A Summer Visit to Deer Island, New Brunswick
You don’t hear much about Deer Island in New Brunswick. That’s partially a result of its diminutive size. Deer Island has a land mass of only 45 square km. For comparison’s sake that’s a little bigger than the country of Liechtenstein in Europe. But for such a small island there’s a lot of rural and coastal beauty.
A visit to Deer Island is more about rest and relaxation than it is about keeping busy. The pace of life is slow. There doesn’t seem to be much of a rush to do anything or go anywhere – unless it’s for a ferry sailing so come here with books and a laid-back attitude.
How to get to Deer Island New Brunswick
Deer Island is located in the Bay of Fundy at the entrance to Passamaquoddy Bay, only five kilometres from the mainland and just four kilometres northwest of Campobello Island. Fredericton and Saint John are the closest big cities to the ferry terminal.
Deer Island is accessed by a 20 minute ferry ride from L’Etête on the mainland. There is year round service and crossings are every 30 minutes between 8 AM and 5 PM.
You can also take a ferry from Deer Island to Campobello Island – one of the Fundy Islands.
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The island is not very touristy
Deer Island is still largely driven by fishing and aquaculture, with tourism playing a lesser role. As a result, it’s quiet and there aren’t a lot of services.
But there are a few cottages for rent as well as a couple of B&B’s. Check out Forest Walk B&B.
Restaurants aren’t plentiful either. But from experience, I can tell you that the lobster roll from the 45th Parallel Restaurant is very good.
What to do on Deer Island, New Brunswick
I cycled almost every road on the island – something you can do in under a day. There is also excellent kayaking including the option of doing a multi-day trip with Seascape Kayak Tours. There’s also a little bit of hiking but the trails are short. Birding can be quite good.
For something quite different, head to Deer Island Point near the ferry launch for Campobello Island. There you’ll find the Old Sow – the largest whirlpool in the western hemisphere. It’s best seen about three hours before high tide.
And if you have some time on your hands, nose about in one of the many artist galleries.
Further reading on New Brunswick
Visit the local tourism website for all things related to Deer Island, NB.
- A Visit to Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick
- Adventures Kayaking Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick
- Glamping New Brunswick at Broadleaf Ranch
- Things to Do in New Brunswick Outdoors
- Fundy Footpath Hike in New Brunswick: A Full Guide
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As a long time Deer Island resident I would like to say thank you for shinning light on our little piece of paradise. As you mentioned, Deer Island is only accessed by ferry. It is a free crossing from L’etete, NB and it is only a 20 minute sail with lots of sea life and beautiful scenery to take in along the way. I would like to note that the ferry service has vastly improved over the years and Deer Island is accessible via ferry from 6:00am until 10:30pm. Hope you all will consider a visit to our Deer Island. You won’t be disappointed.
PS: The traps pictured are lobster traps.
@Patricia Thanks for your lovely comment. I was very impressed with Deer Island and wish I’d had time to explore via kayak.
Planning a visit to Deer island in Sep. Want to do a few hikes. Any suggestions?
@Wilson There isn’t actually that much hiking available. I did one in a small park but the best thing to do is to go to the visitor info centre when you get off the ferry and pick up a map. They are very helpful inside as well.
These are such beautiful photos. I especially like the one of the lighthouse “floating” above the fog. That chicken, the white flowers, and the crab (lobster?) traps really set the scene. If lobster rolls are an option, I wouldn’t mind at all that there aren’t a lot of restaurants.
@Michele I’m with you on lobster rolls. I could live on the things. Deer Island is definitely a scenic, laid back place to visit.
Another beautiful find, Leigh. Great place to relax and recharge.
@Marcia It’s a place to sup wine and read books.
There are so many gorgeous islands in NB, and the Maritimes. I’ve been to NB more times than I can remember, but almost always on business, so have never really explored the tourist side. Maybe one of these days I’ll get to do that. I want one of those lobster rolls!
@Nancie Work versus pleasure – we get such a different view of a place depending on why we’re visiting. Maybe on another trip back to NS you’ll be able to spend some time relaxing in the Fundy Isles.
Deer Island looks delightful. When we visit New Brunswick we will definitely visit the island. I love the lighthouse rising from the mist, the boat harbour and a lobster roll, finishes the deal for me. It looks delicious.
@Jan Deer Island is a delight. You don’t need a lot of time for it – unless you really want to recharge. Include Campobello Island and Grand Manan Island as well.
LOVE lobster rolls!
@Jackie It’s my go to food in the Maritimes.
Impressive. Wonder how those crab traps work?
@Mette Crab traps are typically thrown down into deep water – I believe with a sandy bottom. You have to bait them and then a certain length of time – maybe 8 hours you go back to see what you’ve got.
they are actually lobster traps
Those aren’t crab pods. They are lobster traps. 😉
Thank you Rebecca. Fixed on the photo as well.
It’s nice to visit there when you don’t like crowded place. It is beautiful Island and clean.
@Desiree Deer Island is very clean, very beautiful and very quiet!
Such a beautiful part of the country! I haven’t visited Deer Island but we drove to Campobello Island when we were staying in St. Andrews-by-the-Sea one summer and returned via ferry – it was a great day!
@Lisa I found all the islands had such different characters. I also loved Campobello but it felt more Americanized – no surprise there with the bridge to Maine & the Roosevelt connection.
What a fun find! And that hen is so perfect, I thought at first it was an ornament.
@Jackie I know that hen doesn’t look real does it. It’s a laid back island perfect for a few days.
Has a Gulf Islands (BC) feel to it … just another Maritime secret that people who skip Atlantic Canada miss out on!
@James It’s a very quiet island and I don’t actually know anyone who has visited.