Campobello Island, New Brunswick

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 1, 2025

Campobello Island: A Jewel in the Bay of Fundy

Campobello Island, a jewel in the Bay of Fundy, offers an unforgettable coastal retreat. Home to the famous Roosevelt Campobello International Park and one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses, this island invites you to explore its rugged beauty. From dramatic coastlines and unspoiled beaches to salt marshes and old-growth forests, Campobello is a haven for outdoor adventures like hiking, whale watching, and birding. Visit Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Summer Cottage or tee off at the island’s scenic golf course. Steeped in history and natural splendour, Campobello will renew your spirit. Let it become your beloved island escape.

Head Harbour Lightstation

Perched on the northern tip of Campobello Island, Head Harbour Lighthouse has guided ships safely through the Bay of Fundy’s famous fog and powerful tides since 1829. At low tide, venture venture out to explore its weathered charm up close: at high tide, it transforms into a tiny island, surrounded by the swirling waters. History buffs, lighthouse lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike will delight in whale spotting, beachcombing, and birdwatching here. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, herons, razorbills, seals, porpoises, and whales (minke, fin, and humpback). Sunrise seekers will love the picnic area and lookouts from the mainland.

Also known as East Quoddy Lighthouse, this iconic 51-foot wooden octagonal tower is New Brunswick’s oldest surviving lighthouse and one of Canada’s oldest. The trek at low tide is thrilling but not for the faint of heart: steep stairs, a pebble beach, and slippery seaweed-covered rocks make the journey challenging. Proceed with caution, as the tide rises up to five feet per hour. Despite the wear and tear on the structure, the lighthouse remains awe-inspiring. The Friends of the Head Harbour Lightstation, Inc., work tirelessly to preserve this maritime treasure. Consider supporting their efforts to protect and restore it for future generations.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park

Celebrating 60 years in 2024, Roosevelt Campobello International Park spans 2,800 acres of natural beauty and historic cottages. At its heart is FDR’s cherished summer home, a testament to the Roosevelts’ connection to Canada. While guided programs run from late May to mid-October, the grounds are open year-round. Admission to the park and Roosevelt Cottage is free, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually. Start at the Edmund S. Muskie Visitor Centre for self-guided displays, a short video about FDR’s life and polio battle, and the park’s creation. Interpretive guides are on hand, and the gift shop offers charming souvenirs.

Roosevelt Cottage

Step inside the 34-room summer home where FDR found strength and composure amidst Campobello’s air, land, and sea. Explore two floors filled with 1920s memorabilia, while guides share stories of the Roosevelt family and the island’s historical significance. Tours run every 15 minutes, and the surrounding gardens are perfect for a post-tour stroll.

Prince Café

Adjacent to Roosevelt Cottage, Prince Café is a favourite spot for fresh, homemade light fare. Dine indoors or on the verandah overlooking Passamaquoddy Bay, or grab takeaway for a scenic picnic.

Photo provided by Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages

Hubbard Cottage

Take a self-guided tour of Hubbard Cottage, built in 1892. Don’t miss the magnificent oval picture window, shipped from Italy in a vat of molasses to prevent breakage.

Tea with Eleanor

Wells-Shober Cottage was built in the late 19th century for Samuel Wells, a Boston-area lawyer and president of the Campobello Company, then later acquired in 1912 by the Shober family of Philadelphia. It is the location for two daily sittings of ‘Tea with Eleanor’. Sip Eleanor Roosevelt’s favourite King Cole tea and enjoy cookies made from her favourite recipe while interpreters share enlightening stories of her advocacy for human rights and social justice. Pick up your free reservation passes at the Edmund S. Muskie Visitor Centre.

Happy Hour with FDR

‘Happy Hour with FDR,’ is set at Wells-Shober Cottage every second and fourth Thursday evening. This event includes live music, a cocktail, FDR’s dirty martini, and a personal charcuterie board. Interpreters share insights of Franklin D. Roosevelt's life and achievements that illuminate him as one of America's most influential leaders. Tickets are $25 CDN for adults and $20 CDN for kids (non-alcoholic drink included). Purchase your tickets online or at the Edmund S. Muskie Visitor Centre.

