Kennebecasis Island facts for kids
Kennebecasis Island, also known as McCormick's Island, is a small island in Canada. It's found in the province of New Brunswick, right where the Saint John River and Kennebecasis River meet.
This island is close to the city of Saint John. Because of this, it has become a popular spot for summer homes. About 100 cottages are on the island. You can also find a small golf course and a tennis court there. Many parts of the island have quiet beaches. There's also a natural deep-water cove. This cove is a great safe spot for boats to stay overnight.
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Island History
Kennebecasis Island once had five working farms. These belonged to the Hutchings, Morrow, Keith, and two McCormick families. There was also a small one-room schoolhouse. The island even had its own post office. A commercial river-boat landing brought visitors and goods. In the early 1900s, a small hotel welcomed guests. People from Saint John would stay there for a break from city life.
Today, most of these old buildings are gone. However, McCormick House is still standing. It's the only farm that still has its original land and farmhouse.
Famous Islanders
The most famous person from Kennebecasis Island was Hugh J. McCormick. He was a professional speed skater. He competed from 1883 until 1895.
In 1890, Hugh McCormick became a world champion. He won the World Professional Speed Skating Champion title. He beat the reigning champion, Axel Paulson from Norway. This big race happened in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Getting to the Island
Visitors can reach Kennebecasis Island by ferry. The Kennebecasis Island Ferry runs from May to mid-November. The New Brunswick Department of Transportation operates this ferry. It leaves from Summerville on the Kingston Peninsula.
When the water freezes after November, the ferry stops running. Then, the only way to get to the island is by driving or walking across the ice. During the spring melt, the water levels rise. This can sometimes split the island into two parts.
Island Geography
The north and east sides of the island are next to the Milkish Channel. This channel separates the island from the Kingston Peninsula. A small inlet called McCormack's Cove reaches into the south side of the island. This cove is part of Grand Bay. Grand Bay is where the Saint John and Kennebecasis rivers meet. The island is about an hour's drive from the city of Saint John.
Wildlife on the Island
Kennebecasis Island is home to many different animals. You can often see deer and raccoons. Sometimes, even a moose is spotted on the island! Because of the wildlife, a small part of the island allows hunting during the fall season.
