The Bay of Fundy has an undeniable charm to it, and Grand Manan Island is a huge part of that equation. From stunning beaches and boardwalks to unforgettable animal sanctuaries, there’s plenty here to keep you engaged and coming back for more!
Sure, the place looks small at first glance, but there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. All you need is an action plan, and you’re in for a pretty unique Grand Manan holiday.
Read on to find out what makes Grand Manan Island so great, and what you can expect to find there!
How to Get to Grand Manan Island
Although it’s just off the coast of Maine, the only way to get to Grand Manan by boat is from Blacks Harbour in New Brunswick, Canada. The Grand Manan Island Ferry makes multiple trips per day - it ranges from completely free for children to CA$13 (under 10 USD) for adult non-citizens, charged during the return trip.
It’s also possible to transport your vehicle from Blacks Harbour to Grand Manan for an additional charge.
What to Do on Grand Manan Island
Despite its small size, there’s enough to do on Grand Manan Island to keep you busy for a solid week or more. Here are some suggestions:
Tour the lighthouses
If there’s one thing that isn’t in short supply on Grand Manan Island, it’s the seaside lighthouses. Driving along Route 776, you can check all of them off your bucket list, alongside some genuinely beautiful vistas.
Swallowtail Lighthouse offers an amazing view of Sawpit and Pettes Cove, and the North Head Park & Campground is a great place to pitch your tent and watch the ships passing by. On a clear day, you can even see Maine and a nice chunk of coastal New Brunswick!
Next up, there’s arguably the most scenic spot on the island, the Hole-in-the-Wall Rock Formation, only a short drive from North Head.
Then there’s Southwest Head Lighthouse, close to South Head Beach and the Red Trail, ideal for hikers of all levels of experience. This island has no shortage of good photo stops, but nothing beats walking up to the edge of a cliff and capturing one of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes.
Finally, there’s Long Eddy Point Lighthouse, offering some of the best sunsets on this side of the Atlantic, along with the nearby Ashburton Head and Arthur’s Bench. These are also relatively close to some of the island’s best eateries.
All in all, the place is crawling with hiking paths, and the lighthouses make for great checkpoints that reward you with a once-in-a-lifetime photo op before you get on your way again.
Hit the beach
What would an island trip be without some good beaches? The most popular one here is Deep Cove Beach, a sandy expanse with an endless supply of waves crashing into the rocky oceanfront.
Then you have Castalia Marsh Beach, as well as the Marsh Retreat further down. The combination of tallish grass and deep blue waters is a sight to behold, so expect to be mesmerized the whole time you’re making your way south.
If you decide to visit Seal Cove (which you absolutely should), you’ll also want to spend some time at Seal Cove Sand Beach. It has some of the finest sand on the island, and it’s probably the best beach to visit if you’re traveling with kids.
Observe the wildlife
The Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station is a great place to start - for a nominal fee, you can admire the marine natural history museum and get familiarized with the local wildlife.
For something a little more active, there are boat tours that let you do some whale watching and marvel at the local rock formations. Alternatively, you can take matters into your own hands (literally) and catch a glimpse while kayaking instead!
The Grand Manan Migratory Bird Sanctuary is another knockout near Ingalls Head, combining some beautiful species with unforgettable landscapes for a memorable afternoon activity.
Visit White Head Island
If you’re not looking to burn a hole in your wallet, there’s a White Head Island ferry service you can catch multiple times a day, and it’s free of charge.
This is another beautiful little island, full of hiking trails as far as the eye can see, and a beach around every corner. It’s one of those places where most of the best spots are unmarked, so put on your adventure cap and get to exploring!
Where to stay on Grand Manan Island
You can find Grand Manan Island lodging at a wide range of prices, not to mention a variety of different styles.
For an immersive island experience, we recommend Compass Rose, probably the best inn on Grand Manan Island. The quaint interior touches base on everything you’d want for a weekend trip, and it’s especially good for couples and families. Hard to beat the ocean views in the morning, too!
There’s also the Castalia Marsh Retreat, sandwiched between beautiful greenery, hiking trails, and a number of eye-catching vistas. The stay is as private as it gets while being close to major hubs like Castalia and Woodwards Cove.
When to Visit Grand Manan Island
Outside the Christmas holidays, you can find a ferry to Grand Manan every single day, and the island genuinely shines no matter the season.
If you want to make the most of the beaches, summer is obviously the safest time to visit. Temperatures tend to hover at around 70 F (or 20 degrees Celsius), so you can reap the benefits of the sunny weather without things getting sweaty.
On the other hand, if you want to do birdwatching or just see the full color palette the island has to offer, you might want to visit in the spring. Sure, it’ll be a bit chillier, but it’s nothing a good puffer jacket can’t help with!
