Deadman's Island, Military reserve island in Coal Harbor, Vancouver, Canada
Deadman's Island is a small island in Coal Harbor that serves as a base for the Canadian Naval Reserve. A timber bridge connects it directly to Stanley Park, making it accessible from the mainland without crossing water.
For centuries the Squamish used this place as a burial ground with remains placed in trees. European settlers arrived in the 1860s and altered the site through removals and new uses that would define it for generations.
The Squamish people called this place 'Skwtsa7s' and held burial ceremonies here for generations. Today the island's role has changed entirely, though its original name reflects deep roots in the land's history.
The island is a military installation and access is strictly controlled. You should check in advance what visiting options exist and what rules apply on the day.
During a major smallpox outbreak in the 1890s, the island became a quarantine site where victims were isolated and buried. This period reveals how the place was repeatedly repurposed for crisis response and survival.
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