Campobello Or St. Stephen: Exploring New Brunswick's Coastal Gems

Campobello Island and St. Stephen are both located in New Brunswick, Canada, and are approximately an hour's drive apart. Campobello Island is a picturesque island known for its natural beauty, offering rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and vibrant maritime forests. It is accessible by car or ferry and is home to the Roosevelt Campobello International Park, which commemorates the close ties between Canada and the US. St. Stephen, on the other hand, is a town situated on the St. Croix River and is known for its small-town charm. It serves as a gateway to the Bay of Fundy and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking. Both destinations provide a unique experience, with Campobello Island being an ideal choice for those seeking a serene retreat and St. Stephen offering a more active exploration of the region's natural wonders.

Travel options to Campobello Island

Campobello Island is a small Canadian island off the coast of Maine in the Bay of Fundy. It is accessible by car and ferry from the US and Canada.

From the US

If you are arriving from the US, you can take the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Bridge from Lubec, Maine. Remember that you are crossing into Canada, so you will need to check in at the Canada Border Services Agency and have your passport ready.

From Canada

To reach Campobello Island from Canada, you will need to take two ferries. First, take the government-operated ferry from L'Etete, New Brunswick, to Deer Island. This ferry is free of charge and usually runs every half hour between 6:30 am and 5:00 pm, and every hour between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm. Once you arrive on Deer Island, you will need to drive across the island and take a second ferry to Campobello Island. This ferry is privately owned and operated by East Coast Ferries, and there is a toll for each crossing. The ferry typically runs every hour between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm from Deer Island and every half hour between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm from Campobello Island. This crossing is only available during the summer season (June through September).

By Car

It is also possible to drive to Campobello Island from Canada via the US. You can take Route 1 from Saint John, New Brunswick, or Route 3 from Fredericton, New Brunswick, to St. Stephen, New Brunswick. From there, cross the border to Calais, Maine, and follow Route 1 south to Whiting. Then, take Route 189 to Lubec, Maine, and cross the FDR Memorial Bridge to the island.

By Boat

In addition to the ferry, it is possible to reach Campobello Island by boat. Whale-watching boats can drop you off at the island, and some tour companies offer excursions that include a stop at Campobello.

Things to do on Campobello Island

Campobello Island is a beautiful destination with plenty of activities and adventures. Here are some things to do when visiting:

Explore the Great Outdoors

Campobello Island is known for its natural beauty, offering an array of outdoor activities. The island boasts scenic views, parks, and hiking trails. Herring Cove Provincial Park, located on the eastern side of the island, features campgrounds, hiking trails, a mile-long beach, a golf course, and a restaurant. The Bay of Fundy, which surrounds the island, has some of the highest tides in the world, making it a unique and dynamic landscape to explore.

Visit Historic Sites

Campobello Island is home to several historic sites, including the Roosevelt Campobello International Park. This park was once the summer residence of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 34th president of the United States. The park features the Roosevelt Cottage, where visitors can learn about Roosevelt's life and his battle with polio. It also includes walking trails, beaches, and picnic sites. The park is jointly owned and managed by Canada and the United States, symbolizing the close ties between the two nations.

Lighthouse Tours

The island has several picturesque lighthouses, each with its own unique charm. The East Quoddy Lighthouse, also known as the Head Harbour Lighthouse, is accessible only at low tide and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The Mulholland Point Lighthouse, located near the FDR Memorial Bridge, provides a vantage point to see the bridge, seals in the Narrows, and the neighbouring town of Lubec, Maine.

Whale Watching

Campobello Island is a prime location for whale watching. The Bay of Fundy, known for its large tidal variations, attracts many whales, making it an ideal spot to observe these majestic creatures. Whale-watching cruises are available, offering a unique perspective of the island and its marine life.

Camping and Outdoor Activities

Campobello Island offers a range of outdoor activities, including camping, golfing, and biking. Herring Cove Provincial Park has campgrounds and a challenging nine-hole golf course. The island's trails are perfect for biking, providing an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the island.

Local Festivals and Events

The island also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Campobello Fogfest and the Seaglass Festival, which celebrate music, art, and culture. These festivals provide a unique opportunity to engage with the local community and immerse yourself in the island's vibrant atmosphere.

Travel options to St. Stephen, New Brunswick

St. Stephen, New Brunswick, is accessible by several means of transport. The town is located in southern New Brunswick and shares a border with Calais, Maine.

By Car

You can drive to St. Stephen from New Brunswick. The driving distance is approximately 571 miles, and the journey takes around 10 hours and 18 minutes.

By Bus

There is no direct bus from New Brunswick to St. Stephen. However, you can take a bus from New Brunswick Downtown to New York Port Authority, and then take another bus to Boston. From Boston, you can take a bus to Bangor, Maine, and finally, a bus from Bangor to Calais, ME, which is just across the border from St. Stephen. The total journey time for this option is around 16 hours and 29 minutes.

By Plane and Bus

You can fly from Newark, New York La Guardia, New York JFK, or Philadelphia to Bangor, and then take a bus from Bangor Airport to Calais, ME. This option is the quickest way to get to St. Stephen, taking around 8 hours and 15 minutes.

