Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Grand Manan, New Brunswick, Canada. Its purpose is solely to give readers a sense of what might be involved if they took this tour. Although we do our best to make sure what follows here is completely accurate, it should not be used as a replacement for the formal document which will be sent to all tour registrants, and whose contents supersedes any information contained here.
ENTERING CANADA: Non-Canadian citizens must have a valid passport. Non-US citizens should consult their nearest Canadian consulate for information about any required tourist visa. American citizens are required to show proof of citizenship in the form of a passport.
HEALTH: There are no major health hazards in this region. We will have at least two small-boat outings, weather permitting, lasting 4-6 hours each. We should emphasize that the craft we use are extremely sturdy, working lobster boats, about 40 ft. in length with radar and other electronic gear. Their captains know the waters like we know the way to the local store.
PACE OF THE TOUR: Our daily schedule will depend on weather and circumstance. We normally start with a 7:00 am breakfast. We’ll depart in the van after breakfast; we’ll generally have a picnic lunch in the field, and to the lodge about an hour before dinner. Our land excursions will take us to the four corners of the island, concentrating on those sites known to collect migrants in the southbound passage. We’ll also explore Grand Manan’s extensive trail system, both inland and along the rugged coastline. We’ve scheduled two pelagic outings to rich offshore waters, where we should see swarms of seabirds and have a chance at finding several species of whale.
The pace of our week will be relaxed, as suits the general atmosphere of the island, with ample time to enjoy birds, butterflies, flowers, and whatever else might catch our fancy.
CLIMATE: September weather is hard to predict. Daytime highs will likely be in the 60s or 70s F, though temperatures have been known to rise into the 80s. The weather right on the coast will be cooler, with temperatures of 50? F or lower and overcast skies and onshore breezes. Rain, wind, and fog are always possible. It is always cool to cold out on the water.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Our lodge is a rambling frame structure on the outskirts of North Head. Rooms, mostly on the second floor, have private bathrooms. Meals are served at one seating (there may be other guests in the Lodge) and are abundant and delicious.
DRESS: Informal throughout.
TRANSPORTATION: We will travel from Black’s Harbour and around Grand Manan by mini-van.
SMOKING: Please do not smoke in the vehicles or when the group is gathered. If you are sharing a room with a non-smoker, please do not smoke in the room. If any restaurant, accommodation, or other location where the group is staying or is gathered has a more restrictive smoking policy than the WINGS policy, the more restrictive policy will prevail.
GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the WINGS General Information & Conditions. This section contains important information about how we conduct tours, e.g., what is included in the tour price, refund and cancellation policies, pace of the tours and other information that will help you prepare for the tour.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Tours to Grand Manan will be sent to each registrant on receipt of their booking. Final information with instructions for meeting the group, hotel addresses, etc., will be mailed about three weeks before trip departure. Other news will be communicated as necessary. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Updated: August 2011