My favourite summertime road trips in the Maritimes always feature a ferry ride. There’s just something about a boat ride that makes an adventure extra special.
If you are craving a little fun in the sun… or fog (Because, let’s be real, Grand Manan can be moody in the best way. Check out my list below of must-see stops from our trip. There was so much to do, my mom and I have already started to make a list for our next visit. Seeing puffins via Sea Watch Tours is at the top of that list. Their boat was getting repaired when our tour was booked this summer (2025) so we will be trying to catch those cuties on another visit.
Note: They are the only tour company that can take you to Machias Seal Island and see puffins up close. Booking opens earlier in the year. Follow them on Facebook to see when it opens. It sells out fast! Sea Watch Tours, online.
How to Get to Grand Manan
Once we parked the car in the car park, we made our way upstairs. There’s a cafeteria if you’re snacky, plenty of indoor seating if it’s too chilly. I really enjoyed the views from the boat deck (wear layers, hot in the sun, cold in the wind). You can grab a bench and watch the shoreline disappear into the horizon. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some ocean life! On our ride home, we had porpoises (or maybe dolphins?) popping up & saving hi. Grand Manan Ferry, Online
Where We Stayed: Compass Rose Heritage Inn
There are lots of places to stay on the island, and most have ocean views. I highly recommend booking ahead.
Our home-away-from-home was the charming Compass Rose Heritage Inn, a beautiful and historic spot. We stayed in the adjacent house, second floor, with windows that looked right over the water (when the tide was up!). We left them open for a refreshing breeze, so perfect on those hot days and cozy nights.
Our mornings started with breakfast (frittata-style egg with homemade toast and bacon one morning and blueberry pancakes with McKay’s NB blueberries the next) in the main house dining room (included with our stay). The view? Just wow. And in the evenings, we’d step out onto their landing to catch the sunset over the Bay.
Compass Rose Heritage Inn, call to book a room 1-(506) 662-3563
Beaches & Lighthouses
Pettes Cove Beach
Small, rocky beach with a gorgeous view of Swallowtail Lightstation. Better at low tide for beachcombing. (Pettes Cove Beach on Google Maps)
Stanley Beach
At low tide, this larger beach has a mix of sand, stones, and seaglass treasures. We had better luck finding seaglass in the morning, early bird gets the beach glass, I guess! (Stanley Beach on Google Maps)
Swallowtail Lighthouse
Prepare for an adventure: steep steps, a wooden bridge, and a dirt path lead you to this iconic lighthouse. There’s a $2 fee to explore inside, with tons of info boards explaining its history. The final climb (think more ladder than stairs) takes you to the top. The view is stunning (the inside was a bit hot). (Swallowtail Lighthouse Online)
Southwest Head Lighthouse
We literally drove from sun into fog as we approached this spot. It felt like we had the cliffs to ourselves until six carloads of bird watchers arrived as the fog thickened (it was a popular spot). There are worn-down lookout paths, but if you’re like me and heights aren’t your jam, take extra care near the edges. (Southwest Head Lighthouse Online)
Local Culture & History
Bill’s Beatles Collection
Yes, there is a hip Beatles museum on Grand Manan. Bill has been collecting for 60 years and opened his collection to the public three years ago. Records, posters, LEGO, you name it. He’s met visitors from Scotland to San Francisco. Fun fact: The first Beatles album released in Canada was “Beatlemania,” not “Meet the Beatles” like in the U.S.! (Bill’s Beatles Collection Online)
Grand Manan Museum
This place is jam-packed with local treasures. Highlights:
⇒Dark Harbour Hermits exhibit (two gents who lived solo but were famous with tourists back in the day)
⇒Local rocks, fossils, shipwrecks, indigenous, and First Nations artifacts.
⇒Allan Moses Bird Collection (300 taxidermy birds!)
⇒Puffins (okay, stuffed and carved ones, but still)
⇒Lighthouse lamps, buoys, and a fantastic mural down the stairs.
⇒Plus, their gift shop has an amazing book selection. (Grand Manan Museum Online)
Whale & Seabird Research Station
A tiny space with a big personality. Whale bones, sea creature specimens, rocks, and a “touch box” of bones for kids (or adults) to explore. Free to visit (donations welcome). (Whale & Seabird Research Station Online)
Seal Cove Cultural and Wellness Centre
A small but mighty new community gem. The woman running it has turned this space into a mini local history museum and gift shop (packed with Grand Manan-made goodies). There are also binders filled with old stories and newspaper clippings. (Seal Cove Cultural and Wellness Centre on Facebook)
A Few Food Stops
Post Office Pizza
Order at the front, pay after, and watch them toss the dough in the air (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds). The pizzas are priced by the number of toppings, so keep that in mind. They also sell quirky 3D-printed toys that they make on-site. Super friendly folks. Seating is available inside or outside. (Postoffice Pizza on Facebook)
Newton’s Mercantile & Café
A perfect lunch stop with options to dine in, grab-and-go, or enjoy the outdoor picnic tables. I had a ham & cheese sandwich, a lighthouse-shaped Skor shortbread, and a Seal Cove Fog drink. They’ve also got cute souvenirs, comfy t-shirts, and housewares. Pro tip: check out their pop-up shop across the street, it was all 50% off sale! (Newton’s Mercantile & Café Online)
The Sweet Spot
Right beside the ferry terminal, this spot is all about ice cream (soft or hard with waffle cone options), mini doughnuts, and floats. A must-stop for sweet tooths. (Find The Sweet Spot on Facebook)
Tides Inn & Social
Dinner here was delightful. Highly recommend making a reservation, especially if you want a seat on the patio over the water (when the tide’s in!). Pub-style food with lots of seafood options. (Tides Inn & Social Online)
The Sequel Restaurant
Part of Sunrise Seafoods Ltd., this spot is a stone’s throw from the ferry. We had lunch here and noticed several gluten-free items marked on the menu. Locals raved about their pies, though by the time we arrived, choices were slim (next time, we’ll get there earlier!). (Find The Sequel Restaurant on Facebook)
Supporting Local Shops
Pettes Cove Art
Don’t let the small size of this shop fool you; it’s full of locally crafted goodies from jewelry to cozy sweaters. Stop in and take your time looking around. (Pettes Cove Art on Facebook)
Saturday Community Market
Every Saturday at 10:30 am, the Grand Manan Community Arena transforms into a vibrant local market. You’ll find handmade items, baked goods, books, and more. A perfect spot to grab a little piece of Grand Manan to take home. (Saturday Community Market on Facebook)
Places On Our List for Next Time
(Yes, we’re already planning another trip.)
- Patty’s Book Room
- Long Eddy Point Lighthouse
- Deep Cove Beach
- Castalia Marsh Beach
- Red Point Beach (magnetic sand)
- Hole in the Wall Rock
- White Head Island (via ferry)
- The Lodge Bakery
- Dark Harbour
Also, my mom was on a mission for fresh scallops. Locals recommended all these spots for seafood lovers:
Whether you’re chasing puffins, sea glass, or the perfect patio view, Grand Manan packs a ton of magic into one little island. We’re already counting down the days until our next ferry ride back.
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If you are looking for more Grand Manan Travel inspiration, check out these articles by two fantastic maritime ladies!
2025 East Coast Mermaid Guide to Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick by Crystal Richard
Grand Manan Island by Coreen Hildebrand
