Deer Island History and Little Known Facts (with thanks to Atlantic Coastguide 1998)

Deer Island has been inhabited since 1770.

It is exactly half-way between the Equator and North Pole.

The first Lobster pound in North America was established on Beans Island, located off Deer Island.

Today, several lobster pounds together are capable of storing about 3,000,000 at any one time. However these establishments are primarily for private commercial distribution by tractor-trailer truckloads in Boston, New York etc..

The largest Tidal Whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere (World?) can be viewed from Deer Island Point Campground during each flood tide.

Deer Island is Campobello Island's "missing link" as only during July & August is there a toll car ferry which connects Campobello Island to Canada via Deer Island.

For accommodations, Deer Island offers two motels, one Inn, cottages, and a campground.

There are two licensed restaurants plus one diner.

There are two general stores plus three post offices.

The first Atlantic Salmon sea farm in Atlantic Canada was established in Richardson Harbour.

Whale watching tours and Kayaking are available.

Deer Island is the site of the proposed West Isles Nature & Marine Park.

Beachcombing is at the top of everyone's list, with bird watching and cycling being two favourite past times.

Deer Island is a photographer's paradise. Each turn in the road presents an opportunity to create an "original masterpiece".

Of the four ferries, two are operated year around at taxpayer's expense and two toll ferries operate during summer only to Campobello and Eastport.

Rock formations include "The Devil's Hand" and "Circle of Love". The former formation is best viewed by car off the main road to Nor-West Harbour and the latter by boat on Passamaquoddy Bay.

Deer Island's population - 1,000 souls.

Deer Island had one of the first privately operated telephone companies in New Brunswick with a link to Eastport Maine.

Admiral Harding had tea on Deer Island (War of 1812). He later took the British fleet to Washington D.C., for a "weiner roast" and house warming. 

Several public wharves afford an opportunity to go Flounder fishing at your own leisure using your own fishing tackle.

Although hiking trails are not "official" some local residents may be "unofficially" willing to show you around and about "the masterpiece of our picture province". 

During World War Two, several German Submarine Sailors were rumoured to have come ashore to secretly attend a local dance.