Roosevelt Park’s Natural Area

Discover the natural beauty of Roosevelt Park by exploring its carriage roads or hiking and biking the seaside trails. Immerse yourself in the rich landscapes of bogs, forests, beaches, and bays that the Roosevelt family cherished. Start your adventure at Friar’s Head lookout platform to soak up the180-degree views of Cobscook Bay, Eastport, Deer Island, and Friar's Bay. Other small islands are also visible here. Visit other observation decks throughout the park at Eagle Hill Bog, Lower Duck Pond, Upper Duck Pond, and Liberty Point. Be sure to wear proper footwear, trails can be wet and slippery at times, and the coastal trails can be close to cliff ledges.

The Friendship Trail

The Friendship Trail or in Passamaquoddy, Witapehtiyik 'tawtimuwa, is a must-experience 3.5-mile (5.6 km) walking and biking trail featuring more than 1,700 feet (518 m) of floating boardwalk. This new 2025 addition to Roosevelt Campobello International Park opens up another 1,000 acres (405 ha) of the park to visitors. Thoughtfully designed to have minimal impact on the wetlands, it offers a fascinating way to explore bog ecosystems. A graceful bridge over Lower Duck Pond makes it a spectacular spot for birdwatchers.

Jon Southern, Executive Director of Roosevelt Campobello International Park, said of the trail: “We honour FDR here, a man who united people through the Great Depression and World War II. We have a duty to carry that spirit forward. This trail is our way of saying: we can still walk forward together.”

It’s a breathtaking walk that my husband Eric and I recently enjoyed. It renews hope for a future that reunites these nations in friendship.

Liberty Point

Liberty Point offers breathtaking panoramic views from the candy-striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse to the bluffs of Grand Manan Island. Keep an eye out for SugarLoaf Rock, or ‘Frog Rock’, a favourite with families. Liberty Point to Duck Pond Trail is also a spectacular coastal trail not to miss.

Raccoon Beach

Pack a picnic and take in the views, or descend the cliffside stairs to the secluded Raccoon Beach. This pristine shoreline is perfect for exploring, wildlife spotting, and birdwatching.

Herring Cove Beach from the Roosevelt Campobello International Park

Herring Cove Provincial Park

Enjoy a 9-hole golf course, a fantastic restaurant, and enjoy the island’s longest beach stretching from Herring Cove Provincial Park all the way to Roosevelt International Park. A blend of pebbles and sand, it's an idyllic place to unwind and enjoy the coastline. The unique hiking trails are plentiful here and a must for adventurers, and the nearby campground is perfect for campers and hikers looking to stay close to nature. It truly is a paradise for nature lovers!

Herring Cove Beach

Herring Cove Beach is where nature’s melody comes alive. The waves gently lap against the unique black sand and pebbles, creating a peaceful symphony as you stroll along the shoreline.This mile-long beach is a haven for seabirds and shorebirds. Keep an eye out for playful seals near the herring nets. The beach is a treasure trove of fascinating rocks, perfect for exploration. Pack a lunch, find a driftwood bench, and let the serene sights and sounds fill your senses.

Unspoiled Beaches

Campobello Island is home to many pristine, unspoiled beaches. Sunbathe, beachcomb, explore the rocks and tidal pools, or watch the seabirds and other wildlife. The opportunities are endless and the beaches are spotless. Many kayak at the sheltered Mill Cove Beach. With its calm waters and opportunity to spot eagles, it’s an ideal location to explore.

Campobello Library

The Campobello Library is a cozy, welcoming space that offers more than just books. Visitors can also check out fishing poles, kites, and activity kits for stargazing and birdwatching. The library hosts regular workshops and educational displays, enriching the experience for both locals and visitors. Established in 1887 and officially opened in 1898 through private donations, the library has deep historical roots. Franklin D. Roosevelt was a founding member when it was incorporated in 1916. In 1974, it became part of the provincial public library system, continuing its legacy of community service.

