for everyone. We had a designated clam pot we would fill full of sea water and seaweed overtop of our fresh picked clams, set up a small fire along the rocky shore to cook them for a evening snack. I would spend every day walking around the island at low tide with my grandmother to see what new treasures had washed up on shore. I miss this place so very much. I'm told all of the 3 cabins have been demolished and no longer exist. It breaks my heart. I am hoping that one day I can return and feel my grandfather's presence there. He was my mentor, he was my rock. I miss him very much. This is a truly special place.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your families history on Sacrifice Island. It's one of my favorite islands on the South Shore and on I plan to sail to soon. I spent the night camping their years ago and remember telling stories about where the name came from.
DeleteI hope your grandfather will rest easy knowing that the island is now owned by the Mahone Bay Conservation Association and will be protected for generations to come. I hope to visit many more times and promise to leave only footprints behind.