Welcome to Grand Manan Island…
The Queen of the Fundy Isles and one of New Brunswick’s best-kept secrets.
A magical island off the Southern Coast of New Brunswick, Grand Manan Island, has captured my heart for nearly 25 years, so much so that we made it our part-time home two years ago when we purchased what I affectionately call the Island House. Now, we divide our time between the city and the island and I couldn’t be happier.
Trust me when I say, once Grand Manan casts its spell on you, you’ll understand why it’s impossible to stay away.
From one of Canada’s most photographed lighthouses to dramatic, otherworldly cliffs and sweeping Bay of Fundy views, Grand Manan is pure coastal magic. It’s a haven for whale watchers, birders, and nature lovers, with the world’s highest tides creating a backdrop like no other.
Treasure hunters will fall in love with the island’s sea glass-covered shores, while adventure seekers can lace up their hiking boots for trails that offer some of the most jaw-dropping vistas in the province. The hiking trails still take our breath away all these years later.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or your return this summer, this guide is my way of sharing the best that Grand Manan has to offer with you! From my favourite beaches, hikes, restaurants, and more– I’m spilling the chowder on everything you need to know to plan a dreamy, island vacation.
Are you ready?
Grand Manan is accessible by a magical 1.5-hour ferry ride from Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick. There is no cost on the way over, but you must pay on the return trip to the mainland. Plan to budget about $65 to $90 for a couple or a family of four (depending on the age of your children).
Ferry reservations are STRONGLY recommended and often needed, especially in the summer.
In the summertime, some ferries WILL be full, so if you have your heart set on sailing at a particular time on a specific day, make sure to book your ferry as soon as you know your travel plans. They are easy to reschedule if needed or if you decide to stay longer.
Plan your trip with the ferry schedule and reserve at Coastal Transport.
IMPORTANT: You MUST arrive 45 minutes before your reservation to check in when going to and leaving the island, or you will lose your guaranteed spot.
When in Blacks Harbour, you can use this time to check out the famous seaglass beach, also known as Tinkle Beach and beautiful coastal views. Return to your car when you see the incoming ferry – you don’t want to hold up the line!
On Grand Manan, swing by the local shops and restaurants for a cold beverage or last-minute gift shop purchase. In the summer, you can pop by The Sweet Spot at the ferry landing in North Head to get some fresh mini donuts and ice cream. You’ve got to try their Fundy Fog Fantasy – it’s a sundae on a bed of freshly baked mini donuts and it is my favourite!
Note: The Sweet Spot is not yet open for the 2025 season but I’ll update this when it is!
As you board the ferry, you’ll quickly understand why they call it a “cruise beautiful.” If the weather allows, I highly recommend heading out to the deck – it’s the best way to experience the journey. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, seals, shorebirds, and more. Over the years, I’ve had unforgettable whale sightings from the ferry deck!
If you’re a day tripper at heart, good news — exploring Grand Manan in a single day is possible. Catch an early morning ferry over, spend the day soaking up the sights, and hop the evening ferry back to the mainland. I’ve even written a guide to doing as much island exploring as possible in a day – How to Visit Grand Manan Island in Less Than 24 Hours.
But fair warning: once you’ve had a taste, you’ll wish you had more time.
For the whole island experience, I always recommend spending at least three nights. That gives you time to slow down, explore every corner, hike a few coastal trails, spot whales from a whale watching tour (or the shore!), devour more than one lobster roll from Sunrise Seafood, and sample a few legendary milkshakes from Newton’s. And of course, don’t miss the sunsets — they’re nothing short of magical, and trust me, one won’t be enough.
Think you’ve seen everything Grand Manan has to offer? Here are 5 things to do when you think you’ve done it all.
I’m often asked if Grand Manan is an ideal vacation destination for your children (or fur babies).
The island is very dog-friendly, with many restaurant patios welcoming your furry friends. But always check with your accommodations beforehand to make sure they accept four-legged guests. Turning Tides Cottages and Tides Inn are two pet-friendly spots that I always recommend for fellow pet owners.
