There are places in New Brunswick that you can drive past without realizing just how much there is to discover.
Île aux Foins, also known as Hay Island, is one of those places.
Located near Néguac on New Brunswick’s Acadian Peninsula, this small coastal island offers a beautiful mix of shoreline, marsh, woodland, wildlife and Acadian coastal character. It is the kind of place that rewards you for slowing down and taking your time. (Tourism New Brunswick)
Exploring Île aux Foins
One of the things that makes Île aux Foins interesting is how much landscape is packed into such a small area.
The drive onto the island takes you across the causeway and into a completely different little world. There is shoreline to explore, natural areas to wander through and plenty of opportunities to stop and simply take in the view.
The island is also known for its birdlife, with more than 250 species of local and migratory birds recorded here. That makes it an especially interesting destination for birdwatchers, nature lovers and photographers. (Tourism New Brunswick)
And for photographers, there is no shortage of inspiration.
The coastline, changing light, marshes, trees, water and wildlife all give you something different to look for as you explore.
The Hay Island Lighthouse
One of the most recognizable features of Île aux Foins is its charming lighthouse.
Tucked among the trees, the lighthouse adds a little bit of history and character to the landscape. It is exactly the sort of detail that makes exploring New Brunswick’s smaller coastal destinations so rewarding. (Tourisme Nouveau-Brunswick)
There is also an observation tower where visitors can get a broader view of the surrounding landscape. (Tourism New Brunswick)
A Quiet Place to Slow Down
What I enjoyed most about exploring places like Île aux Foins is that they don’t necessarily need to be complicated.
You don’t need a packed itinerary.
Sometimes the best part of exploring New Brunswick is finding a little road you’ve never taken, getting out of the vehicle and seeing what is there.
Île aux Foins is a great example of that.
The island has walking areas, shoreline, a sandy beach and a boardwalk near the lighthouse, giving you several different ways to explore the area. (Tourisme Nouveau-Brunswick)
For me, these are the places that make getting back out and experiencing New Brunswick again so worthwhile.
There is always another corner of the province to discover.
Photographing New Brunswick
As a photographer, I find myself looking at these places a little differently.
I’m always watching for the way the light hits the water, the details along the shoreline, wildlife moving through the landscape and those little moments that might otherwise be missed.
That’s a big part of what Grey Wolf Productions is about — getting out, exploring and documenting the places that make New Brunswick special.
And sometimes, the best discoveries are the ones that aren’t necessarily on everyone’s list.
Planning Your Own Visit
If you’re exploring the Acadian Peninsula, Île aux Foins is worth adding to your list.
Bring your camera, take your time and give yourself an opportunity to wander.
You never know what you’ll find.
Love New Brunswick landscapes?
Many of the places we photograph while exploring the province eventually make their way into the Grey Wolf Prints collection.
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