The Perfect 3-Day St. Andrews-by-the-Sea Itinerary (According to a Mermaid)

How lucky are we in New Brunswick to be home to one of the most dreamiest seaside towns in the world?

Charming and picturesque, St. Andrew-by-the-Sea. If you’ve already visited, you know how perfect this town truly is and if you haven’t, well — there is a whole lot of charm waiting for you to discover.

We’ve spent a lot of time in St. Andrews over the years, including getting married there in 2021. To say St. Andrews is special to me is an understatement. It’s one a handful of places where every time I visit, I feel a bit like coming home and I consider ourselves very lucky to have an incredible group of friends in town that we look forward to seeing upon each return.

Much like Grand Manan Island, I’m often asked for recommendations on where to stay, what to see, and where to eat when visiting St. Andrews. For years, I’ve talked about creating this article you’re reading now but never carved out the time. After two magical visits to St. Andrews this May, I knew it was time.

So with that, I’m thrilled to share with you The Perfect 3-Day St. Andrews-by-the-Sea Itinerary — according to a mermaid, of course. This itinerary is not inclusive of every accommodation, business, restaurant and shop in town, but it showcases my favourite haunts. With a few shout-outs to spots I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about too.

I invite you to dive in and bookmark this page for future trip planning purposes.

I’ll “sea” you in St. Andrews-by-the-Sea this summer!

One of the things I love most about St. Andrews-by-the-Sea is that it feels like a true seaside escape without being difficult to reach. Located in beautiful Southern New Brunswick on the Bay of Fundy, St. Andrews is approximately 1 hour from Saint John, about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Fredericton, and roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes from Moncton.

Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer coastal adventure, it’s an easy drive that rewards you with charming streets, the friendliest deer, ocean views, whale-watching excursions, and some of the most picturesque scenery in Atlantic Canada.

Look, I’ll be the first to admit I’m completely biased on this one. I love the Algonquin Resort & Hotel.

It’s truly my favourite hotel in the world, and I have so many happy memories there from over the years, including our wedding day in 2021. Returning to St. Andrews for me simply means returning to the Algonquin — it’s understandably become our home away from home and like the hotel ghosts that chose to spend the afterlife there, boo I get it.

Of course, there are a number of beautiful properties, seaside cottages, and historic inns that you can choose from in St. Andrews during your stay such as The Montague Rose (owned by darling friends and the sweetest family) and Salty Towers Inn (I’ve always wanted to peek inside), as well as the Treadwell Inn and the Seaside Beach Resort both conveniently right on the water. 

But if you do decide to follow this mermaid’s advice and stay at the Algonquin, make sure to take advantage of all of the resort features, including the indoor pool, waterslide, and hot tub, as well as the outdoor pool complete with pool bar where you can find me in the summer. Just don’t forget to pack the sunscreen in your pool bag!

Enjoy the evening on the hotel deck or by the fires on the lawn where you can roast marshmallows and make s’mores. The hotel also offers bikes and scooters that you can rent to explore the town at a different pace. And whatever you do, brave the Hotel Ghost Tour. It’s truly such a fun time with minimal frights — I promise.

Plan to arrive in St. Andrews just before noon and choose from one of the many restaurant gems on the waterfront for lunch. With so many incredible options in town, you’ll want to maximize your opportunities to try as many as you can. 

I recommend starting your visit to this dreamy seaside town with one of the best lobster rolls in New Brunswick (and I’d argue in Canada) at Salty C’s on Water Street. The classic Maritimer is the type of lobster roll you’ve come to know and love, but dill pickle lovers will want to try the Salty Pickle too, complete with crumpled Dill Pickle Chips on top to give it the perfect crunch. 

Follow your lunch with some afternoon shopping, but know that you’ll definitely be back downtown to shop again before your stay is over. With so many beautiful shops to choose from and treasures to fall in love with, guaranteed you’ll sleep on one or two items, only to be back the next day to buy them.

For beautiful and unique clothing you won’t see anywhere else, stop by the LH Boutique, Maree by Margot, and the newly opened White Raven. For nautical items for your home or cottage, visit The Nautical Shop, Cottage Chic, and Warm & Coasty. Gifts for the hostess or that one friend you call Martha Stewart can be found at Marmalade or the beautiful Crocker Hill Store, known for beautiful items for the birds, blooms, and furry friends. For snacks to bring to the hotel or smoked salmon or fresh oysters for shucking later, pop by the Spice Box. 

Finally, while cruising along Water Street (which, by the way, is reduced to one lane, one direction only during tourist season), make sure to pull over at Keffer Pottery, a self-serve pottery shop that you don’t want to miss. The pieces, created by Darlene Keffer, are stunning, with something for everyone, and very affordable.

When four o’clock rolls around, make your way to the grand entrance of the beautiful Algonquin Hotel. If you’re lucky, Leia the hotel dog will be waiting to greet you in the lobby, and the kilted bell boys, complete with authentic Scottish kilts, will be happy to help you bring your luggage (and shopping bags) to your room. 

If it’s a beautiful day, why not consider a cocktail or glass of wine on the spacious hotel deck or poolside? If the weather isn’t in your favour, take advantage of the lobby bar or visit the Right Whale Pub downstairs. Whatever you do — breathe deeply; you’re on vacation in one of the most beloved places in the world. 

That evening, consider dinner without having to leave the hotel at Braxton’s Restaurant or the Right Whale Pub for an English-style pub experience. Or take the free hotel shuttle to the golf course for dinner at the newly opened Aperitivo 19, an Italian restaurant that I’ve heard wonderful things about. Wherever your stomach takes you for dinner, I’m confident you’re in for a treat. 

