The 2024 East Coast Mermaid Guide to Campobello Island

Unless you’re new around these waters, you know that I’ve got a mad coastal crush on the Fundy Isles along the southern coast of New Brunswick: Grand Manan Island, Deer Island, and beloved, Campobello Island.

Campobello Island has everything you could ever want when visiting an island – beautiful beaches, lighthouses, seafood, charming wharfs and fishing boats, whale watching, coastal hikes, and so much more.

If you’re absolutely head over mermaid tail for seaglass – it has an ABUNDANCE of that too.

This dreamy island often feels too good to be true and it’s easy to forget you’re even in New Brunswick when visiting, which is easy when one of the ways to get to the island is through the United States, via Maine. More on that below.

One thing I know for sure – if you’ve been to Campobello Island, chances are, you now return every year. It has that effect on people. And if you haven’t visited this beautiful island, you’re going to want it to add it to your summer travel list!

If you’re planning to visit Campobello Island in the summer, trust me when I say that it is an island hopper’s dream, as it’s accessible by not one, but two short ferry rides!

But let’s begin with the simplest way to get there. While Campobello Island is in New Brunswick, nine months out of the year, it is only accessible by a bridge from Lubec, Maine.

Yes, if you’re visit between the end of September and middle of June, you will have to leave the country, drive about 40-50 minutes through Maine, USA, to re-enter Canada via a short bridge to Campobello Island.

And while that may sound complicated, if you have a passport, it’s really not and the drive is beautiful. Just be mindful that you are crossing an international border and there are rules that apply with what you can and cannot bring.

But if you’re visiting Campobello Island during the summer months, it’s accessible by ferry!

You’ll start by catching a FREE ferry from L’Étete, New Brunswick to Deer Island. This ferry is operated by Coastal Transport and leaves every 30 minutes from L’Étete. Saint John, 1 hour and 45 minutes from Fredericton and 2 hours and 20 minutes from Moncton. It starts sailing around 6:30 am and runs until 10:30 pm. You can find the schedule here. 

Once you’re on Deer Island you will take a PAID ferry from Deer Island to Campobello Island. The Deer Island ferry is operated privately by East Coast Ferries and leaves the island every half hour from 8:30 AM to 6:30PM.

Plan to budget for $25 one-way for a vehicle and driver, then $5 for each additional adult. Children under 12 sail for free.*

Like any ferry, the Campobello Island ferry is VERY weather dependent so ALWAYS check their Facebook page, East Coast Ferries, for the ferry schedule and any planned or unplanned changes to the schedule that may affect your crossing or plans. If you have a passport, it doesn’t hurt to bring it with you on your trip, just in case you need to travel through the US last-minute.

The first time I visited Campobello Island, we only stayed for one night. I immediately knew on that trip, one night would NEVER be enough on this beautiful island. Over the years, I’ve done 2-night stays and 3-night stays, and if I’m being honest, anything shorter than 3-nights never seems like enough.

That said – if you only have a day or two, you can absolutely squeeze in nearly everything I mention in this guide. But you’re likely to fall in love and you will definitely need to come back next year!

A few important items to note when planning your trip!

There is NO gas station on the island. So make sure to gas up on the mainland in New Brunswick, on Deer Island (at their one gas station located at BOATIQUE), or in Maine, if you’re traveling through the United States.

There is NO bank on the island. There is an ATM but make sure to bring cash and do any banking before coming to the island!

Be mindful of US cell towers. Given the island’s proximity to Maine, it’s very likely your cell phone may pick up and switch to a US cell tower during your visit, which could lead to roaming charges. While I opt for a US roaming plan when we’re on the island, just to be on the safe side, setting up notifications from your carrier and switching to airplane mode is one workaround!

Finally, there is a grocery store and a number of convenience stores, such as Nikki’s Convenience! If you need to purchase groceries or snacks while visiting the island, there are several options. Nikki’s Convenience is also know for delicious subs!