And what about kids? We don’t have children of our own and that when we travel to the island, we travel with our cat Bella in her backpack. There is a pet room/area on both ferries, so if the weather isn’t great for being out on deck and catching the salt air, you and your fur babies can be inside too. You can also safely leave pets in your vehicle during the crossing, however, humans are not allowed to remain in their vehicles.
Here’s my two cents regarding bringing kids to the island. There are some areas on the island where I’d be a pinch nervous—think HIGH CLIFFS and NO RAILINGS— to bring small children.
But plenty of families visit Grand Manan with children of all ages yearly. Use your super excellent parenting instincts to determine which sights are safe and which are not. You’ve got this, Mom and Dad! And if you’re planning to bring your littles, you will want to check out the playground at Seal Cove Beach!
Don’t let the island’s size fool you—yes, you can drive from one end to the other in about 30 minutes, but Grand Manan is packed with hidden gems, coastal charm, and adventures waiting around every bend. You’ll never be short of things to do!
After more than 25 years of visiting, I still uncover new places, trails, and coves to explore. One of the best parts of being here? Letting the salty breeze guide your plans. So take your time, follow your curiosity, and explore every nook and cranny of this magical island.
IMPORTANT: There is only ONE gas station on the island, located at the grocery store, and it’s open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, it only opens at noon, closing at 6:00 pm. So while there are less awesome places to be stranded with no gas, it’s best to ensure you fill up after a day of adventuring before closing.
Follow the Grand Manan Independent Grocer on Facebook to stay informed about any changes to the hours of operation.
Whale watching in the Bay of Fundy is hands down one of the most magical and unforgettable experiences you can have during your time on Grand Manan—and trust me, you’ll be talking about it for years to come. If your schedule allows (and your sea legs are ready), don’t miss it.
Grand Manan is one of the best places in Canada to see whales and marine life up close. While you might spot a whale from shore if you’re lucky, the real adventure begins offshore. Book a cruise with Lambert Family Adventures for an unforgettable encounter—they know these waters like the back of their hand.
My adventures on the Bay of Fundy with Captain Matt Lambert have easily been the best whale watching experiences of my life. While sailing with Captain Matt, you’ll likely see humpback whales (the showboats of the Bay of Fundy), finback whales, minke whales, porpoises, and seals, as well as many shore birds.
And if you’re REALLY lucky, you may also see Atlantic White Sided Dolphins, puffins (yes, puffins!), the endangered Northern Atlantic Right Whales (see photo above) and maybe, just maybe, Old Thom – the Orca Whale that calls the Bay of Fundy home in the summer.
I finally got my moment with Old Thom in 2025, and when I tell you it was one of the best days of my life — I mean it. If you’re extra curious, you can catch the video here.
Want a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with puffins? You’ll want to book one of Sea Watch Tours‘ trips to Machias Seal Island. The tours run from June 23rd to August 7th, 2025 and book up QUICK as Sea Watch Tours is the ONLY tour company in Canada licensed and permitted to bring tours to Machias Island to see the puffins. You can read all about my 2017 experience here.
Swallowtail Lighthouse is a MUST. It also happens to be my favourite spot on the island. Located in North Head, Swallowtail Lighthouse is the lighthouse you will see from the ferry when you arrive in Grand Manan. It has guided mariners since its first lighting on July 7, 1860, following the tragic wreck of the Lord Ashburton in 1857. It is recognized as one of Canada’s most picturesque and photographed lighthouses, for obvious reasons — just look at it!
There is no cost to walk out to the lighthouse, and if the lighthouse is open to visitors, there is only a small fee per person to tour the lighthouse and go to the top. Recommended if you get the opportunity.
I think mornings at Swallowtail are the best, especially when the water is flat and calm. If you want an extra incredible experience, plan to be there to watch the sunrise! It’s worth the early wake-up call.
Grand Manan is known for its sunsets, and while there are many places you can view the sunset, like the Southern Head Cliffs and Dark Harbour, my go-to (and a local favourite) is the Whistle. It’s also an AMAZING spot to see seals, porpoises, eagles and more, while watching the sunset. You may even get lucky and spot a whale!
