St. Andrews: A Historic New Brunswick Gem

Saint Andrews, often shortened to St. Andrews, is a town in Charlotte County, New Brunswick, Canada. It is a seaside resort destination nestled along Passamaquoddy Bay in southern New Brunswick. The town was founded by United Empire Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, and many of its buildings reflect that history. Saint Andrews is known for its beaches, whale-watching tours, and biking adventures on Grand Manan Island. It is also home to the Algonquin Resort, a popular golf resort, and the Huntsman Marine Science Centre. The town has been recognised as a Great Place in Canada by the Canadian Institute of Planners and was named the best place to visit in Canada by USA Today.

Saint Andrews' history

Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, is a town steeped in history. Founded in 1783 by United Empire Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, the town reflects its colonial past in its architecture and street layout. Located in Charlotte County, the town's legal name is spelt "Saint Andrews", though it is often shortened to "St. Andrews" in non-official sources.

The site of the town was originally named Qunnnoskwamk'ook, meaning "long gravel bar" in the Malecite-Passamaquoddy language. The present name, "Saint Andrews", was given by a French missionary who landed at the site on Saint Andrew's Day. Settled by Penobscot Loyalists in 1783, the town's street grid was designed by Charles Morris and has persisted to the present day. The streets bear royal or colonial associations, with thirteen streets named after the children of King George III.

Saint Andrews became a popular seaside resort in the late 1800s and early 1900s, attracting visitors from Montreal and Boston seeking to escape the summer heat. The town's first seaside hotel, the Argyll, opened in 1881, followed by The Algonquin in 1889, which became Canada's first seaside resort. The town also boasts a federal marine research facility, the St. Andrews Biological Station, established in 1908, and the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, founded in 1969.

Saint Andrews has been designated a national historic site in Canada, recognised for its well-preserved characteristics of an 18th-century British colonial settlement. The town's rich history is evident in its defensive sites, public spaces, and architecture, including the original grid layout and market square. The Loyalist presence is particularly strong, with the Loyalist Cemetery dating back to the town's establishment. Saint Andrews' historic Water Street was awarded the "Great Place in Canada" distinction by the Canadian Institute of Planners, and it was named the best place to visit in Canada by USA Today.

Local attractions

St. Andrews, New Brunswick, is a charming, historic town with plenty of attractions for visitors. Here are some of the local highlights:

Kingsbrae Garden

A 24- to 27-acre site of themed gardens, sculptures, playhouses, and even goats and alpacas. It also has a highly-rated cafe.

Water Street & Wharf

St. Andrews' central hub is home to chic shops, art galleries, and cafes. It's the perfect place to grab a coffee and stroll, taking in the local, independent businesses and waterfront views.

Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium

This aquarium packs a lot of information and activities into a small space. There's a touch tank, tidal zone setup, and friendly, knowledgeable staff.

St. Andrews Blockhouse

This little blockhouse offers an informative glimpse into the past, with cannons defending the harbour from American invaders. It also boasts beautiful views of the bay.

Sheriff Andrews House

Once the home of the area's sheriff, this circa-1820 house offers a fascinating insight into history. Visitors can learn about ice storage and how ice cream was made centuries ago, and the tour ends with a 200-year-old cookie recipe.

Charlotte County Archives & Historic Jail

Housed in the old jail, the Charlotte County Archives offers a glimpse into the past, including how prisoners were incarcerated and the two executions that took place in St. Andrews. The majestic building next door features the old courthouse, which closed in 2016.

Oppenheimer-Prager Museum at Dayspring

This unique and beautiful museum showcases momentos and personal items of people who made their mark on Canadian and international culture. It also features spectacular floral paintings by Eva Prager.

Island Quest Marine Whale Watching

Captain Chris, a descendant of fishermen, built the boat used for these tours himself. The trip offers a chance to spot whales, lighthouses, seabirds, and aquafarms, all while learning about the area from an expert crew.

Katy's Cove

This supervised sandy beach offers swimming, volleyball, sandcastles, and stunning views of Passamaquoddy Bay. It's a great family outing, with a small entry fee of $2 during the summer months.

The Algonquin Resort

This elegant resort, established in 1889, has a wrap-around porch and a castle-like appearance. It features inviting social spaces, including a lobby with games and couches. It's known for its excellent dining options, including Braxton’s Restaurant, which serves fresh local produce with a seasonal menu.

Golf and spa resorts

The Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, is a historic hotel that has offered travellers an exquisite stay for over a century. The resort blends the historic charm of the building with modern amenities, providing luxurious and spacious rooms and suites with contemporary style and timeless design.

Golf

The Algonquin Golf Course is ranked among the top 100 courses in Canada, offering breathtaking scenery and beautiful bayside views on a back nine that's unforgettable. The course was first established in 1894 and has been extensively reworked since, most recently by award-winning golf architect Rod Whitman, who redesigned bunkers and connected key holes to the ocean. The result is a brilliant, vibrant course with few peers.

Spa

The Spa at the Algonquin offers replenishing treatments, including hair styling, body and facial treatments, and soothing massages. The spa also has an Aveda Concept Spa, where products and services blend science and nature, providing customised treatments based on individual needs for an overall holistic experience.

Dining

The Algonquin Resort offers exceptional dining experiences, including Braxton's Restaurant & Bar, which serves fresh New Brunswick seafood and locally sourced dishes. The Right Whale Pub offers classic pub fare with a maritime twist, while the Smokehouse BBQ & Bar is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a beverage and BBQ after a round of golf.

