Deer Island (New Brunswick) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Deer Island
Country	Canada
Province	New Brunswick
County	Charlotte
Settled	1770
Area
• Total	38.32 km2 (14.80 sq mi)
Population  (2021)
• Total	718
• Density	18.7/km2 (48/sq mi)
• Pop 2016-2021	9.9%
• Dwellings	475

Deer Island is a beautiful island located in the Bay of Fundy in Canada. It is one of the many islands known as the Fundy Islands. You can find it right at the entrance to Passamaquoddy Bay. People first started settling on Deer Island around 1770.

Where is Deer Island?

Deer Island is the largest island in its local area. It covers about 38.32 square kilometers (about 14.8 square miles). In 2021, about 718 people lived on the island. Deer Island has three main communities: Fairhaven, Leonardville, and Lords Cove.

Life on the Island

Younger students on Deer Island go to a primary school right on the island. When they get older, students travel to the mainland. They attend Fundy High School there.

Island Economy

The main ways people make a living on Deer Island are through fishing and aquaculture. Aquaculture is like farming fish or shellfish in the water. Tourism is also becoming more important. Many visitors come to see the island's natural beauty.

The Old Sow Whirlpool

One of the most exciting natural sights near Deer Island is the Old Sow. This is the largest tidal whirlpool in the entire western hemisphere! You can watch it from Deer Island Point Park. A whirlpool is a swirling body of water, and the Old Sow is created by the strong tides of the Bay of Fundy.

Getting Around

The main road on Deer Island is New Brunswick Route 772. Getting to and from the island is easy thanks to ferries.

Ferry Services

The government runs year-round ferries called the Deer Island Princess II and Abnaki II. These ferries connect Deer Island with L'Etete, New Brunswick on the mainland. During the summer, a private company operates another ferry called the Hopper II. This ferry takes people from Cummings Cove on Deer Island to Campobello Island.

Lighthouses

There are two lighthouses on Deer Island. One lighthouse is located in the community of Leonardville. The second lighthouse stands at Deer Island Point. Lighthouses help guide ships safely, especially at night or in foggy weather.

Gallery

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  Ferry crossing between Deer Island (N.B.) and Eastport (ME).

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  High tide at Deer Island Point.

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  Low tide at Deer Island Point with the Old Sow in action.

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  Cargo ship sailing by Deer Island Point.

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  Deer Island Ferry