Campobello Oceanfront Cottages

‘Come hither and stay awhile,' the Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages seemed to whisper as I browsed through the Airbnb listings for the region. The promise of breathtaking ocean views, vivid sunsets, and the possibility of spotting whales and other wildlife instantly drew me in. Yet, it was the glowing individual reviews of each unique cottage—Sea Urchin, Whale of a View, Periwinkle, and Starfish—that sealed the deal. After weighing other options, these cottages on Passamaquoddy Bay stood out like a beacon. Now, after an unforgettable four-night stay in one, I can say with certainty that they are the perfect retreat for exploring the wonders of Campobello Island. My only regret? Not staying longer.

Starfish Cottage

My husband Eric and I had the pleasure of staying in Starfish Cottage, a 3-bedroom + loft retreat set on a wide, flat, oceanfront lot. Spacious and inviting, it features a large master bedroom with a queen-size bed with a picture-perfect ocean view and an electric fireplace. Waking up to that dreamy sight every morning made our stay truly unforgettable. The spare bedroom, also with a queen bed, is perfect for guests, while the third bedroom on the main level has playful bunk beds that kids are sure to love. There's also a loft space with two twin mattress beds that my teenage self would have begged to claim! The newly expanded living room offers even more ocean views and plenty of natural light. We spent many hours soaking in the scenery here. The cottage is rounded out by a cozy galley kitchen, a welcoming sitting and dining area, and a small, yet functional bathroom, making it the ideal coastal escape. Starfish Cottage was named for the many starfish that were discovered at low tide on the shoreline below it.

Spectacular Sunsets and Endless Ocean Views are yours at Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages

The screened porch and deck provide ample outdoor living space, while a platform at the property’s edge offers a front-row seat to stunning ocean views. A short walk down a wooded path leads to a cliffside seating area, perfect for taking in the panoramic vistas. From almost any vantage point, you’re bound to spot wildlife like eagles, ospreys, seals, porpoises, and even whales. On two different days, we were treated to whales spouting right in the cove in front of our cottage. Before long, whale-watching tour boats arrived to enjoy the spectacle. Every day, we marvelled at sea and land birds diving for schools of herring and mackerel—and once we saw an adult eagle with two juveniles feeding on a rock. There was never a dull moment! Guest reviews at Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages have also reported sightings of minke and finback whales, with some even enjoying the awe-inspiring sight of humpback whales breaching. Fishing boats and sailboats frequently pass by, adding to the charm of this stretch of Passamaquoddy Bay, a thriving feeding ground for marine life. And the sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular.

Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages are Steeped in History

Each Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottage features a cozy fire pit and Adirondack chairs, perfect for enjoying the evening, long after sunset. If the weather takes a turn, you’ll find a treasure trove of board games inside to keep the fun going. Fortunately, we had great weather during our stay, with just one foggy morning that quickly cleared, revealing our stunning view once again. While modernized for guest comfort, all the cottages retain their charm, with local vintage and antique pieces adding character. Each cottage also has a unique history. Starfish Cottage, my personal favourite, started as the Head Harbour Lighthouse keeper’s garage at the end of Lighthouse Road. In 1992, it was cut in half and moved to its current location beside a concrete residence, where it continued as a garage for several more years. After changing hands, the cottage’s transformation began. The current owners purchased the property in 2014 and converted the space into a charming 2-bedroom cottage, adding vaulted ceilings with a loft area, a narrow kitchen, a living room, and outdoor decks. In 2018, they added on a large master bedroom equivilent to the original cottage's size, taking full advantage of the breathtaking view. Last winter, a living room extension, a new screened porch, and larger decks were added. Starfish Cottage has truly evolved from its humble beginnings into something truly special.    