Campobello Museum

Campobello Museum, founded by islanders in 1971, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of the island. Located in a second adjoining room to the library, the museum’s collection has steadily grown through donations from both islanders and summer residents. One of the most notable recent additions came in June 2024 when Dennis and Margaret Haire generously donated an 1849 journal by Admiral William Fitzwilliam Owen, whose family owned the island from the 1760s to the late 1850s. Dennis discovered this important historical artifact at a private yard sale on the island. Admission to the museum is free, and guided tours are available.

More Campobello Island Attractions

Head Harbour Wharf – home to the heroic Campobello Whale Rescue Team (CWRT). Dedicated to marine conservation, CWRT helps disentangle whales trapped in fishing gear along the Atlantic coast. Photographers and artists will find the wharf irresistibly picturesque with fishing boats, whale-watching tours, and if lucky, you may catch a fisherman at work, ready to share a story.
The Porch at Friar’s Bay – A licensed restaurant serving home-cooked daily specials (pan-seared scallops are a must-try). Enjoy live music and special events with a stunning waterfront view. Browse local artisan items and enjoy seasonal cottages on-site.
The Pier on the Waterfront – Fresh seafood paired with incredible sunset views. Sample the local favourite fish & chips and sip a cocktail while spotting eagles and whales from the deckside patio.
Pollock Cove Seaside Retreat – Seaside cottages and houses with breathtaking water views, perfect for whale watching and wildlife spotting.
Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages – Picture waking up to sweeping coastal views, unforgettable sunsets, and whales playing in the distance. See more below.
Campobello Whale Watch Motel – A modest, welcoming motel located across from Herring Cove Provincial Park. A popular choice for visiting golfers and short stays.
Wilson’s Beach – A favourite spot for beachcombing and enjoying peaceful coastal walks.
Campobello Island Gift Shop – Discover island-made and Canadian products. Don’t miss the Dooryard Market, a lively weekly summer event often featuring live music.
The Scoop Shack – Treat yourself to a cool, tasty dessert—perfect for a warm summer afternoon.
Campobello Fresh Fish Markets – Seafood lovers rejoice! Find fresh halibut, haddock, pollock, lobster, scallops, and clams at Point Star Seafood in Wilson’s Beach and Shore Thing Fish Market in Lubec. For a truly local experience, purchase seafood right off the boat at Head Harbour Wharf if the fishermen are in.
Campobello Island Foods & Nikki’s Island Grocery & Convenience Store – Everything you need for groceries and everyday essentials while on the island.

Whale Watching on Campobello Island

While on Campobello Island, consider getting out on the water to go whale watching with a local tour. My hubby and I enjoyed a wonderful sunset adventure with East Quoddy Tours. From the mesmerizing whirlpools of Old Sow off of Deer Island to the graceful dance of seabirds and shorebirds above the waves, every moment was pure magic. We spotted a large pod of porpoises several times, and even witnessed a majestic humpback whale make a terminal dive. I took video instead of photos of this part of the experience, which can be found on my Maritimes Maven Instagram account. Circling the iconic Head Harbour lighthouse bathed in a warm late day glow was glorious, then just to top things off the sky burst into a fiery display of colour at sunset making our tour one we will not soon forget.

Mulholland Lighthouse, as seen from Lubec, Maine

Mulholland Point Lighthouse

Mulholland Point Lighthouse was built in 1885 to guide ships through the Lubec Narrows. The original octagonal wooden structure is located within Roosevelt Campobello International Park and is the only lighthouse shared by Canada and the U.S. The adjacent Marine Interpretation Centre, in partnership with the Canadian Whale Institute, educates visitors on the North Atlantic right whale and marine life of the Bay of Fundy. There is a picnic spot here with views of the Roosevelt Memorial Bridge and the quaint town of Lubec, Maine. Keep an eye out for seals and even basking sharks in the area. Walk the rocky shore and beachcomb for seaglass.

Campobello Island Festivals

Campobello Fogfest is an annual music and arts festival held in late July-early August. Established in 2013 to raise awareness of the island’s rich cultural history and tremendous natural beauty, it is held in various venues across the island and offers a range of music to suit every taste from classical, gospel, and jazz to bluegrass, folk, rock, and country.

