Campobello Island, New Brunswick

Campobello Island

Campobello Island, a jewel in the Bay of Fundy, offers an unforgettable coastal retreat. Home to the famous Roosevelt Campobello International Park and one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses, this island invites you to explore its rugged beauty. From dramatic coastlines and unspoiled beaches to salt marshes and old-growth forests, Campobello is a haven for outdoor adventures like hiking, whale watching, and birding. Visit Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Summer Cottage or tee off at the island’s scenic golf course. Steeped in history and natural splendour, Campobello will renew your spirit. Let it become your beloved island escape.

Head Harbour Lightstation

Perched on the rugged coast of Campobello Island, the Head Harbour Lighthouse has been guiding ships safely through the Bay of Fundy’s famous fog and powerful tides since 1829. At low tide, you can venture out to explore its weathered beauty up close, while at high tide, it transforms into a stunning island, surrounded by the swirling sea. Whether you're a history buff, a lighthouse lover, or simply someone who appreciates breathtaking coastal views, whale spotting, or beachcombing at low tide, this is a must-visit destination. The picnic area and lookouts from the mainland are highly recommended for sunrise seekers, bird watchers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Bald eagles, great blue herons, razorbills, seals, porpoises and whales (minke, fin, and humpback) are commonly seen here.

Head Harbour Lighthouse aka East Quoddy Lighthouse

Venture to the Edge to see Head Harbour Lightstation perched on a rocky islet off the northern tip of Campobello Island. This iconic red and white lighthouse is also known as East Quoddy Lighthouse. Standing 51 feet tall, this wooden octagonal tower is the oldest surviving lighthouse in New Brunswick and among the oldest in Canada. But be warned: this historic landmark is only accessible during low tide, offering a brief window of opportunity. As the tide rises an astonishing 5 feet per hour, anyone lingering too long may be stranded for over 8 hours. The trek is not for the faint of heart—three sets of steep stairs, a bridge, a pebble beach, and a slippery, seaweed-covered path with uneven rocks make this a challenge for only the most sure-footed adventurers (and that’s just one way). The sign at the entrance, warning to ‘proceed at your own risk,’ should be taken seriously. Despite the treacherous journey, I’m glad I did it, though I urge extreme caution. The manmade supports are in some state of disrepair, and even the lighthouse itself shows gaping holes —something I had to Photoshop out in my photographs, as the wear and tear was just too disheartening. The Friends of the Head Harbour Lightstation, Inc., a dedicated Canadian charity, is working tirelessly to preserve this maritime treasure but they need our help to continue their mission. If you’re moved by the history and beauty of this lighthouse, consider supporting their efforts to protect and restore it. Let’s ensure future generations can experience the same awe-inspiring views we have today.

Head Harbour Wharf

Nearby Head Harbour Wharf is home to fishing boats, whale-watching tours, and the heroic Campobello Whale Rescue Team (CWRT)—adding to the area’s rich maritime charm. This dedicated team, a vital part of the Canadian Whale Institute, is committed to preserving marine life. Its highly skilled crew uses specialized equipment to disentangle and release whales trapped in fishing gear. As members of the Atlantic Large Whale Disentanglement Network, they cover waters from Florida all the way to the Bay of Fundy, responding to entanglements in Maritime Canada. Photographers and artists will find Head Harbour Wharf a picturesque muse. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a fisherman loading or unloading his boat to chat with.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park

Celebrating 60 years in 2024, the Roosevelt Campobello International Park spans 2,800 acres of stunning natural beauty with a historic core of restored summer cottages. At its heart is the cherished summer home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor. Established in 1964 as a joint venture between Canada and the U.S., the park serves as a tribute to the Roosevelts' connection to Canada while strengthening ties between the two nations. While buildings and programs run from late May to mid-October, the grounds are open year-round. Admission to the park and Roosevelt Cottage is free, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually. Start your visit at the Edmund S. Muskie Visitor Centre, where you can enjoy self-guided displays and a short video about Roosevelt's life, his battle with polio, and the park's creation. Interpretive guides are available for questions, and the gift shop offers souvenirs.

Roosevelt Cottage

Step into Roosevelt Cottage, a grand 34-room summer home where Franklin D. Roosevelt enjoyed many vacations on Campobello Island, nestled in New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy. Explore two floors filled with historic 1920s memorabilia as knowledgeable guides share stories of the Roosevelt family and the island’s importance to FDR. He was known to have gained strength and composure from Campobello’s air, land, and sea. Tours run every 15 minutes, with tickets available on-site. After your tour, stroll through the park's charming gardens, and continue your exploration of several more historic cottages that capture the charm of Campobello’s past as a fashionable seaside retreat, where the elite from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Ottawa, and Montreal once arrived by yacht, steamship, and train.

