BAY OF FUNDY - From photographers to hikers, and families wanting a change of pace, Grand Manan, in the Bay of Fundy presents a diverse array of unique, natural experiences sure to delight.

Those looking for a quiet hideaway surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery should consider a visit to Atlantic Canada. It ranks among the most pleasant and relaxed summer destinations anywhere.

Many travellers already know about Newfoundland and Labrador, Cape Breton and Prince Edward Island. However, the relatively remote Grand Manan Archipelago, in the southern part of the Bay of Fundy, is one of Canada’s best- kept vacation secrets.

Part of New Brunswick, Grand Manan Archipelago rests at the mouth of the bay, only 15 kilometres from the United States. Access to the smaller islands in the archipelago are limited to small boats, but the main island is reachable by a large ferry from Black’s Harbour, N.B. When visiting Grand Manan, the adventure starts immediately on the ferry ride where from the outer viewing decks, whales and seabirds are sometimes visible.

Colourful, quaint and charming, most of the rustic fishing villages rest in sheltered harbours on the east side of the main island, while the western shoreline is dominated by a basalt cliff reaching up to 100 metres high. The rest of Grand Manan is covered by Acadian forest.

A family adventure of rare sights

There’s plenty for the whole family to see and do on the island. Summer is the busiest time but, late spring and early fall is also enjoyable. Keep in mind the island’s most endearing quality is that everything happens at a relaxed pace, right in character with the rest of Atlantic Canada.

Left: Grand Manan’s signature landmark Swallowtail Lighthouse. Right: Each summer and fall right whales come into the Bay of Fundy to court and feed.

Photographers and nature lovers will want to visit in summer or fall for seabirds and whales. A trip to Grand Manan wouldn’t be complete without a whale- watching excursion in the Bay of Fundy. Along with many common sea creatures, it’s the best place on the entire planet to see the rare North Atlantic right whale. If you’re really lucky, you’ll see them breaching, courting or actively feeding on the surface. If you’re even luckier, you’ll be able to snap a great picture.

Photographers looking to capture these birds up close or the action of a breaching whale would do well to pack a general telephoto zoom lens and a camera such as a DSLR. It’s hard to keep a camera steady while sailing on water. It’s even harder to freeze the action of a whale or seabird. In these situations, fast shutter speeds help prevent blurry images. For automatic cameras, place your settings on “sports” or “action” mode. You’ll also want to protect your equipment against salty ocean spray. A simple plastic bag or bib can help.

A colourful photographer’s paradise

In 1831, John James Audubon visited the archipelago in search of rare birds. Grand Manan has since become a favourite with many keen birdwatchers. Interesting species can show up at any time, but most birders visit in summer or early fall, and will always include at least one whale-watching trip specifically to observe Atlantic puffins, razorbills, great shearwaters and many other rarely-seen animals. A telephoto lens between 300 to 500mm will help fill the frame with those elusive little birds.

Left: Early summer is a good time to see and photograph wildflowers on Grand Manan. Right: The colourful and animated Atlantic Puffin is a difficult bird to see outside of their remote breeding grounds.

Summer is also a good time for showy wildflowers and butterflies. While attracting colourful insects, carpets of fireweed and lupines will also add vibrancy to the already attractive coastal scenery. Punctuated with lighthouses, beacons and fishing weirs, the island’s inviting beauty will keep photographers mesmerized, especially during calm sunrises or sunsets. Wide angle and short telephoto lenses are best for scenics.

Hikers also have many areas to explore. Be sure to take a light, easy-to-carry camera with you, because there are 70 kilometres of shoreline and 18 hiking trails networked across the islands with a variety of difficulties from challenging treks to leisurely strolls.

Other invigorating activities available to visitors include kayaking, cycling, fishing and beach combing.

Even if your goal is to simply relax, you can kick back on one of many sandy beaches, or relax on the porch of one of the comfortable lodges. For inquisitive minds, the fascinating Grand Manan Museum and the wonderful Whale Museum are both worth a visit.

Those looking to spend a few days can stay at one of the bed and breakfasts, hotels, or camp site in Anchorage Provincial Park. Just be sure, at the end of any memorable day on Grand Manan, you indulge in some of the island’s fresh seafood or succulent lobster. You won’t regret it.