As a mermaid, I naturally love spending as much time as possible surrounded by water.
Which explains why I’ve got a mad coastal crush on two Bay of Fundy islands in New Brunswick where you can surrounded by the ocean, all day, every day. The otherworldly island of Grand Manan and the mystical, fit-for-a-Mermaid island of Campobello, home to ALL the seaglass.
It’s been five years since my first visit to Campobello Island and it’s been a mad love affair ever since. I’ve been fortunate to make lifelong friends who call the island home and all of my businesses give back annual to the Campobello Whale Rescue Team.
Campobello is incredibly special to me and I have a sneaking suspicion, if you’ve never been, it’ll become equally special to you too after your first visit.
From picture-perfect lighthouses—only accessible by foot at low tide—to dreamy beaches sprinkled with seaglass, to whales and coastal creatures around every corner. Campobello Island is a destination that everyone should experience at some point in their life.
And I’m very excited to share the updated 2022 East Coast Mermaid Guide to Campobello Island with you!
Are you ready to dive in?
Before you can begin planning your adventure to Campobello Island, let’s start with how to get there since it’s a little more complicated than just hopping in the car and on a ferry!
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear about visiting Campobello Island is that you have to go though the United States to get there, but that’s simply not true. It’s also accessible by two short ferry rides.
One FREE ferry from L’Étete to Deer Island and one PAID ferry from Deer Island to Campobello Island. The Deer Island ferry leaves every half hour. The Campobello Island ferry, which is privately own, leaves Deer Island every hourly but days of the week and times may vary depending on the month.
This ferry is VERY weather dependent so ALWAYS check their Facebook page, East Coast Ferries, for ferry schedule and any planned or unplanned changes to the schedule that may affect your crossing or plans.
You can access the Deer Island ferry schedule here and Campobello Island ferry schedule here. Plan to budget for $24 one-way for a vehicle and driver, then $5 for each additional adult. Children under 12 sail for free.
If you’re planning to visit Campobello Island, one thing is very important! Make sure to book your accommodations in advance. Campobello Island is a small island, with only so many places to stay!
This mermaid LOVES to rent a cottage at Pollock Cove Resort as it is right on the ocean and located on one of the best seaglass beaches on the island. We last stayed in Cottage #4 and I would highly recommend this one for the views! You open your door and the beach, pier, and giggling seagulls are right in front of you. Which means you can keep an eye on the tides and be the first down there when the tides turn in your favour.
You can read more about our most recent stay, last September for Seaglass September here. Spoiler: I simply rave about it!
Another mermaid favourite is Friars Bay Inn & Cottages. Its newly renovated motel is gorgeous and you have an ocean view from each motel room thanks to the design of the motel. You can easily walk across the street to stroll Friars Bay Beach and look for seaglass!
We also love the Campobello Whale Watch Motel! While you might not have ocean views, you can enjoy summer evenings by a roaring campfire in the yard. It’s also very centrally located, so you’re just a short drive from all of the action.
And if having the perfect cliff top view to watch for whales and boats going by sounds dreamy – why not take a peek at the Starfish Cottage or Whale of a View Cottage? These beautiful cottages are just seconds away from Head Harbour Lighthouse.
Camping more your style? I’ve heard amazing things about the Herring Cove Campground and you have access to an absolutely stunning crescent beach!
It’s no secret. I go to Campobello Island for the seaglass and we spend most of our time on the island doing exactly that. Walking the beaches and looking for that perfect piece off tumbled, frosted seaglass.
But if seaglass isn’t your jam – don’t let that stop you from visiting this gem in the Bay of Fundy. There are plenty of activities and adventures just waiting for your arrival. You couldn’t ask for a better destination to fill your lungs with salty, fresh air and your heart with coastal memories to last a lifetime.
Here are just a few of my favorite mermaid haunts and things to do on the island!
Mermaid Confession: I will never get bored of hunting for seaglass. If I stop for the day, it’s because the sun has set in and it’s time to rest up for another day of seaglass in the morning.
Campobello Island is a haven for seaglass lovers, with each beach offering a variety of tumbled, frosted colours and pieces for you to find. And trust me, you’re likely to dream about seaglass the minute your head hits the pillow. (You know, if you’re into the magic that is seaglass.)
My favourite beaches for beachcombing are Pollock Cove and the ferry landing — it’s a great spot at low or even high tide. But if you look hard enough, I’m pretty sure you can find mermaid tears and treasures on any beach around the island.
And if seaglass is your life—I’m right there with you— you should absolutely plan to visit Campobello Island during Seaglass September. For more details on the Campobello Island Seaglass Festival, visit them on Facebook.
What many people are surprised to learn about Campobello Island is that the late U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt spent his summers on the island in the most gorgeous waterfront property. Today, it’s the Roosevelt Campobello International Park.
In addition to the park’s historic buildings, visitors can have lunch at the Prince Cafe during the summer months (a mermaid fave) and take part in their famous “Tea with Eleanor” experience. You can also stroll the grounds, take part in a guided walking tour, snap some photos and enjoy the beautiful park trails.
The Roosevelt Campobello International Park is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm from May 28th to October 15th, 2022. You can also plan your visit by clicking here.
