Grand Manan and White Head Islands

Grand Manan and White Head Islands are perfect vacation destinations for those seeking a refuge from the crowds of many popular destinations. Whether you have a day or two to spend with us or your entire vacation, Grand Manan has something to offer all interests. Grand Manan Island lies a mere 11 km (6 miles) from the closest landfall (Campobello Island and the easternmost point of Maine) and is served year-round by a 64 car ferry making multiple trips daily from Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick. Grand Manan Island is within a days drive from most large population centers along the eastern seaboard, yet it seems far removed from the hubbub of urban living – an ideal spot to while away an afternoon…or a lifetime!

The Village of Grand Manan

The Village of Grand Manan is a small island community located in the Bay of Fundy, and is surrounded by several smaller islands. The island is twenty-four kilometres long, and eleven kilometres wide. The Village was amalgamated on May 8, 1995; it is comprised of the former Villages of North Head, Grand Harbour and Seal Cove, and two former local service districts Castalia and Woodwards Cove. The population of the Village of Grand Manan according to the last census in 2006 was a year-round population of two thousand four hundred and sixty.

Grand Manan Island Facts

Grand Manan Island (also simply Grand Manan) is a Canadian island, and the largest of the Fundy Islands in the Bay of Fundy. It is also the primary island in the Grand Manan Archipelago, sitting at the boundary between the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine on the Atlantic coast. Grand Manan is jurisdictionally part of Charlotte County in the province of New Brunswick. As of 2006, the island had a population of 2,460.

Grand Manan Museum

Our handsome village museum is located in the heart of Grand Harbour, halfway down the island from the ferry landing, at 1141 Route 776 and just across from the Community School.

Inn at Whale Cove Cottages

The Inn at Whale Cove Cottages is located a ½ mile up the Whistle Road in the village of North Head on Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick. A tree lined lane leads you to the Inn and Cottages overlooking Whale Cove and Fish Head.

Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station

The Grand Manan Whale & Seabird Research Station (GMWSRS) is a located in the Canadian Maritimes, on Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy. The GMWSRS was founded in 1981 by the late Dr. David Gaskin, a professor at the University of Guelph, Ontario and a pioneer of harbour porpoise research. Since 1981, the research station has conducted research on a wide variety of species, from zooplankton to herring, lobsters, seabirds, porpoises, whales and sharks. Research: Dedicated to scientific investigation of marine life in the Bay of Fundy with emphasis on threatened and endangered animals such as the Harbour Porpoise, Right Whale and basking shark. Education: through interpretative displays, scientific and popular reports, lectures, slide presentations, and web site to Promote Conservation of the marine ecosystem in the Bay of Fundy.

Grand Manan Fishermen’s Association

The Grand Manan Fishermen’s Association was established in 1981. Our motto has been “Professional Fishermen Working Together”. Over the past twenty years, the Association has tried to meet its mandate and to provide advice to government on fishery management issues.

Rotary Club of Grand Manan Island

We are 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.

Grand Manan Island Arts

Grand Manan Island has inspired artists from Canada and the New England states for more than a century. Our genuine east coast fishing villages with weathered sheds and wharfs, dramatic lighthouses, meadows of wild flowers and rugged rock formations provide a never-ending supply of subject matter. And the island is 17 miles long and 9 miles wide so we have lots of territory to cover! Each morning we settle at our chosen location and begin a glorious day of painting with a stimulating instructor! The only interruption will be the delivery of a delicious picnic lunch. At the end of the day we join for drinks in a beautiful setting by the sea, followed by dinner and lots of good company! We offer a full week for you to concentrate on your art with no domestic or work distractions!

Whales-n-Sails Adventures

We see LOTS AND LOTS of whales – Grand Manan has more whales than any other area offering whale watching in New Brunswick – over 100 individual whales visit the waters around the Island each summer. We very often see the North Atlantic right whale, the rarest large animal on earth (approximately 400 left) and Grand Manan is the only place in New Brunswick where you can regularly expect to see them. You will see unique and rare seabirds. See, learn and have fun with the crew of the “Elsie Menota”!

Grand Manan Community School and White Head Elementary

Anglophone South School District (ASD-S), Public School

Marathon Inn

The Marathon Inn is everything you would expect of a hotel originally built over a century ago by a retired sea captain. The Inn has been well maintained over the years and has recently been refurbished. It still retains the charm and leisurely living of another age. Antiques and period decor complement the mood. You will be welcomed and served with gracious hospitality during your stay. The rooms are sun-clean and inviting with private bath. Many of them overlook the harbour. Rates range from $89.00 to $139.00 Cdn. dbl. + tax. We offer a licensed bar and there is also a solar-heated swimming pool. We now offer High Speed wireless Internet Access. Marathon Inn is Grand Manan Island’s Elderhostel/Road Scholar destination. At the Marathon Inn, your comfort and enjoyment is our first concern and your vacation on this enchanting island in Atlantic Canada will long leave fond memories with you.

Hole-in-the-Wall Park & Campground

Choose spectacular cliff wilderness sites or conventional serviced sites. This coastal wilderness campground is located just one kilometer from the ferry landing. This wilderness campground is an Island “attraction”. Campers use the term “awesome” to describe our campground… Imagine camping under the stars, moon on the water, and just below your tent site, ocean lapping or crashing against the cliffs, whales and sea life communicating in the night, all surrounded with the scent of juniper and spruce trees.

Sea Watch Tours

Sea Watch Tours is the longest running eco-tour in the Province of New Brunswick, since 1969. Whales are guaranteed or the tour is free. Located on Grand Manan Island, in the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world. The Bay of Fundy was a finalist in the “New Seven Wonders of the Natural World” and increased ferry service to Grand Manan, makes it more accessible.  Grand Manan Island ranked third in the world for small islands to visit, by Readers Digest.

Adventure High

We offer active people of all ages an unforgettable outdoor adventure and a unique place to stay. We are a small organization, priding ourselves on giving an enjoyable, relaxing, personal experience. Stay in our eco-friendly cabin, cottages, or heritage inn and choose from a variety of sea kayaking adventures designed to fit your schedule and budget. Get a taste of the island on a two-hour kayaking cruise, join us on a multi-day kayak or week-long excursion, or enjoy a sunset sea kayak and lobster feast on the beach! We can customize any kayaks tour for your small or large group. No experience necessary! Come join us on a Bay of Fundy kayaking adventure!

SeaCliff Cottage Suites

A Great Getaway for Artists, Writers, Photographers, Birdwatchers, Nature Lovers, Whale watchers, Sailors, Adventurers, Beachcombers, Hikers, Bikers, Lovers and those who just want to “get away from it all”. Conveniently located in the Village of North Head on beautiful Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy. You’ll leave your world behind and enter the world of Grand Manan as you enjoy a delightful Ferry cruise from Blacks Harbor. SeaCliff Cottage Suites is only a short walk from the Ferry Landing.

30 Fathom Doormats

30 Fathom Doormats are handwoven on Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick, Canada. The owner, Claus F. Wolter, thought something could be done with much of the rope that local fishermen were renewing and discarding annually. In 2009 he began weaving doormats from reclaimed trap rope. Each reclaimed rope doormat keeps approximately 25 to 30 fathoms (150-180 feet) of rope out of landfills or incinerators. 30 Fathom Doormats is working with local fishermen to salvage as much usable rope as possible and will also attempt to canvas the rest of maritime Canada for discarded cordage.