From Tatton’s Corner in North Head, take the Whistle Road all of the way until you reach Long Eddy Lighthouse Station and helipad. Both are excellent spots to watch the sunset, meet new friends, and make memories to last a lifetime. There is a parking lot and you can also park anywhere along the road, just be mindful not to block anyone’s driveway or traffic!
The Southern Head Cliffs can be found at the southernmost point of the island and will absolutely take your breath away, every single time. Whether you catch them on a sunny day or in the fog, they’re a must! I would say they are one of my top destinations on the island.
To get to them, drive until the very end of the island until you can’t drive anymore. They’re free to access and are absolutely majestic at sunset. You may even see some whales at sea!
Travelling with small children? These cliffs are massive, and there is no fencing along the edge. If your toddlers are at that running stage, these cliffs are not as family-friendly as other parts of the island.
Warning: My phone has been known to pick up the US cell towers at the Southern Head Cliffs, so be mindful and slide your phone into Airplane mode or turn your data off if you are concerned.
Grand Manan is known for its incredible hiking trails. There are so many to choose from that I haven’t scratched the surface, but this summer, I’m determined to add more to my Officially Hiked on Grand Manan list!
In the meantime, here are a few of my favourites that I can speak to:
This hike is short and sweet (about 10-15 minutes one way) but it still promises a good workout, as it’s mostly downhill on the way in, which yes – means it’s mostly uphill on the way back. That said, we did it AND we carried out some treasures like really cool rocks and driftwood galore. This hike is one of my favourites to do in the spring, summer, and fall, but if you’re planning to hike it in the summer, I recommend squeezing it in during the morning before it gets too hot out!
Details on that trail and hike here.
A super fun hike located within the North Head Campground and Park, Hole in the Wall also happens to one of the most Instagramable spots on the island. It’s also where you will find the most beautiful cove area, which I often share on social media and call the “Mermaid Lagoon.”
The Hole in the Wall hike is known for being quite family-friendly compared to other hikes on the island – there’s even a scavenger hunt for kids that encourages them to look for different items along the trail. Ask for the Discovery Trail map when you arrive at the Campground & Park entrance.
To hike this trail and so many other amazing little (and longer) hikes around it, head to North Head Campground and Park. You will need to purchase a day pass – $5 per person and kids under 12 are FREE. There are also several other notable lookouts and spots to check out when visiting, so make sure to get a map with your day pass.
Check out my article Hiking Hole in the Wall on Grand Manan Island and for best viewing of the turquoise waters and Mermaid Lagoon, I recommend doing the hike between 10:00 am and noon.
We did this hike for the first time a few years ago, and it remains one of our favourites to do every summer.
To hike the Lighthouse Trail to Ashburton Head, park at Long Eddy Lighthouse at the end of the Whistle Road and enter the trail behind the helipad. We hiked about 1.5 hours into the trail to Ashburton Head lookout and then hiked through the woods via the BLUE Trail back to Whistle Road, where we walked about 10 minutes back to our car. The whole hike took us about 2 hours.
While it may sound complicated, you won’t get lost if you follow the RED Trail and then the BLUE Trail, and keep track of the signage you pass! I love hiking on Grand Manan because there are plenty of signs and trail markers to help you.
IMPORTANT: Before embarking on any island hike, please remember that just because it’s an island doesn’t mean there aren’t ticks. We have ticks, which can be unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean you need to skip out on any island adventures. Always do a tick check after hiking, on the trails, or in the woods, and check your pets. If you find a tick, visit the Grand Manan Hospital for a quick check, removal, and prescription out of precaution, if needed.
Dark Harbour is one of the coolest spots on the island. It gets its name because the high cliffs keep the harbour relatively dark even on the sunniest day. A great spot to enjoy the sunset or explore at low tide, it’s also where some of the best dulse on the island is grown and harvested. For my fellow seaweed enthusiasts, of course.
Dark Harbour’s vibe changes depending on whether it’s high tide or low tide. You can walk along the beach and explore the harbour at low tide, while at high tide, you’ll only be able to travel as far as the wharf. There is no power in Dark Harbour, so properties sprinkled along the shore operate on generators or solar power, which is pretty neat.
