• Swallowtail Lighthouse – The island’s most famous landmark perched on a dramatic bluff.
• Hole-in-the-Wall – A sea-carved arch accessible by hike or kayak — a perfect photo op.
• The Anchorage Provincial Park – Campsites, beach walks, and birdwatching in a peaceful setting.
• Long Eddy Point (The Whistle) – The best spot for whale and sunset watching.
• Grand Manan Museum – Learn about lighthouse keepers, the sardine industry, and sea captains.
• Dark Harbour – A mysterious cove with towering cliffs, dulse harvesters, and stormy character.
• Southern Head Cliffs – Hike to the island’s wild southwestern tip for dramatic ocean views.
• Seal Cove Smoke Sheds – Historic fish-smoking sheds with weathered wood and stories to tell.
• Pettes Cove – A picturesque spot for skipping stones and watching fishing boats.
• The Grand Manan Art Gallery – Features local artists inspired by fog, waves, and sky.

• Book the ferry early in summer — it fills up fast!
• Dulse is salty but delicious — try it roasted like chips.
• Bring layers — it can go from hot to foggy in minutes.
• Stay at a lighthouse B&B for a uniquely Maritime experience.
• Keep binoculars handy — you never know when a whale or bald eagle will appear.
• Respect tide times — tides change fast and can trap you on beaches.
• Buy seafood right off the boat in Seal Cove or North Head.
• Talk to locals — everyone has a story about storms or shipwrecks.
• Hike the coast trail slowly — this is not a rush-it kind of place.
• Bring a book, journal, or sketchpad — inspiration is everywhere.

• Grand Manan Farmers’ Market (Summer Sundays) – Local goods, handmade crafts, jams, and stories.
• Swallowtail Lighthouse Days (August) – Celebrates the island’s most iconic light with music, food, and tours.
• Grand Manan Marathon (September) – A small but scenic run along the island’s cliffside roads.
• Canada Day Celebrations (July 1) – Fireworks, BBQs, and seaside fun.
• Island Christmas Craft Fair (December) – For cozy gifts and island-made treasures.
• Birdwatching Week (May/October) – A must for avian enthusiasts; rare species abound during migrations.

• The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world — over 15 meters (50 feet)!
• Grand Manan has no traffic lights, no fast food chains, and no franchises — just charm.
• Over 300 species of birds migrate through the island.
• The island produces Canada’s highest-quality dulse, hand-harvested by locals.
• Swallowtail Lighthouse was built in 1860 and is one of the most photographed in Atlantic Canada.
• Dark Harbour is only accessible at low tide — it disappears beneath the sea.
• The entire island is a geologist’s paradise, with fossils, basalt cliffs, and mineral-rich rock.
• You can spot whales from shore without needing a boat.
• Grand Manan was once home to pirates, privateers, and shipwreck survivors.
• The island inspired writers like Michael Crummey and painters like Alex Colville.

What is the island known for?
Grand Manan is known for its dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, whale-watching, fishing heritage, and quiet, untouched beauty. It's a haven for birders, hikers, and those who crave a wild, windswept coastal escape.

Is the island a good destination for families?
Yes, especially for nature-loving families. With safe villages, shallow beaches, puffin tours, tidepooling, and no traffic lights, Grand Manan is a perfect place to unplug with kids and explore the outdoors.

Is the island safe for tourists?
Extremely. Grand Manan is one of Canada’s safest and most welcoming communities. Locals are friendly and helpful, and crime is virtually nonexistent.

Do you need a visa to visit the island?
Grand Manan is part of Canada, so regular Canadian visa rules apply. U.S. citizens can enter with a passport and usually stay for up to 6 months visa-free. Other nationalities may need a tourist visa.

What’s the best way to get to the island?
Take the ferry from Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick, which runs year-round and takes about 90 minutes. From there, you can drive, bike, or walk around the island. The closest major city is Saint John.

Should I rent a car on the island?
Yes. Grand Manan is larger than it seems, and while there are taxis, a car gives you freedom to explore hidden beaches, hiking trails, and fishing villages at your own pace.

Is the island wheelchair accessible?
Partially. Some trails and historic sites are rugged, but many restaurants, shops, and the ferry are accessible. Contact accommodations ahead of time for specific needs.

What are the island’s most famous landmarks?

• Swallowtail Lighthouse
• Hole-in-the-Wall rock formation
• Long Eddy Point Lookout (Whale-watching site)
• Seal Cove’s herring smokehouses
• The Anchorage Provincial Park

What are the best beaches on the island?

• Stanley Beach – good for swimming and sunbathing
• Dark Harbour – a dramatic, rocky cove perfect for photography and sea glass
• The Anchorage Beach – great for long walks and birding
• Red Point – a hidden gem with scenic tides and tranquility

What’s unique about the island’s wildlife?
Grand Manan is one of the world’s top seabird and whale-watching destinations. Expect to see humpbacks, fin whales, minke whales, and even rare North Atlantic right whales, plus puffins, razorbills, bald eagles, and thousands of migratory birds.

What traditional foods should I try on the island?

• Fresh-caught lobster and scallops
• Dulse (edible seaweed harvested locally)
• Haddock chowder
• Homemade pies at island cafes
• Seafood rolls and clams from roadside shacks

Can you drink tap water on the island?
Yes — safe and fresh everywhere on the island.

What is the nightlife like on the island?
Very quiet and stargazy. There are no clubs, just the occasional live music night, cozy taverns, and campfires under the stars. This is the place to reconnect with yourself, not your phone.

How can I stay connected to the internet on the island?
Wi-Fi is available at most inns, cafes, and public libraries. Mobile signal is decent in town, but patchy in remote areas — a perfect excuse to go off-grid.

What are some local souvenirs to bring home?

• Hand-harvested dulse
• Island-made soaps and pottery
• Local art and photography
• Lighthouse prints or carvings
• Home-sewn quilts and handmade jams

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• Llewellyn Harris – Lighthouse keeper who helped rescue dozens of stranded sailors.
• William T. Ganong – A New Brunswick historian and botanist who documented the island’s natural wonders.
• Alan Moses – A local marine biologist known for his work on marine conservation and beach preservation.
• Alex Colville – Renowned Canadian painter who found inspiration in Grand Manan’s solitude.
• Murray Simpson – Island poet and educator celebrating Grand Manan’s folk wisdom and landscapes.
• J. Howard Crocker – Historian and archivist who preserved much of the island’s photographic history.
• Doreen Clements – Lifelong birder and naturalist, founder of many wildlife education efforts on the island.
• Michael Crummey – Newfoundland author who often references Fundy coast lore in his novels.
• Captain James Crowell – A legendary fisherman and island hero.
• Kaitlyn Manuel – Young Grand Manan artist known for modern island landscapes and eco-conscious artwork.

• “Fog and Freedom” (CBC Doc) – A story of solitude, sea, and small-town life.
• “Edge of the Bay” (NFB Short) – A poetic look at life in the Fundy islands.
• “Salt and Stone” (Docu-series) – Follows fisherfolk and foragers on Grand Manan.
• “Whales of Fundy” – Includes Grand Manan as a whale-spotting paradise.
• “Tide and Time” – An indie film inspired by the changing tides and changing lives.
• “Maritime Mysteries” (Discovery Channel) – Features ghost stories and shipwreck tales from the island.
• “The Grand Manan Diaries” (YouTube series) – Created by a local couple sharing island life off-grid.
• “North Head” (Short Drama) – Tells a romantic story set near the ferry terminal.
• “Life on the Edge” (Nature series) – Focuses on bird cliffs, whales, and fog of Grand Manan.
• Travel vloggers from Canada and Europe have increasingly featured the island in slow travel series.