Want to truly start the day like a mermaid? Walk or drive down to Honeybeans Coffee, Tea & Treats on Water Street for a Salty Maritimer Latte and a Wild Blueberry Scone. Follow this with a slow stroll on the wharf or visit Pendlebury Lighthouse to finish your coffee by the ocean and look for seaglass on the beach below if the tide allows. 

As for where the day takes you, why not start by visiting the famous Huntsman Marine Science Centre, one of my favourite haunts in town, to see Snorkel the Seal and explore the aquarium and my favourite, the Touch Tank!

For lunch, I recommend popping by the Kingsbrae Garden not only to experience the most stunning gardens in New Brunswick, but also to have lunch at the darling on-site cafe, Sage, which offers both indoor and outdoor dining. After lunch, stroll the gardens and the grounds as you digest. 

Pop back down to Water Street for a delicious Salted Caramel Ice Cream from McGuire Chocolate Company and sample their incredible chocolates and truffles, made in-house. Make sure to purchase a few extras to bring home for family and friends. The Bay of Fundy Sea Salt Caramels are my favourite.

That evening, if you took a mermaid’s advice, you’ll have snagged a reservation to one of Canada’s top restaurants, the Rossmount. Located just minutes outside town, at the base of Chamcook Mountain, the Rossmount is award-winning for a reason. Reservations are recommended 2-3 months in advance of your visit, but you can always try to catch a cancellation!

For lobster lovers, don’t skip the Rossmount Lobster Cocktail Appetizer, and for your main course, the Butter Poached Lobster Gnocchi is a must. And no, that’s not too much lobster. I’ve tested this theory for you a handful of times, and there is no limit. 

Other incredible dinner options include the Chandler Room at the Treadwill Inn and Noble at the Windsor House.

It’s very possible that if you took my advice and tried the Salty Maritimer Latte from Honeybeans, you’ll wake up craving another, but this morning’s coffee adventure is up to you. As much as I love popping downtown for my morning coffee, I do enjoy sipping one from the hotel, on the deck or in the lobby, and people-watching. You do you!

If you do end up at Honeybeans again, you should know that their breakfast sandwiches made fresh daily as ordered are fabulous! And if you land at the resort on a day where the Brunch Buffet is served, don’t skip out. It’s fabulous, the selection is unreal (especially the seafood), and you’ll have regrets if you pass on it. 

Following breakfast, plan your day by the tides and your level of interest in adventure.

A visit to St. Andrews during the summer months isn’t complete without a visit to Ministers Island, a tidal island accessible only at low tide by driving across the ocean floor. Tour the stunning Van Horne Estate and other properties on the island, explore the hiking trails, and fall in love with the island’s famous Bath House, which will lead you down to the beach where you can spot Van Horne’s famous “summer pool” carved by the Bay of Fundy Tides and flooded twice a day. 

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll definitely want to get out on one of the many whale watching boats in town to see whales, porpoises, seals, seabirds and more on the Bay of Fundy. I’ve had incredible adventures at sea with Quoddy Link Marine and Fundy Tide Runners over the years, but I have also heard wonderful stories about Cruisin with the Whales, Jolly Breeze, and Island Quest Marine. Most whale-watching tours are 2-3 hours long. 

Can you squeeze both into one day? Absolutely. But remember, your St. Andrews escape is all about balance and enjoying everything the town has to offer. If you decide to spend the afternoon by the pool at the hotel or out on the golf course, you’re also doing it right. 

For lunch, you have a number of options to choose from downtown, including Drewhaven, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They make an incredible lobster croissant, so if it’s on the menu that day — order it! They also serve a variety of drinks, cocktails, and coffee. A visit to the restaurant to take in their stunning dining room is worth it alone!

Other lunch (or dinner later) options include Niger Reef Tea House, the Gables, Seasons by the Sea, Salt Bight, William and Water, and the Herring Pub, which is a classic. I also love Char & Chowder, tucked next to Honeybeans for an afternoon bite and beverage. I’m obsessed with the open air vibe and the energy of this space.

Pop by the St. Andrews Brewing Company for a cold beer. Their deck offers beautiful views of the wharf and ocean, and you can pick up takeout from neighbouring restaurants to enjoy on their deck. Or visit Tall Tom’s for the very best lemonade! I always go for the Strawberry Lemonade. 

Another delightful option in the afternoon, is to experience the Algonquin Hotel’s Afternoon Tea, served daily between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm in the Passamaquoddy Veranda. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of locally made premium teas, crafted by Garden by the Sea, tasty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and house-made pastries — all served on classic tiered trays making this experience picture-perfect!

For dinner, may I recommend a serving of the best fried clams around these waters at the Clam Digger, just minutes outside St. Andrews. I mean, if you popped by Salty C’s, you’ve experienced the best lobster rolls. Why not finish your trip with some of the best fried clams? 

The Clam Digger is a family-owned business that is sure to charm you and you’ll talk about their fried clams for years to come. If you’re extra hungry, make sure to order an order of Crab Rangoon. It’s heavenly. Not a seafood lover? They have plenty of delicious items not from the sea.

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If you’re planning a visit to St. Andrews-by-the-Sea this summer, I hope this itinerary provides you with ample ideas on where to stay, where to eat, and what to see. There is truly something for everyone in this seaside town and you can’t help but fall in love.

Make sure to reach out if you have any questions when planning your visit.

Until the Next Tide!

Disclosure: This post is not sponsored in any way and all opinions are my own from years of visiting St. Andrews and frequenting many of these businesses.