Also known as the Red Trail, "The Lighthouse Trail" on Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, is a challenging, roughly 44-kilometer point A to B coastal route composed of linked hiking trails following red trail markers. The trail starts at the iconic Swallowtail Lighthouse and finishes at the Southwest Head Lighthouse. The route features rugged cliffs, forests, unique trees, and stunning Bay of Fundy views, passing landmarks like Hole-in-the-Wall and the Whistle Lighthouse, with sections ranging from forested paths to rocky, exposed shorelines. The sections that make up the Lighthouse Trail are the following: Swallowtail Lighthouse to Whale Cove, Whale Cove to The Whistle Lighthouse, Whistle Lighthouse to Dark Harbour and Dark Harbour to Southwest Head.
The western shore of Grand Manan has volcanic origins, which formed the tall, black lava spires along this side of the island. The harsh terrain makes this side of the island much less populated. There are camps and coves along the way but no road along this shore. Dark Harbour is the only paved road that accesses the western shore. Once to the Southwest Head Lighthouse you may continue to the Flock of Sheep trail which adds an extra 2km ending at Pat's Head.
This trail is open to the public year round and is maintained by local volunteers and the Grand Manan Tourist Assoc. Trails. You may purchase a guidebook for the Lighthouse Trail at the Grand Manan Museum.
https://www.hikingnb.ca/Trails/FundyWest/GrandManan/LighthouseTrail.html
