St. Andrews by-the-Sea sits on a peninsula extending into Passamaquoddy Bay, a sheltered inlet of the Bay of Fundy, and is an excellent stop before or after visiting Grand Manan Island. In the summer months, it becomes a lively resort town, offering warm weather, beautiful architecture, and a fascinating history as one of the oldest towns in the province. Despite being small and modern in many ways, it retains a charming, turn-of-the-century feel.

A 90-minute ferry ride away, Grand Manan Island is a pristine retreat with high, rugged basalt cliffs on one side and a coastline dotted with fishing villages and sandy coves on the other. The western side of the island is dense, inaccessible forest and bog, so the eastern side is where you’ll spend most of your time. Though you can drive from one end to the other in 45 minutes, the island’s unhurried pace encourages you to slow right down. Spend time beachcombing, chat with locals in the fishing villages, spot shorebirds searching for food, or hike along the coastal trails for breathtaking viewpoints.

The bay forms part of the UNESCO-designated Fundy Biosphere Reserve and boasts a rich marine ecosystem with a variety of marine mammals and birds. Whether you’re a first-time whale watcher or a seasoned bird enthusiast, both St. Andrews and Grand Manan Island offer fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing.