We have personally traveled this route and compiled all the details you need for a successful trip. We traveled back to Maine this year, 2025 and brought you all the updates on each spot, today in 2026. Renowned Photographer’s Maine & Canada Travel Photography Itinerary. This year, we added Grand Manan Island and our Puffin Boat tours and a few others.
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May my works guide photographers illuminating their path toward creating impactful images that show the raw beauty and essence of life in all its transcendent glory. —Pamela Goodyer
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO GO?
We like the Milky Way season the best. From summer or early fall until October, you can combine all these great spots with the Milky Way. Photographing the Milky Way is an incredible experience, and we highly recommend it. But if you want to see the Puffins you must go before they head out to sea in August, so July and Early August are best but make sure the Milky Way is visible too by checking the new moon map. The new Moon date and generally ten days before it is when we go. But.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND AT EACH LOCATION?
That depends on how long you’d like to stop at each spot, how deeply you want to explore, and how intensely you photograph. We like to photograph every little nook and cranny and explore in great detail, so we plan on spending more time at each stop than the average tourist. Look at the photographs and decide how long you want to stay at each location.
WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR SHOULD I BRING?
The most important gear is your wide-angle DSLR and your tripod. There are many moving waters along this route, and you can use your tripod to set up your camera and get the milky water effects. You also want to have everything ready to do your Milky Way photography. A zoom lens is essential. There are whales, eagles, and different types of birds, so a zoom lens is a must especially if you are going to see the puffins.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BRING
Bring bug spray, a good pair of hiking boots, and some cold-weather gear. The temperature drops at night and can get quite cold in Maine.
HOW BUSY DOES IT GET?
We did not find it busy during our trip to this area. There were not a lot of humans around; it was just how we liked it. It was easy to find places to stay. But we went midweek. We always suggest going midweek when photographing tourist locations—and, of course, off-season, not during the summer rush. Grand Manan was not busy at all but you MUST book your boat tour very early in the season.
A renowned photographers itinerary guide
Start at Acadia National Park and travel up to Fundy Trail, Canada. Are you ready for a Maine and Canada Travel Photography Adventure? This is an incredible photography trip to take in the spring, summer, or fall months. We like summer best, so we can photograph our puffin friends.
Maine is the least densely populated U.S. state east of the Mississippi River. It is known as the Pine Tree State; approximately 83% of its land is forested. It has several unique geographical features. Machias Seal Island and North Rock are off their easternmost points. Also in this easternmost area in the Bay of Fundy is the Old Sow, the largest tidal whirlpool in the western hemisphere.
We couldn’t travel as far as Fundy National Park, but we highly recommend that you don’t skip this location if you can.
Milky Way Photographers: The skies are some of the darkest on east coast. Try to plan your trip around the new moon.
TIP: You will see one image where we had a dirty sensor. Can you spot it? You will see a circle in the images when dirt gets on the sensor. Get to know how to clean your sensor and bring a kit with you. But beware… You must really know what you’re doing to not damage the camera. Or have it cleaned before you go.
The first incredible photography location you must see is Acadia National Park. Plan on a good full three days to photograph this fantastic location. Plenty is still happening here if your family is with you and they are not photography buffs.
Acadia National Park is our second pick for a photography location on the continent. For more details, visit our Acadia National Park Photography Hot Spot Locations. Acadia – Jordon Pond – Acadia Thunder Hole – Acadia Bass Harbor Lighthouse – Maine Photography Hot Spots
Fees & Reservations: All entrance fees are valid for seven days. Everyone visiting Acadia National Park needs to pay entry fees, except visitors who are 15 years or younger; they can enter the park free of charge—fees for the park.
Don’t be fooled by the Acadia N.P. General information page. It has a moose on a web page. You shouldn’t plan on seeing any moose here. You have to go north for that.
The pass is only valid for entrance fees at Acadia National Park—$ 35.00 per vehicle.
All visitors at Acadia National Park must have and display a park entrance pass from their vehicle.
We have now included Grand Manan Island below the red marker.
HOW TO GET THERE – BANGOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Bangor International Airport is 48 miles from Acadia National Park. You can rent a car and head out on your journey. You can also fly into Hancock County, Bar Harbor, Maine, but you will pay more. We covered every last spot in four days. But we are obsessive photographers, staying in one place for hours. Be sure to do all of the islands. Route 102 goes around the west side of the aisle in a loop, and there are many spots along the way to photograph. This is the spot the sun hits first in the USA in the morning. You have to be somewhere on the east side of the park on the water for an incredible experience and photography.
