Did you know Campobello Island is the only place where you can stand in Canada while looking directly at the United States across a narrow channel? This unique island, despite its Maine connection, is actually part of New Brunswick, Canada, creating one of North America’s most distinctive international borders. Connected to the US by the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge but separated from mainland Canada by water, Campobello offers visitors a truly binational experience unlike anywhere else on the continent.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Reaching Campobello Island presents an interesting logistical puzzle. Despite being Canadian territory, the island is only connected by bridge to Lubec, Maine in the United States. This means most visitors arrive via the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge from the US side. If you’re coming from mainland Canada, you’ll need to take a seasonal ferry service (typically operating from late June through September) from Deer Island, which itself is connected to mainland New Brunswick by another ferry.
For US citizens, a valid passport or enhanced driver’s license is required to cross the international border. Canadian citizens need proper identification to re-enter Canada. Be aware that border crossing hours may be limited, especially in the off-season, so check current schedules before planning your trip.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Campobello Island experiences a maritime climate with cool summers and cold winters. The island is frequently shrouded in fog, especially during spring and early summer, giving it a mystical atmosphere that has charmed visitors for generations.
Recommended Seasons
- Late June to early September – Peak season with warmest temperatures (18-22°C/64-72°F) and all services operating
- Late May and September – Fewer crowds but pleasant weather (13-18°C/55-64°F)
- Early October – Beautiful fall foliage, though some services begin closing
Seasons to Avoid
- November to April – Many businesses closed, ferry service suspended, and cold temperatures (-10 to 5°C/14-41°F)
- Early May – “Mud season” with unpredictable weather and limited services
Pack layers regardless of when you visit, as temperatures can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day. Waterproof clothing is essential due to frequent fog and rain. If visiting during peak summer, book accommodations well in advance as options are limited and fill quickly.
Getting Around Locally
Campobello Island is approximately 14 km (8.7 mi) long and 5 km (3.1 mi) wide, making it manageable to explore but large enough that having transportation is essential. The island has one main road, Route 774, which runs its length and connects all major attractions.
Transportation Options
- Personal/Rental Vehicle – Most convenient option for exploring at your own pace
- Guided Tours – Several local operators offer island tours
- Bicycling – Possible for experienced cyclists, but be prepared for hills
- Walking – Feasible for exploring specific areas, but not the entire island
Local Tour Operators
- Campobello Sightseeing Tours – Comprehensive island tours
- Seascape Kayak Tours – Water-based exploration
- East Quoddy Tours – Whale watching and coastal sightseeing
Where to Stay
Accommodation options on Campobello Island are limited but charming, with a focus on small-scale, locally operated establishments rather than large chain hotels. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the peak summer season.
Cottages & Vacation Rentals
The most popular accommodation option, these range from rustic cabins to well-appointed homes. Many offer waterfront views and full kitchens.
Price range: $100-300 USD per night
Bed & Breakfasts
Several historic homes offer B&B accommodations with local character and insider knowledge from resident hosts.
Price range: $90-150 USD per night
Camping
Herring Cove Provincial Park offers 88 campsites with varying levels of amenities, including some with electrical hookups and tent cabins.
Price range: $25-45 USD per night
Dining & Local Cuisine
Campobello Island’s dining scene is small but satisfying, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood harvested from the surrounding waters. Most restaurants are seasonal, operating from late May through early October.
Local Specialties
- Lobster – The regional specialty, often served with melted butter
- Scallops – Sweet Bay of Fundy scallops
- Dulse – Dried seaweed snack, a regional delicacy
- Seafood Chowder – Creamy soup with local seafood
- Wild Blueberries – In season during August
Notable Eateries
- Family Fisheries Restaurant – Fresh-caught seafood
- The Porch at Friars Bay – Casual dining with water views
- Herring Cove Restaurant – Located at the provincial park
- The Prince Café – At Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Note that dining options are limited, and many restaurants close early in the evening. It’s advisable to check operating hours in advance. Some vacation rentals come with kitchens, allowing visitors to prepare their own meals with local ingredients.