Your one stop shop for the perfect gift to remember your visit, the Campobello Island Gift House is a must on your trip to the island. Browse a variety of gift items from Atlantic Canadian makers and get plenty of seaglass treasures in store!
Mermaid Secret: The Campobello Island Gift House is located in the same place as the Scoop Shack. Why not pick up some gifts and a tasty treat while you’re at it?
One of two picturesque lighthouses on the island, Mulholland Point Lighthouse overlooks Lubec, Maine and the bridge to the US leaving Campobello Island. I love visiting this lighthouse any time of day but it’s extra calm and lovely in the morning.
Love seals? This is the best place on the island to get up close and personal with them! There are always a bunch catching the changing tides by the lighthouse and they’re very curious creatures. Make sure to bring your camera!
Head Harbour Lighthouse—or East Quoddy Lighthouse as its more officially known—is my favourite spot on the island. It’s also on its very own island, accessible only at low tide.
But don’t let the tide schedule deter you from visiting. At high tide, it’s absolutely beautiful to see it surrounded by water and it will truly give you a new perspective compared to when it’s accessible at low tide. This is also a GREAT spot to watch for whales, porpoises, bald eagles, and my favourite little island creature—minks that go from land to sea! I like to call them AQUAMINK™️.
At low tide, the real adventure begins!
For two hours before and after low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor, trek up a few sets of stairs and ladders and make your way to the famous lighthouse. And it’s totally worth the trek – even if you don’t like scary ladders and stairs.
The views are gorgeous and you may get a look at whales swimming by! And of course, you can always look for seaglass and treasures along the sandbar. I’ve found some pretty spectacular tumbled and frosted pieces here.
Just remember to wear proper footwear if you’re planning to cross over at low tide. The rocks and stairs can be slippery – I always choose my Blundstones over my flip flops for this specific adventure.
Mermaid Tip: Travelling with your dog or little ones? This lighthouse may be better viewed safely from land!
You can’t go to Campobello Island without playing with some whales, now can you? What I absolutely love about Campobello Island is that it’s actually quite easy to spot whales from the land during the summer months.
A quick drive out to Head Harbour Lighthouse and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot minkes, finbacks, and maybe if you’re lucky, a humpback in the distance! You can also view whales easily from Pollock Cove which is why I love staying at the Pollock Cove Resort and having dinner at the Pier.
But if you want to hit the open seas for a little adventure – consider booking a whale watching cruise with Capt. Riddles Sea Going Adventures. I haven’t personally been out on their tours but I have heard amazing things from friends that have! You can book through Facebook Messenger via their Facebook Page!
People go to Campobello Island for the stunning coastal views, lighthouses, epic seaglass and beautiful parks. If you’re a foodie looking for an island full of dining options, you won’t find them but what you will find are a few amazing options to choose from!
You just need to plan accordingly – check Facebook pages for hours and when possible, bring along some of your own snacks or book a cottage with a kitchenette if you want to make some of your meals.
Easily this mermaid’s favorite dining spot on the island, The Pier is a great spot to eat if you’re looking to sit on a waterfront patio and have some drinks and good food. Their caesars are delicious, and it’s arguably one of the best places on the island to catch a sunset with a drink in hand.
They are open daily in June from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm but make sure to like them on Facebook to be in the know about possible changes to hours of operations.
I haven’t had a chance to check out the Porch at Friars Bay now that it is under new ownership, but I’ve heard anything nothing but amazing things from islanders and friends that have recently visited. You also can’t beat that 180° view of Friars Bay from their restaurant.
Personally, I can’t wait to try their build your own nacho and one of their tasty burgers. I’ve also heard that their pies and desserts are out of this world!
The Porch is open daily 7:00 am to 4:00pm Sunday to Wednesday and open until 8:00 pm from Thursday to Saturday. Make sure to check them out on Facebook for updates, menu items, and hours!
The Prince Cafe is located at the Roosevelt Campobello International Park and is worth stopping by. Personally, it’s my favorite spot on the island to grab a delicious lunch and their 2022 menu has me so excited for our next trip over. And I absolutely love their outdoor dining porch with stunning views of Eastport.
If you’re looking for a lighter lunch of sandwiches, soups, and salads then this is the place to be! And I can’t wait to try their fresh, local lobster roll this summer!
They are open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Make sure to like them on Facebook for updates + a sneak peek at their delicious menu items.
Is there anything better than ice cream on a hot summer day? I think not! And there’s no better place than the Scoop Shack to make all of your ice cream (or milkshake) dreams come true. And it’s located right by the Campobello Island Gift House.
The Scoop Shack is open daily from 12:00pm to 8:00pm. Like them on Facebook for updates + all of the inside scoop on flavors. See what I did there?
PS: To keep things safe and distanced, the Scoop Shack remains drive thru this summer. Arriving on foot or on bicycle? They have created a safe space behind ropes to access your tasty treats.
I can’t say enough good things about Campobello. I am always the first to say, I’m not sure how it took me 33 years to visit for the first time but I’m so glad I did. It was love at first sight and I just know that you’re going to love it too!
If you’re ready to start planning your visit to Campobello Island, I’m here to help! DM me on my shell phone if you have any questions at all!
PS: You might even get a secret seaglass beach recommendation or two out of me!
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