Campobello Coastal Challenge is an annual summer event that offers 10 km, 25 km, and 50 km runs through the island's scenic trails. A joint effort by Roosevelt Campobello International Park, Herring Cove Provincial Park, and Dutch Viking Events, it celebrates the island's strong international ties. A portion of the proceeds will support local food banks on both sides of the Campobello-Lubec border. Participants face challenging terrain through forested trails, rocky beaches, coastal cliffs, and bog boardwalks but are rewarded with stunning coastal views and the chance to spot wildlife and whales. This event highlights the rugged beauty of Campobello Island, with trails once established by President Franklin Roosevelt himself.

Campobello Seaglass Festival happens the whole month of September each year! It is a chance to immerse yourself into the enchanting world of beachcombing with like-minded souls (and mermaids) and to explore the Bay of Fundy shores to discover hidden treasures. The festival offers a range of events, including scavenger hunts, markets, workshops, and free guided tours.

You are Invited to Campobello Island

Escape to the hidden gem of Campobello Island, where unspoiled natural beauty and coastal charm await. Discover the iconic East Quoddy Lighthouse, one of the world’s most photographed, and explore the only international park shared by Canada and the U.S.. Wander through the historic Roosevelt summer home, hike scenic trails, and unwind on beaches perfect for picnicking and beachcombing. Challenge yourself on the 9-hole golf course at Herring Cove, or relax on its striking black sand and pebble beach. Whether kayaking or whale watching, Campobello Island offers unforgettable adventures along its breathtaking shores. Consider yourself invited to Campobello Island. Tell the locals, the Maritimes Maven sent you!

How to Get to Campobello Island

If you're visiting Campobello Island from New Brunswick (mid-June to the end of September), you can take two quick ferry rides: Coastal Transport Ltd. from L’Etete to Deer Island, and East Coast Ferries, Ltd. from Deer Island to Campobello. Alternatively, cross the international border at St. Stephen, New Brunswick, into Calais, Maine, and drive about 40-50 minutes to Lubec, where you’ll re-enter Canada then cross the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Bridge. Coming from the U.S., you simply cross at Lubec and take the bridge. My husband and I did the “Quoddy Loop,” trying both routes. Timing the ferries trims travel time, avoids passport requirements, and skips two border crossings. However, our border crossings were quick and easy, making the return enjoyable, just don’t forget your passport! I loved the scenic ferry rides, but note that East Coast Ferries only runs seasonally. Outside that window, the only access to Campobello is via Lubec, Maine. As many say, “If it were easier to get to, it wouldn’t be as good.”

Important Things to Know about Campobello Island

Pro Tip: Before heading to Campobello, be sure to fill up your tank, there are no gas stations on the island. While there are a few ATMs, there are no banks, and grocery stores and convenience stores stock only the basics. Lubec, Maine is nearby with a bit more variety, but crossing the international border requires your passport each time. To avoid any hassle, pack some of your favourite groceries or hard-to-find items. Even in Lubec, the selection might not be what you're used to. Also, keep in mind that Campobello Island is in New Brunswick, Canada, and follows Atlantic Time. So when it's 6:00 pm on the island, it's only 5:00 pm in Maine! Time your travel accordingly, especially if crossing back and forth. Planning ahead is key.

Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages

Discover the charm of Campobello Island at its finest, where oceanfront cottages offer the ultimate escape. Picture waking up to sweeping coastal views, unforgettable sunsets, and whales playing in the distance. Whether you're seeking family fun, a romantic retreat or adventure, these idyllic cottages truly provide the perfect backdrop for it all. Dive into island life and experience a slice of paradise too beautiful for words. This is Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages, your coastal dream come true! My husband and I love it here, and we think you would, too!

Ready for More? Hop Over to Deer Island

Board a small ferry and head to Deer Island. Whether you love whale watching or deep-sea diving, kayaking or canoeing, hiking or biking, birdwatching or picnicking, camping or simply meandering down quiet coastal roads, this hidden gem begs to be discovered. Unplug, slow down, and discover what getting back to nature really means on this sweet little Bay of Fundy isle.

This post was sponsored by Discover Southwest New Brunswick; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!