Tucked into the southwestern corner of New Brunswick along Passamaquoddy Bay, Saint Andrews by-the-Sea is a charming coastal town steeped in history and maritime character. Originally settled by the Passamaquoddy First Nations, Saint Andrews was established in 1783 by the Loyalists and flourished as a merchant hub. By the 1930s, the town had become a playground for the wealthy, giving rise to what is considered Canada’s first seaside resort. Its appeal has endured, and today, visitors are drawn here by its blend of history, coastal charm, and outdoor activities.
After living in New Brunswick for years, I finally made my way to this picturesque pocket of the province. I love travelling off-season, when the weather is pleasant without being overly hot, and I don’t have to fight for parking or a seat in a restaurant. So I purposely booked my visit for the third week of May, after attractions, shops, and restaurants have reopened following winter, but before peak tourism begins. It was peaceful to stroll the streets, enjoy a seaside meal, and linger over a cold brew on the patio without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Saint Andrews can certainly be explored over two days, but three or even four will allow for a more leisurely pace and additional time to experience the town’s activities and dining scene. Here are my top picks:
Stay: The Algonquin Resort
Originally opened in 1889 and rebuilt in 1915 after a devastating fire, the iconic red-roofed hotel is as historic as the town itself. The Algonquin was once part of CP Hotels, a collection of luxury properties along the trans-Canada railway, and is now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
The lobby feels warm and inviting, with chess sets, board games, and wingback chairs arranged around fireplaces, creating a comfortable, living room-like atmosphere. A covered veranda wraps around the front entrance, and heat lamps keep guests warm during the cooler months.
The lobby of The Algonquin is warm and inviting, with chess sets, board games, and wingback chairs arranged around fireplaces, creating a comfortable, living room-like atmosphere. (Ming Tappin photo for Vacay Network)
Dining options include Braxton’s fine dining restaurant, the Right Whale pub, The Gallery for light fare, as well as afternoon high tea and room service. Guests also have access to an outdoor swimming pool with a sun deck, and a large indoor complex featuring a fitness centre, swimming pool, whirlpool, and a three-storey waterslide. Visiting in May came with the added bonus of having everything mostly to myself.
A roster of daily activities includes bike rentals, lawn games, and historical walking tours, while younger guests can enjoy scavenger hunts, movie nights, and s’mores by the firepits. The resort is within walking distance of the Saint Andrews waterfront, and a complimentary shuttle connects guests to key local attractions. Pets are also welcome.
The Tudor-style building, with its multiple wings, has been rumoured to have inspired Stephen King’s The Shining. It did not, but the Maine-born author has stayed at the property while writing. If you’re into ghost stories, take the haunted tour – offered twice nightly – led by a bellman who guides guests through various parts of the property, including the underground tunnels, to share the hotel’s history and reported paranormal encounters.
Dine: Chandler Room Wine Bar & Kitchen
Water Street is lined with dining options, from coffee shops and bistros to cozy dining rooms and waterfront patios. My pick is the Chandler Room inside the Treadwell Inn, which is open to all diners. Its rear patio is the real draw. Tables overlook the bay, while a path leads to the water’s edge, where guests can sip a drink from one of the colourful Adirondack chairs.
The menu changes frequently, with dishes served in shareable portions. On this visit, I had a choice of charred Brussel sprouts, baked oysters, ahi tuna tartare, beef tenderloin carpaccio, spicy Thai red curry shrimp, and braised short-rib ricotta gnocchi. I opted for the featured flatbread, topped with blackened Cajun chicken, charred leeks, cheddar, and roasted corn, whose sweetness balanced the zesty heat of the aji verde. Hands down, one of the best flatbreads I’ve tasted.
The international wine list spans several pages, and the quieter pace of a May evening gave me the perfect excuse to watch the sunset and try a few vintages. I imagine the scene will be a very different story once summer arrives.
Sip: Saint Andrews Brewing Co.
Every town has a craft brewery, and Saint Andrews is no exception. The namesake brewpub has a large sunlit patio overlooking Market Square, with no fewer than 14 options on tap. Beyond packaged snacks, there’s no food served on site; however, outside food is welcome, and several eateries are conveniently located just across the square.
On a sunny afternoon, the patio draws a mix of after-work patrons enjoying happy hour, locals with their dogs, and visitors like me soaking up the sun with a pint in hand. As I left, musicians were setting up on the patio – a sign that the evening was only just beginning.
