About the Name Grand Manan

The name “Manan” is believed to be derived from the Maliseet-Passamaquoddy-Penobscot term “man-an-ook,” meaning “island place” or simply “the island.”

Located just over 30 km off the southwestern coast of New Brunswick, Grand Manan is the largest of the Fundy Islands and home to a close-knit community of just over 2,400 people.

For generations, the island’s way of life has been closely connected to the sea. Lobster and herring fishing remain important industries, while Grand Manan has also attracted visitors from around the world for more than a century.

Artists and photographers come here year after year to capture the island’s timeless fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, and rugged shorelines. Birdwatchers are drawn by the remarkable variety of species found along the island’s coast and wetlands, while nature lovers come in hopes of seeing whales—including the endangered North Atlantic right whale—in their natural habitat.

But Grand Manan offers more than spectacular scenery and wildlife. It offers something increasingly rare: a chance to slow down.

Here, the rhythm of the tides, the sound of the sea, and the character of an authentic island community invite visitors to step away from the fast pace of everyday life and simply enjoy the beauty of Grand Manan.

The Marathon Hotel

Welcome to the Marathon Hotel, proudly welcoming guests since 1871—and continuously open for more than 150 years.

The Marathon Hotel is one of the most unique places to stay on Grand Manan Island, offering guests a rare historic hotel experience where heritage, comfort, and island charm come together.

Since 1871, the Marathon Hotel has remained continuously open, without interruption, welcoming generations of travelers to Grand Manan. Through more than a century and a half of changing times, the hotel has remained an important part of the island’s history and hospitality tradition.

Originally built by a retired sea captain, the hotel has been lovingly preserved, retaining much of the timeless character and leisurely atmosphere of a historic coastal inn. Generations of travelers have passed through its doors, making the Marathon Hotel not simply a place to stay, but part of the Grand Manan experience itself.

Step back in time as you discover antiques and period décor that reflect the spirit of another era. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with genuine island hospitality and attentive, personal service.

Our bright and inviting guest rooms feature private bathrooms, with many offering beautiful views of the harbour. Whether you come to explore Grand Manan’s rugged coastline, discover its rich maritime heritage, watch birds and whales, or simply relax and enjoy the slower pace of island life, your comfort is our priority.

A wonderful destination for travelers of all ages, Grand Manan offers a safe and enriching environment for families, as well as a peaceful escape for adults seeking to disconnect from the fast pace of everyday life.

For more than 150 years, the Marathon Hotel has been part of Grand Manan’s story. Come stay where generations of travelers have stayed before you—and become part of that story yourself.