If you’ve been following East Coast Mermaid for a while, you already know I’m hopelessly smitten with New Brunswick’s dreamy Fundy Isles—Grand Manan, Deer Island, and beloved Campobello Island.
Each of the Fundy Isles is incredibly unique in its own way, but there’s just something about Campobello Island that has me dreaming about my return all year long. Stunning beaches, picture-perfect lighthouses, whales and marine life for days, and plenty of history.
And if you’re a seaglass hunter like me? Get ready. This island is an absolute treasure trove.
This dreamy island often feels too good to be true— it’s easy to forget you’re even in New Brunswick when visiting.
Are you ready to start planning your island adventure? Let’s dive in!
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, it is accessible by a bridge from Lubec, Maine, for nine months out of the year.
Yes, if you’re visit is between the end of September and the 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 at the last minute.
The first time I visited Campobello Island, we only stayed for one night. I immediately knew on that trip that 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 travelling through the United States.
There is NO bank on the island. There is an ATM available, but please note that it’s recommended to bring cash and complete any banking transactions before arriving on 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 several convenience stores, such as Nikki’s Convenience. If you need to purchase groceries or snacks during your visit to the island, there are several options available. Nikki’s Convenience is also known for delicious subs!
Campobello Island is the ultimate destination, offering something for people of all ages.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure with your favourite adventure buddy, a girls’ weekend seaglass road trip, a golfing trip with 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.
Personally, my favourite weekend to visit is my annual Labor 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!
Each year, seaglass lovers from across the Maritimes and New England descend upon the island for a celebration of seaglass, beachcombing and friendship. If you’re looking for the perfect getaway for you and your best girlfriends, that feels comparable to adult seaglass summer camp— plan to visit the island in September or better yet, Labor Day Weekend.
Seaglass Festival aside, Campobello Island is a dreamy escape for anyone, whether you’re traveling with your spouse, a parent, or with a family and small children. There’s so much to explore and discover – there truly is something for everyone.
Campobello Island offers a variety of beautiful places to stay, ranging from motels to cottage rentals and dreamy Airbnb accommodations. It’s also home to Herring Cove Provincial Park Campground, which offers unique campsite locations with ocean views.
That said, much like any of the Fundle Isles, book your accommodations as soon as you know your travel dates to avoid disappointment! It is a small island, and if you’re travelling during peak season, options can be limited.
Our home away from home on Campobello Island is Pollock Cove Seaside Retreat. It’s right on the ocean – 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 located on the bank, complete with plenty of chairs, which 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! Last year, we were all enjoying a fire when a humpback whale swam right by us and showed off its tail!
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 stoppers), 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 these lovely 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 opt for my Blundstones or closed-toe shoes over flip-flops for this specific adventure. And if you’re travelling 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 decade, it’s become synonymous with seaglass. And the rich island history? Well, that makes it a prime destination for finding the very best treasures, such as sought-after seaglass stoppers, Frozen Charlotte dolls, beautiful china, marbles, pirate glass, and more.
Last summer, I found a black Victorian mourning button that glows red when under the light. To say I screamed when I saw this treasure is an understatement. It’s a rare find and one of my most beloved pieces now!
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 excellent 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 pieces 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, because it’s one of the best beaches to find pirate glass on the island. I’ve found numerous pieces of pirate glass there over the years, and it’s also where I discovered my Victorian mourning button.
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 must 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.
I wrote about all of the fun from last year’s festival here – the 2024 Campobello Island Seaglass Festival.
To learn more and start planning your trip to the 2025 Campobello Island Seaglass Festival, swim over to their Facebook page. I’ll see you there!
The Bay of Fundy is home to several notable 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 pretty easy to spot whales from 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 Seaside Retreat 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. It’s the perfect addition to any Campobelo Island itinerary.
East Quoddy Tours is back for its third season this summer, offering daily tours from the Welshpool Wharf, departing at 11:00 am and 6:00 pm, weather permitting. All tours are 2.5 hours in length and $100 including HST per person.
We had such a fantastic time out with East Quoddy Tours over the last two years. Last year on the sunset cruise, we saw humpback whales, seals, bald eagles, Old Sow (the largest whirlpool in the western hemisphere) and an absolutely stunning sunset at sea.
To book your East Quoddy adventure, you can book online here.