Warning: My phone has been known to pick up the US cell towers at Dark Harbour, so be mindful and slide your phone into Airplane mode or turn your data off if you are concerned.
There are some darling gift shops on Grand Manan Island that you won’t want to miss.
In North Head, make sure to stop by Pettes Cove Arts. When you leave the ferry, turn right and you can’t miss it on the left, as you head towards Pettes Cove. Sue has the most beautiful gifts and artwork from island artists, and it’s where I purchased my whale toque, which has become a conversation starter anywhere I go.
Next, stop by Cheeky Gifts in North Head to browse owner Jane’s collection of the prettiest whozits and whatzits galore. From jewelry to gifts and houseware, there is something for everyone. And if you’re in the mood for an extra cheeky gift, you’ve come to the right spot. Their opening hours may vary, so follow them on Facebook to know shop hours!
Visiting Swallowtail Lighthouse? Visit their darling gift shop in the parking lot for all sorts of island treasures and gifts!
I also recommend checking out Presence Boutique, on Dock Road in North Head. Make sure to check out their Facebook Page for store hours and more.
Need an island souvenir and some toiletries while you’re at it? Swing by to see our friends at the Grand Isle Drug Store. They have everything you need from the usual pharmacy items, such as sea sickness meds for ferry rides or whale watching, to clothing and more.
The Grand Manan Island Art Gallery is opening for a new season on June 1st, 2025, featuring all new shows and art displays. Last summer, we bought our first piece of artwork from Alexis Phillips, and I’m so in love with this piece! The Grand Manan Art Gallery is at 21 Cedar Street and open from June 1st to September 12th, 2025. Admission is $2 for adults, and the gallery is wheelchair accessible. Plan your visit via their website here.
Grand Manan is an absolute kayaker’s dream! Adventure High is located in North Head and offers several kayaking trips and adventures on the island. You can find details on tours and book your adventure here. This is one adventure that Dan and I still have yet to check off our island bucket list, but I have a good feeling this summer will be the year!
The Grand Manan Museum is such a hidden gem — I can’t recommend it enough. We love to go every summer, explore the new exhibits and spend time enjoying our favourite collections all over again. Their Shipwreck Gallery is so cool, especially if you’re a mermaid and into shipwrecks.
They also have a fantastic number of outdoor exhibits for you to peruse, so while it’s an excellent rainy day activity, do make sure to take a stroll to explore what they have to offer outdoors, including a wonderful observation deck!
The museum is open seasonally from June 9th to September 19th, 2025, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in June and September, and Monday through Saturday in July and August. It is closed on Sunday. To plan your visit, check out their website here.
Yes, there is so much to see and do on Grand Manan, but if you plan to spend more than a few days on the island, I highly recommend you hop the free (yes, FREE) ferry to White Head Island just off Grand Manan when visiting. It’s a great morning or afternoon trip, with several great beaches on the island to explore. You can grab the ferry schedule to book your visit here.
And if you want to stay a night or two, there is a darling Airbnb for rent (details here) and a private campground that you can rent for your trailer or to camp (details here)!
It’s important to keep in mind that while you can spend as much time as you’d like exploring White Head, the ferry lineup can be longer in the summer as the ferry only fits so many cars at once. Allow yourself plenty of time to travel back to Grand Manan, especially if you have dinner reservations, a tour or a ferry booked.
If you’re wild about whales, you should definitely plan to stop by the Grand Manan Whale & Seabird Research Station and gift shop during your visit. It’s centrally located in North Head and just steps from the ferry. If you’re curious about ocean creatures and conservation, you should definitely stop by!
They have a fabulous gift shop! If you’re checked in for the ferry and looking to explore while you wait, make sure to pop over! You’ll find all sorts of unique gifts and souvenirs to bring back from the island.
Unless you’re new around here, you probably know two things about me: I’m a total beach bum and I’m deeply obsessed with seaglass. One of the reasons I love Grand Manan so much is the island’s incredible variety of beaches—each with its own vibe, views, and yes, seaglass potential. I could spend hours exploring them (and often do).
