Swallowtail Lighthouse

Swallowtail Lightstation on Grand Manan Island offers a captivating mix of natural beauty and historical significance. As you arrive by ferry, the picturesque wooden lighthouse, set against a panoramic coastal backdrop, welcomes you, making it a prime location for photographers, artists, and sightseers. Its status as one of the most photographed lighthouses in New Brunswick underscores its visual appeal and charm.

The site is well-equipped with interpretive panels, a fog bell, a commemorative deck, and inviting wooden benches and picnic tables. While the lighthouse is accessible via a flight of 54 stairs, a wooden footbridge, and a gravel path, there’s also an observation area near the parking lot for those who prefer not to hike.

A Welcome Centre greets visitors at the entrance, featuring a small gift shop. During summer, you can tour the new lighthouse museum for a small fee, which allows you to climb to the top of the lighthouse. The boardwalk installed in 2014 makes it easy to traverse between the lighthouse and the keeper’s house, echoing the paths of historical lighthouse keepers.

Established in 1860, Swallowtail Lightstation has undergone several changes, including an alteration in 1980 and a significant restoration between 2013 and 2014. This active lighthouse retains its original wooden tower, one of the few remaining in Canada, and is recognized by the Federal Heritage Building Review Office. Managed by the Swallowtail Keepers Society and owned by the Village of Grand Manan, ongoing restoration efforts ensure the site’s preservation.

Swallowtail Lightstation is an ideal spot to witness the sunrise, observe passing ferries, and explore fascinating rock formations. The site offers excellent vantage points for spotting wildlife, including seals, harbour porpoises, whales, seabirds, and occasionally bald eagles or peregrine falcons. Additionally, you can view herring weirs below the rock cliffs, adding to the unique coastal experience.