Overview
St. Andrews By-the-Sea (often written St. Andrews) is a small coastal town on the Passamaquoddy Bay in Charlotte County, southwestern New Brunswick. With a year-round population of roughly 1,800 people, it is one of Canada's oldest resort towns and carries a well-preserved loyalist heritage dating to the late 18th century.
The town sits on a small peninsula where the St. Croix River meets Passamaquoddy Bay, which itself opens into the Bay of Fundy — one of the most biologically productive marine environments on Earth. This geography defines St. Andrews: the tides, the marine wildlife, the seafood, and the misty coastal light that has attracted artists and naturalists for well over a century.
Despite its modest size, St. Andrews punches well above its weight for travellers. A compact, walkable downtown lined with heritage buildings, an internationally respected marine research station, excellent whale-watching operations, and the iconic Algonquin Resort give visitors a full itinerary without ever feeling rushed.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
St. Andrews is in Canada, so standard Canadian entry requirements apply. Requirements vary significantly depending on your nationality and whether you are arriving by air, land, or sea. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for current, authoritative guidance before you travel.
When to Go
- June–September is the primary visitor season. Whale-watching boats operate, restaurants and attractions are fully open, and the weather is mild (typical daytime highs of 18–24 °C / 64–75 °F).
- July and August are the busiest and warmest weeks; book accommodations well in advance.
- October brings autumn foliage and fewer crowds; many businesses begin reducing hours or closing for the season.
- November–April sees many tourism-facing businesses closed or on limited schedules. Verify locally before visiting off-season.
What to Pack
Even in summer, coastal fog and sea breezes can make evenings feel cool. A light waterproof jacket is useful year-round. Sturdy walking shoes suit the town's historic streets and nearby trails.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest major airport is Saint John Airport (YSJ) in Saint John, New Brunswick, approximately 100 km (about 1 hour's drive) northeast of St. Andrews. Fredericton International Airport (YFC) is also a reasonable option, roughly 180 km away. Both airports have connections to major Canadian hubs. Verify current route availability with airlines before booking.
By Car
Driving is the most practical way to reach St. Andrews. The town is accessible via Route 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) and then Route 127 south. From Saint John the drive takes roughly one hour; from Fredericton, allow approximately two hours. From the US border crossing at Calais, Maine / St. Stephen, New Brunswick, the drive is under 30 minutes.
By Bus
Limited regional bus service exists in southwestern New Brunswick. Verify current schedules and routes with Maritime Bus or local operators, as service can be infrequent and seasonal.
Cross-Border Travellers
St. Andrews is about 25 km from the Canada–US border crossing at St. Stephen / Calais, making it an accessible destination for travellers arriving from coastal Maine.
Getting Around
St. Andrews is a small, walkable town. The downtown core — Water Street, King Street, and the surrounding historic blocks — can be explored comfortably on foot. Most hotels, restaurants, and attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.
A personal vehicle is useful for reaching Kingsbrae Garden (a short drive or walk from the centre), the Huntsman Marine Science Centre on the edge of town, and any hiking or kayaking points beyond the immediate downtown. There is no local public transit system, so visitors without cars should plan accordingly or enquire whether their accommodation offers shuttles.
Bicycle rentals are available seasonally — verify with local outfitters. Water taxis and whale-watching boats depart from the Town Wharf area.
Where to Stay
Algonquin Resort
The Algonquin Resort is St. Andrews' most recognizable landmark — a Tudor-style hotel on a hill overlooking the town, operating since 1889. It offers a range of room types, a spa, an outdoor pool, and an 18-hole golf course. Verify current rates and availability directly with the resort, as ownership and management have changed over the years.
Smaller Properties and B&Bs
St. Andrews has a selection of bed-and-breakfasts and smaller inns occupying heritage buildings in and around the downtown core. These tend to fill quickly in July and August; booking several months ahead is advisable for peak season travel. The local visitor centre or Tourism New Brunswick's website can provide a current list of registered accommodations.
Camping
Provincial and private campgrounds exist in the broader Charlotte County area. Verify availability and facilities locally or through Parks Canada and the New Brunswick provincial parks system.
Things to See & Do
Whale Watching
Passamaquoddy Bay and the outer Bay of Fundy support populations of finback, minke, and humpback whales, as well as harbour porpoises and Atlantic white-sided dolphins. Several licensed whale-watching operators run tours from the Town Wharf during the summer season. Bald eagles are frequently spotted along the shoreline as well.