And speaking of seaglass— Grand Manan Island is a haven for sea glass lovers. Beaches like Stanley Beach, replenished twice daily by the world’s highest tides, offer abundant opportunities to discover beautifully weathered sea glass treasures. And yes — even seaglass stoppers!
Here are a few of my tried-and-true, mermaid-approved beaches to explore, including a few that are a MUST for beachcombers seeking ocean-polished gems and treasures!
Stanley Beach is the main beach in North Head, where 90% of my sea glass photos and videos are taken. It’s my favourite place to spend hours on the island, strolling at low tide and even high tide, looking for treasures. If you’re staying at the Surfside Motel, you can easily roll out of bed and be seaglassing in minutes. Not staying at the motel? You can easily access the beach from Stanley Road, across from the hospital. The parking lot can get pretty full on a hot summer day, but you can park along the road – just don’t block anyone’s driveway.
And speaking of those hot summer days – Stanley Beach is an excellent spot for families to spend a beach day and children can safely play in the chilly Bay of Fundy water. If it’s a heat wave on Grand Manan, chances are you will catch this mermaid at Stanley Beach with a good book and a cooler!
Pettes Cove is a small cove with a rocky beach in North Head, just below Swallowtail Lighthouse. If you turn right after the ferry and drive until the very end, you will end up at it. It’s an excellent spot for watching seals and the ferry come and go. Parking isn’t plentiful, but there are a few man-made parking spots for you to pull into. Just be mindful not to block any resident’s driveways.
The perfect family-friendly beach, Seal Cove is a beautiful sandy beach perfect for beach days! This beach is a great spot for beachcombing and spotting eagles! Pack a picnic and spend a day there! Just remember to bring your trash with you when you go! Traveling with kids? They have an adorable playground right by the parking lot that your kids will love! It’s also a great beach for building sandcastles.
If you plan to visit a beach at sunset, you should know that Deep Cove is my favourite sunset beach when there is a possibility of cotton candy skies at dusk. It’s also a must to experience both at high and low tide. Deep Cove is easy to miss and is at the island’s south end. Parking is just off the road, and you can take a short, less than one-minute walk down a trail to the beach. It’s a rocky beach at high tide, but at low tide, you can walk out on the sand, chase seagulls, and see some amazing colours if it’s timed with sunset.
Tucked into Anchorage Provincial Park, this stunning crescent beach is a beachcomber’s dream. You can walk this beach for hours and the rolling surf and crashing waves is always breathtaking. You can find a mix of seashells, driftwood, and even seaglass on this beach. And keep an eye out for the very friendly island bunnies who often hangout in the beach parking lot.
Grand Manan has a variety of accommodations to choose from around the island, including cozy seaside cottages like Turning Tide Cottages, charming inns and bed-and-breakfasts like the Compass Rose, a glamping dome, an eco-friendly cabin retreat called Castalia March Retreat that offers stunning views and plenty of Airbnbs & private rentals.
There is also a delightful motel called the Surfside Motel, just minutes from the ferry and located on the best seaglass beach on the island. The Surfside Motel is where I stayed for 20+ years before we bought our cottage and it’s truly my island home away from home.
Wherever you decide to stay, booking in advance is highly recommended during peak travel months.
The Surfside Motel
📍 123 Rte 776, Grand Manan Island
📞 (506) 662-8156
🌐 Book your stay here.
Turning Tide Cottages
📍 8 Kite View Lane, Grand Manan Island
📞 (506) 662-4468
🌐 Book your stay here.
Compass Rose Inn
📍 65 Rte 776, Grand Manan Island
📞 (506) 662-3563
🌐 Book your stay here.
Castalia Marsh Retreat
📍 11 Bancroft Point Rd, Grand Manan Island
📞 (506) 662-8997
🌐 Book your stay here.
Lupins & Lavender Accommodations
📍 Various properties across Grand Manan Island
📧 lupinsandlavendergm@gmail.com
🌐 Book your stay here.
