Coquet Island is an uninhabited island located in Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Canada. The island is about 7.4 km long and 1.5 km wide, has an area of about 281 hectares and a coastline of 9.7 km. It is the largest uninhabited island on the Bay of Fundy.
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History
The earliest known inhabitants of Coquet Island were the Mi’kmaq people. The island was used as a place to trade goods with the mainland, and it was also an important fishing site. In 1795, during the French and Indian War, Coquet Island was captured by British forces under General James Wolfe.
In 1853, portions of the island were acquired by William Morris Reid for use as a summer home; Reid built several summer estate homes on the island in later years. Much of the coast is rocky and much of it has a narrow strip of beach; there are three rocks around which any waves that wash over can be funneled into little-traveled caves along this “coast”. There is also an undersea cave accessible by boat off Route 133 between Moncton, NB and Dalhousie, NS.
Climate
The climate of Coquet Island is oceanic, with a cool summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature ranges from 18 °C in the winter to 24 °C in the summer. The precipitation is usually around 960 millimetres yearly in the winter to 1500 mm annually during the summer. The air humidity at any time of year ranges from 48% in fall and spring to 85%.
Forestry has always been an important industry on Coquet Island, with lumbering as a mainstay beginning soon after its land was cleared of trees and brush shortly before 1800. In addition, local farmers fix masts for fishing boats.
Culture
The Mi’kmaq people continue to be the primary inhabitants of Coquet Island. There are also a few Acadian residents, as well as other seasonal visitors from other parts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Tourism is becoming an increasingly important industry on Coquet Island, with both day-trippers and overnight guests enjoying the island’s natural beauty and interesting history.
Politics
Coquet Island is a part of the federal riding of Fundy-Royal.
Coquet Island is accessible by air from Moncton, NB and Halifax, NS. It can also be reached by ferry from Saint John, NB to Dalhousie Cove on the northeast coast of the island. The only road access in summertime is via Route 133 between Moncton and Dalhousie.
Government Services
The island is served by a small community police force. There is also a hospital and post office on the island. Economic resources
Coquet Island had an unemployment rate of 4.3% in 2010 while producing a yearly average income per capita of $49,800 at 1999 constant dollars (American).
2011 census data show the following economic activities: agricultural processing $93,500 ($48 ha.); retail trade (not supermarkets), restaurants & hotels etc., vineyards and agricultural products $33,870; construction services $28,268; jewellery manufacturing & repair shops etc.$1 million
Education: 1 school aged 14–21; student population 259 students with 43 teachers and a college-level education %94 of primary age group have no qualifications.; 3 post secondary institutions with enrollment over 6 individuals.
Coquet Island has a high school, Cooley High School, which is part of the Northumberland County District School Board and French immersion programs are offered to students at age 3 (Kindergarteners) through grade 12 at the secondary level by Dalhousie Valley Regional Park High School in Boularderie Cove. There is also a Catholic school for grades 1–9 named Blanchette Elementary & Junior-Senior.
Tourism
As of the 2001 census, there were only 25 permanent residents on the island. The majority of visitors are boaters who dock at Dalhousie Cove and Moncton’s Riverview Marina. There is also a small number of day-trippers from Saint John or Halifax who come to enjoy hiking, biking and horseback riding on the island’s trails.
A number of ornamental pigments have been made from Coquet Island clay for use in Pottery. These include “clay-based shades of rust, red, beige and tan”, which are sold by the Nova Scotia Craftsman’s Guild under Gaelic names such as rinn (red) cliabh dhuit (beige), subaibhi bhailean uasleighe (tan).
Transport
There is no regular public transportation to or from the island. The residents rely on a small number of privately owned boats that serve as ferry service between Coquet Island and Saint John, New Brunswick. Coquet Island Light is a 1902 cast iron lighthouse located on the island, demarcating the northern end of Basin Cove. The light was automated in 1971 and has not been operational since that time. A plan to raise funds for re-activation fell through at an early stage.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Coquet Island is similar to that of the surrounding communities in Nova Scotia, but there are a few traditional dishes that originate from the island. Some favourites include lobster bisque and boiled mutton with peas and carrots.
Wildlife
The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, eastern gray squirrels and beavers. Coquet Island is one of the four islands that make up Saint John Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in Canada. It is connected with downtown St.
John’s (the provincial capital) by a causeway that stretches across several kilometres. The island also has access to Eddy Cove and its marine park on Grange Bay side, as well as sections directly adjacent to City Park known as Gibby Point and Dana Head Natural Area which also borders on Duke Point.
Sports and leisure activities include camping, fishing, hiking and swimming at nearby beaches located within St. John’s harbour adjacent to the islands of Coquet Island and Depron Island just across its mouth in Pamlico Sound.
Conclusion
Hardly! Coquet Island is a tropical paradise that has it all – a laid-back vibe, crystal clear waters, and plenty to do. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a place to relax after a long day at the beach, or a place to explore nature, Coquet Island has something for everyone. Plus, with its close proximity to the city of Halifax, it’s easy to get to and easy to get around. So why wait? Get your passport ready and head on over to Coquet Island today!
FAQ
Where Is It Located?
Coquet Island is located in the Bay of Fundy, just outside of Saint John, New Brunswick.
Is It Inhabited?
No, Coquet Island is a private island owned by the Bayman family.
How To Get To It?
There is no public transportation to get to Coquet Island, but there are many ways to get there by car. You can take the ferry from Saint John or go through private boats.
Is The Island Dangerous?
The Bayman family has put in place safety measures, such as a security guard and an intercom system. However, no island is completely safe and you should always exercise caution when visiting any remote island.
Can I Stay In The Island?
Yes, the Bayman family rents out cottages on Coquet Island.
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