General 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 other than Americans will need a valid passport and may need a tourist visa; consult your nearest Consulate for details. American citizens are required to show proof of citizenship in the form of a passport.
PACE OF THE TOUR: Our daily schedule will depend on weather and circumstance. We normally start with a 7 a.m. breakfast. We’ll depart in the van after breakfast with picnic lunches in hand, returning to the lodge about an hour before dinner. We’ll visit the four corners of the island. Two pelagic outings have been scheduled to the rich offshore waters where we should see swarms of seabirds and perhaps several species of whale. Our pace will be relaxed, in line with the general atmosphere of the island, with ample time to enjoy birds, butterflies, flowers, and whatever else might catch our fancy. Optional evening activities may include, star-gazing, listening for nocturnal flight calls of migrating birds, owling and searching for woodcock.
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.
CLIMATE: September weather is hard to predict. Daytime highs could reach the 80s (F.) but 60s and 70s are more likely. Along the coast, you can expect cooler weather with overcast skies, onshore winds and temperatures could range around the 50s or lower. Rain, wind and fog are always possible. It is always cool or cold 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: Transportation will be by 15-passenger van driven by the leader, and on several occasions by boat.
SMOKING: Smoking is prohibited in the vehicles or when the group is gathered for meals, checklists, etc. If you are sharing a room with a non-smoker, please do not smoke in the room. If you smoke in the field, we ask that you do so well away and downwind from the group.
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: February 2008