Park Place Retreats
📍 Wellington Dr, Grand Manan Island
📞 (506) 662-4367
🌐 Book your stay here.
Whale Cove Cottages
📍 120 Whistle Road, Grand Manan Island
📞 (506) 662-3181
🌐 Book your stay here.
SeaCliff Cottages
📍 81 Route 776, Grand Manan Island
📞 (519) 546-7131
🌐 Book your stay here.
North Head Campground & Park
📍 42 Old Airport Road, Grand Manan Island
📞 (506) 662-3152
🌐 Book your stay here.
Anchorage Provincial Park Campground
📍 136 Anchorage Road, Grand Manan Island
📞 (506) 662-7022
🌐 Book your stay here.
Grand Manan Island is home to some amazing restaurants, but it’s important to remember that it is an island, and you won’t find the franchise coffee shops or restaurants you’re used to seeing on the mainland. If you’re planning to visit the island for an extended stay, you should always plan accordingly. Bring some groceries from the mainland or hit up the island’s grocery store when you arrive to stock up your rental or campsite.
Need groceries? You’ve got a handful of options.
The Independent Grocer is the only traditional grocery store on the island. It has a fantastic selection and a great organics department, which we love. It’s also the only place on the island where you can purchase alcohol, such as wine, beer, and spirits.
Castalia Convenience has a fantastic selection of grocery items, fresh meat and seafood, and produce. We regularly pick up fresh meat from Castalia that comes from a butcher on the mainland. They’re also a great spot to grab some island scallops (when in season) and late night snacks.
Further down the island and close to Anchorage Provincial Park, Vicki’s Convenience offers fresh meats, grocery items, and snacks. They also offer hot grab and go foods such a breakfast sandwiches, burgers, and delicious Indian food dishes.
For fresh seafood, swing by the fish market at Sunrise Seafoods for fish and lobster. Little-known fact: If you want cooked lobster, they can cook it on-site. The owner knows how to cook an epic Bay of Fundy lobster. They’re cash only so remember to bring your sand dollars.
Not in the mood to cook? I get it—you’re on island time now! Here are my go-to spots to eat, sip, and treat yourself while you’re living your best Grand Manan vacation life.
Sunrise Seafoods is the perfect spot to head to after a day of exploring on the island or a day at one of the many beaches and bring your appetite because everything on the menu is amazing.
Known for several items, including their fried clams, halibut bites, and gulls nest (a twist on onion rings) – their lobster roll is a crowd favorite and comes in two sizes. Trust me when I say, if you love lobster, go for the large! I promise you won’t find a lobster roll this size at a better price around these waters.
IMPORTANT: They ONLY TAKE CASH, so bring your sand dollars.
📍14 Woodwards Cove Breakwater Rd, Grand Manan Island
🕰 Open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.
Our favourite island cafe, Newton’s, is in Grand Harbour and home to the cutest gift shop. They make the most delicious baked goods, cookies, and pastries. It’s also an excellent lunch spot with a number of delicious sandwiches to choose from and a fresh daily soup option – their chilli is AMAZING! They also have milkshakes, smoothies, gelato and homemade ice cream treats.
If you visit Newton’s and don’t leave with a treat? Turn your tail right around and go back inside to order a cookie, dessert or milkshake to go. Trust me on this one. Their Skor Shortbreads, shaped like whale tails and lighthouses, are my favourite and make a great photo op!
📍 1123 Route 776, Grand Manan Island
🕰 Newton’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.
The best lobster dip you will ever have can be found at none other than Trapped on Grand Manan Island. Patio only, it is THE spot to head to on a gorgeous sunny day on the island. And while they only serve a dozen or so items, EVERYTHING is delicious from the lobster rolls and hot lobster dip for your seafood lovers, to hot spinach dip for your landlubbers, and the most delicious homemade salsa! They also serve delicious smoothies, beer and wine. Make sure to check out their Trapped coastal apparel line in their clothing store too!
📍 7 Norman Road, Grand Manan Island
🕰 Trapped is open daily, weather permitting, from 12:00 to 7:00 pm beginning Canada Day weekend through to the end of August.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.