Campobello Island is the ultimate destination in that it has something to offer people of all ages.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure with your favourite adventure buddy, a girl’s weekend seaglass road trip, a golfing trip your crew, or you’re simply looking to discover an island with more beaches and scenic lookouts to choose from than you could ever squeeze into a day – Campobello Island awaits.

While I’ve visited Campobello with my husband for a weekend of whale watching and adventure, over the years, one of my favourite weekend’s of the year is my annual Labour Day trip to Campobello Island with my mother to meet up with the seaglass sisterhood for the kickoff weekend to the Campobello Island Seaglass Festival.

A month long celebration of seaglass on the island!

And I know we’re not the only ones. I’ve talked to so many women who have planned getaways with their best girlfriends to visit the island to beachcomb from sun up to sun down.

But I’ve also met many families with small children who have absolutely loved bringing their littles to the island to explore the many beaches, lighthouses, and trails around the island.

Campobello is what you make it!

Campobello has a number of beautiful places to stay, ranging from motels to cottage rentals and dreamy AirBnBs. It’s also home to the Herring Cove Provincial Park Campground which offers beautiful campground sites.

That said, as soon as you know your travel dates, book your accommodations right away to avoid disappointment!

Our home away from home on Campobello Island is Pollock Cove Resort. It’s right on the ocean – I’m talking, the whales swim RIGHT BY – and it’s located on one of the island’s best seaglass beaches. Which means, you can roll out of bed and be seaglassing in minutes.

While Cottage #3 is my favourite, we’ve also stayed in Cottage #4 and it’s equally fabulous. Both have excellent views of the ocean and beach from your deck or living room window. The kitchens are a great size and have everything you need during your visit.

There is also a shared fire pit out on the bank, with plenty of chairs, that is the best place to be for sunset as the views are spectacular. It’s also a wonderful spot to enjoy a glass of wine and charcuterie – I speak from experience!

Another top pick and mermaid favourite, is Friars Bay Inn & Cottages. The motel was recently renovated and each motel room offers a beautiful view of Friars Bay and the ocean. You are steps away from Friars Bay Beach (known for seaglass) and The Porch at Friars Bay is right next door. It’s a must for breakfast, lunch, and supper!

I’m also a big fan of the Campobello Whale Watch Motel! It does not have ocean views but it’s very cozy and centrally located. You’ve also got a large outdoor area with campfires at night and lawn games. And again, you’re a short drive from all of the must-see attractions and beaches on the island.

There are a number of beautiful cottages and AirBnB properties on the island to choose from, including the Starfish Cottage and Whale of a View Cottage. Both of thse beautiful cottages are just seconds away from Head Harbour Lighthouse and offer an incredible view to watch for whales and boats going by.

If you’re looking to camp on Campobello Island, the Herring Cove Campground is your spot! It’s located right on Herring Cove Beach, an absolutely stunning crescent beach, and it’s also right on the island’s golf course. There’s also a restaurant in the park for breakfast, lunch, and supper.

Campobello Island really does have something to offer everyone.

It’s no secret that I frequent Campobello Island for the seaglass – it’s truly THE Maritime destination for seaglass – so if you’re looking for a destination for beachcombing, Campobello Island should be at the top of your list.

But this island gem in the Bay of Fundy is so much more than just seaglass and there are plenty of activities and adventures for you to discover.

Here are some of my favourite mermaid haunts on the island!

Let’s start with an absolute non-negotiable: Head Harbour Lighthouse or East Quoddy Lighthouse as its also known.

Head Harbour Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Canada and it just so happens to be my favourite spot on the island.

What’s extra unique about Head Harbour Lighthouse, compared to many other famous lighthouses, is that it’s on its very own little island, accessible only at low tide. Which means to see it up close, you’ll have to wait until low tide to cross over.

But it’s equally as stunning at high tide and there are a number of beautiful lookout spots to enjoy it from the island when you can’t cross over. In fact, seeing it at high tide, surrounded by water, offers an incredibly unique perspective compared to when you see it at low tide, when it’s accessible.

