Eastport & the Old Sow

A short drive around the bay from Lubec sits Eastport — a small island city with a working waterfront, an outsized arts scene, and, just offshore, the Old Sow: the largest tidal whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere.

The Easternmost City

Eastport, on Moose Island, is the easternmost city in the US and home to the deepest natural port on the continental coast. Despite its tiny size it has a lively arts community, galleries, and a genuine working waterfront — a rewarding half-day of walking, watching the fishing boats, and browsing. It's about a 40-minute drive from Lubec around the bay.

The Old Sow Whirlpool

Between Eastport and Deer Island churns the Old Sow, the largest tidal whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere — roughly 250 feet across at full strength, created where the Bay of Fundy's giant tides pour over an uneven sea floor. At peak flow it spins, boils, and roars; the smaller swirls around it are nicknamed the 'piglets.'

How to See It

The Old Sow is most active a few hours after low tide, building toward high. You can sometimes glimpse it from shore at Eastport or Deer Island at peak flow, but the sure way is a boat tour that times the tide — several operators run Old Sow and wildlife trips out of Eastport. Always go with a skilled skipper; these waters are genuinely dangerous.

Pair It With the Water

Because the same boats and harbors serve whale watches and wildlife cruises, Eastport is the natural base for a day on the water — combine an Old Sow run with whale watching, then walk the galleries and grab fresh seafood on the pier.