Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages

UPDATED MARCH 7, 2026

A Coastal Escape on Passamaquoddy Bay

“Come hither and stay awhile,” the Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages seemed to whisper as I browsed Airbnb listings for the region.

Breathtaking ocean views, vivid sunsets, and the possibility of spotting whales right from the property instantly caught my attention. But it was the glowing reviews of each cottage — Starfish, Periwinkle, Whale of a View, and Sea Urchin — that sealed the deal.

After weighing other options, these cottages overlooking Passamaquoddy Bay stood out like a beacon.

Following an unforgettable four-night stay in Starfish Cottage, my husband Eric and I returned the following year to experience Periwinkle. We loved it so much we came back again that fall hoping to complete a Whale of a View trifecta — but it was booked, so we happily reunited with our first love, Starfish.

What I can say with absolute certainty is this: no matter which cottage you choose, Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages offers an unforgettable retreat for exploring the island.

That said, we’re still hoping to return this summer to finally experience Whale of a View — so we can proudly say we’ve stayed in them all.

Starfish Cottage

A Spacious Oceanfront Retreat with Front-Row Whale Watching

Eric and I loved staying in Starfish Cottage-twice, a welcoming three-bedroom plus loft retreat perched on a wide, flat oceanfront lot.

The spacious master bedroom features a queen bed, electric fireplace, and a picture-perfect ocean view. Waking up to that sweeping vista each morning quickly became one of our favourite parts of the stay.

A second queen bedroom accommodates guests comfortably, while the third bedroom features playful bunk beds perfect for kids. The loft area includes two twin mattresses — exactly the kind of hideaway my teenage self would have claimed instantly.

The recently expanded living room fills with natural light and even more ocean views. We spent hours here simply watching the water and wildlife beyond.

A cozy galley kitchen, inviting dining area, and compact but functional bathroom complete the cottage.

The name Starfish comes from the many starfish discovered along the shoreline below during low tide.

Sunset Views & Wildlife Watching

Oceanfront Living at Its Best

The screened porch and deck create generous outdoor living space, while a viewing platform at the edge of the property provides a front-row seat to the bay.

A short wooded path leads to a cliffside seating area with sweeping panoramic views. From nearly every vantage point we spotted wildlife — eagles, ospreys, seals, porpoises, and even whales. On two separate days we watched whales spouting in the cove directly in front of our cottage. Before long, whale-watching boats arrived to enjoy the spectacle too.

We also watched seabirds diving for schools of herring and mackerel, and one afternoon saw an adult eagle feeding alongside two juveniles on a rock below. There was never a dull moment. Guest reviews frequently mention sightings of minke, finback, and even humpback whales breaching offshore.

Fishing boats and sailboats drift past throughout the day, adding to the charm of this lively stretch of Passamaquoddy Bay — a thriving feeding ground for marine life.

And the sunsets? Absolutely unforgettable.

Historic Campobello Cottages

Restored with Character and Charm

Each cottage features its own fire pit and Adirondack chairs — perfect for lingering outside long after sunset. Inside, vintage and antique furnishings reflect the island’s rich history.

Starfish Cottage began its life as the garage for the Head Harbour Lighthouse keeper at the end of Lighthouse Road.

In 1992 the structure was cut in half and relocated to its current location, where it continued serving as a garage for several years. When the current owners purchased the property in 2014, they transformed it into a charming two-bedroom cottage with vaulted ceilings, a loft, living room, kitchen, and oceanfront decks.

In 2018 they added a spacious master bedroom overlooking the water. More recent upgrades include a larger living room, screened porch, and expanded decks.

From humble beginnings, Starfish has evolved into a truly special coastal retreat.

Periwinkle Cottage

Cliffside Views and Coastal Charm

Periwinkle Cottage captured my heart the moment I saw it. Eric and I stayed here in the summer of 2025 and were instantly smitten.

This three-bedroom plus loft cottage sits perched on a wooded cliff overlooking the bay. The living and dining rooms face the water, while the wraparound deck provides multiple seating areas for soaking in the view.

The master bedroom boasts a breathtaking ocean vista, and the screened porch is ideal for relaxing day or night.

Inside, Periwinkle is full of charm — shiplap accents, vaulted ceilings, and a beautifully renovated kitchen and bath.

Guests can walk a trail to a lookout high above the bay, where whale sightings are common during summer and early fall.

Imagine dining outdoors while eagles soar overhead and whales feed in the cove below.