Attractions & Sightseeing
Campobello Island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and outdoor activities. The island’s main attractions center around its Roosevelt connection and stunning coastal landscapes.
Roosevelt Campobello International Park
The centerpiece of the island’s attractions, this unique international park preserves the summer home of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his family. The 34-room cottage where FDR vacationed and was stricken with polio in 1921 is preserved as it appeared during the Roosevelt era. The park is jointly administered by the US and Canadian governments.
Park Highlights
- Roosevelt Cottage – Guided tours available
- Visitor Center – Exhibits on Roosevelt family history
- Tea with Eleanor – Daily program about Eleanor Roosevelt
- Natural Area – 2,800 acres with hiking trails
Practical Information
- Open: Late May to mid-October, 10am-6pm (AST)
- Admission: Free
- Address: 459 Route 774, Welshpool
- Phone: 506-752-2922
Lighthouses
Campobello Island is home to several historic lighthouses that offer spectacular views and photography opportunities.
Head Harbour (East Quoddy) Lighthouse
One of the most photographed lighthouses in the Maritimes, this striking red and white structure is accessible only at low tide via a series of ladders and walkways across the ocean floor. Check tide schedules carefully before visiting.
Mulholland Point Lighthouse
Located near the Roosevelt Bridge, this small lighthouse offers views across the Lubec Channel to Maine. The site includes a marine interpretation center and is an excellent spot for viewing seals in the narrows.
Outdoor Activities & Nature
Surrounded by the Bay of Fundy, known for having the highest tides in the world (up to 8.5 meters/28 feet), Campobello Island offers abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Whale Watching
The waters around Campobello are home to minke, finback, humpback, and the endangered North Atlantic right whales. Several operators offer whale watching tours from Welshpool Wharf.
Hiking
The island features numerous hiking trails ranging from easy coastal walks to more challenging forest paths. Roosevelt Campobello International Park and Herring Cove Provincial Park both offer well-maintained trail systems.
Kayaking
Experience the dramatic coastline from the water. Guided kayak tours navigate around the island’s shores, offering unique perspectives of the rugged landscape and opportunities to spot marine wildlife.
Herring Cove Provincial Park
This 424-hectare (1,047-acre) park offers a range of recreational facilities including:
- Mile-long sandy beach – Perfect for beachcombing and relaxation
- 9-hole golf course – With spectacular ocean views
- Hiking trails – Various difficulty levels through diverse terrain
- Camping facilities – 88 sites including some with electrical hookups
- Picnic areas – With scenic overlooks
Practical Travel Tips
Making the most of your Campobello Island visit requires some advance planning, especially given its unique international location and limited services.
Essential Tips
- Border Crossing – Bring proper identification (passport or enhanced driver’s license)
- Cell Service – Coverage can be spotty; download maps offline
- Currency – Both USD and CAD are generally accepted, but having Canadian dollars is helpful
- Groceries – Limited options on island; consider bringing supplies
- Tide Charts – Essential for lighthouse visits and beach activities
What to Pack
- Layers – Weather can change rapidly
- Rain gear – Fog and rain are common
- Hiking shoes – For exploring trails
- Binoculars – For whale and bird watching
- Insect repellent – Especially in summer
Experience the Magic of Campobello Island
Campobello Island offers a rare combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and tranquil island atmosphere. Whether you’re following in the footsteps of the Roosevelts, watching whales breach in the Bay of Fundy, or simply enjoying the peaceful rhythm of island life, Campobello provides an escape from the ordinary that feels worlds away from mainland hustle.
With its unique international status, rich presidential history, and stunning natural landscapes, Campobello Island remains one of the Northeast’s most distinctive yet underappreciated destinations. Come discover why the Roosevelt family chose this special place as their summer retreat for generations, and create your own island memories that will last a lifetime.
The above is subject to change.
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