St. Martins: A Gem In New Brunswick

St. Martins, New Brunswick, is a community on the Bay of Fundy, Canada. It is known for its dramatic coastline, spectacular scenery, and tranquil atmosphere. St. Martins offers a unique mix of serenity and adventure, with its sea caves, beaches, and harbour. The village was founded as Quaco in 1783 by soldiers from the disbanded loyalist King's Orange Rangers and has a rich history in shipbuilding. Today, tourism is the major industry, with visitors attracted by the natural beauty of the area, including the St. Martins Sea Caves, the beach, the tidal harbour, and the Fundy Trail. St. Martins is also home to historic sites such as the Quaco Museum and Library, the Quaco Head Lighthouse, and the Fundy Trail Parkway.

St. Martins Sea Caves

St. Martins in New Brunswick is a popular seaside destination, known for its picturesque covered bridges, open sea adventures, seafood, sea caves, and the famous Bay of Fundy Tides and Fundy Trail Parkway. The St. Martins Sea Caves are a major attraction in this coastal town. Here is some essential information about them:

Location

The St. Martins Sea Caves are located in St. Martins, New Brunswick, Canada, specifically at 82 Big Salmon River Rd. Bay View, NB E5R 1J7. St. Martins is easily accessible, situated about 30 minutes from Sussex, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Moncton, and 40 minutes from Saint John.

Description

The sandstone St. Martins Sea Caves are a stunning natural formation carved by the Bay of Fundy's tides, the highest in the world. The caves offer a unique and exciting experience for visitors, who can explore them at low tide. The surrounding area boasts dramatic coastlines and spectacular scenery, with red cliffs and echo caves that create a striking visual contrast.

Activities

The sea caves provide a range of activities for visitors. At low tide, you can walk across the bay floor and explore the caves, observing the diverse sea life in the pools, shells, and seaweed. It is important to check the tide times before visiting to ensure you can access the caves safely. You can also kayak in the sea caves, offering a different perspective on these geological formations.

Practical Information

When visiting the St. Martins Sea Caves, it is recommended to wear sturdy beach shoes or sandals to navigate the rocks and prevent twisting your ankles. Additionally, be prepared for unpredictable weather by dressing in layers and bringing waterproof clothing. Sun protection, such as sunglasses and sunscreen, is also advised due to the reflective surfaces of the water.

Nearby Attractions

St. Martins and the surrounding area offer a variety of attractions to complement your visit to the sea caves. The Fundy Trail Parkway, a 30km coastal route, provides stunning views of the Bay of Fundy. Along the way, there are lookouts like Melvin Beach and Pangburn Beach, as well as access to beaches such as Long Beach and Melvin Beach at low tide. The Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge is another highlight, offering a fun experience and beautiful views. St. Martins also has restaurants serving fresh seafood, convenient stores, and gas stations to cater to visitors' needs.

Quaco Museum and Library

The Quaco Museum and Library, located at 236 Main Street in St. Martins, New Brunswick, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of the village and the surrounding area. St. Martins, originally known as "Quaco", was settled in 1783 by Loyalist soldiers from New York following the American Revolution. The unique name "Quaco" is derived from the Akan word "Goolwagagek", meaning "haunt of the hooded seal".

The museum focuses on the shipbuilding heritage and local history of St. Martins, a community with a strong maritime past. Between 1803 and 1900, over 500 vessels were built and launched from the beaches, coves, and rivers in and around the village, making it the second-largest producer of wooden sailing vessels in New Brunswick. The shipbuilding families, captains, and wealthy mariners of St. Martins often brought back ideas and architectural designs from their travels, constructing impressive homes and hiring artisans from abroad to paint intricate murals.

The Quaco Museum and Library was established in 1971 by a group of residents passionate about preserving the area's history. The museum houses a permanent collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits that showcase the village's vibrant past. Guided tours are available, offering a hands-on, immersive experience of the golden age of sail in New Brunswick. Visitors can learn about the men and women at sea, as well as the nearby historic shipbuilding community of Tynemouth Creek.

The museum is typically open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm, with holiday Mondays included during the summer season. Admission is by donation, and the dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to making your visit informative and enjoyable.

Fundy Trail Parkway

The Fundy Trail Parkway is a 30-km (19-mile) stretch of road that hugs the coast of the Bay of Fundy, offering stunning views in every direction. Located just minutes from St. Martins, New Brunswick, and less than an hour from Saint John and Sussex, the parkway is part of the Fundy Trail Provincial Park, a 2,559-hectare park that showcases the natural beauty of the southern coast of New Brunswick.