PUFFIN TOURS IN MAINE
After Acadia National Park, head northeast to set sail on a puffin tour near Machias Seal Island. This is a great stop on your travel photography adventure!
We suggest you go to Grand Manan Island and photograph both lighthouses with the Milky Way and take the boat from there to Machias Seal Island to land on the island and photograph the puffins from the bird blind.
MACHIAS SEAL ISLAND
Machias Seal Island is in the Gulf of Maine, about 9.9 miles southeast of Cutler, Maine. This area is a popular place to go on Puffin tours. The season starts in May and runs through mid-August. There is also a great lighthouse on the island to photograph, which was constructed there in 1832. You can also get to the island from Grand Manan Island; they have a boat tour. We went on it two times in two days. Book twice in case of bad weather.
WEST QUODY HEAD
Along the famous rock-bound coast of Maine are lighthouses, beaches, fishing villages, and thousands of offshore islands, including the Isles of Shoals, which straddle the New Hampshire border. There are jagged rocks and cliffs, and many bays and inlets. Inland are lakes, rivers, forests, and mountains. West Quody head area is top spot to stop and do photography.
Lubec, Maine, is the easternmost town in the USA and home to The Quoddy Lighthouse – a must-see attraction. But that’s not all; take a quick trip over The Roosevelt International Bridge, and you’ll find yourself in Canada on Campobello Island. Here, you can explore two lighthouses and spot majestic eagles and whales. For the best experience, stay at Pollock Cove Cottages, run by a friendly family who will ensure you have the perfect sunrise photography spot. And don’t be surprised if you see nine eagles flying by in the morning!
A SUNRISE & SUNSET AREA
For a unique overnight stay, check out Herring Cove Provincial Park, where rustic cabins on the water come at an unbeatable price. Make sure to spend a day here to catch sunrise and sunset photos. And no visit to Lubec would be complete without stopping at Roosevelt Provincial Park, bursting with beautiful flower colors. Take a ferry ride to Deer Island and then another boat to the mainland, where you can continue your journey to St. Martin and Fundy Trail – more adventures await!
Campobello Island – You can photograph lighthouses, eagles, whales and more.
All of the boat docks and rugged coastal points are worth seeing. On this particular sunny day, the colors seemed dynamic everywhere we explored. The whole island has photographic opportunities.
ROOSEVELT CAMPOBELLOW INT’L PARK – Parc international Roosevelt de Campobello
ADDRESS: 459 NB-774, Welshpool, NB E5E 1A4, Canada
The Park is open for the season from mid-May to mid-October, from sunrise to sunset.
EAST CODY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE AND ROOSEVELT HOUSE
Be sure to bring your zoom lens to all these areas on Campobello Island. There were several eagles and many seals to photograph along the bay at the foot of the lighthouse. Roosevelt’s House is excellent for macro photography. As the pictures show, there are many flowers to photograph. The red building is educational on the inside and a dynamic photography subject with its bright red outside. A general rule of thumb in photography is to shoot anything red. (East Cody Head Lighthouse Image above)
ROOSEVELT CAMPOBELLOW INT’L PARK
Parc international Roosevelt de Campobello
459 NB-774, Welshpool, NB E5E 1A4, Canada
The Park is open for the season from mid-May until mid-October, from sunup to sundown.
MULHOLLAND POINT LIGHTHOUSE
(Image above)Mulholland Point Lighthouse was built in 1885. Although the lighthouse is not open to the public, you can walk around it. There is a marine Life exhibit in an old fishing shed, many harbor seals, and some great colors for dynamic photography.
Location: On the west side of Campobello Island, about 1/4 mile north of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Bridge near Welshpool, NB
St. Martine is a charming little town along the Bay of Fundy coastline.
Your next travel photography journey spot. While passing through this little town, you can explore the sea caves and photograph a covered bridge and a small lighthouse on land. They have some cute little inexpensive cabins with TVs, beds, and heat to stay in if you are on a budget. There are two campgrounds on the beach, which is also an excellent location for sunrise photography. After that, it’s time to head north.
Spend a day photographing Campobello Island, then head to St. Martin and the Fundy Trail. To save time, take a Ferry from Deer Island and drive north to the next ferry to the mainland. Along the way are boat docks and one small country corner store. We discovered new photography opportunities while waiting for the ferry by wandering around behind the restaurant. On the boat ride, you’ll pass a lighthouse that is worth photographing. You won’t miss the sea caves when you arrive on Main Street in St. Martin. There is a restaurant here, but we did not have time to stop since it closes at five. We spent the night in a cozy cabin on the beach for only 40 dollars before heading to Fundy Trail the next day.
