Campobello Island

Campobello Island, the largest of the Fundy Isles, is a ruggedly beautiful retreat at the southern tip of New Brunswick, just a short bridge from the US state of Maine. This island is steeped in maritime history and natural splendour, best known as the summer home of Franklin D. Roosevelt. With its wild coastline, dense spruce forests, and a laid-back, sea-salted atmosphere, Campobello offers a serene escape for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Drive the island's quiet roads, breathe in the salty air, and feel the rhythm of the Bay of Fundy's legendary tides.

Highlights & What to See

• Roosevelt Campobello International Park – Explore the 34-room 'cottage' where FDR summered, set within 2800 acres of coastal trails, bogs, and forests. The visitor centre offers rich exhibits on the Roosevelt family and the island's history.
• East Quoddy Head Light – One of the most photographed lighthouses in the Maritimes, perched on a rocky islet accessible at low tide. Time your visit for the crossing – it's a photogenic scramble across the ocean floor.
• Herring Cove Provincial Park – A lovely sandy beach on the Bay of Fundy, perfect for a picnic, a gentle swim in the frigid waters, or a walk along the shore at low tide to discover tide pools.
• Head Harbour Passage – Kayak or take a boat tour to spot humpback and minke whales, seals, and seabirds. The nutrient-rich waters of the Bay of Fundy attract abundant marine life.
• Welshpool Heritage Centre – Dive into the island's fishing and shipbuilding heritage, housed in a former schoolhouse. It's a small but charming museum that tells the story of the island's resilient community.

Suggested Time to Spend

Campobello Island can be comfortably explored in a full day, but to truly soak up its peace and natural beauty, plan for an overnight stay. Spend the morning at Roosevelt Park and the East Quoddy Head Light, then enjoy an afternoon kayaking or hiking. If you're self-driving, the island is a rewarding detour from the Fundy Coastal Drive – cross the bridge from Lubec, Maine, or take the ferry from Deer Island (seasonal). A two-day visit allows for a leisurely pace, including a whale-watching trip and a sunset walk on Herring Cove Beach.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lubec, Maine – The charming town just over the bridge, with its historic downtown and the Roosevelt International Bridge walk.
• Deer Island – Accessible by ferry from Campobello, this island offers the spectacular Old Sow whirlpool and a quieter pace.
• Grand Manan Island – A larger, more dramatic Fundy Isle with cliffside trails, puffin colonies, and a vibrant artist community – reachable by ferry from Blacks Harbour.
• Saint Andrews by-the-Sea – A historic seaside town with a renowned golf course, the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, and the iconic Algonquin Resort – about an hour's drive from the Campobello ferry.
• Fundy National Park – A must for hikers and nature enthusiasts, featuring the highest tides in the world, waterfalls, and the iconic Hopewell Rocks – a few hours' drive north.

Please check official sources for current details.