By Train and Bus

You can also travel to St. Stephen by taking a combination of trains and buses. First, take a train from New Brunswick to New York Penn Station. From there, you can take a bus to Boston, and then another bus to Bangor, ME. Finally, take a bus from Bangor to Calais, ME. This journey will take approximately 15 hours and 48 minutes.

By Foot

St. Stephen is a great place to explore on foot. You can take a walking tour of the town, visit the Chocolate Museum, and stroll along the Riverfront Walking Trail by the St. Croix River.

Activities in St. Stephen, New Brunswick

St. Stephen, New Brunswick, is a charming small town with plenty of attractions and activities for all ages. Dubbed "Canada's Chocolate Town", it is famous for its rich history with Ganong Bros. Ltd., Canada's oldest candy company. Here are some fun activities to explore in St. Stephen:

The Chocolate Museum

The Chocolate Museum is a must-visit attraction in St. Stephen. It celebrates the history of chocolate, with a focus on the delicious treats crafted by Ganong Bros. Ltd. The museum offers an educational and tasty experience for all ages, making it a favourite among travellers.

Ganong Nature Park

Located a short drive from the town, Ganong Nature Park spans 140-142 hectares (350 acres) and boasts a stunning coastline overlooking the St. Croix River. The park offers an array of walking trails through woods and fields, as well as intertidal areas to explore. It's an excellent spot for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape.

David Alison Ganong Chocolate Park

This park, located in the heart of St. Stephen, is a great spot to relax and have fun. It features a splash pad to cool off during hot summer days, a huge playground for kids, and a bandstand that hosts summer concerts, creating a lively atmosphere for all ages.

Garcelon Civic Centre

The Garcelon Civic Centre is a multi-purpose facility in the downtown core of St. Stephen. It serves as a recreation and wellness hub, offering a swimming pool, skating rink, workout room, and various activity rooms. It is also home to the Junior Hockey team, the St. Stephen Aces of the Maritime Hockey League (MHL).

Elm Street Park

Elm Street Park is a 60-acre wooded nature park ideal for short hikes, dog walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and biking. The trails are well-marked and lead to Dennis Brook, making it a convenient and cost-free outdoor adventure for visitors and locals alike.

Dover Hill Park

Dover Hill Park is a picturesque beauty spot in St. Stephen, known for its stunning views of the St. Croix River. It is a popular location for wedding and graduation photos, thanks to its well-maintained floral displays and trails. In the summer, visitors can enjoy a picnic by the river, and during winter, the toboggan hill adds to the fun.

St. Stephen offers a delightful mix of nature, history, and sweet treats, ensuring visitors of all ages can find enjoyable activities to create memorable experiences.

Comparison of Campobello Island and St. Stephen, New Brunswick

Campobello Island and St. Stephen are both located in New Brunswick, Canada, near the border with Maine, United States. However, they differ in terms of their geographical characteristics, population, history, and attractions.

Geographical Characteristics

Campobello Island is a small, rural island off the coast of Maine, measuring approximately 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) long and 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) wide, with an area of 39.6 square kilometres (15.3 square miles). It is the largest and only inhabited island in Campobello Parish, and it has no road connection to the rest of Canada. The island is known for its beautiful scenery and good harbours.

On the other hand, St. Stephen is a town situated on the east bank of the St. Croix River, which marks the natural border between the United States and Canada. The town is accessible via several cross-border bridges and has a land area of 13.72 square kilometres (5.30 square miles) and a population density of 328.7/km2 (851.4/sq mi) as of the 2021 census.

Population

According to the 2021 census, Campobello Island has a permanent population of 949 people, while St. Stephen has a population of 4,510. The majority of residents on Campobello Island are employed in the fishing, aquaculture, or tourism industries. St. Stephen, on the other hand, has a diverse range of employers, including manufacturing, retail, and government services.

History

Campobello Island was originally settled by the Passamaquoddy Nation and was granted to Captain William Owen in 1770. The island became part of the British colony of Nova Scotia after the War of the Spanish Succession and was later sold to a group of American businessmen in 1881, including James Roosevelt. The Roosevelt family made the island their summer home, and it became a resort destination for wealthy Canadians and Americans.

St. Stephen, on the other hand, has a long history dating back to the Peskotomuhkati people (formerly known as the Passamaquoddy) who first made their home along the St. Croix River. The town was officially incorporated in 1871 and has a rich economic history, including the lumber and shipbuilding industries. St. Stephen also has a close relationship with its US counterpart, Calais, Maine, with both communities co-hosting an International Festival every August to celebrate their friendship.

Attractions

Campobello Island's main tourist attractions include Herring Cove Provincial Park and Roosevelt Campobello International Park. The island is also known for its scenic ferry trips and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge, which connects the island to Lubec, Maine.

St. Stephen, dubbed "Canada's Chocolate Town," is famous for its chocolate heritage, particularly the Ganong Bros. chocolate company. The town hosts several festivals throughout the year, including Chocolate Fest, Bonfire Festival, International Festival, and RibFest. St. Stephen also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and parks to explore, making it a charming destination for visitors.

Frequently asked questions