Coastal cliffs and forest on Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy

Grand Manan Island

New Brunswick · Canada

ModerateDirections
Habitat
CoastalForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

Entrance Fee

Free (ferry fare to access island)

Hours

Open 24 hours

About This Location

Grand Manan Island sits at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy, where the world's highest tides create incredibly productive marine waters that support remarkable seabird concentrations. The island's mix of coastal cliffs, spruce forest, and wetlands has attracted birders for over a century.

Atlantic Puffins and Razorbills nest on nearby Machias Seal Island (accessible by boat from Grand Manan), while the island itself hosts breeding Bald Eagles, Arctic Terns, and diverse forest birds. Fall migration brings impressive numbers of warblers, sparrows, and raptors.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

8/22/2026Grand Manan--NCC Migratory Bird Sanctuary Nature Reserve1 observed

Dovekie

Alle alle

8/22/2026Seal Cove3 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

8/20/2026Dark Harbour, Grand Manan, NB1 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

8/20/2026Seawatch Tours, Grand Manan2 observed

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

8/15/2026Head Harbor Passage1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-billed Gull

18/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

18/23/2026

American Crow

38/23/2026

Semipalmated Plover

48/23/2026

Northern Gannet

38/23/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

38/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

368/23/2026

Common Raven

18/23/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

38/23/2026

Common Grackle

38/23/2026

Mourning Dove

18/23/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

28/23/2026

Blue Jay

18/23/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

18/23/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

18/23/2026

Song Sparrow

28/23/2026

Downy Woodpecker

18/23/2026

Northern Cardinal

18/23/2026

Purple Finch

28/23/2026

Gray Catbird

108/23/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Book the Machias Seal Island puffin tour well in advance — limited spots are available each day

  2. 2

    The island's east side trails are best for fall migration warblers and sparrows

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Grand Manan Island for birding?
The best months to visit Grand Manan Island for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Grand Manan Island?
Notable species at Grand Manan Island include Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill, Arctic Tern, Bald Eagle, Nelson's Sparrow. The area supports coastal, forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Grand Manan Island?
Birding at Grand Manan Island is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Grand Manan Island?
The entrance fee at Grand Manan Island is Free (ferry fare to access island). Hours: Open 24 hours.
What amenities are available at Grand Manan Island?
Grand Manan Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.