After a day of exploring the island, evenings end perfectly around the fire pit roasting marshmallows beneath the stars.

A Cottage with a Story

The History of Periwinkle

Periwinkle began life in 1948 as a simple shed for a homestead on a Campobello backroad.

In 1964 it was moved to its present location and converted into a fishing cabin — rustic, charming, but without running water.

Over the decades the cottage evolved through a series of renovations. When the current owners acquired it in 2004, they refreshed the structure and cleared views to the ocean.

A full rebuild in 2021 added a new kitchen, living room, sleeping loft, and expansive decks, while antique flooring and tin ceilings preserved the cottage’s historic charm.

A stunning oceanfront master bedroom and screened porch followed in 2022–23.

Today, Periwinkle feels both historic and beautifully renewed.

Whale of a View Cottage

Campobello’s Most Requested Oceanfront Stay

Whale of a View Cottage truly lives up to its name.

Perched on a wooded cliff, the cottage creates the sensation of being surrounded by water — almost like staying aboard a ship.

Wildlife viewing is spectacular from every angle: the living room, screened porch, lower deck, and especially the Eagle’s Nest Gazebo.

Guests have even slept there listening to whales spouting in the darkness.

Recent upgrades include raised ceilings, kitchen renovations with a coffee bar, and updated bathrooms.

With its sweeping views and incredible wildlife sightings, it’s easy to see why Whale of a View is the most requested cottage.

The Story Behind the Cottages

A Family’s Love Affair with Campobello Island

Owners Dennis and Margaret Haire are celebrating their 38th season on Campobello Island.

Although they live in Indiana, they spend five months each year at their beloved Sea Urchin Cottage.

Their Campobello story began in 1988 when Dennis spotted a newspaper ad for affordable oceanfront property while waiting in an airport

Curious, they arranged a visit and they’ve never looked back.

Over the years they gradually acquired the neighbouring cottages — Periwinkle, Whale of a View, and Starfish — transforming former private homes into welcoming vacation retreats.

Sea Urchin Cottage

A Grandchildren’s Paradise

Family Life at Sea Urchin Cottage

Sea Urchin remains the Haires’ personal summer home. Originally built in 1959 by Campobello boat builders Varn and Morris Fletcher, the cottage has grown alongside their family.

Today their two children, spouses, and eight grandchildren regularly fill the cottages with laughter.

Trails connect the properties so grandchildren can run between them — often arriving at Papaw and Mimi’s cottage by 8 a.m.

Days are spent hiking, exploring the shoreline, and playing until nearly 10 p.m.

As Dennis told me with a smile: “It’s a fairy-tale experience for the grandkids — and for us too.”

A Treasure Trove of Island History

Dennis is well known on Campobello for discovering remarkable historic artifacts.

Among his finds:

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s binoculars
an 1881 Tyn-y-Coed Hotel fireplace mantel
antique ship lanterns
vintage doors and tin ceilings
an 1849 journal by Admiral William Fitz William Owen

In 2024 Dennis donated that historic journal to the Campobello Museum.

Their cottages are filled with antiques and beachcombing treasures — turning each stay into a living museum of island history.

Why You Should Stay at Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages

Whether you stay in Starfish, Periwinkle, or Whale of a View, you’ll experience one of the most beautiful stretches of oceanfront on Campobello Island.

With sweeping views, unforgettable sunsets, abundant wildlife, and cottages steeped in island history, it’s a place that invites you to slow down and stay awhile.

How to Get to Campobello Island

If travelling by vehicle to Campobello Island from New Brunswick (from mid-June to the end of September) you can hop two short ferry rides, one from L’Etete, New Brunswick to Deer Island and another from Deer Island to Campobello.

You can also travel across the international border at St. Stephen, New Brunswick to Calais, Maine then make your way to Lubec (approximately 40-50 minutes) then cross back into Canada at a border crossing, and drive across the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Bridge onto Campobello Island.

My husband and I tried both ways, to compare the two. If you time the ferry schedule well, you trim the trip significantly and avoid two border crossings, but that being said, we did not have long waits at either international crossing into Lubec or between Calais and St. Stephen, so it was a pleasant return trip as well. You just need to remember to bring your passport along.

Personally, I really enjoyed experiencing the ferry rides but they only run seasonally, so from the end of September to the middle of June there is only one way to access Campobello. As many have shared, “If it were easier to get to, it wouldn't be as good."

Campobello Island, New Brunswick

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.

This post was sponsored by Campobello Island Oceanfront Cottages; 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!