While small, Saint Andrews is one of New Brunswick’s ‘must visit’ oceanfront destinations.
There is a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy while visiting there, and many people fall in love with this scenic seaside town. It is just a short drive from Saint John, so it is the perfect day trip from the city. Here are just 10 reasons to visit Saint Andrews (the official name of the town) or Saint Andrews By-The-Sea.
Ministers Island
Just a kilometre from the town is the part-time island where time feels like it stood still. You can walk on the ocean floor during low tides, and explore the island during the high tides. The carriage trails have become great hiking and biking trails.
The Van Horne Estate on the island can be toured for a fee. The huge barn is home to many friendly farm animals that you can pet.
Relax by the Ocean
There is a reason Saint Andrews is also called St. Andrews By-The-Sea. Hike your way to the two lighthouses overlooking the Bay of Fundy. You can spend the day at Indian Point Park or Katy’s Cove relaxing on the sandy beach and taking a dip in the warmest saltwater in the region.
Head out into the water on a kayak adventure from Eastern Outdoors to get an up-close look at the local wildlife, and a unique view of the town and islands.
Stop to Smell the Roses at Kingsbrae Garden
Kingsbrae Garden is one of the most magnificent gardens in the Maritimes. It blends traditional and modern gardening styles, so you should plan to spend a few hours exploring the gardens. Along with beautiful flower gardens, there are also vegetable and herb gardens that are sure to inspire home gardeners. Kingsbrae Garden has many gardens within a garden.
Kingsbrae Garden is not just home to plants, it also has alpacas. They are paraded in front of the café daily from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. During a walk through the gardens, you can also spot the four peacocks that live there.
The Algonquin Resort
For over a century, The Algonquin Resort has been one of Canada’s most iconic resorts. The lodge is the center of an oasis in an ocean of green. Golfers from across the world come and stay at the Resort to play on the legendary golf course.
Inside the luxuries continue. The indoor pool has a three-story waterslide that all ages love zipping down. The full-service day spa is the perfect place where you can rejuvenate both your body and mind.
Whale Watching
Head out on the Bay of Fundy by going aboard the Jolly Breeze. The 22-metre-long tall ship will get you close to the local seals, porpoises, white-sided dolphins, and minke, along with the finback and humpback whales. During the sail out, there will be stories told about the historic fishing industry of the town. This majestic tall ship can be spotted from the shore as it leaves port.
Another option is to go on a whale watching tour along the bays and channels of the West Isles with Fundy Tide Runners on a 24-foot rigid-hulled Zodiac Hurricane.
Get Inspired
With how beautiful St. Andrews is, it is no wonder the area attracts artists. Get inspired by the art and create your own at the Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre. It is not uncommon to see artists painting or stretching around the town and at the coastline.
Explore New Brunswick’s History
Being so close to Maine, St. Andrews has an interesting history. The town was a major shipping port in the early days of Canada and the U.S. The Algonquin Resort quickly become ‘the place’ to stay for the rich and famous on the east shore.
There are a number of museums to visit around this beautiful town.
The Ross Memorial Museum and Sheriff Andrews House provide a wonderful insight into the area’s long history.
Find out what is hiding under the water at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre.
Hitting the Green
Tee off with the Bay of Fundy as a spectacular background. For over a century, the Algonquin has been the place to golf on Canada’s East Coast. The award-winning 18-hole course is like no other and is challenging to all skill levels of golfers.
If the Algonquin course is too busy for you, the nearby Bayside Golf Course is another great option where you can spend a day golfing. There are no tee times at this smaller nine-hole course.
Fresh Seafood
Being on the Bay of Fundy, you can easily find fresh seafood just about everywhere in this beautiful port side town. From raw oysters to mussels, lobster rolls to fish cakes, there is no shortage of tantalizing options to satisfy your seafood cravings.
Reel in a fish straight from the ocean when you go on a fishing tour. Head out on the open waters with St. Andrews Sport Fishing Co and see what you can catch. You could even catch a shark.
Niger Reef Tea House
Visit another iconic part of St. Andrews historic area and even enjoy a meal in the over 90-year-old log cabin. The impressive murals have been restored after being found in the 1990s. The tea house is near St. Andrews Blockhouse, which makes it a great stop if you are on a hike.
Niger Reef Tea House opened its doors in 1926 and has been serving up great meals ever since. You can indulge in their delectable fishcakes, delicate pan-seared halibut, and scrumptious seafood chowder that are local favourites.
Explore St. Andrews Pass
If you are visiting, St. Andrews this summer, get Explore St. Andrews Pass, and you can visit Ministers Island, Kingsbrae Garden, Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium unlimited times over three days.