The Seaquel is a cozy diner-style restaurant where everyone knows your name and you’re guaranteed to see all kinds of folks you know. It is located just foot steps from the ferry landing in North Head, making it an easy first stop on the island if you’re hungry. I absolutely adore their nachos and we love their hot turkey and hot hamburger sandwiches.
Lastly, make sure to leave for their incredible desserts! I am a totally sucker for coconut cream pie and OH EM GEE! It was delicious. They’re also an excellent spot to pop into for a coffee or treat while waiting for the ferry! Just make sure to let them know you’re catching the boat.
📍9 Ferry Wharf Rd, Grand Manan Island
🕰 The Seaquel is open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm every day except for Tuesday.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.
The best pizza on the island! The Old Post Office—it’s literally the old North Head post office, you can’t miss it —is the place to go if you want a delicious pizza and garlic fingers when visiting the island. Make sure to say hello to owners Walter & Gina. Walter is full of great tips for spots to explore on the island and I always learn something new from him!
📍 52 Route 776, Grand Manan Island
🕰 Hours may vary – check out their Facebook Page for daily hours.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.
Tides Inn and Social can be found in Seal Cove and is a coastal gem on the island, offering a dining experience with stunning views of Seal Cove. Their menu is a mix of land and sea, and they regularly have live music and entertainment, including games nights and open mic. Whether you choose to dine indoors or on the expansive deck, it’s a great spot for an evening out. It’s also one of the few restaurants on the island that is licensed – they make beautiful cocktails!
📍 1863 Route 776, Grand Manan Island
🕰 Currently, they’re open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.
High Seas Convenience, down the island in Seal Cove, is your go-to spot if you’re looking for a late night snack or one of the best fish burgers on the island. As the name implies, this takeout and restaurant is tucked into a convenience store, but don’t let that fool you – the food is DELICIOUS. In the summer months, you can also catch their lobster poutine or calamari made with fresh island squid.
📍 1930 Route 776, Grand Manan Island
🕰 High Seas Convenience is open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.
The Harbour Grille located in Grand Harbour is a fun stop if you’re looking for diner food that is very affordably priced and delicious every time. I am a BIG fan of their BLT and Club Sandwiches — they’re some of the best around. They have a cute little deck for outdoor dining in the summer, as well as an indoor dining area.
📍 1140 Route 776, Grand Manan Island
🕰 The Harbour Grille is open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 12:00pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday.
Mère’s Cafe is an excellent spot for coffee, hot grab’n’go breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, and treats. It’s located mid-island, making it an easy and quick spot if you’re out exploring. They serve delicious Java Moose coffee and are open super early if you need an early morning coffee!
📍 969 Route 776, Grand Manan Island
🕰 Open Daily from 5:00am to 2:00pm.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.
Sure, Grand Manan Island doesn’t have a plethora of restaurants to choose from, but I promise you, it does have some gems! If you’re on the island and can’t decide, don’t hesitate to message me on Instagram or Facebook – I don’t pinch and I LOVE to recommend good bites! 🦀
But seriously, I’ll tell you to get a lobster at Sunrise Seafoods immediately before anything else.
If you’ve made it this far in the guide, well, I’m excited for you because it means you will have the best Grand Manan Island vacation imaginable. Whether you decide to set sail to play with whales, cruise to otherworldly coves and cliffs, hike until dusk, spend the day at the beach, or spend your entire island vacation looking for seaglass — we don’t judge — I know you’re going to fall so in love with the island.
If you enjoyed this guide, please let me know. My Grand Manan Island guides have never been sponsored, nor will they ever be. I aim to keep these as fresh, honest, and unbiased as possible. I’ve been sailing to Grand Manan for nearly 25 years and now spend as much time as possible there at our island home – the island means everything to me, and it is a gift to share it with you!
Happy Sailing! And see you on the island!
PS: Make sure to follow along on Instagram this summer for all of my Maritime Adventures and more Grand Manan Island magic. I’ll be sharing everything from sunsets to lobster rolls to whales!
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