
Enjoy all that Grand Manan Island has to offer while staying in one of the island's most comfortable vacation homes with unrivaled views of Swallowtail Lighthouse and it's breathtaking surroundings
Grand Manan, a small island community set at the entrance to the Bay of Fundy, where rugged cliffs, historic fishing villages, and expansive ocean views define the landscape. Accessible by a scenic ferry crossing from mainland New Brunswick, Grand Manan is known for its natural beauty, relaxed pace, and authentic maritime character.
Visitors are often drawn to the island for its quiet atmosphere and unspoiled surroundings. The island’s winding coastal roads lead from one breathtaking viewpoint to another, passing working harbours, beaches, hiking trails, and historic lighthouses along the way. Unlike more crowded tourist destinations, Grand Manan offers a slower and more peaceful experience centered around nature, the sea, and island life.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find exceptional opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, kayaking, photography, and whale watching. Grand Manan is recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s premier birding destinations, with migratory seabirds, puffins, and coastal wildlife commonly seen throughout the season. The island’s dramatic tides, rocky shoreline, and open ocean setting create constantly changing scenery that attracts nature lovers and photographers from around the world.
One of the island’s most recognizable landmarks is Swallowtail Lighthouse, perched on the cliffs near the ferry entrance. First lit in 1860, the lighthouse has become a symbol of arrival for both visitors and residents. The panoramic views surrounding the lighthouse, along with nearby walking paths and viewing areas, make it one of the most photographed locations in New Brunswick.
Throughout the island, visitors can experience the traditions of a working fishing community where lobster boats, herring weirs, smoke sheds, and dulse harvesting remain part of everyday life. Fresh seafood is a highlight of any stay, and local restaurants and markets offer some of the freshest lobster, scallops, and fish found anywhere in Atlantic Canada.
Whether you spend your days exploring coastal trails, searching beaches for sea glass, watching the ferry round the lighthouse, or simply relaxing beside the ocean, Grand Manan offers a memorable coastal experience defined by natural beauty, maritime history, and a genuine sense of tranquility. Many visitors return year after year to reconnect with the island’s scenery, wildlife, and slower pace of life.
Perched high above the shoreline, Swallowtail Overlook is a custom-built seaside home designed to take full advantage of its remarkable coastal setting. Built in 2007, the 1,728-square-foot home offers panoramic ocean views from nearly every room, creating a comfortable and scenic retreat for guests seeking a quieter pace and an authentic maritime experience.
From the private deck, guests can enjoy morning coffee as the fog lifts from the Bay and sunlight begins to shimmer across the water below. The home’s elevated location provides a commanding vantage point for birdwatching, with hundreds of migratory and coastal bird species found on and around the island, including the Atlantic puffin during the season. The views are equally captivating throughout the day, from passing ferries and working fishing boats to the dramatic tides and changing coastal light.
Inside, the home combines modern comfort with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Large windows frame the surrounding ocean scenery, while the fully equipped kitchen provides everything needed for preparing meals at home, including cookware and lobster pot essentials for enjoying fresh local seafood. Spacious living areas and thoughtfully designed accommodations make the home ideal for couples, families, or small groups traveling together.
As visitors arrive by ferry and round Swallowtail Lighthouse, Swallowtail Overlook can be seen perched atop the cliffs overlooking the water — a distinctive landmark and welcoming first impression of the stay ahead.
Whether enjoying the scenery from the deck, photographing the coastline and wildlife, or simply relaxing in the peaceful surroundings, guests often describe their stay at Swallowtail Overlook as one of the highlights of their time on Grand Manan. Many of our renters return year after year to experience the comfort, views, and tranquility Swallowtail Overlook offers.
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