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

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

6/14/2026Kent Island2 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

6/10/2026Blacks Harbour-Grand Manan Ferry1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/8/2026Hamilton Cove Preserve (MCHT), Lubec1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ovenbird

16/19/2026

Common Nighthawk

16/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/19/2026

Blue Jay

26/19/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

16/19/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

16/19/2026

Mourning Dove

36/19/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/19/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

36/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

26/19/2026

Chestnut-sided Warbler

16/19/2026

Black-and-white Warbler

16/19/2026

American Robin

16/19/2026

Northern Flicker

16/19/2026

Mallard

306/19/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

26/19/2026

Song Sparrow

86/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

106/19/2026

Gray Catbird

16/19/2026

Swamp Sparrow

76/19/2026

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.