Explore Saint Andrews, New Brunswick

Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, is a charming seaside town with a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Founded in 1783 by United Empire Loyalists, the town boasts a rich history and turn-of-the-century charm, with well-preserved buildings and scenic streets. A stroll along Water Street, awarded the Great Place in Canada distinction, offers a glimpse into the past with its quaint cafes, boutiques and art galleries. For nature lovers, the Bay of Fundy provides stunning views, high tides, and whale-watching opportunities. Adventure seekers can explore hiking trails, beaches, and historic sites like Ministers Island. Foodies will delight in the award-winning restaurants and seafood, while golfers can tee off at the renowned Algonquin Golf Course. With its vibrant culture, festivals, and entertainment, Saint Andrews has something for everyone, making it a premier vacation destination in New Brunswick.

Explore Passamaquoddy Bay and its untamed islands by car, foot or kayak

Passamaquoddy Bay is an inlet of the Bay of Fundy, between southwestern New Brunswick, Canada, and southeastern Maine, USA, at the mouth of the St. Croix River. The largest community on the bay is St. Andrews, New Brunswick, a town with an undeniable air of tranquillity.

Exploring Passamaquoddy Bay and its untamed islands is a great way to experience the natural beauty and history of the area. Here are some ways to do that by car, foot, or kayak:

By Car

One option for exploring Passamaquoddy Bay by car is to drive to Deer Island, which is a short drive and ferry crossing from Saint John, New Brunswick. Deer Island is one of the southern islands in Passamaquoddy Bay and offers the perfect spot for kayaking. Another option is to drive to Ministers Island, which is accessible by car, foot, or bicycle via a 1km drive along the seafloor at low tide. Ministers Island was once the summer estate of Sir William Van Horne, the railroad builder behind Canada's first transcontinental railroad. The island is home to a 50-room house, Covenhoven, as well as a circular bathhouse and a tidal saltwater swimming pool.

By Foot

For those who enjoy walking, there are scenic walking trails on Ministers Island that offer fabulous views across Passamaquoddy Bay. In addition, the town of St. Andrews has wide picturesque streets lined with clapboard churches and houses that are perfect for exploring on foot. Water Street and the Wharf are particularly charming, with chic shops, art galleries, and cafes.

By Kayak

For those who want to get out on the water, kayaking is a popular activity in Passamaquoddy Bay. Seascape Kayak Tours on Deer Island offers tours for all levels of experience and ability. Kayakers can paddle around the sheltered harbour and then venture out into the open waters of the Bay of Fundy, taking in the surrounding natural beauty. Bean Island is a popular destination, with a beach for pulling up kayaks and enjoying a picnic.

Visit the historic Water Street, home to boutiques, art galleries and cafes

Water Street in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, shopping, art, or food. This charming street, nestled along the coast of the peninsula, is known for its old-fashioned Maritime charm. Here are some things to do and see on Water Street:

Boutiques and Shops

Water Street is home to a variety of unique boutiques and shops, offering everything from fashion to antiques. You can browse for gifts and souvenirs or simply admire the local, independent businesses that line the street.

Art Galleries

For art lovers, Water Street is a treat. It's home to several art galleries, including the Bertha Day Art & Craft Gallery and Trinity Galleries, which showcase local artists' paintings, sculptures, and other mediums. You can also find the Jarea Art Studio on Water Street, which offers art classes for beginners and advanced artists.

Cafes and Restaurants

Take a break from exploring and indulge in the culinary delights that Water Street has to offer. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Station on King, or opt for something lighter like their homemade yoghurt, best enjoyed on their front patio. For lunch or dinner, try The Red Herring Pub, a local favourite known for its lively atmosphere and delicious seafood. If you're craving something sweet, head to Honeybeans, a café loved by locals, for a mug of Fundy Fog—a sweet tea with Irish whiskey and vanilla.

Water Street Wharf

After exploring Water Street, take a stroll down to the Water Street Wharf, where you can unwind and spend time along the waterfront. The wharf is a central hub in Saint Andrews, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the town's maritime history.

Historic Buildings

As you wander along Water Street, you'll be surrounded by historic buildings that reflect the town's rich past. Saint Andrews was founded in 1783 by United Empire Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, and many of the original buildings from that era still stand today. The street's architectural charm and sense of history earned it the "Great Place in Canada" distinction by the Canadian Institute of Planners.

Take a whale-watching tour in the Bay of Fundy

Saint Andrews in New Brunswick is a great place to go whale-watching in the Bay of Fundy. The Bay of Fundy is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America, with the highest tides in the world, rugged shorelines, and a diverse group of whales. The town of Saint Andrews is the gateway to the Bay of Fundy, offering scenic views, high tides, and stunning coastlines and beaches.

Whale-watching tours in the Bay of Fundy offer a unique opportunity to observe some of the largest and rarest whale species in the world. The best time to go whale-watching is during the summer months, particularly from mid-June through August, when minke, finback, and humpback whales can be spotted. The rare North Atlantic right whale, the most endangered whale species, can be seen in August and September. Other whale species that are occasionally sighted include the sei whale, pilot whale, blue whale, sperm whale, killer whale, and Beluga whale.