Periwinkle Cottage

Periwinkle Cottage, like the Starfish, has seen plenty of upgrades over the years including a complete rebuild in 2021. I’m completely smitten. It just might be our next stay. Periwinkle is a 3-bedroom + loft cottage that captured my heart from the moment I saw it! The living and dining rooms offer views of the water, while the wrap-around deck provides extra seating and dining areas to enjoy the scenery. The master bedroom has a view to die for and the screened porch is perfect for relaxing, day or night. This coastal cutie is full of charm, with shiplap accents, vaulted ceilings, and a recently renovated kitchen and bathroom. Nestled on a cliffside in the woods, it’s an ideal spot for bird and whale watching. Imagine dining al fresco with eagles and ospreys soaring overhead, and the soothing sound of whales feeding in the cove below. Guests can walk a trail to a lookout point high on the cliffside above the bay. Close-up whale sightings are common in the summer and early fall, making this a truly magical escape. After a day of adventure, unwind with the sunset, then roast marshmallows over the fire pit for a perfect end to the day.

Periwinkle Cottage is a Gem!

Periwinkle cottage was originally built in 1948 as a shed for a homestead on a Campobello backroad. In 1964, it was moved to its present location to be used as a fishing cabin. It became a rustic 2-room cabin but had no running water. An accompanying outhouse was erected beside it. In 1968, a couple from New Jersey purchased the cabin and the vacant lot next door - which in 1970 become the present Whale of a View Cottage. They added a well, septic system and electrical to Periwinkle. However, it was only used for two summers, while the couple built their dream vacation home on the lot next door. When the current owners acquired it in 2004, a new roof was built, the interior was white-washed, the floors were painted ocean blue, and the exterior a deep green. Shutters and window boxes were added, as well as a screened porch and a small deck. Overgrown trees were cleared to the water and a short hiking trail to a lookout was created. In 2021, Periwinkle was completely rebuilt adding a new kitchen, living room, second bedroom with a sleeping loft, and new decks. Antique flooring and tin ceilings were incorporated for character and charm. Then in the winter of 2022-23, a new oceanfront master bedroom was added, as was a new screened porch and deck overlooking the water. The cottage was named Periwinkle because it reminded the owners of the tiny periwinkle shell. Periwinkle Cottage is gem!

Head Harbour Lighthouse

Periwinkle Cottage sits pretty above a cove one mile south of Campobello Island’s northern tip. Like all of the Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages, it is within walking distance of the one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world - Head Harbour Lightstation. Be sure to visit this East Quoddy Lighthouse at high tide, when it becomes an island fully surrounded by water. Then, return at low tide to walk across the exposed ocean floor and get an up-close view. Also nearby is the Head Harbour Wharf, home to fishing boats, whale watching tours, and the heroic Campobello Whale Rescue Team—adding to the area’s rich maritime charm. Find a handy fish market just down the road where you can purchase fresh halibut, haddock, pollock, lobster, scallops and clams. The location couldn’t be better for your Campobello Island vacation.

Whale of a View Cottage Lives Up to its Name

Whale of a View Cottage lives up to its name, offering jaw-dropping vistas. This 3-bedroom rustic retreat is nestled in the woods jutting over a cliff, creating the sensation of being surrounded by water—aboard a ship. It's the perfect location to watch wildlife and whales, whether you are inside, or out in the screened porch, or on the lower deck and gazebo below. Recent upgrades include a raised ceiling, a remodelled kitchen with a coffee bar, and bathroom updates. The master bedroom features a queen-size bed with a close up view of passing boats, wildlife and whales. A second guest room also has a queen bed, while the third bedroom includes a bunk-style double and twin. While all cottages boast breathtaking sunsets, Whale of a View offers an extra special experience from its Eagle's Nest Gazebo, where some guests have even slept to the sound of whales spouting at night.

Whale of a View Cottage has a Whale of a View!

The current owners first met the elderly original owners of Periwinkle and Whale of a View in 1989, and expressed interest in purchasing both properties if they ever decided to sell. After both previous owners passed, wishes for their future ownership was granted, and they made an offer, acquiring both cottages in 2004. Whale of a View, with its pagoda-style design and low-maintenance overhangs was in good shape, but the new owners decided to put their touch on it and repaint the exterior red, refreshen the interior, and replace flooring. Then in 2005, they added steps and a lower deck, and created the Eagle's Nest screened gazebo. An oceanfront master bedroom with an attached screened porch and deck came next, followed by kitchen and bathroom renovations, raised ceilings, and shiplap accents. Today, Whale of a View remains the most requested cottage, thanks to its unbeatable views. Whale of a View Cottage has a Whale of a View!

