Overview
Calais (pronounced KAL-iss by locals) and Eastport sit at the far eastern edge of the contiguous United States, in Washington County, Maine — one of the least densely populated counties east of the Mississippi. The two towns are distinct but often visited together as part of a Downeast Maine itinerary.
Calais straddles the St. Croix River directly opposite St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. It is a functional border town with a long history in trade and forestry, and it anchors the western end of the St. Croix Island International Historic Site, which commemorates one of North America's earliest European settlements.
Eastport, roughly 40 minutes southeast of Calais by road, occupies Moose Island in Passamaquoddy Bay and is connected to the mainland by a causeway. It holds the distinction of being the easternmost city in the United States. The town has a rich maritime history tied to sardine canning and fishing, and its deep-water port and compact historic downtown make it a quietly compelling destination.
Together these communities offer travelers solitude, tidal wilderness, border-crossing curiosity, and a glimpse into a working coastal New England that has changed slowly over generations.
Before You Go
Passport and Border Crossing
Both Calais and Eastport are points of entry into the United States from Canada. If you plan to cross into New Brunswick — which many visitors do — you will need a valid passport (or NEXUS card for eligible travelers). Visa and entry requirements vary by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official websites of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov) and the Canada Border Services Agency (cbsa-asfc.gc.ca) before travel.
What to Pack
- Layers are essential even in summer; coastal fog and wind can make evenings cool
- Rain gear is practical year-round
- Insect repellent is recommended for forested and wetland areas in summer
- Cash is useful in very small towns where card acceptance can be intermittent
Connectivity
Cell coverage can be limited or patchy in parts of Washington County and along rural coastal roads. Download offline maps before arriving. Note that your phone may automatically roam onto Canadian networks near Calais — check your carrier's international roaming settings.
Time Zone Alert
Calais and Eastport are on Eastern Time (US). The moment you cross into St. Stephen, NB, you move forward one hour to Atlantic Time. Factor this into any border-crossing plans, particularly for restaurant reservations or border closing times.
Getting There
By Car
Driving is the primary and most practical way to reach this region. From Bangor, Maine (the nearest city with significant services), the drive to Calais is approximately 90 miles via US Route 1, taking roughly 2 hours. Eastport is an additional 40 miles southeast of Calais, following US-1 south and then Route 190 onto Moose Island.
From the Canadian side, Calais is directly accessible from St. Stephen, NB, via the international bridge. Travelers coming from Saint John, NB or Fredericton, NB can cross here as part of a Maritime provinces loop.
By Bus
Limited regional bus service exists in Maine. Verify current schedules and routes with West's Transportation or other local operators, as service to Washington County is infrequent and schedules change. Check locally or via the Maine Department of Transportation for the most current information.
By Air
The nearest commercial airports are Bangor International Airport (BGR) and, across the border, Fredericton International Airport (YFC) in New Brunswick. Both require a substantial drive to reach Calais or Eastport. There is no commercial air service directly to Washington County.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essentially required for exploring this region. The towns of Calais and Eastport are small enough to walk within, but the distance between them and to surrounding natural sites makes a car necessary.
Eastport's downtown is compact and walkable — the main street, Water Street, runs along the waterfront and most points of interest are within easy walking distance of each other. Calais's commercial strip along Main Street is similarly navigable on foot.
There is no local transit system serving either town. Taxi and ride-share availability is very limited; verify locally before relying on it. For day trips into New Brunswick, be prepared for the border crossing process, which can involve wait times that vary by season and day of the week.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in both towns are limited and tend toward independently run motels, small inns, and bed-and-breakfasts rather than major hotel chains. Advance booking is strongly recommended in summer months, as inventory is small.
Eastport has a handful of B&Bs that occupy historic buildings with bay views — these book up quickly in peak season. Calais has a slightly larger motel supply, partly due to its role as a border-crossing hub.
Cobscook Bay State Park offers camping sites for those who prefer to be immersed in the natural setting between the two towns. Reservations through Maine State Parks are advised for summer weekends.
For travelers seeking more hotel variety, Bangor (~2 hours west) or St. Stephen/St. Andrews on the Canadian side offer additional options and can serve as a base for day trips, though driving distances make this less convenient.
Things to See & Do
St. Croix Island International Historic Site
Shared between the US and Canada, this site commemorates the 1604 French settlement on St. Croix Island — one of the earliest European attempts to colonize North America. The mainland interpretive area on the US side (near Red Beach, just south of Calais on US-1) offers exhibits and riverfront views of the island itself, which is not open to public landing. Admission and hours: verify at nps.gov/sacr.
Eastport Waterfront and Historic Downtown
Water Street in Eastport features 19th-century brick commercial buildings, independent galleries, and views across Passamaquoddy Bay to Campobello Island. The Tides Institute & Museum of Art is a notable cultural institution in the building of a former bank, focusing on the art and history of the border region. Hours and admission: verify directly with the museum.
Whale Watching and Wildlife
Passamaquoddy Bay and the Bay of Fundy are renowned for marine wildlife. Finback, minke, and humpback whales are commonly sighted from summer into fall. Several operators run whale-watching excursions from Eastport and nearby Lubec; verify current operators and schedules locally.
Birding and Nature
The region's forests, wetlands, and coastline support exceptional birding, including sought-after species such as boreal chickadee, Bicknell's thrush (in season), and various shorebirds during migration. Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, headquartered near Calais, encompasses thousands of acres of managed habitat and is open to hiking, wildlife observation, and hunting in designated areas. Verify trail and facility status at fws.gov/refuge/moosehorn.
Cobscook Bay State Park
Located between Calais and Eastport, this park offers camping, hiking, and some of the most dramatic tidal action on the US East Coast — the Bay of Fundy tidal system produces dramatic water-level changes. Verify facilities, fees, and camping reservations through Maine State Parks.
Cross into St. Stephen, NB
Calais's sister city across the river is worth a brief visit. St. Stephen is known for its chocolate-making heritage (Ganong, one of Canada's oldest candy companies, is based here) and a small museum dedicated to that history.
Food & Drink
Dining options in both towns are modest in number but often rooted in local tradition. Expect classic New England seafood — lobster, clams, and haddock — as the backbone of many menus.
Eastport has a small but interesting cluster of independent restaurants and cafés along Water Street. The culinary scene here has evolved with the town's mild revitalization, and a few establishments serve locally sourced food with care. Specific restaurant names and hours change frequently in small towns; check Google Maps or Yelp for current options before visiting.
Calais has a broader range of practical everyday dining including diners, pizza, and fast-food chains alongside a handful of sit-down restaurants — practical for fueling a border-town itinerary.
One regional note: whole-belly fried clams, fish chowder, and blueberry pie (Washington County grows wild blueberries commercially) are quintessential local foods worth seeking out. Craft beer has made inroads in Downeast Maine; ask locally about any taprooms operating in the region during your visit.
Practical Information
Money
Banks and ATMs exist in Calais. Eastport's services are more limited. If crossing into Canada, note that US dollars are sometimes accepted at face value in St. Stephen but at an unfavorable exchange rate — use a bank or ATM for Canadian dollars.
Medical and Emergency Services
Calais Regional Hospital provides the primary medical facility for the immediate region. Emergency services: dial 911 in the US. Verify the hospital's current services and hours before travel, as rural hospitals have variable specialist availability.
Shopping and Supplies
Calais has a better selection of grocery stores and general merchandise than Eastport. Stock up on supplies in Calais if heading to more remote areas. Eastport has a farmers' market in summer — verify current schedule locally.
Connectivity and Communications
As noted, cell service can be spotty. Public Wi-Fi is available at the Calais Free Library and may be available at some cafés. Plan accordingly if you need reliable internet access.
Safety
Both Calais and Eastport are small communities with low overall crime rates. Standard travel awareness applies — secure valuables in your vehicle and be mindful of your surroundings.
The primary safety considerations here are environmental rather than social. Ocean and bay waters are cold year-round; swimming is uncommon and requires caution. Tidal changes in Cobscook Bay and Passamaquoddy Bay are dramatic — never venture onto tidal flats without understanding local tide tables, as conditions can change rapidly.
Wilderness hiking in Moosehorn NWR and surrounding areas warrants bear awareness (black bears are present), tick precautions, and carrying sufficient water. Hunting seasons occur in fall and some areas of the refuge are open to hunting — wear blaze orange and stay on marked trails during those periods.
Winter driving in Washington County can be hazardous. If visiting between November and March, monitor weather forecasts closely and ensure your vehicle is winter-ready.