There are different types of vessels used for whale-watching tours, each offering a unique experience. Zodiacs, for example, bring you closer to the water surface, while converted fishing boats, catamarans, and motor/sailing vessels provide a smoother ride and shelter from the elements. The Jolly Breeze Tall Ship, operated by Jolly Breeze Whale Adventures, is a great option for families, offering pirate costumes, face painting, and honorary captain's certificates for kids, as well as a licensed bar for adults.

When going on a whale-watching tour, it is important to dress warmly as the ocean breezes can be cool, even in the summer. Binoculars and cameras can enhance your experience, allowing you to get a closer look at these magnificent creatures. Reservations are often required, so be sure to plan ahead.

In addition to whale-watching, Saint Andrews offers a charming small-town experience with chic shops, art galleries, and cafes along Water Street and the Wharf. The town also boasts historic sites such as the St. Andrews Blockhouse and the United Empire Loyalist Burial Site. Nature lovers can explore the trails and beaches, visit the Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium, or discover the Wild Salmon Nature Centre.

Discover the history of St Andrews at the Charlotte County Archives

St Andrews, New Brunswick, is steeped in history, and the Charlotte County Archives is the place to go to discover it. Housed in the historic county jail, the Archives' collection reflects the diversity, experience, and achievements of the people of Charlotte County. The atmospheric building, constructed in 1832 from 2.5-foot-thick grey granite blocks, was once a claustrophobic prison, with cells completely closed in by granite, except for a narrow iron door. Today, visitors can explore the jail and courthouse at their own pace, or take a guided tour.

The Archives' vault contains over 90,000 documents, with archival materials dating from the 18th to the 21st centuries. Visitors have access to more than 25,000 photographs, from the 1850s to the present day, as well as over 170 shelf metres of maps, diaries, architectural drawings, albums, ledgers, ships' logs, deeds, and more. The research room includes family histories, a small library of books relevant to the history of the area, and microfilmed versions of regional newspapers dating back to the 1820s. Many of these newspapers have been indexed for births, deaths, and marriages, making the Archives a fascinating resource for genealogists and anyone interested in local history.

The Charlotte County Archives also offers a glimpse into the Loyalist history of Saint Andrews. When New Brunswick was partitioned from Nova Scotia in 1784, Charlotte County was established as one of the new province's original eight counties, accommodating United Empire Loyalists fleeing the United States after the Revolutionary War. The Archives holds audiovisual materials and short videos that capture the history of the county and its people, including iconic moments such as Princess Diana and Prince Charles' visit to St. Andrews in 1983 and the Queen's Coronation Parade down Water Street in 1953.

The Courthouse, designed by Thomas Berry and built in 1840, is a classical-revival style building and a provincial and national heritage site. It was once the focal point for community activities and the oldest courthouse in continuous use until 2016. Today, visitors can step back in time as they walk the dimly lit gaol corridor and face the judge's chair.

Enjoy the scenery at Kingsbrae Garden

Kingsbrae Garden is a multi-award-winning horticultural masterpiece, ranked by Trip Advisor as the number one thing to do in Saint Andrews. With over 50,000 perennials in themed gardens, ponds, streams, old-growth Acadian forest, animals, and birds, Kingsbrae Garden is a must-see for nature lovers. The garden is a celebration of Saint Andrews' heritage of fine gardens, featuring both old and new gardening styles.

Plan your visit accordingly

Kingsbrae Garden is typically open from mid-May to mid-October, with the final day of the season falling on October 15th. The garden is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is recommended to set aside 2-3 hours for your visit, especially if you plan to dine at the on-site café.

Explore the themed gardens and natural features

Stroll through the various themed gardens, including the Perennial and Senses Gardens, and admire the vibrant flowers, plants, and trees. Take a break in the natural area halfway through your visit to immerse yourself in the old-growth Acadian forest and enjoy the peaceful streams and ponds. Keep an eye out for the animals that call Kingsbrae Garden home, such as goats and alpacas.

Discover the art and sculptures

Beyond its horticultural wonders, Kingsbrae Garden is also an art lover's paradise. The garden features dozens of remarkable sculptures, an annual National Sculpture Competition, and a stunning art studio. Participate in interactive classes to learn more about the art and gain a deeper appreciation for the creative side of the garden.

Dine at the Garden Café

Refuel and recharge at the Garden Café, where multi-award-winning Chef Alex Haun prepares fine cuisine using the freshest local products from New Brunswick. The café is highly popular, so reservations are recommended. After your meal, browse the unique items in the gift shop to find the perfect souvenir or Christmas present.

Accessibility and pet policy

Kingsbrae Garden is committed to accommodating members of the disabled community. They offer guided golf cart tours for those with mobility challenges, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the garden. The garden is also pet-friendly, allowing leashed dogs to accompany their owners on a stroll through the grounds.

Frequently asked questions