The Teahouse

The Teahouse

Although the Teahouse looks old, this small, beautiful, stone building was the last building constructed on the island. It is situated on what was once the Hugonin Perrin Estate and built of stones from the foundations of the ruins of nearby buildings. Located just uphill from the Garrison Pier, the Teahouse overlooks McNabs Cove, and what was once a magnificent tiered Victorian garden, said to have rivaled the Public Gardens in Halifax. The area still contains over a hundred introduced shrubs and trees planted in the 1880s.

The Teahouse was built in the early 1980s by Captain John Jenkins, a former Parks Canada Guide, and his wife Glenna. They were also owners of the McNabs Island Ferry Company. There was an adjoining patio to the building and the Jenkins served lunches, afternoon teas with scones and cream, and dinners on Friday and Saturday nights. They also catered to groups with lobster boils and hog roasts. For many years, The McNabs Island Teahouse was a popular destination point for visitors hiking on the island. The business closed in 1992.

As the shell of the building is still in excellent shape, The "Friends of McNabs" are working to renovate the Teahouse for use as an Outdoor Education Center.