So if you get a chance to see it at both low and high tide, do it!

One of the other reasons I love Head Harbour Lighthouse is that it’s an excellent spot to watch for whales, porpoises, bald eagles, and ships sailing by. You will even see the Grand Manan Island ferries in the distance, sailing across the Grand Manan channel. And yes, when you’re on the ferry to Grand Manan Island on a clear day – you can see Head Harbour Lighthouse in the distance too! Making all of these charming Fundy Isles feel a little closer to each other.

Now let’s talk about Head Harbour Lighthouse at low tide. Look closely at the photo above and the photo below – notice how the ladder is now exposed?

Bay of Fundy tidal magic, baby!

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 ladders and stairs. There is a small fee of $5 to do this, so bring along some cash if you plan to cross over to the lighthouse.

I can’t recommend this experience enough if you’re visiting the island. And if you’re a beachcomber, make sure to keep an eye out for seaglass and other treasures when you cross the sandbar to the stairs. I’ve found some beautiful tumbled and frosted pieces on this stretch in the past.

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 or closed-toed shoes over my flip flops for this specific adventure. And if you’re traveling with your dog or little ones, be mindful that the ladders and stairs aren’t for everyone.

Campobello Island is known for many things, but over the last few years, it’s become very known for its abundance of seaglass beaches and the rich island history that makes it a prime destination for finding the very best treasures like seaglass stoppers, Frozen Charlotte dolls, beautiful china, marbles, pirate glass and more.

Each beach on the island offers a different variety of tumbled, frosted colours and pieces for you to find. My favourite seaglass beaches on the island are Pollock Cove, the Ferry Landing, and Friars Bay.

Pollock Cove is an excellent beach for beginners. If you look down, there’s no way you can’t find seaglass, so it’s my #1 recommendation for first-time seaglassers who are excited to find their first piece. There is so much seaglass here, you’ll think you’re dreaming!

The Ferry Landing is another great spot for seaglass and it’s actually where I found my turquoise stopper back in 2020. While the seaglass is not as plentiful as Pollock Cove, there are some great piece to be found if you’re looking for quality over quantity.

Both Pollock Cove and the Ferry Landing are excellent beaches to explore at both low tide and high tide, as the high tide line can have just as many treasures for you to discover and both are accessible at high tide to some degree.

Finally, my favourite seaglass beach on the island, Welshpool Wharf, also known as Pirate Beach, on account of the fact that it’s one of the best beaches to find pirate glass on the island.

But it’s also a more dangerous beach to access as the descent can be tricky and you will need to make sure you don’t get stuck on it when the tide comes in, as the entire beach will be underwater at high tide. Always keep an eye on the tide whenever you’re on a new beach that you’re not familiar with. Identify a tide marker and watch it closely. And of course, check the tide charts every morning before you head out.

If you love seaglass, you should definitely plan to visit the island during the annual Campobello Island Seaglass Festival that happens every September and includes a number of organized beachcombing activities, meet-ups, a high tide market, workshops, and more.

To learn more and start planning your trip to the 2024 Campobello Island Seaglass Festival, swim over to their Facebook page. I’ll see you there!

The Bay of Fundy is home to a number of amazing whale species — humpbacks, fin banks, minkes, and if you’re lucky, a North Atlantic Right Whale or Old Thom, our resident orca whale that hangs out in the bay every summer.

What I love about Campobello Island is that it’s actually quite easy to spot whales from the land during the summer months. Last summer, we watched a humpback whale swim along Friars Bay for over an hour!

A quick drive out to Head Harbour Lighthouse and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot whales. 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 Waterfront Restaurant where whales will often swim right by.

Of course, getting to play with whales on the ocean is an adventure in itself and one that I can’t recommend enough if your itinerary permits.

East Quoddy Tours is back for its second season this summer and offers daily tours from the Welshpool Wharf leaving at 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 6:00 pm, weather permitting. All tours are two hours in length and $80 per person.

