The island was named after the Brier rose that grows profusely on the l.5 mile wide and 4 mile long spit of land. As Brier Island is located on the Atlantic Flyway, many species of birds visit its shores and feed in off-shore waters. The island's micro-climate allows for a proliferation of unique and rare plants, including the pitcher plant. Rugged shores and sheltered coves are home to seals, sea and shore birds.
As there aren't many roads on the island, visitors are encouraged to walk the winding gravel byways and cliff-top hiking trails. The sea around Brier Island has been the Fundy graveyard for ships for centuries. Lighthouses include the Brier Island Light & Alarm, Peters Island in Westport Harbour and the Northern Light. Be sure to set at least one day aside for a hike round the island. Begin a hike at the Northern Point and end just past Brier Island Light & Alarm in the Mucklehaney, passing Pea Jack Cove and Cow Cove along the way. Seals are plentiful at Seal Cove, between Northern Point and Pea Jack Cove. Don't forget your telephoto lense!
The Best of Nova Scotia Whale Watching
Just minutes from Brier Island Lodge you will find several whale watching cruises. Tours are available from June to October and are an excellent way to view the island's rugged coastline and many natural wonders. The Brier Island Lodge offers package tours with several whale watching companies.
Whales come to Fundy to feed in the krill-rich waters of the Bay. Depending on the season you may spot pilot, beluga, sperm, blue, finback, minke, humpback and North Atlantic right whales. On any given day a variety of other sea species may be seen including tuna, sea turtle, ocean sunfish, basking sharks, schools of herring, swarms of krill and plankton. Oh yes ... foggy days can be some of the best for exploring marine life on the bay !
Seal Cove is a 15 - 20 minute hike along the rugged Atlantic coast from either the Brier Island Lodge or the Coast Guard station located at the Northern Light. Low tide is the best time to find a party of grey and harbour seals basking on the rocks which form a horseshoe inside the cove. Check with the staff at the lodge for tide tables and directions.
Experience the best of Nova Scotia bird watching along the Bay of Fundy's Atlantic Bird Migratory Flyway. Coastal regions are great sources of entertainment for both avid birders and casual bird watchers. Nova Scotia enjoys a rich compliment of over 400 bird species that appear thoughtout the province. Many (over 170) regularly can be found in our area on a dependable basis from rare, uncommon or common throughout all months of the year.
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With more the 170 speicies spotted (including rarities such as the cattle egrets, Western kingbird, ccarlet tanager, Mississippi kite), Brier Island will surprise and delight the avid or casual bird watcher. Regulars include Leach's storm-petrels, turkey vultures and many species of waterfowl, raptors, owls, warblers, etc.
Spring is a good time to spot arriving migrants and rarities, summer is great for breeding terns and pelagic seabirds. Fall is a good time for everything, but especially for the hawk migration. October's blue skys bring kettles of broad-winged and sharp-shinned hawks drifting across the sky all day heading south. The island is the winter home for coastal birds such as sea ducks, loons, grebes, etc.
Don't forget to try out rockhounding on Brier Island. The island consists of a Basalt rock formation with columns of basalt on the southern shore while the north shore features dolomite with veins of quartz and agate. Shingle and cobble beaches yield agate, jasper, zeolite and amethyst for the avid collector.
Off Island Attractions
On The Bay of Fundy
The famous Balancing Rock is a natural wonder which attracts the attention of thousands of visitors each year. Located on Long Island, just outside of Tiverton, it provides a well marked trail leading to the edge of St. Marys Bay where this spectacular vista awaits you.
Great reasons to stay longer and explore all that there is to see and do nearby in easy day trips.
You'll find it hard to leave such a pristine island. Plan your visit to extend over at least two days. Bring hiking boots, walking sticks, cameras and warm clothing for water tours.
