Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick: Build Your Waterfront Dream in the Canadian Maritimes
Some places don’t just look peaceful. They change your nervous system.
Grand Manan Island, perched out in the Bay of Fundy, is one of those rare spots where life can be both simpler and bigger at the same time: bigger skies, bigger tides, bigger views, and more space to actually breathe. And if your goal is to buy land and build a year-round home or a getaway cabin, Grand Manan is a seriously smart (and still surprisingly attainable) choice. If you’re considering making the leap, working with someone who truly lives the island lifestyle matters. Dan Webster, Fundy Bay Real Estate’s Grand Manan Sales Specialist, has been helping buyers and sellers here for over 18 years.
Why Grand Manan works so well for building a home or retreat
1) Land options that still feel like “old Canada”
Grand Manan offers that increasingly hard-to-find combo: waterfront, water views, privacy, and real breathing room. From wooded acreage to oceanfront lots, buyers can often find parcels that let them design something personal, not cookie-cutter. And because it’s an island, privacy is baked into the geography.
2) A lifestyle that’s calm… but not isolated
Island living doesn’t mean “cut off.” Grand Manan is connected to the mainland by daily ferry service from Blacks Harbour, making weekend trips, supplies, and travel far more practical than many people assume. Once you’re here, the pace shifts. People know each other. Neighbours still wave. The ocean is always doing something amazing in the background.
3) A real economy, not just a retirement postcard
Grand Manan is not only for retirees (though retirees love it too). The island has long-standing industries and employment tied to the water, including fishing and aquaculture, along with tourism and supporting trades and services. That matters for buyers who want:
a full-time move, not only a seasonal escape
local services and year-round community life
the ability to hire local tradespeople and maintain a property long-term
4) Nature that pulls you outside
Grand Manan is famous for whale and seabird watching, rugged coastline, and lighthouse views that look like a film location scout got emotional and started freelancing. If you’re building a getaway, this is exactly the kind of place where your investment is also your mental health plan.
International and American buyers: a key advantage to know
One big question we hear all the time is: “Can non-Canadians buy property in New Brunswick?” Grand Manan has an important advantage. Dan Webster notes that Canada’s foreign buyer ban does not apply to Grand Manan, because exemptions include municipalities under a certain population threshold. (Rules can be nuanced, so you still want guidance specific to your situation.) Translation: Grand Manan is on the shortlist for international buyers who want a Canadian coastal property without unnecessary roadblocks.
Building on Grand Manan: what smart buyers plan for
Buying land is exciting. Building is exciting too… in a “wow, I’ve learned 41 new words like ‘setback’ and ‘culvert’” kind of way. A good purchase plan usually includes thinking about:
- Access and driveway planning (especially for waterfront or wooded lots)
- Power, internet, and water options depending on location
- Septic considerations and soil suitability
- Zoning, permitting, and setbacks
- Wind and weather exposure (coastal reality check, but very doable with the right build style)
- Timeline and logistics for materials coming in by ferry
This is exactly where having a deeply local REALTOR® makes a difference. You don’t just need a listing link. You need someone who understands which questions matter before you fall in love with a view and forget to ask about year-round access.
Why choose Dan Webster with Fundy Bay Real Estate
There are REALTOR®’s who “work an area,” and there are REALTOR®’s who are genuinely part of it. Dan Webster is a long-time Grand Manan resident and a real estate specialist with over 20 years of experience on the island. He’s also backed by Fundy Bay Real Estate Group’s marketing reach and systems, which helps your property search (or future resale) get the visibility it deserves.
Dan is especially valuable if you are:
-
buying vacant land
- searching for waterfront or water-view building opportunities
- purchasing from away and need someone to be your “boots on the ground”
- planning a cottage, cabin, or custom build and want to avoid expensive surprises
You can also browse current Grand Manan listings through Fundy Bay Real Estate’s Grand Manan page and Dan’s listing page, then narrow in on land opportunities from there.
Ready to explore land and build options on Grand Manan?
If you’re picturing a home where your biggest “traffic problem” is a gull judging your snack choices, Grand Manan might be your place.
Reach out to Dan Webster, Grand Manan Island Sales Specialist, Fundy Bay Real Estate Group
Cell: (506) 662-5870
Email: Dan@FundyBayRealEstate.com