Sea Urchin Cottage

Dennis and Margaret Haire, owners of Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages, are now celebrating their 36th season on the island. Although they reside in Evansville, Indiana, they spend five months a year at their beloved Sea Urchin cottage. Their love for Campobello began in 1988 after stumbling upon an ad for affordable oceanfront property in a newspaper left behind at the airport. Disheartened by high U.S. coastal cottage prices, they quickly arranged a visit to Campobello and soon after, purchased Sea Urchin, lovingly named after the urchins found on its private, sandy beach. Over time, as their family grew, they expanded their acquisition with Periwinkle, Whale of a View, and Starfish Cottage, all former private homes, offering unique, oceanfront stays with privacy, stunning sunsets, and incredible wildlife viewing.

Family Fun at Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages

Sea Urchin was originally a 500 square-foot cottage that was owned by a retired F.B.I. agent. It was built in 1959 by Campobello boat builders Varn and Morris Fletcher. Secluded and private tucked in the woods between two cliffs, this cottage is the crème de la crème of the Haires’ properties on the island. In the beginning it was simple and sweet and Dennis and Margaret loved it dearly. The bold panoramic view made up for everything it lacked inside but gradually over time, Dennis and Margaret expanded their living quarters and built several out buildings for their ever growing family. Margaret shared their Campobello story began with a 3 1/2-year-old son and a baby daughter, and now includes their two adult children and spouses, and eight grandchildren, ages 1 to 12. “They take over 3 out of 4 of the cottages,” Dennis began. “Our grandchildren love the connecting trails between the three cottages to end up at Papaw and Mimi's by 8 am most mornings! And the days don't end ‘til nearly 10 at night. The activities are plentiful. Margaret never stops cooking and Papaw never stops playing with the grandkids. It is endless hiking and exploring the seashore and woods. It is a fairy tale experience for the grandkids and for us also!” Their son-in-law recently expressed that he hopes to one day bring his grandchildren here. Nothing would make Dennis and Margaret happier.

Preserving Campobello’s History

Dennis and Margaret have filled Sea Urchin with their own personal touches, using countless vintage and antique pieces that reflect their love for Campobello's history. Even with their cottages brimming with artifacts, Dennis can’t resist adding more. During a private tour of the Mulholland Lighthouse, Dennis spotted an old sign and immediately asked if it was being discarded. With a twinkle in his eye, I wondered where he would even put it, as nearly every inch of his properties is already adorned with treasures. But he always finds a spot—like the time he proudly showed me an antique 1891 porcelain calendar. Mid-conversation, he held it up to an empty patch on the wall and said, “Quick, Margaret, get me a hook.” Margaret protested, “Oh no, Dennis—no more things on the wall!” But I’d wager that calendar now hangs proudly in their kitchen.

Priceless Campobello Island Treasures

Dennis is renowned for uncovering remarkable, one-of-a-kind treasures. His discoveries include a pair of binoculars once owned by Franklin D. Roosevelt, a fireplace mantel from the 1881 Tyn-y-Coed Hotel, another from a historic island home, an 1880 sign from H. Jackson Fish Market, a massive antique wood store counter, vintage doors, ship lanterns, tin ceiling tiles, a dresser from a luxury hotel, and a ship's clock. However, his most prized find is an 1849 journal by Admiral William Fitz William Owen, whose family owned the island from the 1760s to the late 1850s. In June 2024, Dennis generously donated this significant piece of history to the Campobello Museum. Margaret shares Dennis' passion for antiques. She once stumbled upon an old church door at a rummage sale, donated to the church, and had the door beautifully incorporated into their master bath renovation. Beyond her love for unique finds, Margaret is also the creative force behind their projects, sketching room designs and carefully planning furniture layouts for her and Dennis to envision their dreams together. She even meticulously plans placements for recessed lighting, electrical outlets, and light switches before handing their vision over to their contractor.

Family is Everything!

