Things to do & places to visit in Grand Manan, New Brunswick, Canada

Grand Manan island in , New Brunswick, Canada. Timezone: America/Moncton, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 13:47.

Top things to do (19)

Top places to visit (28 attractions)

5.0 Swallowtail Lighthouse (276 reviews)
- Unmatched beauty!
Lighthouses

We walked the trail and went up into the lighthouse. The grounds are beautiful to check out and contain lots of historical information for reading. The walk up and around the lighthouse are free as well as the parking but to enter the lighthouse itself costs $5 with proceeds going to the maintenance of the buildings. We had a nice sunny day so this was worth the fee and we climbed up to the top for an amazing view. Back in the parking lot there is a small gift shop. It's also worth nothing the park is dog friendly, like most places on grand manan. Definitely worth the stop!! See more..
5.0 Top of the Island Boat Tours (114 reviews)
- Amazing tour - a “must do” on Grand Manan.
Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching

We would give Steve a higher score if we could! Four of us took the sunset tour on Aug. 28, 2020 and had a blast. Steve and his dad provided a fun-filled, informative tour. Amazing!! We planned a very last minute trip to Grand Manan. We called him up for a tour and even though we were so short notice he made sure he would fit us in! The tour was educational and he kept it upbeat and fun! We were disappointed not to see more marine life, but nobody can guarantee whale sightings. Steve made up for it with an exciting seagull feeding act and a hands-on lesson about lobster traps. Steve is passionate and his love for the island and his work was evident in every word. Highly recommended!! See more..
5.0 Pettes Cove Arts (39 reviews)
- Unique Handcrafted Souvenirs
Friday: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries

Make sure you stop here when in North Head. Local artists and great gifts or souvenirs. I forget the ladies name running the shop but she was so friendly, informative and helpful. Support local! See more..
5.0 Lambert Family Adventures Whale & Wildlife Tours (9 reviews)
- Lambert Family Adventures Whale & Wildlife Tours
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Boat Tours • Speed Boats Tours

I am a paraplegic in a manual wheelchair. My wife & a couple friends and myself went on a whale watching expedition with Cpt. Matthew. Extremely helpful and accommodating. I was impressed not only with his professionalism but his knowledge of names of the whales as well as identifying the birds along the way. As an added bonus, we saw a Puffin, which was one of the birds I have been wanting to see but due to inaccessibility to Machias Seal Island, where they congregate, I could not. This trip is one I know I will definitely take again. Thank you Matt, Heather & girls. See more..
5.0 Hole in the Wall (5 reviews)
- Wonderful sight!
Hiking Trails

A must see when on Grand Manan Island. It is not far in from the parking area, and can easily hike there and head back up if you do not want to continue on the trail. We went through the North Head Campground, and there was a small fee (around 8$ I believe) to access the area. Just stop at the office to get your pass. We had access to washrooms (fill up your water bottles!) and washers and dryers if needed before continuing to the parking area for the trail entrance. Well worth it! See more..
5.0 MG Fisheries, Licensed Seasonal Deck (4 reviews)
- I Didn’t Feel Trapped... I Was Free (To Enjoy)
Friday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Bars & Clubs

Trapped is the next level for Grand Manan. It is new, yet true to its roots. It does one thing (dips) and it does it very well. See more..
5.0 Seven Days Work Cliff Nature Preserve (4 reviews)
- Not easy to findk parking
Nature & Wildlife Areas

This place is gorgeous. Moderate hiking ending on this beautiful Clearwater beach with views of the cliff. See more..
5.0 Thomas B. Munro Memorial Nature Preserve (4 reviews)
- Amazing footpath on Grand Manan
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Gorgeous trail with scenic views of the Bay of Fundy from Grand Manan Island! Heard and saw so many different species of birds, and saw some seals from the cliff - absolutely recommend a trip to anyone looking for a nice scenic hike. Lovely view of the sunset at the Whistle Lighthouse at the end of the trail. See more..
5.0 Primitive Wishes (2 reviews)
- Awesome
Speciality & Gift Shops
Very friendly, clean and just an awesome stay. Just like be at home but away from home. I would recommend this B & B to all my friends for a wonderful get away place. See more..
5.0 Top of the Island Boat Tours (1 review)
- Super Day with Capt Steve
Dolphin & Whale Watching
excellent day , lots of local information and history. pertinent info on local fishing and live styles, most interesting. went right to the whales, pod of 4 came next to boat. Capt Steve's converted fishing boat much better for up close and personal. upper deck was fantastic. highly recommended, dont miss it and book early, reservations only way to go soon as you get there. bring a hat and sunscreen for a great day. See more..
5.0 Red Trail (1 review)
- Belle randonnée
Spent 2-3 hours Hiking Trails
Hole in the wall Rock Trail

