Deer Island (New Brunswick)

Deer Island is a Canadian island located in the Bay of Fundy at the entrance to Passamaquoddy Bay.

Elizabeth Rolfe died here in 1635. She was born in 1620 to English colonist John Rolfe and his third wife Jane Pierce. Her husband was John Milner of Nansemond, Virginia.

At 45 km², the island is the largest in the West Isles Parish which had a 2001 population of 851. Deer Island is entirely rural with only one major route which is Route 772. The major communities on the island are Fairhaven, Leonardville and Lords Cove. The economy is primarily driven by the fishing and aquaculture industries although tourism is growing in importance.

The island is famous for playing host to Old Sow, the largest tidal whirlpool in the western hemisphere. Deer Island Point is also popular with scuba divers for its marine life.

The provincially operated Letete to Deer Island Ferry connects Deer Island with Letete on the Canadian mainland throughout the year. During the summer, privately operated ferries operate to the New Brunswick island of Campobello, and to the city of Eastport in the US state of Maine.



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

  • High tide at Deer Island Point.

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

  • Cargo ship sailing by Deer Island Point.

  • Scuba divers at Deer Island Point.

  • CanCat Beach.

  • Scuba divers at CanCat Beach.

Famous quotes containing the words deer and/or island:

    “There is a road that turning always
    Cuts off the country of Again.
    Archers stand there on every side
    And as it runs time’s deer is slain,
    And lies where it has lain.”
    —Edwin Muir (1887–1959)

    “We approached the Indian Island through the narrow strait called “Cook.” He said, “I ‘xpect we take in some water there, river so high,—never see it so high at this season. Very rough water there, but short; swamp steamboat once. Don’t paddle till I tell you, then you paddle right along.” It was a very short rapid. When we were in the midst of it he shouted “paddle,” and we shot through without taking in a drop.”
    —Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)