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Partridge Island: Guardian of Saint John Harbour

Explore Partridge Island, a historic quarantine station and military outpost in Saint John, offering a glimpse into Canada's immigration and maritime past.

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Partridge Island, a historic island in the Bay of Fundy off Saint John, New Brunswick, served as a quarantine station, military post, and navigational aid. Known as Canada's Emerald Isle, it processed countless immigrants, especially during the Irish Potato Famine, and features ruins, graveyards, and a Celtic Cross memorial.

A brief summary to Partridge Island

  • Saint John, New Brunswick, CA

Local tips

  • Learn about the island's history as a quarantine station and its role in processing immigrants, especially during the Irish Potato Famine.
  • Observe the remains of military fortifications from various periods, showcasing the island's strategic importance.
  • Visit the Celtic Cross memorial, a tribute to the Irish immigrants who died on the island.
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Getting There

  • Ferry

    Currently, there is no regular ferry service to Partridge Island. Access to the island is restricted, and crossing the breakwater is illegal. Check local sources for updates on potential future access.

  • Kayaking

    In the past, some tour companies have offered guided kayaking tours to Partridge Island. These tours typically launched from beaches near the Digby Ferry Terminal and cost around $65 per person. Check with local tour operators for current availability and pricing. Note that conditions can be rough, and appropriate footwear is required.

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Discover more about Partridge Island

Partridge Island, a 24-acre island at the mouth of Saint John Harbour, has played a significant role in Canadian history for over two centuries. The island's story begins with the Mi'kmaq Nation, who called it "Quak'm'kagan'ik," meaning "a piece cut out," referencing the legend of Glooscap and the Big Beaver. Officially established in 1785, the island served three primary purposes: a lighthouse, a military fortification, and a quarantine station. The first lighthouse was erected in 1791, making it the third light station in British North America. The island was Saint John’s principal military fortification from 1800 to 1947, with visible remains from the War of 1812, the First World War, and the Second World War. As a quarantine station, Partridge Island was the first in Canada. It processed immigrants from around the world, with a significant influx during the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s. During this time, approximately 30,000 immigrants were processed, with over 1,000 dying on the island and in Saint John during the typhus epidemic of 1847. A Celtic Cross memorial stands as a tribute to the Irish immigrants who perished. Today, Partridge Island is a provincial historic site and a National Historic Site. While public access has been restricted since the mid-1990s, efforts are underway to reopen the island for tourism. Despite vandalism and deterioration, the island's historical significance and stunning views of the Bay of Fundy make it a compelling destination.

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