Hiking the Park Trails

Visitors Welcome!

Hole-in-the-Wall

Day Pass and Trail Map

Enjoy a visit to the Hole-in-the-Wall and the viewing decks on the Red Trail (red markings on stones and trees) along the Bay of Fundy’s coastline. Secure footwear is required. If your group includes children, adults always in the lead, children followers.

Park staff will greet you at the Reception Area where you will purchase a Day Pass, obtain a trail map and helpful tips to ensure an enjoyable hike through the forest trails and Bay of Fundy cliff-side trails.

  • Washrooms and potable water are available at the Reception Area.
  • Grand Manan and the Bay of Fundy are pristine eco-systems. Garbage and recycling bins are located at the Reception Area.
  • Pets must be on a leash at all times.
  • Reception open during camping season.

Directions to the Reception Area — 1 km (0.6 mi) from Ferry

  1. Upon disembarking the ferry, turn right at the stop sign on Route 776.
  2. Turn left on Old Airport Road following the North Head Campground & Park signs.

Park Trail System

Hike to 3 Popular Destinations on The Red Trail

Park Trail System

Trail Head Parking to Hole-in-the-Wall

Approximately 30–40 minutes round trip — This popular trail begins at the Trail Head Parking, through a wooded trail to the cliffs at the ocean, then left to the famous Hole-in-the-Wall (“HITW” on signs). The egg-shaped hole was carved by the ocean probably 10,000 years ago and its base is just at the high tide line. The rugged cliffs that surround the rock formation are themselves worthy of a visit — and more photos. The Bay of Fundy laps below and on the horizon to the north are the Fundy Isles, the coast of Maine and easterly, mainland New Brunswick. Retrace the trail to the Trail Head Parking.

Hole-in-the-Wall to Fish Head Deck and Bull’s Eddy Deck

Approximately 60–90 minute return to the Trail Head Parking — Retrace your path from the Hole-in-the-Wall for a short distance and rather than following the path to the right returning to the Trail Head Parking, continue along the Red Trail. With the ocean on your left, continue for about 20 minutes until you arrive at the strategically placed Fish Head Deck. After taking a selfie with the 60-foot cliffs as a backdrop, in approximately 15 minutes the Bull’s Eddy will be the next viewing stop. Swallowtail Lighthouse will be visible to the south — another great photo opportunity. If you wish to end your hike at Bull’s Eddy Deck, retrace your steps to the Trail Head Parking. If you are walking, use your trail map and follow the Park signs to return to the Park Reception Area.

Bull’s Eddy Deck to Swallowtail Lighthouse Road

Approximately 60 minutes — The magnificent vistas continue on the Red Trail with views of Swallowtail Lighthouse popping in and out. Take advantage of short trails to explore dramatic rock formations close to the ocean. Pick a comfortable rock and listen for whales — Minkes, Finbacks, Humpbacks. Continue on the Red Trail to the paved Swallowtail Lighthouse Road. Turn left to visit the majesty of the geography and Swallowtail Lighthouse or right to the Old Airport Road. Hole-in-the-Wall to Swallowtail Lighthouse Road distance is hard to calculate so an approximate time of 2 hours one way is a verified guide.

The Discovery Trail — Fun for Kids of all Ages!

When you check in at the Reception Area, the children in your party will be provided with a Discovery Guide. The discovery points are placed along the popular trail from the Trail Head Parking Area to the Hole-in-the-Wall rock formation. It is named the Discovery Trail as the hidden objects (maybe a bunny or a frog!) are discovered. Circle the item on your Discovery Guide checklist. Imagine faces, shapes, maybe even a person with red hair in the rock formation of Hole-in-the-Wall! Don’t forget to yell “Thar she blows!” if you spot a whale in Whale Cove (it is named Whale Cove for a reason)! As your hike is complete, stop at the Reception Area where the young detectives are rewarded with a treat as they show their Discovery Guide checklist to the Park staff!

Hiking Day Pass Rates

  • Per person: $5 ($4.35 + $0.65 HST)
  • Children Under 12: FREE
  • Check with staff for group rate