Shop: Water Street and Market Square
Along Water Street, late 18th-century and early 19th-century gable-roofed buildings house a mix of shops and boutiques. While Saint Andrews logoed souvenirs are abundant, you’ll also find home décor, quality clothing, books, and more. And yes, there’s even a Home Hardware – an icon of small-town Canada. Even if you aren’t in the mood to shop, a stroll down Water Street is a great way to take in the historic architecture.
On Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., drop by Market Square to browse the farmers’ market for produce, arts and crafts, and food – including Malaysian delicacies and Korean BBQ, which locals rave about. My tip: pick up lunch and enjoy it on the patio at Saint Andrews Brewing Co. along with a cold one.
Visit: Ministers Island
You need to time your visit to this must-see attraction, as it is only accessible at low tide. At the mouth of the Bay of Fundy, Saint Andrews experiences tidal changes of up to seven metres twice daily, and at low tide, a sandbar connects Ministers Island to the mainland.
Although the island is named for the town’s minister, Samuel Andrews, whose 1790 house is still standing, it is most known as the summer retreat of CP Rail magnate Sir William Van Horne, the man behind the construction of the trans-Canada railway. Today, visitors can explore his 50-room mansion, the stone bathhouse, and the imposing three-storey barn, where Van Horne incorporated innovative design and machinery to house his prized horses, cattle, and pigs.
Visitors can explore the 50-room mansion, the stone bathhouse, and the imposing three-storey barn, where CP Rail magnate William Van Horne incorporated innovative design and machinery to house his prized horses, cattle, and pigs. (Ming Tappin photo for Vacay Network)
The 500-acre island also has more than 12 kilometres of trail, but the challenge is finding enough time to experience it all before the tide rises. Ministers Island has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada, though it is not included in the Parks Canada Discovery or Canada Strong pass.
Learn: Huntsman Marine Science Centre
This family-focused attraction features a touch tank, an aquarium, and a resident seal named Snorkel. Visitors can learn about the Bay of Fundy’s tidal zones, the marine life and other creatures that inhabit them, and the importance of ocean conservation.
Particularly engaging are the guided tidal beach treks and citizen science marine cruises, where participants can learn about invasive species and collect live samples for laboratory studies. Guided treks and cruises are family-friendly and require advance reservations.
Golf: The Algonquin Golf Course
Established in 1894, the 18-hole, par-72 course has been renovated several times since its opening, most recently under the guidance of renowned Canadian architect Rod Whitman. Ranked #13 on SCOREGolf’s 2025 list of top golf courses in Canada, the challenging links offer spectacular ocean views and Canada’s oldest clubhouse, home to the Apertivo 19’ Italian eatery.
Although not adjacent to The Algonquin Resort, guests can book a stay-and-play package that includes accommodations, green fees, a power cart, and a food voucher. The resort’s complimentary shuttle makes a stop here.
Seek: Whale Watching
Whale watching season begins in June, when visitors head into the Bay of Fundy in search of minke, fin, and humpback whales, along with seals, harbour porpoises, and seabirds. If you’re lucky, you may even spot sharks or bluefin tuna. Several tour operators are located dockside, and reservations can be made online.
Stroll: Kingsbrae Garden
The beautifully curated 27-acre gardens on the estate of John and Lucinda Flemer provide a peaceful respite in Saint Andrews. Created over two years by Mrs. Flemer (who still lives nearby), the gardens are home to a variety of plants, flowers, water features, farm-animal enclosures, and an Acadian forest trail. A delightful sculpture garden showcases works by artists from around the world.
Fun fact: the Scents & Sensitivity Garden – where plants of various textures and fragrances can be enjoyed by visually-impaired guests – made an appearance on Amazing Race Canada, where blindfolded contestants were tasked with correctly identifying each plant.
A Sweet Side Trip
For those with a sweet tooth, make time for a tasty piece of Canadian history. A 20-minute drive away, St. Stephen is home to Canada’s oldest chocolate company, Ganong. Two brothers began making chocolates here in 1873, and five generations later, the company remains family-owned and operated.
Visit the Chocolate Museum, which until 1990 occupied the site of the original factory (production has since moved to a nearby facility). A short guided tour begins with a few fun facts. Did you know that cocoa beans were once so valuable that the Mayans and the Aztecs used them as currency, and Canada ranks as the third-largest consumer of chocolate after the United States and Switzerland?
The tour goes on to share the story of the Ganong brothers, the company’s history, and its meticulous hand-dipping process, with a few chocolate samples along the way. The story is fascinating, and you’ll be hard-pressed to leave without picking up a few treats to take home.
For additional information and to plan your visit, consult the Saint Andrews by-the-Sea website.
