devil's island is located at the northeast entrance to halifax harbour just off of shore of eastern passage. the first mention of the island historically can be found in 1711, when it was included in an early french map depicting what is now the province of nova scotia.
the island has gone through many name changes, but it is believed that it was first known as deville's or duval's island. over the years of english habitation in the area the name was eventually anglicized and came to be known as devil's island. the first european settlers began a community on the island by 1830, this quickly grew to include at least 20 families, a school, and a general store. at one point there were two lighthouses and a lifesaving station based on the island; today only the southeast lighthouse remains along with a later light keeper's residence. paranormal activity has been recorded on the island since the first settlers came to the island.
a former lighthouse keeper, after having just finished painting the stairs inside the lighthouse, turned to look at his handy work only to see that unexplained footsteps were left in the wet paint.
after a party on the island one resident caspar henneberry reported seeing a talking halibut who he claimed was the devil. the next day they found caspar hanging over the side of his boat drowned. some say this is how the island got the name "devil's island".
there once was a house on the island which was subject to a large amount of poltergeist activity. the property suffered mysterious fires, knockings, objects would move, disembodied voices heard, foul odors would suddenly come and go, and apparitions were witnessed by the owners and guests at the home. the house was eventually demolished. over the last century visitors have reported seeing mysterious fires and lights where the house once stood.