Whether it’s bird-watching or kayaking, whale-watching, browsing quaint shops & galleries or dining out at fine restaurants on local seafood, Grand Manan and its surrounding Fundy Isles (including nearby White Head Island) fits nearly everyone’s bill. A nature lover’s island paradise, once visited by famed naturalist John James Audubon and inspiration to countless writers, including Willa Cather, and artists over the decades, sits at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy, just over the international border , some nine miles off the easternmost point in the U.S.
While seemingly remote, this pristine getaway is, in fact, easily accessible year-round thanks to 64-car ferry making numerous trips daily out of Black’s Harbour, New Brunswick. For a complete ferry schedule visit www.coastaltransport.ca. Its proximity to New England and points beyond -- within an easy day’s drive -- makes it so much more convenient than neighboring Provinces Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island. And it has everything these destinations offer, AND MORE!!! Soaring cliffs, expansive sand beaches, miles of hiking trails. Plenty of accommodations, (see tourism link: www.grandmananNB.com) for visitors and travelers. There’s even an airfield on the island, and custom service available (call ahead for details) if you prefer to fly or sail.
Once here visitors discover that in addition to the natural amenities, Grand Manan Island offers legendary hospitality. One credible story tells of a visitor who arrived via sailboat, strolled up the pier and struck up a conversation with a local artist painting nearby who offered the visitor the use of her car to get around the island. The visitor accepted -- and yes, the keys were in it! -- had the use of the vehicle free for their 24 hour stay, and returned it the following day. One example of Grand Manan hospitality! A population of 2,700 -- mostly active in the fishing industry -- is supremely welcoming of guests, many of whom can’t resist the island’s charm and decide to make their visit a permanent or seasonal stay. For those, numerous affordable period cottages and homes, many of which are waterfront or waterview beckon. See Jonathan Graves’ listings. Or e-mail him for more information at: sillowind@yahoo.com