Prince Café

Next to Roosevelt Cottage, you will find Prince Cottage, built in the late 19th century for Lawrence Prince, a cotton broker from St. Louis. It is now home to the Prince Café, my favourite dining destination on the island. Select from a menu of delectable, fresh, homemade light offerings and refreshments. You can dine inside or on the verandah, enjoying lovely views of Passamaquoddy Bay. Open daily during the park season, the café also offers takeaway, perfect for picnicking. Picnic tables are available at several scenic spots throughout the park.

Photo provided by Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages

Hubbard Cottage

Take a self-guided tour of the elegantly-appointed Hubbard Cottage, built in 1892 by Boston insurance broker, Gorham Hubbard. The first floor is open daily for tours during park hours. Make note of the magnificent oval picture window, shipped from Italy in a vat of molasses to prevent breakage.

Tea with Eleanor

Wells-Shober Cottage was built in the late 19th century for Samuel Wells, a Boston-area lawyer and president of the Campobello Company, then later acquired in 1912 by the Shober family of Philadelphia. It is the location for two daily sittings of ‘Tea with Eleanor’. Sip Eleanor Roosevelt’s favourite King Cole tea and enjoy cookies made from her favourite recipe while interpreters share enlightening stories of her advocacy for human rights and social justice. Pick up your free reservation passes at the Edmund S. Muskie Visitor Centre.

Happy Hour with FDR

‘Happy Hour with FDR,’ is set at Wells-Shober Cottage every second and fourth Thursday evening. This event includes live music, a cocktail, FDR’s dirty martini, and a personal charcuterie board. Interpreters share insights of Franklin D. Roosevelt's life and achievements that illuminate him as one of America's most influential leaders. Tickets are $25 CDN for adults and $20 CDN for kids (non-alcoholic drink included). Purchase your tickets online or at the Edmund S. Muskie Visitor Centre.

Roosevelt Park’s Natural Area

Discover the natural beauty of Roosevelt Park by exploring its carriage roads or hiking and biking the seaside trails. Immerse yourself in the rich landscapes of bogs, forests, beaches, and bays that the Roosevelt family cherished. Start your adventure at Friar’s Head lookout platform to soak up the180-degree views of Cobscook Bay, Eastport, Deer Island, and Friar's Bay. Other small islands are also visible here. Visit other observation decks throughout the park at Eagle Hill Bog, Lower Duck Pond, Upper Duck Pond, and Liberty Point. Be sure to wear proper footwear— trails can be wet and slippery at times, and the coastal trails can be close to cliff ledges.

The Friendship Trail

The Park is buzzing about the nearly completed The Friendship Trail or in Passamaquoddy, Witapehtiyik 'tawtimuwa. This 3.5-mile trail, featuring over 1,700 feet of floating walkway, opens up an additional 1,000 acres of the park. Designed with minimal impact on the wetlands, it offers a unique chance to study the importance of bog ecosystems. A bridge over Lower Duck Pond makes it a birdwatcher's paradise. Look forward to the grand opening in May 2025, thanks to the work of Flood Brothers Engineers.

Liberty Point

Liberty Point offers breathtaking views in both east and west directions, though the fog was rolling in during my visit, obscuring the candy-striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and the bluffs of Grand Manan Island. On clear days, they’re easy to spot. Keep an eye out for Sugar Loaf Rock, or ‘Frog Rock’—a favourite with families. Can you see it?

Raccoon Beach

Pack a picnic and take in the views, or descend the cliffside stairs to the secluded Raccoon Beach in Roosevelt Park. This pristine shoreline is perfect for exploring, wildlife spotting, and birdwatching.

Herring Cove Beach from Roosevelt International Park

Herring Cove Beach, the island’s longest, stretches from Herring Cove Provincial Park to Roosevelt International Park. A blend of pebbles and sand, it's an idyllic place to unwind and enjoy the coastline.

The Pier on the Waterfront

The Pier on the Waterfront is the perfect spot for fish and chips, though I was so focused on whale watching that I forgot to snap a photo of our meals! The freshest seafood is served daily with stunning views. Watch for whales and eagles, and enjoy a drink at sunset. Pollock Cove, right in front of the restaurant, is a top spot for beachcombing—perfect for seaglass hunting. Despite some competition, I managed to find a couple of gems!

Campobello Island Gift Shop

Campobello Island Gift Shop in Welshpool offers a little something for everyone. The owner advertises a diverse range of products, focusing on island-made, New Brunswick-made, Maritime-made, and Canadian-made goods. It’s also home to the Campobello Island Dooryard Market, a weekly summer event, often featuring live music. While you’re there, don’t forget to indulge in a treat from The Scoop Shack, conveniently located on-site.

