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George's Island is in the middle of Halifax harbour has a lighthouse and a old military fortification.

Parks Canada - Georges Island is a small drumlin, it was shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. Its strategic location made it ideally suited to be the heart of the seaward defences for Halifax's naval base. For nearly two hundred years Georges Island was the scene of constant military activity. Tales of executions, forts and hidden tunnels surround the folklore associated with the mysterious island.

The Halifax harbour defence system has been recognized as unique on the North American continent because it contains shore defences from the mid-18th century to the Second World War. Georges Island was an integral part of that system. Between 1750 and 1815, it evolved from a rather simple earthen battery to a sophisticated masonry fortification, Fort Charlotte, with a Martello tower in its centre. By the 1830s it was the most powerful smooth-bore fort in the Halifax defence system. The introduction of the rifled muzzle-loading artillery necessitated the reconstruction of Fort Charlotte between 1864 and 1870.

By the end of 19th century, changes in military technology altered the island's military usefulness. As a consequence, the island lost its significance as the key counter-bombardment battery and assumed a minor role as part of the inner line of defence. It became the depot for the submarine mines which were assembled and stored for laying in time of attack. In 1960, Georges Island was declared surplus to the needs of the Department of National Defence and was designated as a national historic site in 1965.

Today, Parks Canada is responsible for the preservation and stabilization of the cultural resources on Georges Island. Although, the island is not open to the public due to the fragile condition of resources. Parks Canada is now preparing this heritage site for future visitation.

Buildings (right to left)

Lighthouse: Finished in 1919, the current lighthouse was built of concrete to reduce the threat of fire. Today, the lighthouse is owned and operated by the Canadian Coast Guard as is the remote radar tower, disguised as a signal mast within Fort Charlotte. The radar was first installed in 1974 to assist with harbour traffic control.

Lighthouse Keeper's Residence: For nearly 100 years, a lighthouse keeper lived on Georges Island. Originally, the residence was attached to the lighthouse but, following the 1916 fire which destroyed the first lighthouse, a separate dwelling was constructed. In 1972, the last lightkeeper left the island with his family after the lighthouse was converted to one of the first fully automated lighthouses in Canada.

Married Officers' Quarters: Constructed in 1901 and used to accommodate married officers and their wives until 1905.