Kingsbrae Garden
This 11-hectare horticultural garden on King Street is one of Atlantic Canada's most celebrated public gardens, featuring themed garden rooms, heritage roses, a working Dutch windmill, resident peacocks, and accessible walking paths. It typically operates seasonally; verify current hours and admission fees on the official Kingsbrae website before visiting.
Huntsman Marine Science Centre
An active marine research facility affiliated with several Canadian universities, Huntsman also operates a public aquarium and museum featuring local marine species including harbour seals. It offers an approachable introduction to Bay of Fundy ecology. Verify seasonal opening hours locally.
Historic Townscape
St. Andrews has one of the highest concentrations of pre-1880 buildings of any Canadian town. Self-guided walking tours of the loyalist-era streetscape are well supported by heritage plaques and maps available from the local visitor information centre. The Charlotte County Museum on King Street provides deeper historical context.
Outdoor Activities
- Sea kayaking around the bay and Passamaquoddy islands is popular; guided tours are available seasonally.
- Ministers Island (Covenhoven), accessible by foot or vehicle across a tidal bar at low tide only, was once the estate of railway baron Sir William Van Horne. The tidal crossing schedule changes daily — confirm times locally before attempting the crossing.
- Nearby Fundy Trail Parkway (east of St. Andrews near St. Martins) offers dramatic coastal hiking if you have a vehicle.
Food & Drink
Local Seafood
The Bay of Fundy is known for lobster, scallops, clams, and smoked salmon. Several restaurants along Water Street and the wharf area serve locally sourced seafood. Lobster rolls, chowder, and steamed mussels are reliable choices throughout the season.
Restaurants and Cafés
St. Andrews has a range of dining options reasonable for a small coastal town, from casual fish-and-chip takeaways near the wharf to more polished dining rooms. The Algonquin Resort has its own dining facilities. Because the town is seasonal, several restaurants reduce hours or close from October through May — always verify hours before going out of your way.
Practical Notes
- Many establishments are closed or operating limited hours outside June–September.
- The town has a small grocery store for self-catering needs.
- Licensed establishments serve alcohol; New Brunswick liquor stores (ANBL) handle spirits and wine retail.
Shopping
Water Street is the main commercial strip. You will find independent galleries selling work by local and regional artists, craft shops carrying nautical and coastal-themed goods, and a few specialty food retailers featuring New Brunswick products such as dulse (dried seaweed, a regional snack), local jams, and smoked seafood.
St. Andrews is not a major shopping destination, but the concentration of owner-operated boutiques gives it a distinct character compared to larger centres. Hours are generally seasonal; many shops are closed or significantly reduced in operation outside the summer months.
Practical Information
Money
Most businesses accept major credit and debit cards. There are ATMs in town; verify locations locally. US dollars are sometimes accepted near the border but at variable exchange rates — using Canadian currency or a card is advisable.
Connectivity
Cell coverage is generally available in the town centre with major Canadian carriers. Rural areas around St. Andrews can have gaps in coverage. Wi-Fi is offered by most accommodations and several cafés.
Visitor Information
The St. Andrews visitor information centre (open seasonally) is a reliable first stop for maps, event listings, and local advice. Tourism New Brunswick also maintains an official provincial tourism website with destination information.
Useful Contacts
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance): 911
- Non-emergency RCMP: verify the current local detachment number through the RCMP website
- Nearest hospital: Charlotte County Hospital is located in St. Stephen, approximately 25 km away. Verify services and hours before travel.
Safety
St. Andrews is a low-crime community and is generally considered very safe for travellers. Standard sensible precautions apply — secure valuables, be aware of your surroundings, and lock your vehicle.
Tidal Safety
The Bay of Fundy has some of the world's highest tidal ranges. This is the primary safety concern for visitors. Tides rise rapidly and can trap people on tidal flats, beaches, or causeways (notably the tidal bar crossing to Ministers Island). Always check tide tables before any coastal activity and heed local signage. Do not attempt to outrun an incoming Fundy tide.
Wildlife
Black bears are present in rural New Brunswick, though encounters in the town itself are uncommon. If hiking in forested areas nearby, carry bear spray and follow standard bear-awareness practices.
