Grand Manan Island Ferry

The Ferry from Blacks Harbor, New Brunswick to Grand-Manan Island NB,  is an awesome 1.5 hour trip. The views from the upper deck are awesome and chances are high one can see harbor porpoises and seals. We were glad we had our binoculars with us so we were able to spot many there and back. It is cold up on deck but it was early in the morning so we were prepared and dressed warm. We got on the ferry, parked the Vibe and walked to the

upper deck to watch us leave the harbor….that’s always a fun part of sailing!

We don’t want to sound snobbish but we had been used to the BC ferries from Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island on the West Coast

and those ferries are amazing…large decks and nice comfy lounges. The ferry to Grand Manan only had a small observation deck in comparison and it was at the back of the vessel so you often got a diesel wind from the engines exhaust. But the chance to see whales or seals or any sea life made us happy to be here…and the blue skies were awesome!

DD had a great laugh at all the bad French translation on the signs but in fact it is no laughing matter. This shows an actual lack of respect for the language: Ferry to Grand-Manan, please change your signs! It is shameful! The Google type translation mistakes are scattered all across the ferry:

Paint Locker; peindre casier (paint the locker)
Ships Storage (ships missing the ‘ ); Stockage du navire (stacking of ship)
Battery Room; Pièce de batterie (piece of battery)
Gift Shop; boutique des cadeaux (gifts’ shop)
Male WC; toilettes mâles  (same in French and English)
Female WC; toilettes femelles (same in French and English)

I have never seen male and female washrooms: I hope they don’t interbreed!

All in all it was a great ferry experience but if not for the porpoises our ferry rides in British Columbia and Burlington Vermont were way nicer. I know, we’ve spoiled!