Occasionally we hear some version of the following question from our friendly guests at Seaside Haven Cottages: “What can I do there?” This post is an attempt to provide some answers to that question. All the following activities are located fewer than 6 miles from the cottages.
#1. Dig clams. The mud flats in front of the cottages offer some of the island’s (maybe the world’s?) best clamming. To find the Soft-shell clams, also known as “Steamers,” simply look for a hole, dig an inch or two behind it, and lift up. Some clammers start the hole with a pitchfork and finish digging with hands. Clam boots are helpful. To cook clams, steam about 35 of them for 7 minutes. Before digging clams, check with the Grand Manan Visitor Information Centre to make sure there is no red tide.
#2. Play a lawn game. The expansive lawn at Seaside Haven Cottages provides ample room for many activities, even for large groups. Past guests of all ages have enjoyed bocci, Can Jam, Whiffle ball, Frisbee, kubb, or simply tossing a football. There is also a grassy area behind the cottages that offers a smaller play area and a swing set.
#3. Hop on the White Head ferry. Take a trip to White Head Island and explore hidden coves, rugged hiking trails, and beaches with intriguing rocks. Since the ferry is so close to Seaside Haven – about .75 miles – many travelers choose to bike. Also, bikers are guaranteed passage back to Ingalls Head, while cars need to wait in line. Generally, however, if you take your car to White Head on an early ferry, there should be plenty of room for return passage. For ferry schedules visit Coastal Transport. The ferry is free, both ways.
#4. Birdwatch. Grand Manan is renowned for its exciting bird life. Past birdwatchers include John James Audubon, and the island regularly appears on lists of top birding destinations in North America. Seaside Haven Cottages are nested smack in the middle of it all. The Grand Manan Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary is located about a half mile from the cottages, and the Nature Conservancy’s Ingalls Memorial property is across the street. Frequent feathered visitors to the area include Semipalmated Plovers, Peregrine Falcons, Bald Eagles, and Common Loons.
#5. Read and write. In addition to serving as a magnet for birdwatchers, Grand Manan has also drawn its share of literary masters, including Willa Cather, author of Oh! Pioneers, and Thomas G. Smith, author of Stewart E. Udall: Steward of the Land. From 2015 to 2019, the island was the home of the University of Arizona’s Field Studies in Writing Program. The island is home to a few owners of used books who often sell their books for a Looney or so. Contact the Visitor Centre for more information.
#6. Visit Grand Harbour. Located at the end of Ingalls Head Road, the short stretch of Route 776 in Grand Harbour offers a range of places to visit. There’s a coffee shop, the Harbour Grille and Gifts, which serves food and ice cream, and the fascinating Grand Manan Museum. The tiny shop, Of Time of Tides, offers a selection of local crafts and artwork. Grand Harbour also has a post office, bank, hardware store, and the Grand Manan library.
#7. Explore Ross Island. For this visit, knowing the tides is especially important. The island is not reachable for about 2.5 hours after and before high tide. However, that leaves plenty of time during low tides to walk on the trails or ride a mountain bike down the main dirt road. Once on the island, visit the foundation of the Ross Island Lighthouse, a structure that was leveled in a 2013 storm. To reach the island, drive down Thoroughfare Road, and park at the end. Trail guides are recommended for all hikes on Grand Manan. At the far end of the island is Cheney Passage, where starfish can sometimes be found during very low tides.
#8. Bike to Ox Head. This short excursion brings you to the Grand Manan Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary Simply bike (or walk) .3 miles down Ingalls Head Road, toward the White Head Ferry, then take a right onto Brownsville Road, then take a right onto Ox Head Road, then go straight. The paved road turns to dirt and paths lead to Ox Head, about a mile from the cottages. Ox Head connects to Anchorage Provincial Park, which as the crow (or Peregrine Falcon) flies, is only about a mile away.
#9. Sit around a campfire. There’s no doubt that one of the greatest attributes of Seaside Haven Cottages is the fact that they are steps away from a large beach. Set aside one evening and light a campfire to enjoy warm conversation and nighttime views of the harbour, and the stars.
#10. Pursue your interests. Take photos. Go hiking. Sleep in. Make a big breakfast. Go berry picking. Meditate. Walk your dog. Taste dulse (if you dare). Regardless of your desired activity, Seaside Haven Cottages will likely provide a fitting basecamp to pursue it. Enjoy!
Seaside Haven Cottages, Grand Manan Island 