An illustrated guide to the Adaptation Island property — landmarks, trail network, and named places — with a simple locator showing McNutt's Island's position off Shelburne, Nova Scotia.
McNutt's Island sits off the South Shore of Nova Scotia, a 15-minute ferry from Shelburne. The Adaptation Island property occupies approximately 200 acres on the island's southwestern shore.
For a full map of McNutt's Island — including the lighthouse, WWII gun battery, Horseshoe Beach, and all island roads — visit mcnuttsisland.org.
The ~200-acre Adaptation Island property — landmarks, trail network, and named places. Hover over features for descriptions.
The island is McNutt's Island, Nova Scotia — the property (Adaptation Island) is located on its southwestern shore. McNutt's is accessible year-round, conditions permitting, by a short ferry crossing from Shelburne. There is no bridge. This is, entirely, by design.
Shelburne is approximately 3.5 hours by road from Halifax, or 2 hours from Yarmouth. The town has accommodations, fuel, groceries, and outfitters. Stock up before crossing — the island has no shops. Shelburne itself is worth a day of exploration for its extraordinary Black Loyalist and Loyalist history.
A scheduled passenger and small vehicle ferry connects Shelburne to the island's northern landing. The crossing takes approximately 15 minutes in settled conditions and runs on a seasonal schedule. Check current schedule and book ahead in summer. Bicycle transport is available. [Ferry schedule link — TBD]
From the landing dock, the property entrance is approximately 3 km south via Island Road — walkable in under an hour, bikeable in 15 minutes. The road passes through mixed forest and offers the first views of the channel. The property entrance is unmarked by obvious signage — watch for the gate described in your visit confirmation.
The trail from the property entrance to Paradise Cabin is approximately 800m through the forest. Follow the marked trail — the cabin is in the first open clearing you reach. If no one is there, the door is open. The fire is ready to be laid. The kettle is on the shelf. Welcome.