New Brunswick is a province located in eastern Canada that boasts a rich diversity of wildlife and natural landscapes.
One of the most beloved species found in the region is the puffin, a charismatic seabird that draws visitors from around the world to observe its distinctive black and white plumage and comical behaviour.
If you’re interested in seeing puffins in New Brunswick, there are a few different locations where you may be able to spot them, including Machias Seal Island, Grand Manan Island, and other coastal areas.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to see puffins in New Brunswick, as well as some recommendations for tour operators and other tips for making the most of your puffin-watching experience.
Where can you see puffins in New Brunswick?
Puffins are beloved seabirds with distinctive black and white plumage, bright orange beaks, and comical personalities.
If you’re interested in seeing these charismatic birds in New Brunswick, there are a few different locations where you may be able to spot them.
Here’s a detailed overview of where to look for puffins in New Brunswick, including some information on Grand Manan Island.
Machias Seal Island
Machias Seal Island is a small, uninhabited island located about 19 kilometers southeast of Grand Manan Island.
This island is one of the best places in the region to see puffins, as it hosts a breeding colony of these birds during the summer months.
To visit Machias Seal Island, you’ll need to take a boat tour from either Grand Manan or mainland New Brunswick.
Once you arrive on the island, you’ll be able to observe puffins and other seabirds up close from blinds that are set up near their nesting areas.
Grand Manan Island
While Machias Seal Island is the most famous spot for puffin-watching in the area, Grand Manan Island is another good place to see these birds.
The island is home to a few smaller puffin colonies, which can be observed from the shore or from boat tours.
The waters surrounding Grand Manan are also a great place to see other seabirds, such as gannets, shearwaters, and murres.
Other Coastal Locations
Along with Machias Seal Island and Grand Manan Island, there are other coastal locations in New Brunswick where you may be able to spot puffins.
For example, the town of St. Andrews is known for its whale watching tours, but these tours also offer opportunities to see puffins, especially in the early summer months.
Similarly, the town of Alma, located near Fundy National Park, offers boat tours that pass by coastal cliffs where puffins and other seabirds nest.
Overall, if you’re interested in seeing puffins in New Brunswick, there are a few different options to choose from.
Machias Seal Island is the most well-known puffin-watching spot in the region, but Grand Manan Island and other coastal locations are also worth exploring.
Wherever you go, be sure to bring binoculars and a camera to capture these charming birds in action!
Are Puffins Dangerous?
Puffins are not dangerous and may seem harmless creatures to approach. They do not bite or peck like other birds because they have no teeth.
They spend much of their time preening their feathers, which are short and thick, so they don’t shed feathers when preening, making them a very clean bird. Their feathers are an iridescent blue colour and serve as a waterproof covering for the puffin.
Puffins mate for life and only form new pair bonds to replace lost partners. The nest is built by both the male and female Puffin.
New Brunswick Puffin Tours
New Brunswick Puffin Tours offer visitors the chance to see these delightful birds up close and personal.
Whether you’re interested in visiting Machias Seal Island, Grand Manan Island, or other coastal locations in the area, there are a variety of tour operators that can help you make the most of your puffin-watching experience.
When choosing a tour, it’s important to look for one that is led by knowledgeable and experienced guides, who can help you learn more about the birds and their habitat.
Additionally, you’ll want to consider factors like the size of the tour group, the length of the tour, and the types of boats and equipment that are used.
Some recommended tour operators in the area include Sea Watch Tours, Fundy Tide Runners, and Island Quest Marine.
No matter which tour you choose, a puffin-watching adventure in New Brunswick is sure to be a memorable experience.
