Grand Manan: Coastal Trails, Birdlife and Island History

Grand Manan appeals to travelers who want to combine coastal trails, birdwatching and island history. Highlights include the Grand Manan Migratory Bird Sanctuary, trails along the cliffs and the Swallowtail Lightstation. This mix offers a variety of reasons to stay—from nature watching and activities on the water to art and history.

Coastal Trails and Distinctive Shoreline Features

Grand Manan has approximately 70 kilometers of marked hiking trails. The Red Trail runs along the coast from Southwest Head to Swallowtail. At Anchorage Provincial Park, hiking and cycling trails pass through the island’s geology and wildlife. The Red Point Trail there includes a fully wheelchair-accessible boardwalk.

One specific shorter trail is in the Thomas B. Munro Preserve: the trail is 1.7 kilometers long, runs along the cliffs and offers views of marine wildlife. The preserve is open to the public, but undeveloped and subject to various hazards and access risks; visitors are responsible for their actions and safety. The preserve covers more than 37 hectares and features sea cliffs several hundred feet high. At the northeastern end of Grand Manan is also the 23.8-hectare Seven Days Work Cliff Nature Preserve. Its features include sea cliffs, birds of prey and a popular trail with views of the Bay of Fundy.

The Lighthouse Trail also runs along the cliffs of Grand Manan and offers views of the Bay of Fundy. Along the way are geological features linked to the volcanic origin of the island’s west side. The approximately 70 kilometers of marked trails describe the island’s overall trail network; by contrast, the trail in the Thomas B. Munro Preserve is a specifically measured route.

Dark Harbour is on the remote west coast of Grand Manan Island. Its rugged coastline is 24 kilometers long and features rock cliffs up to 200 feet high. Dark Harbour is accessible only by small traditional boats called dories.

Birdlife and the Sea

The Grand Manan Migratory Bird Sanctuary is an important stopover and wintering area for waterfowl. Within the sanctuary, Long Pond and Great Pond form a coastal barrier-beach lagoon system. Grand Manan is recognized as a hotspot for birdwatching in North America and lies along the Eastern Flyway; more than 240 bird species are native to the island. Both the protected areas and the migratory route appeal to travelers who want to make birdwatching the focus of their stay.

The waters around Grand Manan Island also play a special role for marine mammals: they serve as important feeding and nursery grounds for minke, fin, humpback and the rare North Atlantic right whales. At Stanley Beach, you can look for sea glass. The tides expose a wide stretch of shoreline twice a day; seals and seabirds, and occasionally whales or porpoises, may be seen.

Art, History and Island Traditions

The Swallowtail Lightstation is a historic wooden lighthouse with panoramic views of the coast of Grand Manan Island. In summer, guided tours of the interior of the lighthouse museum are offered for a small fee; the climb up the stairs to the top of the lighthouse is included. Since tours are seasonal, check the available dates before your trip.

The Grand Manan Art Gallery’s permanent exhibition includes works by island artists and artists who depict Grand Manan, its people and maritime traditions. Selected works are on display throughout the season. The Grand Manan Museum focuses on the island’s human and natural history, including permanent exhibits on shipwrecks and birdlife. A shop selling local crafts and books rounds out the offerings.

Activities and Getting There

On Grand Manan Island, Adventure High offers guided sea kayaking tours in the evening, as half-day and full-day trips, as well as multi-day overnight tours. No prior experience is required for several of the tours. Locally harvested seaweed delicacies are also available at many locations on the island.

The ferry to Grand Manan Island departs from Blacks Harbour; reservations are recommended. Check the schedule before your trip, and keep seasonal dates in mind if a summer hike or lighthouse tour is part of your plans. This will help you tailor your choice of activities and search for hotels on Grand Manan to your own travel priorities.

Discover more destinations: Saint Andrews, St George, Pocologan, St Stephen, Pennfield, Bocabec, Fairhaven, Saint James.

For the broader travel overview: Charlotte County.