Vacation rentals in St. Andrews

In the far south of New Brunswick, just east of the U.S. border, lies the quiet seaside town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea. The “sea” in its name is the Passamaquoddy Bay — part of the larger Bay of Fundy that stretches eastward toward Saint John — and St. Andrews enjoys all the perks of its seaside location: fresh-caught seafood, sea salt air, and endless opportunities to enjoy the water.

St. Andrews is also a National Historic Site, with hundreds of buildings predating 1880. Cape Cod and Georgian architecture dominate, but you’ll also find examples of Federal-style homes. On Water Street, the town’s main artery, ice cream, seashells, lager, and lobster rolls are sold out of commercial buildings that are more than a century old. During low tide, you might spot sand dollars grazing next to hermit and rock crabs, sometimes right below the public pier that branches out from Water Street.

Like many seaside towns, St. Andrews sparkles in summer. This is when Water Street is thriving, the sun is bright on the sea, and the whales weaving through the waves of the Fundy. Whale watching is excellent from June through October, but its true peak spans from August to early September. For beautiful blooms and garden greenery, May through early October is best. Mid-October brings on cooler weather, but also heralds the area’s largest annual food and wine festival. November and December are often frosty, but the festive Christmas markets will keep you warm. When the world begins to thaw in May, Paddlefest fills the town with music and the water with kayakers eager to explore Canada’s wild Atlantic coast.

Minister’s Island

During low tide, it’s possible to drive across the ocean floor to Minister’s Island – a Canadian historic site and wildlife refuge. Centuries-old trails loop past buildings of equal age, plunging into forests inhabited by songbirds and hawks. In winter, the trails make for excellent snowshoeing. The sand path to Minister’s is only accessible for about five hours at a time; when the tide returns, the road disappears.

Whale Watching

The Bay of Fundy is a bucket list destination for many whale watchers, with up to 12 different species arriving in summer to feed, calve, and play in the surf. Finback, Minke, and Humpback whales are the most frequently spotted, but there’s also a chance to encounter rarer species, like the North Atlantic Right Whale.

Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre

Located on central Water Street, the Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre is a not-for-profit space dedicated to art. Rotating exhibits in two renovated galleries showcase local photography, paintings, and crafts, and classes and workshops are available throughout the year.