Castalia Marsh Retreat
For the nature lover, bird watcher, photographer or anyone interested in a unique get-away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, this site will offer the peace and tranquility you have been looking for. Typically, our guests are environmentally aware, creative individuals who want to spend some quality time on Grand Manan enjoying hiking, kayaking, biking, whale watching and browsing through the museums and tiny shops. Castalia, population of around 450, is a quiet and serene island community. It is located five kilometers (three miles) from the ferry landing on the northern half of the island. The salt marsh has a picnic area and beach. It's an excellent location for viewing some of the 391 bird species inhabiting New Brunswick. Harbour and Grey seals swim off the beach at high tide or haul out onto the rocks at low tide.
The Retreat site is five acres of forested land overlooking Swallowtail Lighthouse, the saltwater marsh, the fishing village of North Head and picturesque islands in the Bay of Fundy. It is a safe, warm, and dry environment where one can relax and be surrounded by nature. There is a network of nature trails connecting four small fish and frog ponds and the various cabins and tent platforms. We try to create a supportive environment where people who want to share what they have learned can be actively involved in increasing their knowledge of personal, spiritual, and environmental health or just relax and enjoy the natural beauty. We have a facility ideally suited for hosting workshops or facilitating gatherings focused on personal, spiritual, and environmental health.
