Overview
St. Stephen is a small town in Charlotte County, southwestern New Brunswick, sitting on the north bank of the St. Croix River directly across from Calais, Maine. The two communities share an unusually close cross-border relationship — they hold a joint summer festival and have historically cooperated in ways that make them feel like a single twin-town rather than two separate countries.
The town is best known to Canadians as the home of Ganong Bros., one of Canada's oldest candy companies, founded here in 1873. St. Stephen is sometimes called the 'Chocolate Town of Canada,' and that identity runs through local heritage, events, and tourism in a genuine rather than contrived way.
Beyond chocolate, St. Stephen offers a quiet riverside character, 19th-century heritage architecture along Milltown Boulevard and King Street, and easy access to the broader Fundy Coast and the St. Croix Estuary. For road-trippers entering or leaving New Brunswick from the United States, it is a natural first or last stop.
Before You Go
Entry and Visas
St. Stephen is a primary land port of entry between Canada and the United States. Entry requirements depend entirely on your citizenship and whether you are arriving from within Canada or crossing from the US. For current visa and entry rules, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, as well as the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) site. US citizens crossing back into the United States should verify requirements with US Customs and Border Protection.
What to Pack
- Weather can change quickly near the Bay of Fundy; bring a light waterproof layer even in summer
- Mosquitoes and black flies are active May through July; insect repellent is recommended for outdoor time near the river
- If you plan to cross into Calais, carry valid government-issued photo ID (and passport or equivalent travel document appropriate to your citizenship)
Currency and Payments
Most businesses accept major credit and debit cards. ATMs are available in town. Note that prices in Calais, Maine will be in USD; exchange rates fluctuate, so confirm current rates before shopping cross-border.
Getting There
By Car
St. Stephen is most practically reached by car. From the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), take the exit toward St. Stephen. From Moncton the drive is roughly 3 hours; from Fredericton approximately 1.5 hours. From Calais, Maine, you cross directly into St. Stephen via the international bridge — verify current border wait times through the CBSA PortWait app or the Canada Border Services Agency website before crossing.
By Bus
Limited scheduled bus service connects St. Stephen to larger New Brunswick centres. Verify current routes and schedules locally or through Maritime Bus, which has historically served this corridor.
By Air
The nearest commercial airports are Saint John Airport (YSJ), approximately 100 km east, and Bangor International Airport (BGR) in Maine, roughly 140 km south. Both require a car rental or arranged transfer to reach St. Stephen.
Getting Around
St. Stephen's compact downtown core — King Street, Milltown Boulevard, and the waterfront — is walkable. Most points of interest are within a short walk of each other. A car is recommended if you plan to explore outlying areas, visit nearby provincial parks, or cross into Calais for additional services.
There is no local public transit system within the town itself. Taxi services operate locally; verify availability on arrival. Cycling is feasible in good weather along relatively flat town streets.
Things to See & Do
Chocolate Museum (Ganong Chocolatier)
The Chocolate Museum on Milltown Boulevard tells the story of Ganong Bros. and Canada's candy history, including the origin of the heart-shaped chocolate box. Admission fees and seasonal hours should be verified directly with the museum before visiting, as they can change.
St. Croix Island International Historic Site
The island in the St. Croix River was the site of a French settlement in 1604 — one of the earliest European attempts at permanent settlement in North America. The island itself is not publicly accessible, but an interpretive site on the US side in Calais and viewing points on the Canadian shore offer context. Check Parks Canada and the US National Park Service for current access information.
Garcelon Civic Center and Local Recreation
The Garcelon Civic Center is a community hub for local sports and events. Check locally for any scheduled public events during your visit.
International Chocolate Festival
Held annually (traditionally in August), the Chocolate Festival is a joint St. Stephen–Calais event with activities, vendors, and entertainment. Confirm dates and programming in advance, as they vary year to year.
Nature and the St. Croix River
The riverfront offers walking and scenic views. The broader Charlotte County region has hiking trails and access to Fundy coastal areas within a short drive.
Food & Drink
St. Stephen is a small town, and dining options reflect that scale. Expect a modest selection of family restaurants, diners, and fast-food outlets along the main commercial corridors. Fresh seafood — particularly lobster and scallops — appears on regional menus when in season, sourced from the Bay of Fundy.
For a wider range of restaurants, some visitors cross into Calais, Maine, which has additional options. Note that you will need to clear customs in both directions, even for a meal, so factor in potential border wait times.
LocalGanong chocolates are worth picking up at a local retailer as an edible souvenir; the brand is widely stocked in the area. Verify specific restaurant hours locally, as hours can be limited in smaller New Brunswick towns outside summer season.
Shopping
Shopping in St. Stephen is limited but functional. The town has grocery stores, pharmacies, and general retail along its main commercial strip to cover everyday needs. Ganong chocolates — the town's signature product — are available at local shops and make a popular, practical souvenir.
Cross-border shoppers sometimes visit Calais, Maine for access to US retailers and prices; be aware of Canadian customs allowances on goods you bring back into Canada. Verify current personal exemption limits with the CBSA before making significant purchases across the border.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for police, fire, and ambulance emergencies anywhere in Canada. The nearest hospital with emergency services is Charlotte County Hospital in St. Stephen — confirm its current status and services locally, as rural hospital services in New Brunswick have been subject to change.
Pharmacies and Medical
Pharmacies operate in town for everyday health needs. For non-urgent medical concerns, verify current clinic hours locally.
Connectivity
Major Canadian carriers provide cell service in St. Stephen. Wi-Fi is available at the public library and at most accommodation providers. Note that roaming charges may apply if your phone connects to US towers near the border — check with your carrier.
Business Hours
Many smaller businesses in St. Stephen keep reduced hours outside summer (July–August). Call ahead or verify hours before visiting specific shops or attractions in shoulder or off seasons.
Safety
St. Stephen is a quiet, low-crime community where the primary practical concern for most visitors is the border crossing itself. Border wait times can be unpredictable, particularly around holidays and local events. Always carry appropriate documentation and declare all goods truthfully when crossing in either direction.
Road conditions in winter (December through March) can be challenging. Black ice, snow, and reduced visibility are possible. Drive to conditions and check road conditions via the New Brunswick Department of Transportation before travelling in winter months.
