Active Pursuits in Grand Manan Island
Adventure High (tel. 800/732-5492 or 506/662-3563) at 83 Rte. 776 in North Head, not far from the ferry, offers kayaking tour around the island that give participants a rarely seen, whale’s-eye view of the impressive cliffs. Kayak tours run from C$70 to C$90 for a 2-hour tour to C$165 for a full day’s excursion of about 7 hours.
The most accessible clusters of trails on Grand Manan are at the island’s northern and southern tips. Foremost among them is the rewarding, short walk out to the recently restored Swallowtail Lighthouse, the one rounded by the ferry as it enters port (it’s a dramatic setting!). Head up Route 776 to the end to park and walk a short bridge to the lighthouse trail. Also recommended: the Northwestern Coastal Trail and the Seven Days’ Work Trail, both of which follow the rocky shoreline out at Whistle Beach (take Whistle Road to get there). Near the low lighthouse and towering radio antennae at Southwest Head, trails radiate out along cliffs topped with scrappy trees. The views are remarkable. Just be sure to watch your step.
Hiking on Grand Manan Island
More than 70 km(44 miles) of hiking trails lace Grand Manan, particularly around the coast, with several overland routes crossing the island. The degree of difficulty varies, from easy strolls along boardwalks to more challenging terrain for experienced hikers. The Grand Manan Tourism Association publishes a trail guide, Heritage Trails and Footpaths of Grand Manan, which can be purchased on the island. Also check out grandmanannb.ca or visit Grand Manan Hikers on Facebook for a trail map of the island, which has 18 trails along shoreline, cliff side, and beach.The most accessible clusters of trails on Grand Manan are at the island’s northern and southern tips. Foremost among them is the rewarding, short walk out to the recently restored Swallowtail Lighthouse, the one rounded by the ferry as it enters port (it’s a dramatic setting!). Head up Route 776 to the end to park and walk a short bridge to the lighthouse trail. Also recommended: the Northwestern Coastal Trail and the Seven Days’ Work Trail, both of which follow the rocky shoreline out at Whistle Beach (take Whistle Road to get there). Near the low lighthouse and towering radio antennae at Southwest Head, trails radiate out along cliffs topped with scrappy trees. The views are remarkable. Just be sure to watch your step.