Herring Cove Provincial Park

Herring Cove Provincial Park, on the eastern side of the island, has much to offer! My husband, Eric and I were captivated by its 9-hole golf course, fantastic restaurant, and the stunning black sand and pebble beach. The unique hiking trails are plentiful and a must for adventurers, and the nearby campground is perfect for campers and hikers looking to stay close to nature. It truly is a paradise for nature lovers!

Herring Cove Beach

Herring Cove Beach is where nature’s melody comes alive. The waves gently lap against the unique black sand and pebbles, creating a peaceful symphony as you stroll along the shoreline. It was music to my ears and I couldn’t get enough of this gentle soothing sound. This mile-long beach is a haven for seabirds and shorebirds. Keep an eye out for playful seals —we watched a couple fishing near the herring nets, just a stone’s throw from the shore. The beach is also a treasure trove of fascinating rocks, perfect for exploration. Pack a lunch, find a driftwood bench, and let the serene sights and sounds of Herring Cove Beach fill your senses.

Unspoiled Beaches

Although we only had time to visit a few, Campobello Island is home to many pristine, unspoiled beaches. Sunbathe, beachcomb, explore the rocks and tidal pools, or watch the seabirds and other wildlife. The opportunities are endless and the beaches are spotless. We’re already looking forward to our next visit, where we hope to kayak at the sheltered Mill Cove Beach. With its calm waters and opportunity to spot eagles, it sounds like an ideal location to explore.

Campobello Library

The Campobello Library is a cozy, welcoming space that offers more than just books. Visitors can also check out fishing poles, kites, and activity kits for stargazing and birdwatching. The library hosts regular workshops and educational displays, enriching the experience for both locals and visitors. Established in 1887 and officially opened in 1898 through private donations, the library has deep historical roots. Franklin D. Roosevelt was a founding member when it was incorporated in 1916. In 1974, it became part of the provincial public library system, continuing its legacy of community service.

Campobello Museum

Campobello Museum, founded by islanders in 1971, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of the island. Located in a second adjoining room to the library, the museum’s collection has steadily grown through donations from both islanders and summer residents. One of the most notable recent additions came in June 2024 when Dennis and Margaret Haire generously donated an 1849 journal by Admiral William Fitzwilliam Owen, whose family owned the island from the 1760s to the late 1850s. Dennis discovered this important historical artifact at a private yard sale on the island. Admission to the museum is free, and guided tours are available.

Whale Watching on Campobello Island

While on Campobello Island, consider getting out on the water to go whale watching with a local tour. Eric and I enjoyed a wonderful sunset adventure with East Quoddy Tours. From the mesmerizing whirlpools of Old Sow off of Deer Island to the graceful dance of seabirds and shorebirds above the waves, every moment was pure magic. We spotted a large pod of porpoises several times, and even witnessed a majestic humpback whale make a terminal dive. I took video instead of photos of this part of the experience, which can be found on my Maritimes Maven Instagram account. Circling the iconic Head Harbour lighthouse bathed in a warm late day glow was glorious, then just to top things off the sky burst into a fiery display of colour at sunset making our tour one we will not soon forget.

Starfish Cottage (our stay) at Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages

The Porch at Friar’s Bay

The Porch at Friar’s Bay is a licensed restaurant that offers a menu filled with local favourites and daily specials.Eric had the soup and sandwich special and I had a burger but were told the real specialty is the pan-seared scallops—definitely worth a return trip! With its stunning view of Friar’s Bay, it's the perfect spot to catch a sunset. The Porch also hosts live music and special events, and showcases some lovely local artisan items for sale. I’m still thinking about those seaglass earrings I spotted.

Campobello Fresh Fish Markets

For seafood enthusiasts who love cooking their own catch, Campobello Island has several options. You can find fresh halibut, haddock, pollock, lobster, scallops, and clams at two local markets—Point Star Seafood in Wilson’s Beach and Shore Thing Fish Market in Lubec. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a fisherman at Head Harbour Wharf and purchase seafood right off the boat.

Mulholland Lighthouse, as seen from Lubec, Maine

Mulholland Point Lighthouse

Mulholland Point Lighthouse was built in 1885 to guide ships through the Lubec Narrows. The original octagonal wooden structure is located within Roosevelt Campobello International Park and is the only lighthouse shared by Canada and the U.S. The adjacent Marine Interpretation Centre, in partnership with the Canadian Whale Institute, educates visitors on the North Atlantic right whale and marine life of the Bay of Fundy. There is a picnic spot here with views of the Roosevelt Memorial Bridge and the quaint town of Lubec, Maine. Keep an eye out for seals and even basking sharks in the area. Walk the rocky shore and beachcomb for seaglass.

Campobello Island Festivals

Campobello Fogfest is an annual music and arts festival held on the island. It was established in 2013 to raise awareness of the island’s rich cultural history and tremendous natural beauty. Fogfest is held in various venues across the island and offers a range of music to suit every taste from classical, gospel, and jazz to bluegrass, folk, rock, and country. The 13th Fogfest will happen on July 30 - August 3, 2025. I would love to return to take this in some year.

Campobello Coastal Challenge was a brand new 2024 race event offering 10 km, 25 km, and 50 km runs through the island's scenic trails that is planned to become an annual summer event. A joint effort by Roosevelt Campobello International Park, Herring Cove Provincial Park, and Dutch Viking Events, it celebrates the island's strong international ties. A portion of the proceeds will support local food banks on both sides of the Campobello-Lubec border. Participants face challenging terrain through forested trails, rocky beaches, coastal cliffs, and bog boardwalks but are rewarded with stunning coastal views and the chance to spot wildlife and whales. This event highlights the rugged beauty of Campobello Island, with trails once established by President Franklin Roosevelt himself.

Campobello Seaglass Festival happens the whole month of September each year and is definitely on my To Do List for 2025! It is a chance to immerse yourself into the enchanting world of beachcombing with like-minded souls (and mermaids) and to explore the Bay of Fundy shores to discover hidden treasures. The festival offers a range of events, including scavenger hunts, markets, workshops, and free guided tours.

You are Invited to Campobello Island

Escape to the hidden gem of Campobello Island, where unspoiled natural beauty and coastal charm await. Discover the iconic East Quoddy Lighthouse, one of the world’s most photographed, and explore the only international park shared by Canada and the U.S.—a living testament to their enduring friendship. Wander through the historic Roosevelt summer home, hike scenic trails, and unwind on beaches perfect for picnicking and beachcombing. Challenge yourself on the 9-hole golf course at Herring Cove, or relax on its striking black sand and pebble beach. Whether kayaking or whale watching, Campobello Island offers unforgettable adventures along its breathtaking shores. Consider yourself invited to Campobello Island. Tell the locals, the Maritimes Maven sent you!

How to Get to Campobello Island

If you're visiting Campobello Island from New Brunswick (mid-June to the end of September), you can take two quick ferry rides: Coastal Transport Ltd. from L’Etete to Deer Island, and East Coast Ferries, Ltd. from Deer Island to Campobello. Alternatively, cross the international border at St. Stephen, New Brunswick, into Calais, Maine, and drive about 40-50 minutes to Lubec, where you’ll re-enter Canada then cross the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Bridge. Coming from the U.S., you simply cross at Lubec and take the bridge. My husband and I did the “Quoddy Loop,” trying both routes. Timing the ferries trims travel time, avoids passport requirements, and skips two border crossings. However, our border crossings were quick and easy, making the return enjoyable—just don’t forget your passport! I loved the scenic ferry rides, but note that East Coast Ferries only runs seasonally. Outside that window, the only access to Campobello is via Lubec, Maine. As many say, “If it were easier to get to, it wouldn’t be as good.”

Important Things to Know about Campobello Island

Pro Tip: Before heading to Campobello, be sure to fill up your tank—there are no gas stations on the island. While there are a few ATMs, there are no banks, and grocery stores and convenience stores stock only the basics. Lubec, Maine is nearby with a bit more variety, but crossing the international border requires your passport each time. To avoid any hassle, pack some of your favourite groceries or hard-to-find items. Even in Lubec, the selection might not be what you're used to. Also, keep in mind that Campobello Island is in New Brunswick, Canada, and follows Atlantic Time. So when it's 6:00 pm on the island, it's only 5:00 pm in Maine! Time your travel accordingly, especially if crossing back and forth. Planning ahead is key, and whatever route you take, be sure to book a stay at Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages. Whether you select: Whale of a View, Periwinkle, or Starfish, tell Dennis and Margaret the Maritimes Maven sent you!

Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages

My husband and I enjoyed a four-night stay on the island and our only regret, is not staying longer. Discover the charm of Campobello Island at its finest—where oceanfront cottages offer the ultimate escape. Picture waking up to sweeping coastal views, unforgettable sunsets, and whales playing in the distance. Whether you're seeking family fun, a romantic retreat or adventure, these idyllic cottages truly provide the perfect backdrop for it all. Dive into island life and experience a slice of paradise too beautiful for words. This is Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages—your coastal dream come true! We loved it here and think you would, too!

This post was sponsored by Discover Southwest New Brunswick; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Threads & X. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!