Overview
St. Martins is a small, historic fishing village on the Bay of Fundy coast of New Brunswick, roughly an hour's drive east of Saint John. Despite its modest size — a few hundred permanent residents — it punches well above its weight as a natural and heritage destination.
The village sits at the mouth of two rivers, the Salmon and the Goose, and is defined by the extraordinary tidal range of the Bay of Fundy, one of the highest in the world. At low tide, vast mudflats and sea caves become accessible on foot; at high tide, those same areas are submerged under metres of water. Timing your visit around the tide schedule is essential.
Two covered wooden bridges sit at the heart of the village, making St. Martins one of the more photographed corners of rural New Brunswick. The surrounding landscape of forested cliffs, sea stacks, and red-sand beaches feeds into the Fundy Trail Parkway, a major draw for hikers and cyclists looking to explore undeveloped coastline.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
New Brunswick is a province of Canada. For entry requirements, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at the official government website. Requirements vary significantly by nationality.
When to Visit
Summer (late June through August) offers the most reliable weather for outdoor activities, with daytime temperatures typically in the mid-teens to mid-twenties Celsius. Coastal fog is common in early summer. September can be excellent — fewer visitors, stable weather, and early autumn foliage. The village is very quiet in winter and some businesses close seasonally; verify locally before visiting off-season.
What to Pack
- Sturdy, waterproof footwear is strongly recommended for cave and beach exploration — surfaces are rocky and often wet
- Layers are wise even in summer; Bay of Fundy coastal weather can shift quickly
- Check the published tide schedule before any coastal activity — the Fundy tidal swing is extreme and conditions change rapidly
- Insect repellent for forested trail sections
Getting There
By Car
St. Martins is most practically reached by private vehicle. From Saint John, take Route 111 east; the drive is approximately 40–45 minutes. There is no commercial airport in St. Martins itself — the nearest significant airport is Saint John Airport (YSJ), which receives scheduled domestic flights. Verify current routes and carriers directly with the airport or airlines.
By Bus
Regular public transit to St. Martins is limited. Some seasonal shuttle or tour connections from Saint John have operated in past years, but availability changes. Verify current options locally or through Tourism New Brunswick before assuming service exists.
Practical Note
Having your own vehicle is strongly advisable. Fuel up in Saint John or nearby communities; services in the village itself are limited.
Getting Around
St. Martins village is compact and walkable at its core. The two covered bridges, the harbour area, and the immediate beach are all reachable on foot from the centre.
Access to the Fundy Trail Parkway — which begins a short drive east of the village — requires a vehicle to reach the main entrance gate, after which trails are on foot or bicycle. Verify current parkway fees, hours, and seasonal access directly with Fundy Trail Parkway operators before your visit, as these details change.
There is no local taxi or rideshare infrastructure; plan accordingly.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in St. Martins is small in scale and primarily consists of bed-and-breakfast inns, country inns, and a limited number of vacation rental properties. There are no large hotel chains in the village. Several properties are housed in historic buildings and offer proximity to the beach and covered bridges.
Book well in advance for summer weekends and holiday periods, as total room inventory in the village is low. For broader choice at all price points, Saint John (approximately 40 minutes away) provides the full range of chain hotels and independent options.
Verify current availability and rates directly with properties or through established booking platforms, as the local accommodation landscape changes from season to season.
Things to See & Do
Sea Caves
The sea caves along the shoreline east of the village are St. Martins' signature attraction. At low tide, visitors can walk along the base of the cliffs and enter the caves on foot. The caves are inaccessible — and dangerous to approach — at or near high tide. Always check a current local tide chart before heading out.
Fundy Trail Parkway
This multi-use park preserves a stretch of undeveloped Fundy coastline with hiking trails, suspension footbridges, lookouts, and access to Big Salmon River. It is a significant destination in its own right. Verify current entrance fees and seasonal operating dates with the parkway directly.
Covered Bridges
Two historic covered wooden bridges span the rivers at the village centre. They are free to view and photograph and are considered among the most picturesque in the province.
Beaches and Tidal Exploration
The red-tinged sand beaches shift dramatically with the tide. Low tide exposes a wide tidal flat suited to beach-combing. Swimming is possible but water temperatures in the Bay of Fundy are cold even in summer.
St. Martins Heritage Museum
A small local museum documents the village's shipbuilding and fishing heritage. Verify current opening hours and any admission details locally before visiting.
Food & Drink
Dining options in St. Martins are limited by the village's size. There are a small number of local restaurants and inns that serve food, with an expected emphasis on seafood given the coastal setting. Hours and seasonal operation vary; it is wise to confirm that your chosen spot is open before relying on it, particularly outside of peak summer months.
Self-catering is a reasonable option for longer stays. Grocery shopping is best done in Saint John before arriving, as local supplies are limited.
Alcohol is sold through New Brunswick Liquor (ANBL) stores; the nearest well-stocked locations are in Saint John.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in Canada, dial 911.
Connectivity
Cell coverage in St. Martins and along some Fundy Trail sections can be patchy depending on your carrier. Do not rely solely on mobile data for navigation in remote trail areas; download offline maps beforehand.
Banking and Cash
There are no bank branches or ATMs in St. Martins village itself. Bring sufficient cash or ensure your card works for any purchases. Saint John has full banking infrastructure.
Medical Care
The nearest hospital and urgent care facilities are in Saint John. For non-emergency health needs, verify locally what services may be available in the area.
Tides — A Safety Note
The Bay of Fundy's tidal range is among the greatest on Earth. Rising water at the base of cliffs and in caves can move faster than expected. Always obtain a current tide table, set departure times conservatively, and never explore tidal areas without understanding when high tide will occur.
Safety
St. Martins is a quiet, low-crime rural village. The primary safety considerations are environmental rather than personal.
Tidal hazards are the most important concern. People have been caught by rapidly rising Fundy tides. Obtain a tide table from a reliable local source, and allow generous time to return to higher ground before the tide turns. The parkway and local tourism resources typically provide or post this information during the season.
Trail and cliff conditions along the Fundy coastline can be slippery, particularly after rain or in fog. Wear appropriate footwear and stay on marked paths near cliff edges.
Standard rural travel precautions apply: let someone know your hiking plans, carry water and a basic first-aid kit, and do not assume cell service will be available in wooded or coastal sections of trails.