The Campobello Island Gift House is your one-stop shop for all gifts, souvenirs, and apparel during your trip to the island. Browse a variety of gift items from Atlantic Canadian makers and discover a treasure trove 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 with 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 its seaglass, Campobello Island has been recognized as the home of the Roosevelt Campobello International Park, as well as the late U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt’s summer home, the Roosevelt Cottage.
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 several 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 through the grounds, take part in a guided walking tour, snap some photos, and enjoy the beautiful park trails, which offer epic scenic views and lookouts. If you have the chance, I recommend exploring the park via the many driving trails that lead to additional beaches and beautiful lookouts, such as Liberty Point, pictured below.
Liberty Point offers a stunning view that includes the famous West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, a candy-striped landmark in Maine. You can also spy the cliffs of Grand Manan Island! It’s worth the drive into the park to see on a clear day!
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 inquisitive creatures. Make sure to bring your camera!
Finally, there is a neat and fun interpretation centre on site – just a small building but worth peeking inside. If there is a guide on-site, they’ll be able to tell you all sorts of things about the island and marine life in the area!
Like any island or destination packed with centuries of history, Campobello Island has several amazing attractions where you can learn more about the history of Campobello Island and those who have called it home over the years.
I adore visiting the Campobello Island Library and Museum when visiting the island. The library itself is historic, having been founded in 1887. It was officially incorporated in 1916, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt was a founding member.
Today, it’s a fantastic spot to visit, offering impressive views of Welshpool Wharf, the ocean, and Eastport and Lubec, Maine, across the way. They also offer a variety of activities for people of all ages, including crafting for kids, 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 little ones.
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.
If you’re planning to visit Campobello Island, you should know that while it doesn’t have many options for restaurants, each restaurant’s offering is fabulous, and you will, without question, be well fed by the locals!
My mermaid tip is to plan accordingly – check Facebook pages for hours and, when possible, bring along some snacks or book a cottage with a kitchenette if you want to prepare some of your meals. This can help ensure you’re never scrambling to find a restaurant that’s open if your adventures run late and it’s after closing time.
The Porch at Friars Bay is easily my favourite spot on the island for a delicious meal and cocktail. They also offer a fabulous breakfast and are the place to go in the morning for freshly-baked goods and specialty coffees. Located right in Friars Bay, the restaurant got its name for good reason. It offers a large, spacious porch for you to sit outside, enjoy your meal, and take in a 180° view of Friars Bay.
Their burgers are AMAZING and I love that they have a build your own nacho option. If the special is Calamari, say YES! It’s so fresh and so tasty. 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!
📍 724, NB-774, Welshpool, NB
🕰 Open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and Wednesday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.
This gem is nestled in Pollock Cove, next to the famous Pollock Cove Seaside Retreat and one of the best seaglass beaches on the island. Yes, if you’re visiting the island and want guaranteed seaglass – get your mermaid tail to Pollock Cove!
Their menu offers something for everyone – whether you’re a seafood lover or a land lubber. I’m a big fan of their fish tacos! Their nachos are also pretty legendary! The Pier is licensed, so you can enjoy a delicious cocktail, beer or wine on their oceanfront patio.
The Pier has arguably the best patio on the island, and it’s not uncommon to be enjoying dinner and spot a whale swim right on by or hear one blow off the shore. It’s also an excellent spot to catch the sunset!
📍 6 Pollock Cove Rd, Wilsons Beach, NB
🕰 Open daily from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.
An absolute treasure, the Prince Cafe is located within the Roosevelt Campobello International Park and is a must-visit anytime I’m on the island. The food is 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’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.
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, as well as delicious milkshakes!
📍 916 Route 774, Welshpool, NB, Canada, New Brunswick
🕰 Open Monday to Thursday from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm and noon to 7:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
🌐 Catch them on Facebook.
Even after all these years, I’m still uncovering new bits of magic on Campobello Island.
Every visit brings fresh discoveries—hidden beaches, breathtaking lookouts, and postcard-perfect moments just waiting to happen. Like that time last summer, when a humpback whale swam right in front of us at Pollock Cove Resort at sunset. We squealed in delight; he waved his tail—it was epic.
My best advice for your Campobello Island adventure? Let the tides guide your adventure and don’t be afraid to wander—the island is waiting for you to come explore!
Ready to plan your own Campobello escape? This mermaid’s just a DM away—send a message to my shell phone and let’s start planning your unforgettable Bay of Fundy adventure!
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