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Planning a trip to Grand Manan Island
Grand Manan is reached from Blacks Harbour on the Canadian mainland via frequent ferry service. Coastal Transport car ferries (tel. 855/882-1978 or 506/662-3724) depart from the mainland and the island every 2 hours between 7:30am and 5:30pm (and at 9pm) from mid-June to October, four times daily the rest of the year. Two ferries run in summer, one the rest of the year. The GM Adventure and the GMV offer simple food like hearty breakfasts and chowders in their on-board restaurants, a children’s play area, arcade, lounge, and observation decks for taking in the scenery and watching for whales. The ferry does not sail on Christmas or New Year’s Day. The round-trip fare is C$13 per adult, C$6.50 per child age 5 to 12, and C$39.25 per car. Boarding the ferry on the mainland is free; you buy tickets when you leave the island. In summer, book early and arrive at the terminal early.
Most of the services on the island are crowded into the community of North Head. In fact, it’s not necessary to have a car on the island. Many leave theirs on the mainland, walk onto the ferry, and walk off in North Head and up the street to their lodgings. A rented bike is sufficient for getting around, even places located mid-island (like the grocery store and banks).
Getting Around Grand Manan Island
Most of the services on the island are crowded into the community of North Head. In fact, it’s not necessary to have a car on the island. Many leave theirs on the mainland, walk onto the ferry, and walk off in North Head and up the street to their lodgings. A rented bike is sufficient for getting around, even places located mid-island (like the grocery store and banks).
