Endearing Deer Island

A Wee Jewel in the Bay of Fundy

Board the ferry to Deer Island and let the journey begin. The short, 20-minute crossing offers stunning views, often accompanied by porpoises dancing in the waves. Step out of your car, breathe in the salty air, and prepare to be charmed by New Brunswick’s smallest inhabited island, a coastal haven sure to leave a heart print on your soul.

Deer Island is a wee jewel in the Bay of Fundy. While it is possible to explore in a dawn-to-dusk outing, do yourself a favour and stay two or more nights to truly unwind and soak in all its land-and-sea adventures. This is a place that tells a story, one you will want time to read, savour, and share. Locals are proud, friendly, and incredibly welcoming. Many step up as informal tour guides, eager to help you uncover the island’s hidden treasures.

Whether you love whale watching or deep-sea diving, kayaking or canoeing, hiking or biking, birdwatching or picnicking, camping or simply meandering down quiet coastal roads, this hidden gem begs to be discovered. Day trips are doable, but why rush? Settle in and stay a while. Let Deer Island show you what it truly means to unplug and reconnect with nature on this darling little Bay of Fundy Isle.

On the Water: Whale Watching, Kayaking, and Old Sow Mysteries

Full Tide Ocean Safaris

Begin your adventure with a whale watching tour through Full Tide Ocean Safaris, operated by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Brendan and Colleen. Captain Brendan is a fifth-generation fisherman with over 30 years on the water. Colleen, a full-time registered nurse, serves as the official tour guide on her days off. Their excursions run from July through September, offering not only marine magic, but also local lore and wildlife insight.

My husband Eric and I had a grand day on the water with them, spotting porpoises, bald eagles, seals, and yes, whales! Brendan’s track record for sightings is stellar, so your odds are excellent.

West Isles Boat Tours and West Isles Whale Adventures also sail from Deer Island, offering whale watching and island-hopping excursions.

Seascape Kayak Tours

For a more intimate connection with the ocean, join long-time guide Bruce Smith of Seascape Kayak Tours. With over 30 years of experience, Bruce leads half-day, full-day, and multi-day sea kayak trips through the West Isles archipelago. These eco-friendly excursions invite you to deeply connect with the ocean. Bruce, like Jacques Cousteau, believes people protect what they love, so he’s passionate about building a community that champions conservation of the ocean and marine life. He’s also invited me to return for a guided experience firsthand, an offer I plan to take him up on.

Bay of Fundy Adventures also offers kayaking tours in the region, giving paddlers even more options to explore this magnificent coastline.

Old Sow

No visit to Deer Island is complete without a stop at Deer Point Lighthouse to witness Old Sow, the largest tidal whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere. Located just offshore where powerful Fundy currents collide, she’s best viewed from the accessible platform two hours before high tide. This natural phenomenon is equal parts mesmerizing and humbling. Depending on the conditions, you may see her rage with spiralling waters or remain deceptively still. Locals know she doesn’t give up her secrets easily.

When Eric and I first visited, the waters were eerily calm. But later, out on the water, we learned what many locals mean when they call her “liquid chaos.” Sometimes she swirls with such force that sailors give her a wide berth. Mariners speak of boats swallowed whole, near misses, and tragic endings that still echo as warnings. Even from shore, you’ll feel her pull.

On Land: Lighthouses, Nature Walks, and Wildlife Encounters

They Don’t Call it Deer Island for Nothing!

With just over 700 residents, the island’s four-legged locals often outnumber the humans. White-tailed deer are everywhere, and steal the spotlight. You’ll see them grazing in fields, darting across roads, or watching curiously from the woods. It’s a nature lover’s dream, but a gentle heads-up: drive slowly and stay alert, especially near dusk.

Deer Island Point Park

Deer Island Point Park, home to the lighthouse and the island’s only campground, also features two beaches, a main beach and a secret cove worth seeking out. Bring a picnic, scan the horizon, and you just might spot a seal, a porpoise, or a whale passing by.

Leonardville Lighthouse

Tucked among the trees off the highway, Leonardville Lighthouse, is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gem, but lighthouse lovers will want to stop for a quick look.

Beaches & Swimming

Cummings Cove is the island’s most popular beach for sunbathing. For seaglass, try Stuart Town Beach, though I also found treasures at English Bar Beach and pottery pieces at Chocolate Cove. Lamberts Cove is known for its magical sunsets, and at low tide in Leonardville, you can walk the sand bar out to Bar Island. Big Meadow Lake is another great spot for swimming and paddling.

Clark Gregory Nature Preserve

Though promising, I found Clark Gregory Nature Preserve trails rough and overgrown when we visited, with tick warnings posted. If you do venture in, wear proper clothing. The views, I am told, are spectacular so I’m hopeful future maintenance will improve accessibility.

Chocolate Cove

All was not lost, as Eric and I found a second entrance via Chocolate Cove, much more welcoming. A wildflower-lined path led us to a peaceful beach and a quiet bench with views above the cove. Beyond that, the trails were too overgrown to navigate, so we opted not to continue.

