Just 6.5 km (4 mi.) long and 2.5 km (1.5 mi.) wide, Brier Island is renowned for its natural beauty. There are gravel roads leading to two of the island's lighthouses: the Western Light and the Northern Point Light. There are also hiking trails that lead around the island to places of pristine beauty like Pea Jack Cove. The island's primary community, Westport (pop.321), is a major fishing port on the Bay of Fundy and has become a Visitor Information Centre for the hundreds of visitors who visit Brier Island to go whale-watching.

Popular whale-watching cruises are available throughout the area from June to September. Sightings of Finback Whales, Minke Whales and Atlantic White-Sided Dolphins are common. You may also see Humpback Whales and endangered North Atlantic Right Whales.

Located on the Atlantic Fly-way, Brier Island is also popular for watching numerous species of sea birds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. The fall migration attracts bird watchers from all over North America and Europe. Along the island's south shore, huge blocks of basalt create a surreal effect, and throughout the island the profusion of wild flowers, including rare wild orchids, is a reminder that the island is a sensitive ecological treasure.