We had such an amazing time out with East Quoddy Tours last summer and I can’t wait to sail with them again this year!

To book your East Quoddy adventure, you can book online here.

You can’t visit Campobello Island without bringing back a gift or two to remember your trip.

The Campobello Island Gift House is your one-stop-shop for all things gifts, souvenirs, and apparels during your trip to the island. Browse a variety of gift items from Atlantic Canadian makers and get plenty of seaglass treasures in store!

The Campobello Island Gift House also happens to be on the same property as the Scoop Shack, so after you’re done your shopping, I highly recommend treating yourself to a treat from the Scoop Shack.

The Campobello Island Gift House is located at 916 Route 774 in Welshpool.

Long before it was known for seaglass, Campobello Island has been known as home to the Roosevelt Campobello International Park and the late U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt’s summer home, the Roosevelt Cottage.

And this summer, the park is celebrating its 60th anniversary from July 22nd to August 2nd, and there are a number of events and activities happening all summer long to celebrate.

The park is extra unique as it’s the only park of its kind whose ownership is shared by the United States and Canada.

While the main attraction is the Roosevelt Cottage which you can tour daily, there are a number of other historic buildings and cottages worth checking out too. Visitors can have lunch at the Prince Cafe during the summer months and take part in their famous “Tea with Eleanor” experience in the historic Wells-Shober summer cottage.

You can also stroll the grounds, take part in a guided walking tour, snap some photos and enjoy the beautiful park trails which offer some epic scenic views and lookouts. If you have the chance, I definitely recommend exploring the park via the many driving trails that lead to more beaches and beautiful look outs like Liberty Point, pictured below.

Liberty Point offers a gorgeous view that include a famous lighthouse in Maine, the candy-striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse. You can also spy the cliffs of Grand Manan Island!

The Roosevelt Campobello International Park is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and admission is FREE. You can also plan your visit by clicking here.

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!

Like any island or destination packed with centuries of history, Campobello Island has a number of amazing attractions on the island where you can learn more about history of Campobello Island and those that have called it home over the years.

I absolutely adore visiting the Campobello Island Library and Museum when visiting the island. The library itself is historic, having been founded in 1887. It officially incorporated in 1916 and President Franklin D. Roosevelt was a founder member.

Today, it’s a wonderful spot to visit and offers amazing views of Welshpool Wharf, the ocean, and Eastport and Lubec, Maine across the way. They also offer a number of activities for people of all ages from crafting for kids to reading clubs and movie nights. If you’re visiting the island with your family on a rainy day, it’s a great way to entertain the littles.

For more information about the Campobello Island Library and to see a list of current activities and events, make sure to check them out on Facebook. You can also learn more about the museum on their Facebook page dedicated to the museum.

Campobello Island has a number of gorgeous beaches to explore during your visit, but if you’re looking to spend the day at the beach with a good book and yummy beach snacks (snackle box, anyone?) – you’ve got many great options to choose from.

While Campobello Island isn’t quite known for swimming beaches on account of the very cold water from the Bay of Fundy, Herring Cove Beach is a 1.6 km crescent beach that is perfect for a day in the sun. It’s a mix of sand and pebbles, and no – I’ve never been lucky enough to find seaglass here but never say never! It’s also an excellent spot for a picnic as you’re in the Herring Cove Provincial Park.

Friars Bay is another beautiful beach worth walking and exploring. Not just for seaglass but for some of the stunning driftwood pieces you may spot along the way. It’s also a breathtaking location to catch the sunset.

I definitely recommend checking out Racoon Beach, located in the Roosevelt Campobello International Park as well as Wilson’s Beach in Pollock Cove.

Is there anything more picturesque than a wharf in a seaside community? I don’t think so!

Whether you’re a professional photographer or just appreciate a beautiful view – there are a number of picture-perfect wharfs (and past wharfs) around the island that are worth checking out.

