Hey guys, we’re Samuel and Audrey and today we’re bringing you to Grand Manan, an idyllic island in New Brunswick, Canada, set in the Bay of Fundy, quite close to the border with Maine. This was a family road trip we planned with Sam’s parents, George and Debbie, and some of their best friends, Joan and Gary. There are so many things to do in Grand Manan, and together we spent 4 days road tripping across the island visiting lighthouses, feasting on fresh lobster and fish and chips, exploring the historic smokesheds in Seal Cove, birdwatching in Castalia Marsh, taking a side trip to White Head Island, and catching some spectacular cliff-top sunsets. Our trip to Grand Manan was laid back with lots of time outdoors in nature, and now we want to share it with you. We think this is a must-visit island in Atlantic Canada, and we’ll show you why in this Grand Manan travel guide!
If you’re planning a trip to Grand Manan in the summer, we’d suggest going on the Grand Manan Coastal Transport website and booking your ticket for the crossing ahead of time. This is a popular summer destination in New Brunswick, so the ferry can get busy.
As for cost, you have to pay for your vehicle plus each individual passenger. It was $35.80 for the car and an additional $12 per passenger when we travelled.
GRAND MANAN ISLAND Travel Guide 🦞 | MUST-VISIT Island in ATLANTIC CANADA! 🇨🇦 (New Brunswick)
🦞 THINGS TO DO IN GRAND MANAN ISLAND 🦞 (featured in this video):
- Enjoy a stroll along Seal Cove Beach
- Try the Atlantic Lobster
- Catch a sunset at Southwest Head Lighthouse
- Explore the historic herring smokesheds in Seal Cove
- Go birdwatching in Castalia Marsh
- Catch the ferry to White Head Island
- Walk the Red Point Trail in Anchorage Provincial Park
- Visit the iconic Swallowtail Lighthouse
- Buy some of Ellie's Jellies to take back home
- Sample the seafood at Sunrise Seafoods
- Stock up on dulse (dry red seaweed) at Roland’s Sea Vegetables
- Stay in a cute cottage (we chose the Smokeshed Cottages!)
🌊 Grand Manan Island Travel Guide: Lighthouses, Lobster Feasts & Coastal Adventures in New Brunswick, Canada 🦞🚗
The Ferry Crossing Experience & Island Arrival ⛴️🌤️
We kick things off by boarding the Grand Manan ferry on a perfect summer day—blue skies, gentle breezes, and a smooth 90-minute ride (tip: book tickets in advance during peak summer). Even before reaching the island, we got a taste of local flavors with fish chowder and fried scallops from the ferry cafeteria, setting the tone for a trip full of seafood delights.
Seal Cove Beach & Smoke Shed Cottage Stay 🏠🌅
Our first stop: the beautiful beaches near Seal Cove, just steps from our accommodation—a lovingly restored historic herring smoke shed cottage. With a warm welcome from hosts Brian and Brenda, we learned how to steam fresh lobster (never boiled, always steamed for max flavor!), feasted on the freshest lobster dinner, and embraced true East Coast hospitality.
Exploring Historic Smoke Sheds & Local Life 🚶♂️🪝
The next morning, we toured Seal Cove’s National Historic Site, home to 54 wooden smoke sheds built between 1870–1930. Many have been converted into charming homes, storage for fishing gear, or vacation cottages, preserving the island’s rich fishing heritage. Locals were friendly and eager to share stories—making the island feel both welcoming and authentic.
Birdwatching at Castelia Marsh & Island Wildlife 🦅🌾
A highlight for nature fans: Castelia Marsh, a prime birdwatching area with trails, lookouts, and even camouflaged huts for spotting local and migratory species. We strolled the marshes, enjoyed peaceful water views, and snapped a few long-lens shots of distant birds—a must for wildlife photographers!
Whitehead Island Day Trip & Rugged Coastal Hikes 🏝️🦭
Adventure continued with a quick (and free!) ferry ride to Whitehead Island—smaller and quieter than Grand Manan. We scrambled over rocks, watched for seals, dipped our feet into icy waters, and soaked up the wild, windswept landscape. Back on Grand Manan, we hiked the Red Point Trail in Anchorage Provincial Park—an easy coastal walk from forest to beach.
Local Eats: Food Trucks, Seafood Platters & Breakfast Delights 🌮🍤☕
From fish tacos and coconut shrimp at Isla Cocina food truck to classic scallops & chips at Sunrise Foods, our Grand Manan food journey was diverse and delicious. We also sampled homemade cookies, carrot cake, and giant marshmallow peanut butter squares at roadside cafés and coffee stops (retro van breakfasts included!). Pro tip: seafood portions are generous—come hungry!
Lighthouses & Island Landmarks 🗺️🏠
No Grand Manan trip is complete without lighthouse visits! We explored Southwest Head for dramatic cliffside sunsets, and Swallowtail Lighthouse—the most iconic on the island—perched atop a peninsula with sweeping ocean views.
GRAND MANAN ISLAND Travel Guide 🦞 MUST-VISIT Island in ATLANTIC CANADA! 🇨🇦 New Brunswick's Gem! 🚗 🌊
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