Looking for a unique getaway? Grand Manan Island is one of the best travel experiences for sea coast camping, and is just a short ferry ride from coastal New Brunswick, in eastern Canada.
Unique Camping and Hiking by the Ocean in Eastern Canada
Want to experience an East Coast, by the sea getaway that's affordable, unique and exciting? On an island just off coastal New Brunswick campers hear the whale's songs at night, see brilliant stars, constellations and incredible sunsets. They are removed from all the worldly pollution and literally live on the edge of society on a mountainous cliff overlooking the ocean.
For anyone looking for a truly unique camping experience, the Hole-in-the-Wall campground in Grand Manan, a tiny island off eastern New Brunswick, is the place to go. One option at this unique location is tenting along a one and one half kilometer stretch of a rock cliff that descends to the wild Atlantic Ocean. This is not an experience to be taken lightly; campers must adhere to a strict code of safety.
To get to the cliff top sites, campers will need to hike in, but it's just a short hike, about one minute from their vehicles. All sites have a picnic table, fire ring and access to chemical toilets.
Grand Manan Island Cliff Edge Camping and Hiking
These cliff top sites make this campground truly unique. Located along a one and one half kilometer stretch of rugged coastline, the sites are for tents only although there are sites in other locations in this campground for RVs and trailers.
Here tenters are situated on a rock cliff 200 feet above the feeding route of whales and in the night might listen to, or may be awakened by, the whales as they blow and breach. Sometimes their singing breaks through the ocean surface just below the camp sites. What a lullaby!
David Sweet camped there in 2001 and in his review says, "Each night we sat there and listened to whales directly below us feeding on the sardines and twice we were able to hear them sing! The islanders tell us that the only place to hear them sing without a hydrophone is at Hole-in-the-Wall campground. It was truly spectacular! We saw them spouting a few times during the day; but at night it was magical listening to these huge mammals breathing. It was really one of our greatest camping trips."
The campground owners discourage families bringing children to these cliff edge sites as they are for experienced adult campers, and are unserviced. Pets must be leashed at all times for safety.
An option for families with children is the cliff top sites. These are drive-on sites with a great view over the Fundy Bay. While not as high up as the cliff edge sites, caution still must be observed for children and pets. Or, the traditional sites just inside the park where there are fully serviced sites for RVs and camper trailers.
Hiking Trails Along the Bay
The campground has a hiking trail that winds along the cliff edge. Here visitors can view the ocean, many bird species, weir fishing, boat traffic, whales and can take another trail to walk to a light house also situated on the coastal rock overlooking the bay. There is also a guided hike for children called the Discovery Trail.
Camping Rules
- Pets must always be on a leash, contained in a basket or carrier. This applies to all areas of the park and campground .
- Campfires are generally permitted; campers must check with staff at the reception area.
- Quiet time is 11 pm, earlier if the whales are there.
- Check in is just about anytime; check out is one pm.
- On arrival to the campground, please read the registration form carefully as well as the brochure for any changes associated with weather or wildlife.
Camping Enthusiast or Novice
This campground also has sites for RVs, and tent trailers at the entrance to the park. The literature written by the owners state that the park has many facilities near the reception area for the visitor's comfort including private hot showers, a kitchenette, camping stores, a recreation area and playground.
All campers must regard normal tent camping procedures by bringing all those items required for comfort including light, food, water and shelter.
To get to Grand Manan Island one must first arrive in the province of New Brunswick,in Eastern Canada. There is a ferry ride from Black's Harbour to Grand Manan Island. The ferry arrives in North Head and Hole-in-the-Wall is just a short one kilometer drive north from the ferry landing. This is an inexpensive vacation for couples or families and an authentic get-away from all of the stresses of life. Grand Manan also has many walking trails and education vacation options such as the aquatic museum, whale watching and eco-tours.
CAM101
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