If you book a whale watching cruise with East Quoddy Tours, you’ll get to see Welshpool Wharf – make sure to look for starfish on the underside of the wharf at low tide – set against Friars Bay.

Head Harbour Public Wharf is another beautiful area to check out and a great place to spot eagles and other wildlife. There are a number of fishing boats that leave from this wharf, making it an excellent photography spot!

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 including fine dining, 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.

This is fins down my FAVORITE spot on the island for a delicious meal. Located right in Friars Bay, it’s got a huge porch for you to sit outside and you can’t beat that 180° view of Friars Bay from their restaurant.

Their burgers are AMAZING and I love that they have a build your own nacho option. Their desserts are out of this world AND they’re licensed, so you can cozy up on the porch and enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine!

Love dessert? Who doesn’t. Their dessert selection is absolutely AMAZING and they are also the best place to go for delicious speciality coffees, hot or iced, during your visit to the island. When I’m on Campobello, I’m easily popping into The Porch a few times a day.

📍 724, NB-774, Welshpool, NB
🕰 Open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and Wednesday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.

An absolute treasure, the Prince Cafe is located at the Roosevelt Campobello International Park and is a must anytime I visit the island. The food is absolutely delightful and they offer a beautiful 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! They’re also licensed if you want a cocktail, beer or glass of wine. I also heard a rumour on the shell phone that they have a lobster roll this summer AND on occasion, pan fried scallops!

Personally, I’m a big fan of the Eleanor Special which is a plate featuring all of Eleanor Roosevelt’s favourite things: a hot dog, baked beans, potato salad, and a watermelon wedge.

📍 459 Rte 774 , Welshpool, NB, Canada, New Brunswick
🕰 Open daily from 12:00 pm to 6: 00 pm.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.

New this year is the Herring Cove Golf Lodge! Over the years, this restaurant has opened under different names and every year, it’s been a true gem to visit. The home style cooking and baking has always been delicious and it’s an excellent spot for breakfast before hitting the golf course (or the beaches to look for seaglass!) They’re also licensed, so you can go and enjoy one of their many drink specials or enjoy a Mimosa or Bloody Mary with breakfast!

📍 136 Herring Cove Rd, Welshpool, New Brunswick
🕰 Open daily from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.

It’s not summer without ice cream and the Scoop Shack has you covered when visiting Campobello Island. They offer a wide selection of ice cream flavours to choose from and milkshakes, which are absolutely delicious!

📍 916 Route 774, Welshpool, NB, Canada, New Brunswick
🕰 Open daily from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.

If waterfront dining is your vibe, look no further than the Pier Waterfront Restaurant located in Pollock Cove, next to the Pollock Cove Resort. They offer something for everyone, ranging from burgers, tacos and handhelds to chicken wings, loaded fries, nachos and more.

They’re also licensed, so you can sit down on their beautiful waterfront patio and enjoy a cold drink and the sunset. Their patio is arguably one of the best places on the island to catch a sunset and if you’re lucky, a whale swimming by.

📍 6 Pollock Cove Rd, Wilsons Beach, NB
🕰 Open daily from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.

I’ve only scratched the surface in sharing the magic that Campobello Island has to offer.

Each visit, I discover new hidden beaches, scenic lookouts, and perfect photo ops while exploring the island, so my best advice to anyone who is visiting, is to let the tides take you where they will and explore, explore, explore!

And if you need a recommendation while you’re there, the incredibly friendly locals are always happy to point you in the right direction!

Are you ready to start planning your visit to Campobello Island? If you have any questions, this mermaid is ready to help! DM me on my shell phone and let’s plan a magical Bay of Fundy adventure to remember!

Boatloads of thanks to Visit Southwest New Brunswick, a division of the Southwest NB Service Commission, for sponsoring this post and supporting East Coast Mermaid and my adventures on the Fundy Isles over the years. To start discovering all that Charlotte County has to offer, visit them at https://visitswnb.ca/ today!