À partir de la porte d’entrée du terrain de camping Hole-In-The-Wall, il faut emprunter une route de gravier pendant près d’un kilomètre et une fois au bout, on arrive à l’enseigne pour le point de départ du sentier Hole-In-The-Wall.

Le sentier jusqu’à Hole-In-The-Wall est un court sentier qui descend une petite colline de 0.3km. Le sentier arrive aux falaises rocheuses du rivage. À gauche on voit très bien la grande arche rocheuse qui s’avance du flanc de la falaise. Ce sentier se déplace le long du bord d’une falaise qui tombent à la mer, alors il faut en être prudent.

J’ai ensuite fait une partie du sentier Red Trail qui m’a mené au Shallowtail Lighthouse. Je dois dire que c’était sans aucun doute, l’une des randonnées les plus intéressantes et visuellement stimulantes que j’ai faite. J’ai parcourus environs 3 km sur un chemin dont les racines et les rochers nous laisse peu de manoeuvre pour la marche. Le sentier longe la falaise et plusieurs fois je suis ébahie de la hauteur à laquelle je suis. Les vues sont a couper le souffle et plus j’avance, plus je peux appercevoir le phare au loin. C’était tout simplement magnifique. Je me suis donc rendu au sentier ShallowTail Lighthouse Trail. See more..
4.5 Anchorage Provincial Park (113 reviews)
- Immaculate grounds, friendly staff
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks

The Anchorage Park and Campground is operated by BGC Grand Manan. For anyone visiting our beautiful Island seeking natural attractions, exciting adventures, and breathtaking scenery; the Anchorage Park and Campground is the place to be! In addition, the picturesque hiking and cycling trails, interpretive displays, close encounters with wildlife and proximity to other local attractions has made the Anchorage one of the top destinations on Grand Manan. The Anchorage features 106 campsites including pull through, serviced and un-serviced lots. Additional amenities and services include; an activity center, shower and laundry facilities, playground, a nearby beach, and a dumping station. The panoramic views of the ocean alone make the Anchorage Park and Campground an ultimate destination for visitors. See more..
4.5 Sea Watch Tours (75 reviews)
- Superb Puffin Tour in Grand Manan
Sightseeing Tours

As a party of 4 we went on the puffin tour on July 16,2020. Captain Wilcox and crew were knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. . Unfortunately my back acted up and did not permit me to go ashore as did all other passengers. They reported a fantastic experience from seeing and hearing puffins up close as they stood in a blind. They have great pictures. I stayed on the boat but was able to see many puffins on the water and in the air.Captain Wilcox called in some puffins which allowed me to take up some close up pictures.. He told me calling is very hard on his throat so he does not always do it or for any length of time. I appreciated that he did it for me. See more..
4.5 Southwest Head Lighthouse (73 reviews)
- What a view
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses

Must see on the island. The views are wow!! Just enjoy the views fro the top. We visited on a cloudy, windy day and it was absolutely beautiful. See more..
4.5 The Old North Head Postoffice (65 reviews)
- Amazing Family
Friday: 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

This historic building sits proudly on the shore of Grand Manan in North Head. Make it your first stop in your island getaway to Grand Manan and is only a 2 minute walk down from the ferry terminal. Aside from the beautiful 1938 architecture, the building hosts an eclectic mix of small businesses. Tourist information can be found in the building with the standard fare of brochures, but it also hosts a community products based store called 'The Exchange' showcasing the community of Grand Manan's talents. It is also the home of Postoffice Pizza, Grand Manan Scooter Rentals, Kites and Kones, Something to Crow About Coffee, the island roasters coffee can be purchased here. It also has a number of artist studios, adept in a diverse mix of mediums. See more..
4.5 Long Eddy Point Lighthouse (50 reviews)
- Forget the lighthouse but drive down the road!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses

This lighthouse area is always mentioned on tourist sites as the best place to see the sunset and for several years, it's where we went to watch them when we were visiting Grand Manan. The lighthouse itself is a modern structure and not photographic like some others on the island. But for sunsets, continue down the road just a bit further and off to the right you'll see a parking area at the bottom of a small hill. Pull in there and there's a long wooden bench for people to sit and watch the amazing sunsets from here. The best part was that this is where the "locals" go to watch the sunsets and they were so awesome - telling us all kinds of great stories, how the fishing season is going, explaining how the aquaculture around the island works, recommending where to eat... We took some AMAZING sunset photos night after night after night and there's a great beach there that you can walk down to and do some beachcombing while you wait for the sun to set. See more..
4.5 Adventure High Kayaking (47 reviews)
- Seas every moment with an evening paddle
Kayaking & Canoeing

I've gone paddling with Adventure High kayaking a couple of times, which speaks to their guides' service and quality. I always make it a point of going kayaking with Adventure High because no two trips are ever the same! Our most recent trip, the evening excursion, is proof of that. We'd never kayaked in the evening and after this experience I regret not doing it sooner. Sure, the setting sun is nice from Southwest Head BUT experiencing it from the water casts new light on the island. While every trip will offer you its own surprises, for us, you can't beat kayaking amongst the weirs, seeing Swallowtail from the water, or being followed by seals, all with the sun casting its Golden Hour glow. See more..
4.5 Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station (33 reviews)
- Beautiful place
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

The GMWSRS is a multi-purpose not-for-profit facility that has a tiny marine natural history museum about the largest marine animals (Gaskin Marine Natural History Museum), a gift shop to help fund our operations with many local and Maritime crafts and gifts, and staff quarters for researchers and interns. Conveniently located across from the ferry ticket office, it is a great place to stop for a few minutes. Access to the museum is by donation. See more..
4.5 Seal Cove Herring Smoke Sheds (21 reviews)
- Step into Canadian history....
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

A charming, historic piece of Canada....and you can walk through it!!!....these incredible buildings, some sadly falling apart, tug at the heart.....they are beautiful, ornate and colourful, and heartbreaking at the same time....a piece of the local herring history, really worth seeing and experiencing.... See more..
4.5 Grand Manan Art Gallery (18 reviews)
- Impressive gallery
Art Galleries

We enjoyed all the exhibits and seeing all the local talent. Some for sale and some on permanent display. See more..
4.5 Deep Cove Beach (16 reviews)
- Two words: Peace and Calm!
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

On a late Friday afternoon, in mid-July, we were the only two people on the beach! What a treat. The beach was clean. The waves were calm. It was a real pleasure to relax, walk and enjoy the solitude! See more..
4.5 Long Point Lighthouse (8 reviews)
- Blue sand beach!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses

Take the free ferry from Ingalls Head to White Island. Yes, it is free and you can take your car. Take the road to the right as you leave the ferry and follow signs to the lighthouse. The lighthouse itself is not all that exceptional, but the beach there is stunning, a great place for a picnic and for beach combing. The cobble stones give way to blue-gray rocks along the shore. The coarse sand in some spots is also blue against a backdrop of yellow flowers. Definitely a highlight of our brief trip to Grand Manan Island! See more..
4.5 Dark Harbour (4 reviews)
- Sunset View
Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water

We only came here for the sunsets. Not sure if you can get to the beach out front but there’s a place to park where you can sit and watch. See more..
4.0 Coastal Transport (21 reviews)
- Pleasant ride to the island
Ferries

This ferry comes and goes approx every 2 hours and is always clean. There is food available and clean rest rooms. See more..
The Exchange (0 review)
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

We’re your destination for all your local crafts sourced from the artisans and craftspeople of Grand Manan and the greater Maritimes. All our wares are local and not imported from foreign lands! Find your island treasure that will remind you of your amazing visit to this beautiful isle! See more..
Brookside 18 Hole Mini Golf (0 review)
Golf Courses
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Great Duck Island Lighthouse (0 review)
Lighthouses
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Meredith Houseworth Memorial Seashore Nature Preserve (0 review)
Nature & Wildlife Areas
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