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Our Communities & People......
The following information, much of it courtesy of the Grand Manan Tourism Association, will provide a "quick" overview of our Island communities.
"Manan" is a corruption of MUN AN OOK or MAN AN OOK - meaning "island place" or "the island" from the Maliseet-Passamaquoddy-Penobscot Indians who visited the island from spring until fall when the treacherous waters were navigable in their canoes. Most believe that they fished, harvested dulse and birds' eggs, hunted seals, seabirds and harbour porpoises, and returned to the mainland in winter since no large game was on the island and there were few opportunities to fish or hunt marine life. The Norse are probably the first Europeans to visit Grand Manan, possibly as a headquarters while exploring both Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine.
NORTH HEAD - is the largest community on the island, with a population
of 700 people living in 255 homes. Bed and breakfasts, country inns, cottages, a motel and restaurants are located in North Head.
CASTALIA - With a population of 455, this is the "bedroom" community of the island, being the only one without an active fishermen's wharf. There are many fine new homes in the area, and the average value per home is the highest on the island at $65,137. With over 175 homes, the majority were built before 1946. Cottages are available to rent.
DARK HARBOUR -can be found on the western side of the island
and is reached via the Dock Road from North Head, and Hill Road (also
called the Back Road) from Castalia or Grand Harbour. A community of
more than 200 people thrived at Dark Harbour in the 1800s; working
in the lumber industry and later the herring fishery. Today only seasonal
camps can be found rimming the "pond" including the breakwater and
salmon aquaculture cages and a herring weir in the "pond" itself.
WOODWARD'S COVE - With a population of 185, this is the smallest and most closely-knit community on the island. The vast majority of the 70 homes here were built before 1946. Cottages are available to rent.
GRAND HARBOUR & INGALLS HEAD - The commercial and educational centre of the island, this community is second only to North Head in size, with a population of 600 people. There are 220 homes, the majority built before 1960. Cottages and restaurants can be found here.
WHITE HEAD ISLAND - A world unto itself, this enchanting island has a permanent population of 220 souls living in some 70 homes, 43% built before 1946 and 28% before 1960. Camping facilities are available as well as cottages and a bed and breakfast.
SEAL COVE - is the third largest community on the island with a
population of 550; it is also the most picturesque. There are some 200 homes with 75% having been built before 1960. Bed and breakfasts, cottages and restaurants are located in this area. On the way to
Seal Cove, the Anchorage
Provincial Park (open from late May until early October) has excellent
camping facilities. A separate picnic and barbecue area is also
available for family outings. Semi-tame rabbits abound, much to the
delight of children. A bird and game sanctuary located here offers
unique opportunities for the bird watcher and naturalist.
There are a number of Offshore Island Communities.
- CHENEY ISLAND - Located between Ross Island and White Head Island, this privately owned island can be used as a stepping stone between White Head, Ross and Grand Manan Islands at low water (see Ross Island). Aquaculture sites for Atlantic salmon can be seen from the northern shore. The power connection for White Head crosses the island. Access is by foot, four-wheel vehicle or boat.
- GANNET ROCK -Visible from Southwest Head, Gannet Rock is nine miles out in the Bay and marks the most treacherous navigational area around Grand Manan. Numerous ledges, many covered at high tide, and strong currents and tide rips abound. Gannet Rock is accessible only by boat or helicopter.
- GREAT DUCK ISLAND - An automated lighthouse shares this treeless island east of Ross Island with numerous birds and seals. It is accessible only by boat or helicopter. The island is now privately owned.
- KENT ISLAND - This island is located southwest of White Head Island and is the site of the Bowdoin College Scientific Station. Nesting Leach's storm-petrels, guillemots, tree swallows and savannah sparrows are currently the subjects of long-term study. It is accessible only by boat.
- LONG ISLAND - This is a long and narrow island south of North Head and across from Castalia marsh. The only remaining structure is a large house. A feral flock of some 25-40 sheep was introduced by the current owners, and make their home on the island year round. Privately owned by a Massachusetts family, it is accessible only by boat.
- MACHIAS SEAL ISLAND - This island's lighthouse guards the other end of the treacherous maze of shipping hazards in the Grand Manan archipelago. Machias Seal Island is popular with bird watchers. The Canadian Wildlife Service restricts the number of daily visits during nesting to reduce disruption of the birds. Whales, harbour porpoises and seals may be sighted en route to the Island. Tours are available from Seal Cove. The ownership of this island is still disputed between Canada and the United States. A boundary dispute of which many are unaware.
- NANTUCKET ISLAND - This privately owned island is located across from Woodwards Cove. Accessible only by boat, it is not recommended to land on the island because of the danger posed by the resident bull.
- ROSS ISLAND - Ross Island was the site of the first permanent settlement on Grand Manan in 1784. The island can be accessed by foot or four-wheel vehicle at low water from the Thoroughfare Road (Grand Harbour). Remember to check the tides before exploring the island.
- WOOD ISLAND - Houses and a church can be seen on the island as viewed from Seal Cove or Deep Cove. Ghosts are said to abound on the island. The only access to the island is by boat. Ask at the Seal Cove breakwater if someone might be willing to take you by small boat to the island; this can usually be done for a modest fee.
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Page maintained/promoted by ACCESS - Page revised May 9 2008
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