In 2015, the Haires infused their renovations with many of their unique antique and vintage finds. They expanded their cottage, adding a master bedroom and bath, an office, a screened porch, and exterior decks. In 2019, they went even further, building a brand-new kitchen and mudroom, while converting the old kitchen into a spare bedroom. They also extended the living room and created a cozy loft. Additional exterior decks were built, and the original treehouse, first constructed in 1992, was transformed into a magical retreat for their grandkids, complete with a trundle bed for Pawpaw and a deck with a million-dollar view. A new workshop was added, featuring an attic for extra sleeping quarters and a games room for family fun. However, during the pandemic, for two long summers, Dennis and Margaret’s children and grandchildren couldn’t visit. Dennis shared how emotional and special the family reunion was the following year when everyone came together again. The grandkids were thrilled to see the changes to their beloved summer oasis.

Idyllic Escape

The private beach in front of Sea Urchin has gifted Dennis and Margaret a treasure trove of hidden gems, likely due to centuries of shipwrecks in the area. Their cottage overflows with beach combing finds—seaglass, pieces of china, porcelain doll fragments, seashells, lobster claws, and even massive whale bones. It's a living museum of natural history, and their grandkids love it. Sea Urchin, Periwinkle, and Whale of a View boast a combined 1,000 feet of continuous oceanfront, with woodland trails connecting the cottages. It’s the perfect family retreat during the 2-3 weeks Dennis and Margaret's family visits them each summer. The rest of the year, from late April to the end of October, guests and renters get to enjoy this idyllic escape. Starfish Cottage alone offers 200 feet of its own ocean frontage, with just one private home between it and the trio of properties. If you love to beachcomb as much as Dennis and Margaret do, each rental cottage features seaglass maps highlighting key island beachcombing locations, and if you can pull yourself away from your ocean view, the Haires have also thoughtfully stocked the cottages with all the info you need to make the most of your time exploring the other hidden gems on the island.

You are Invited to Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages

Over the years, the Haires have made continual upgrades to all their properties, always capitalizing on each cottage’s character and appeal, while modernizing them for comfort for their guests. As I toured them all, I could envision who would be drawn to each one. Filled with unique local and historical items that Dennis collected, and with plenty of room for families or groups of friends to settle in, they are a gem of a find on Campobello. Whether you rent one, two, or all three, you're in for a whale of a time! (See what I did there?) Years ago, Dennis used to advertise them by placing ads in magazines, but now he lists them on Airbnb and VRBO and welcomes Canadians and Americans alike to enjoy their little stretch of paradise on Campobello Island. Still unspoiled and relatively undiscovered, this is the perfect peaceful escape. While on the island, explore the world’s only international park, jointly maintained by Canada and the U.S.. It is a lasting legacy to our countries’ loyalty and friendship to one another. His and Margaret’s passion for Roosevelt International Park and Campobello Island shines through. This American couple is proud to share their Canadian summer home and its oceanfront beauty with visitors from both countries. Enjoy the park’s restored Roosevelt summer house, miles of hiking trails, and picturesque beaches for beachcombing and picnicking. Tee up at Herring Cove’s 9-hole golf course or visit its public beach. Rent a kayak or go whale watching. Campobello Island awaits and Dennis and Margaret can’t wait to welcome you to their slice of paradise at Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages.

How to Get to Campobello Island

If travelling by vehicle to Campobello Island from New Brunswick (from mid-June to the end of September) you can hop two short ferry rides - one from L’Etete, New Brunswick to Deer Island and another from Deer Island to Campobello. You can also travel across the international border at St. Stephen, New Brunswick to Calais, Maine then make your way to Lubec (approximately 40-50 minutes) then cross back into Canada at a border crossing, and drive across the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Bridge onto Campobello Island. My husband and I tried both ways - to compare the two. If you time the ferry schedule well, you trim the trip significantly and avoid two border crossings, but that being said, we did not have long waits at either international crossing into Lubec or between Calais and St. Stephen, so it was a pleasant return trip as well. You just need to remember to bring your passport along. Personally, I really enjoyed experiencing the ferry rides but they only run seasonally, so from the end of September to the middle of June there is only one way to access Campobello. As many have shared, “If it were easier to get to, it wouldn't be as good." Whichever way you travel, plan 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, New Brunswick

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. Learn more about this hidden gem by clicking on the text hyperlink above or on the photo link below.

This post was sponsored by Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. 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!