Take A Cruise On The Bay Of Fundy

USPA NEWS - While the United States Border is still closed to non-essential Canadian travel, and cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in other provinces, many residents of Atlantic Canada are choosing rediscovering the charm and adventure  that can be found in  their own back yard. One such destination is Grand Manan.

The island of Grand Manan  is a 90 minute ferry ride from Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick. Blacks Harbour is a 10 minute drive from Route 1 between Saint John and Saint Stephen. The Blacks Harbour Ferry Terminal is located  45 km from St. Stephen and 75 km from Saint John. Grand Manan  is 32 km south of the Coastal Transport Ferry Terminal on the Bay of Fundy coast. Grand Manan with it's 5 villages of North Head, Castalia, Woodward's Cove, Grand Harbour, and Seal Cove are governed by the Province of New Brunswick.This charming island has a population of approximately 2,700 and it's economy is dependent on the fishery and tourism industry.The residents are close-knit with deep family values and ties to the church. The island possesses a true community spirit and offers a warm welcome to visitors who come to escape the much faster paced life on the mainland. Visitors will find campgrounds, cottages and guest houses that will  provide comfortable accommodations where many vacation memories will be forged. Grand Manan offers many adventures with not a big box store in site. These activities include: hiking, whale watching, kayaking, and exploring picturesque shorelines. The breathtaking scenery attracts many phototographers, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts each year.

Equally important as all of the attractions that Grand Manan has to offer is the adventure of getting there. The 2  Coastal Transport car ferries, the M.V. Grand Manan and the M.S. Grand Manan V, provides four daily trips in each direction year round with extra trips during the peak season. Each ferry has lots of indoor seating, a cafeteria and outdoor observation decks.The 1.5 hour ferry journey sets the mood for the relaxed way of life found on Grand Manan. Depending on the time of year, one can expect to see whales, porpoises and seals. During  the voyage the ship passes the  remote islands known as The Wolves, breathtaking cliffs known as Seven Days Work, and the Shallowtail Lighthouse. This scenic ferry route provides stunning scenery along with some of the worlds highest tides to the delight of many excited ferry passengers. This world class scenic background has been the inspiration of many amazing  portraits and is forever etched in the hearts and minds of anyone who has experienced it.

There is no doubt that the tourism industry has suffered throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and that so many are struggling to stay afloat. Now that many restrictions have been lifted, the weary home bound Atlantic Canadians are cautiously exploring again, but closer to home. Staying closer to home means supporting the local economy and with the Travel Incentive Program in New Brunswick it just makes it that much more attractive. It is also a reminder to those who call the East Coast home, that they are surrounded by natural beauty that is the envy of people all over the world and that Grand Manan is just one of such treasures.