Sunsets

Other serene stops include Lamberts Cove, English Bar Beach and Gardeners Beach, all known for their tranquil beauty and stunning sunsets. On your way to English Bar, don’t miss the photogenic Lambert’s Cove Baptist Church, built in 1898 and still as charming as ever. We had a close encounter with several deer here. For sunrise, head to what locals call “around the head” — down Leaman Road in Lambertville.

Wildlife and Birdwatching

Wildlife and birdwatching are exceptional here, especially from scenic lookouts like Point Park or while out on the water. Eagles, osprey, gulls, seals, and porpoises all call these shores home.

Art, Shops, and Island Treasures

Creativity thrives on this little island. You’ll find art, craftmanship, and island pride tucked into every corner.

Visit the island’s gift shops and art galleries to take home something truly special:

· Deer Island Treasures: This shop in Fairhaven is chock-a-block full of woodworking, knitting, stained glass, candles, soaps, and more.

· Crowded Cupboard: Handmade candles, refinished furniture, and home décor.

· Boatique: For all your life on the water needs including coastal apparel and nautical gifts.

· Maritime Texture: A beautifully curated shop run by Mike & Debra Flewelling, featuring work by NB artists and artisans. Do check out the stunning “Dear Island Through My Lens” book by my friend, Kaitlyn Pendleton.

· Lower Field Farm & Flowers: A cheerful Lambertville stop for fresh flowers, gifts, and Sussex ice cream.

Art lovers should carve out time for:

· Spirit of the Island: The first gallery you’ll see in Stuart Town, with coastal works by Michelle & Michel Proulx.

· Fireball Gallery: A garden gallery showcasing Canadian women artists.

· Crow on My Shoulder: A folk art gallery full of whimsy by talented local artist Patty Pendleton.

· Jerome Andrews Art Gallery: Book a private viewing (andrjj@icloud.com) with this renowned Leonardville painter. His work and studio view are unforgettable.

Where to Eat

Fishing and aquaculture sustain the island, so when islanders say the seafood is fresh, they mean it!

Deer Island might be small, but the food scene is mighty.

· 45th Parallel Motel & Restaurant: Diane’s home-cooked meals and storytelling are legendary. Don’t miss the chowder or lobster roll in this sweet country diner.

· Cap Sill Restaurant: Often praised for the island’s healthiest fare, it’s cozy, creative, and highly recommended.

· Truck’n Good Food: Grab a pulled pork grilled cheese near Point Park. You’ll thank me later!

· Ocean View Takeout: Classic fish and chips with a view.

· Bella’s Country Store and J.R. Barteau General Store: Great for supplies and snacks, and J.R.’s is where you’ll also find island-made Mercury Ice Cream (a local legend).

· Janice’s Veggies: (formerly known as The Pickle Guy): The best roadside stop for produce.

Where to Stay

· Homeport Suites (Lords Cove): A cozy, comfy, coastal-inspired boutique hotel that made our life easy. Cap Sill and Maritime Texture are right downstairs. Highly recommended!

Other options include:

· 45th Parallel Motel: Affordable and friendly, with a great Fairhaven location.

· Deer Island Point Campground: Ideal for tenters and RVers seeking unforgettable sunsets and starry skies.

The Spirit of the Island

Before you head back to the mainland, stop across from the ferry landing to see Jim Boyd’s 2022 granite sail sculpture, part of the International Sculpture Trail. Titled Fundy Spirit, Boyd explains his vision: “The sail has 3 slightly raised fluid forms that spiral into a hole within the sail. For me, these forms represent the famous tidal whirlpool off the coast of Deer Island known as Old Sow. The hole through the sail also serves as a sort of port hole looking out onto the Bay of Fundy. The inside of the sail has a smoother polish than other areas of the sculpture, possibly evoking the feel of the inside of a shell.”

“When I think of Deer Island, what first comes to mind is a beautiful island situated in the Bay of Fundy. Fishing has been and continues to be an important part of Deer Island’s economy. With these thoughts in mind, I created a sculpture hoping to acknowledge the spirit of the island.”

A Place That Stays With You

Deer Island is more than a destination; it’s a living story. The slower pace, kind locals, crashing surf, and deer-dotted woods all combine to create something rare and real. Whether you’re sipping chowder with Diane, paddling alongside porpoises, or standing awestruck at the edge of Old Sow’s swirling power, this little island stays with you.

So take your time here. Pause at scenic lookouts. Chat with shopkeepers. Picnic on the shore. Collect moments, not just photos. Let the rhythm of the tide remind you how to slow down and simply be. Because in the end, Deer Island isn’t just a place you visit, it’s a story that becomes part of your own.

When you leave, it won’t be goodbye, it will be “until next time.”

Getting There

The free ferry from L’Etete operates year-round between 6 am and 10:30 pm (weather dependent), with crossings every 30-60 minutes. No reservations are needed, just drive aboard and let the story unfold.

Ready for More? Hop Over to Campobello Island

If you’ve fallen for Deer Island’s charms, continue your Bay of Fundy journey with another ferry ride to Campobello Island. There, you’ll find Roosevelt Campobello International Park, the iconic Head Harbour Lightstation, and sweeping coastal trails that renew your spirit with every step. Think of it as your next chapter in your East Coast adventure.

This post was sponsored by Discover Southwest New Brunswick; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!