Other Amenities

The Algonquin Resort also features an indoor heated pool with a three-story waterslide, an outdoor pool, event spaces, and unique venues for meetings and weddings. The resort is located within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and St. Andrews attractions, providing an unparalleled experience of this charming coastal town.

Whale-watching

Saint Andrews in New Brunswick, Canada, is a great place for whale-watching. The Bay of Fundy, with its twice-daily high tides, attracts a bounty of food, which in turn attracts several species of migratory whales. These include minke, finback, humpback, and the rare North Atlantic right whale. The best time to see these magnificent creatures is during the whale-watching season, which usually starts in mid-June and goes on until mid-October.

There are several companies in Saint Andrews that offer whale-watching tours, each with its own unique features and vessels. Here are some options to consider:

Quoddy Link Marine

Quoddy Link Marine offers Bay of Fundy whale and wildlife cruises departing from Saint Andrews. Their spacious modern power catamaran, the M/V Quoddy Link, provides a comfortable and flexible viewing experience. With its speed and range, the vessel increases your odds of successful whale sightings. In addition to whales, you can also observe seals, porpoises, bald eagles, and various seabirds. Quoddy Link Marine is a family-owned business that prioritises environmental consciousness and provides educational interpretation during the cruise.

Fundy Tide Runners

For a fast-paced and exciting whale-watching adventure, consider Fundy Tide Runners. They operate three Zodiac vessels, including the Tide Runner I and Tide Runner II, which are 24-foot rigid-hulled Zodiac Hurricanes. These boats are designed for speed and agility, ensuring you can cover more ground to find whales and other wildlife. In addition to whales, you'll likely spot harbour seals, harbour porpoises, Atlantic puffins, and various bird species. Fundy Tide Runners offers private charters for a more intimate experience and provides flotation suits for added safety.

Jolly Breeze Whale Adventures

Jolly Breeze offers a unique whale-watching experience with a choice of two vessels: the classic Tall Ship and the VIP Nautica zodiac style boat. The Tall Ship, with its sails and low carbon emissions, provides a more relaxed and environmentally friendly option. The Nautica, on the other hand, caters to those seeking a more adventurous and speedy ride. Jolly Breeze has successfully taken over 150,000 people on whale-watching adventures, with a success rate of over 96% in encountering whales. In addition to whales, you'll sail past seals, lighthouses, and beautiful landscapes.

Cruisin' With The Whales

Join Captain Joel Wilcox and his family aboard Bubs Bounty for a memorable whale-watching experience. They cater to seasoned adventurers and first-time cruisers alike, ensuring an exciting and joyful connection to the ocean. Cruisin' With The Whales operates in the Bay of Fundy, where you might spot the rare North Atlantic killer whale (orca) known as Old Thom, as well as other species such as minke whales and bluefin tuna.

Each of these companies offers a unique perspective on whale-watching in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick. Be sure to consider your preferences for vessel type, speed, and the overall experience you desire when choosing a tour operator.

Travel and accommodation

Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, is a historic seaside town in Canada, located along Passamaquoddy Bay in the southern part of the province. It is about an hour's drive from Saint John, New Brunswick, and five hours from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The nearest border crossings to the United States are 30 kilometres away at St. Stephen or via a ferry at Deer Island.

Saint Andrews is known for its charming, colonial-era architecture, with wide, picturesque streets lined with clapboard churches and houses. The town was founded in 1783 by United Empire Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, and it still retains much of its historical character.

The town offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, and camping grounds. Here are some popular choices:

• The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea: This elegant, historic resort, which first opened in 1889, features an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness centre, and a restaurant. It is known for its commitment to fresh local produce and attention to detail.
• St Andrews Inn & Suites: This seaside hotel features an indoor heated pool and is located just 2953 feet from Kingsbrae Garden. It offers free WiFi and cable TV in its rooms.
• Seaside Beach Resort: This beachfront accommodation provides free private parking and daily room service. It is located close to the 'main drag' of the town but far enough to avoid the hustle and bustle.
• The Montague Rose Inn & Cafe: This inn features garden views and is located within a few blocks of Water Street and the downtown area. It offers free bikes, a shared lounge, and a garden with a deck.
• Kennedy House: A 3-star hotel located in the heart of downtown Saint Andrews, offering city views and access to a terrace, a bar, and a restaurant.
• Chamcook Forest Lodge Bed & Breakfast: Set in a Victorian-style house amid 30 hectares of land at the base of Chamcook Mountain, this B&B offers impressive views and a delicious breakfast.

In addition to these options, there are several other highly-rated hotels, inns, and resorts in Saint Andrews, such as Treadwell Inn, Captain Dan's Shanty, Picket Fence Motel, and The New Brunswick B&B.

When it comes to dining, Saint Andrews boasts award-winning chefs and eateries with breathtaking views of the harbour. Some popular restaurants include:

• Braxton’s Restaurant & Bar: Located within the Algonquin Resort, this restaurant is known for its commitment to fresh local produce and seasonal menu changes.
• The Red Herring Pub: A lively pub offering casual meals like fish and chips, lobster rolls, and deep-fried clams.
• The Clamdigger Seafood Restaurant: A casual spot for seafood and pub fare.
• Rossmount Inn Restaurant: A highly-rated restaurant serving seafood and Canadian cuisine.
• The Chandler Room - Wine Bar & Kitchen: A wine bar and restaurant offering seafood and contemporary dishes.
• The Gables Restaurant: Serving American, Canadian, and vegetarian-friendly dishes.
• Honeybeans Coffee, Tea and Treats: A café serving sweet treats and beverages like the Fundy Fog, a sweet tea with Irish whiskey and vanilla.

Frequently asked questions