Don’t miss this incredible spot just a short distance from the suspension bridge on Fundy Trail. This stop is towards the back of the park. You’ll spot a parking lot that serves as your landmark. The area will be instantly familiar from our slideshow images below. Vibrant colors and varied textures await along this brief walk near the stream that flows into The Bay of Fundy—truly one of the park’s crown jewels. Our slideshow features multiple images from this central area, showcasing its photographic potential.
It is a 12-kilometer scenic route along the coastline of New Brunswick. The trail offers views of the Bay of Fundy and a chance to see some of the local wildlife. When you reach the bridge area, head over to the coast to see the incredible view. (see the rocks on the beach image)
WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO FIND ON THE FUNDY TRAIL?
The scenery is gorgeous, and the wildlife is fantastic. There are a few things to remember when taking photos in the area. First, the light can be very harsh, so using a filter or shooting in the early morning or late evening is essential for silky water shots. And do not forget your ten-stop Neutral density filter. Second, there are numerous bugs, so it is advisable to wear organic bug spray. Third, the trail can be very muddy, so it is essential to wear appropriate footwear. Lastly, have fun and enjoy the experience.
WHAT SHOULD I PHOTOGRAPH?
There are many beautiful spots inside the park to photograph. Here are a few of our favorites: the headlands. These cliffs offer views of the Bay of Fundy and its dramatic tides. Be sure to bring your tripod to get the best shots. The beaches here are perfect for photography, whether you want to photograph the crashing waves or the tranquil tide pools. Just be careful not to get too close to the edge. The dense forest uniquely contrasts with the ocean views. Look for exciting fungi, mosses, and lichens. Wildlife is abundant here, including deer, bald eagles, and ospreys. Keep your camera ready so you don’t miss a shot.
WHEN SHOULD I GO TO FUNDY TRAIL?
The best time to visit is during the summer when the weather is warm and the trails are open. However, fall and spring are also great places to see, as the temperatures are cooler and the leaves change.
HOW DO I GET TO FUNDY TRAIL?
This beautiful coastal route takes you through some of the province’s most beautiful scenery, including the Bay of Fundy. Here’s how to get there: Take Route 1 from Moncton to Alma. This will take you through some of New Brunswick’s picturesque farmland. At Alma, take a right onto Route 114 and follow it until it dead-ends at the Fundy Trail Parkway. Follow the Fundy Trail Parkway until it ends at the Bay of Fundy. This is where you’ll find some of the most incredible views in New Brunswick. Be sure to stop at one of the many lookout points along the way to snap some photos!
Before you leave for your trip, you can use this as a checklist to ensure you have everything you need.
LIGHT POLLUTION MAP:
CAMERA:
You will need a camera to manually control your ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.
LENS:
A fast, wide-angle lens of 1.4 – 2.8 is ideal. If you use a 3.5 or higher (slower lens), you must increase the ISO. The higher the ISO, the more grain or digital noise will appear in your photos.
TRIOPD:
A good, sturdy tripod is essential for night photography. If it gets windy, you will need a sturdy one. Remember that when you buy one, it should be sturdy enough to withstand the wind but small enough to fit in your suitcase.
SKY MAP:
Sky Guide is available through the iTunes Store for $1.99. It has a 5 out of 5-star rating on both the current (3.2) version (1200+ ratings) and all previous versions (8600+ ratings).
FLASHLIGHT:
Our choice is the Coast brand for flashlights. The ideal flashlight will have high lumens, and you can zoom in and out on the light it emits. Get the HP7, PX45, or G50. Ideally, go with the HP7. The HP&R 300 is the ideal flashlight for Milky Way photography.
MOON PHAZE MAP:
The best time to go is during a new moon; you want to be in the darkest area possible. The week before the new moon, when the moon has not risen, is a perfect time to go, so be sure to check the moonrise chart to see when the moon will be up.
REMOTE SHUTTER RELEASE:
When painting with light and over a 30-second exposure, you must have a shutter release to use your bulb mode. You can use the remote release or your camera’s built-in two-second timer when exposing your pictures.
The best images are usually of the dense part of the Milky Way. We can see this part of the Milky Way in the southern sky. During March, April, and May, the Milky Way rises above the horizon in the pre-dawn hours. In June, at about 10:30 p.m., you will see the Milky Way. From July until October, you can see the Milky Way as soon as the sun sets, and it becomes dark enough to see about an hour after sunset. In November, the Milky Way no longer comes above the horizon. You will have to wait until March if you want to stay awake really late or get up early to see her again.
See our Milky Way Hot Spot Locator and our Night Photography Information.
Fees are waived at Acadia National Park on the following days:
