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Campobello Island sits at the mouth of Passamaquoddy Bay in the province of New Brunswick, Canada, separated from Lubec, Maine by a narrow channel of water. Despite being Canadian territory, the island is geographically closer to the northeastern United States than to the Canadian mainland, and the primary road access runs through the US.
The island covers roughly 16 square kilometres and is home to a small permanent population, mostly centred in the village of Welshpool. Its landscape is defined by rocky coastlines, dense spruce-fir forest, wild blueberry barrens, and the tidal extremes of the Bay of Fundy — one of the highest tidal ranges on Earth.
Campobello is best known internationally as the summer retreat of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose family cottage is preserved within Roosevelt Campobello International Park — one of the few international parks jointly administered by Canada and the United States. Beyond the historic site, the island offers a genuinely quiet and unhurried experience: birding, hiking, whale watching, and the simple pleasure of watching the fog roll in off the Bay of Fundy.
Before You Go
Entry Requirements and Documents
Campobello Island is Canadian territory. Visitors crossing the border — whether arriving via the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Bridge from Lubec, Maine or by ferry — must clear customs and immigration. This means having valid travel documents suitable for both crossing into Canada and re-entering the United States on departure.
Visa and entry requirements vary significantly depending on your citizenship. Do not assume that entry rules that apply in one direction (US to Canada, or Canada to US) are identical or straightforward. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for general guidance, and consult the official websites of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for requirements specific to your nationality before you travel.
Practical Prep
- Services on the island are limited. Fill your gas tank before crossing and carry any medications or specialty items you may need.
- Cell coverage can be patchy. Download offline maps before you arrive.
- The island operates on Atlantic Time, one hour ahead of US Eastern Time — keep this in mind for ferry schedules or border crossing hours.
- Roosevelt Campobello International Park is typically open from late May through mid-October; verify current season dates and hours on the official park website before planning your trip.
Getting There
By Road (via the US)
The most common route is to drive through Lubec, Maine and cross the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Bridge, the only road link to the island. This is a short, scenic bridge crossing. You will pass through a Canadian border checkpoint on arrival. Note that to reach Lubec by road, you drive through the United States; there is no road connection directly to mainland New Brunswick.
By Ferry (seasonal)
A seasonal passenger and vehicle ferry operated by East Coast Ferries has historically run between Deer Island (New Brunswick) and Campobello, providing a connection to the Canadian mainland via Deer Island and Letite. This service is seasonal and schedules change year to year — verify current operation, fares, and booking requirements directly with the ferry operator before travel.
Nearest Airports
No commercial airport serves Campobello Island directly. The closest practical options for fly-drive visitors are Bangor International Airport in Maine (approximately 2.5–3 hours by road via Lubec) or Saint John Airport in New Brunswick (roughly 2.5–3 hours via the ferry route). Verify driving times based on your specific routing.
Getting Around
Campobello Island is small enough that most visitors explore by private vehicle. There is no public transit on the island. Roads are paved but narrow in places, and some trails within the park require short walks from parking areas.
Cycling is feasible for those who bring their own bikes; the terrain is rolling rather than flat, and road shoulders are limited. Pedestrians should be cautious on main roads, especially near the bridge crossing.
Roosevelt Campobello International Park has its own internal road system and several marked hiking trails. A park map is available at the visitor centre and on the park's official website.
Where to Stay
Accommodation on Campobello Island is limited and predominantly small-scale: a handful of bed and breakfasts, inns, and cottage or cabin rentals. Availability is constrained during peak summer weeks; booking well in advance is strongly recommended for July and August visits.
Herring Cove Provincial Park has historically offered camping — verify current availability, site types, and reservation procedures through the New Brunswick provincial parks system before your trip.
Many visitors choose to stay in Lubec, Maine (a short drive across the bridge) or in St. Andrews, New Brunswick (accessible via ferry or a longer road route), and visit Campobello as a day excursion. This opens up a wider range of accommodation options.
Things to See & Do
Roosevelt Campobello International Park
The centrepiece of any visit. The park preserves the 34-room Roosevelt 'cottage' where Franklin D. Roosevelt spent summers as a child and young man, and where he fell ill with polio in 1921. Guided tours of the cottage are offered during the park season; the visitor centre provides historical context about both the Roosevelt family and the island's history. Entry to the park has historically been free — verify current policy on the official park website.
Coastal Scenery and Hiking
The park contains over 8 kilometres of hiking trails crossing bogs, headlands, and forest. Friar's Head and Liberty Point offer dramatic views of the Bay of Fundy. The tides here are extraordinary — the difference between high and low water can exceed 8 metres — and watching the tide come in across the exposed flats is genuinely striking.
Birding and Wildlife
The island's varied habitats attract a wide range of shorebirds, seabirds, and forest species. Bald eagles are regularly seen. The Bay of Fundy is a feeding ground for several whale species including finback and minke whales; whale-watching boat tours have been offered seasonally from nearby areas — inquire locally about current operators and departures.
Herring Cove Provincial Park
This New Brunswick provincial park on the island offers a beach, picnic facilities, and a nine-hole golf course. It is a lower-key complement to the Roosevelt park and is popular with families.
Food & Drink
Dining options on Campobello Island are limited to a small number of local restaurants and takeout establishments, concentrated mainly in Welshpool. Menus tend to feature local seafood — lobster, fish chowder, and clams are common — alongside standard diner-style fare. Do not expect a wide variety; choices depend heavily on what is open during your visit, and several establishments are seasonal.
Visitors planning a full day on the island are advised to bring a packed lunch or snacks as a precaution, particularly if travelling with children or dietary restrictions. Lubec, Maine — a short drive across the bridge — has a slightly wider range of café and restaurant options.
Alcohol is sold through New Brunswick Liquor (ANBL) outlets; the nearest may be in St. Stephen or St. Andrews on the mainland — verify locally.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are not reliably available on the island. Carry enough Canadian cash before arriving; some businesses may accept US dollars or credit cards but this cannot be guaranteed for every vendor.
Connectivity
Cell service is available but can be inconsistent, particularly in forested or coastal areas of the park. Wi-Fi at accommodations and restaurants is not universal.
Emergency Services
The island is served by local volunteer emergency services. The nearest hospital facilities are on the Canadian mainland. For emergencies, dial 911 — this works on both sides of the border, though response times may be longer than in urban areas given the island's geography.
Customs and Border Crossings
When you leave Campobello by road, you will re-enter the United States at Lubec. Have your travel documents accessible. Duty-free allowances and declaration requirements apply in both directions — review current rules with CBP and CBSA before shopping.
Seasonal Closures
Many businesses, the ferry, and the Roosevelt park operate on seasonal schedules (typically late May or June through October). Visiting outside this window means significantly fewer services; confirm what will be open before making the trip.
Safety
Campobello Island is a low-crime, rural community with no particular safety concerns for visitors. Standard common-sense travel precautions apply.
The primary physical hazards are natural. The Bay of Fundy's tidal range is extreme: areas that appear safely walkable at low tide can be inundated very quickly. Never walk on tidal flats without checking tide tables and keeping a careful eye on conditions. Coastal rocks and headlands can be slippery, especially in fog or after rain.
Fog is common, particularly in early summer, and can reduce visibility significantly on roads and on the water. Drivers should slow down accordingly. If you are participating in any water-based activity, ensure operators are licensed and that appropriate safety equipment is provided.