The parkway provides access to Long Beach, which stretches for 2.5 km (1.5 miles) along the bay, as well as three discovery beaches and over 20 lookouts with breathtaking views. In addition to the scenic drive, the park offers over 35 km (22 miles) of hiking and biking trails, a 15-metre waterfall, a 60-metre suspension bridge, a canyon, and 600-million-year-old rock formations. For those interested in camping, the Fundy Trail Provincial Park campground is expected to open on July 1, 2024, with online reservations available for the 2025 season.

The Interpretive Centre, located along the parkway, features a boutique and programs that provide insight into the local and natural history of the area. The centre also has a gift shop, historical displays, clean washrooms, and a room showing an 8-minute video about the history of the region. The centre is a great place to stop for a break, as it offers daily specials for hot meals during the high season and sells drinks, snacks, and ice cream bars.

The Fundy Trail Parkway is not a loop, so visitors will need to drive back to St. Martins on the same road. However, the drive is well worth it, offering majestic views and numerous lookout points. The park is open seasonally, and the road is not accessible during the off-season to help protect the park. The parkway is maintained by the provincial government, and there is a small entrance fee.

The Fundy Trail Parkway is an excellent choice for those seeking a lighter Fundy experience, as it offers both easy hikes and drive options. It is a great way to spend a few hours or even a full day, with numerous trails, observation decks, waterfalls, and beaches to explore.

St. Martins' history

St. Martins, now known as Fundy-St. Martins, is a community on the Bay of Fundy in Canada. The village was founded as Quaco in 1783 by soldiers from the disbanded loyalist King's Orange Rangers. Led by shipbuilders such as James Moran, it became the third most productive shipbuilding town in the Maritimes, producing over 500 ships.

The village was incorporated in 1967, but shipbuilding declined after the 1870s, and today, tourism is the major industry. St. Martins is known for its natural beauty, including the St. Martins Sea Caves, the beach and tidal harbour, the start of the Fundy Trail, two covered bridges, and the Quaco Head Lighthouse. The village also boasts a rich history, showcased in the Quaco Museum and Library.

On January 1, 2023, province-wide local government reforms caused the Village of St. Martins to annex all or part of Fairfield, Simonds, Upham, and Hampton local service districts. This led to the reformation of village boundaries under the new name of Fundy-St. Martins, although the former village's name remains in official use.

In the 2021 Census of Population, St. Martins had a population of 320 people, a change of 15.9% from its 2016 population of 276. With a land area of 2.35 square kilometres, it had a population density of 136.2 people per square kilometre in 2021.

Local accommodation and dining

St. Martins in New Brunswick has a variety of accommodation options, from inns to campgrounds, catering to different preferences and group sizes. Here is a list of some popular choices:

St. Martins Country Inn & Vaughan's Restaurant

This 4-star heritage property, formerly the Vaughan Family Home, is equipped with a licensed restaurant and dining room. It offers 16 unique guest rooms, each with a combination of antiques, vintage decor, and contemporary amenities. Some rooms have an electric fireplace, jacuzzi tub, and/or balcony. The inn is located on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the Bay of Fundy, and is within walking distance of local attractions. Room rates range from $128.25 to $249 per night, including a full breakfast.

Beach Street Inn

The Beach Street Inn is a historic inn with 17 unique guest rooms, located near the Fundy Beach. It offers in-house dining at its Periwinkles restaurant, featuring seafood straight from the Bay of Fundy and culinary creations made with fresh, local ingredients. Room rates start at $212.78 per night.

BayBaie B&B and Bistro

BayBaie B&B and Bistro is a popular choice for accommodation in St. Martins, offering bed and breakfast services.

Century Farm Family Campground

For those who enjoy camping, the Century Farm Family Campground is an option to consider.

Fundy Woods Campground and Cottages

Similarly, Fundy Woods Campground and Cottages provide a mix of outdoor camping and cottage experiences.

Hampton Bed & Breakfast

Hampton Bed & Breakfast is another bed and breakfast option in St. Martins.

When it comes to dining, St. Martins offers a variety of restaurants, many of which specialise in seafood due to its proximity to the Bay of Fundy. Here are some notable dining options:

The Caves Restaurant

The Caves Restaurant is a popular choice, serving quick bites, seafood, and Canadian cuisine.

Coastal Tides Restaurant

Coastal Tides Restaurant offers seafood and Canadian fare.

Periwinkles at Beach Street Inn

Periwinkles, located within the Beach Street Inn, serves Canadian cuisine and is another well-known dining establishment in St. Martins.

Spinney's Seafood Market

Spinney's Seafood Market is a go-to for seafood lovers, offering a variety of seafood options.

Seaside Restaurant & Take Out

Seaside Restaurant & Take Out is a great choice for those seeking seafood, Canadian cuisine, and soups.

St Martins Ice Cream Parlor

For those with a sweet tooth, the St Martins Ice Cream Parlor offers quick bites, Canadian, and American treats.

Frequently asked questions