Bay of Fundy — Maritimes Maven Blog - hidden treasures and gems in NB NS PEI

Towns by the Bay: A 3-Day New Brunswick Road Trip Through Rothesay, Quispamsis, Hampton & Grand Bay-Westfield

Four towns. Three days. Two nights. One very memorable New Brunswick road trip. Come along as I explore Rothesay, Quispamsis, Hampton and Grand Bay-Westfield, from historic homes and public art to covered bridges, cafés, local shops, river ferries and a beautiful Kingston Peninsula drive. This is my Towns by the Bay itinerary for a fall Bay-cation worth taking.

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Let Sussex Surprise You!

Let Sussex surprise you! This charming New Brunswick town blends massive murals, vibrant arts and culture, local cafés, antique shops, rolling farmland, covered bridges, and scenic countryside drives into one unforgettable Maritime getaway.

new brunswickMaritimes MavenAugust 10, 2026Art Galley of Nova Scotiaantiques, railway station, River Valley Scenic Drive, Fundy Coastal Drive, Bay of Fundy, The Fundy Trail, small town, cities small towns and villages Comments

Fundy - St. Martins

Discover why Fundy-St. Martins deserves far more than a quick stop. This historic Bay of Fundy shipbuilding community is home to dramatic sea caves, the highest tides in the world, scenic coastal drives, welcoming places to stay, fresh seafood, fascinating history, vibrant festivals, and unforgettable adventures. I’ve gathered my favourite things to see, do, eat, and experience in this comprehensive travel guide.

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Deer Island, New Brunswick: A Bay of Fundy Escape Worth Exploring

A short ferry ride from mainland New Brunswick leads to Deer Island, a Bay of Fundy island where whales roam offshore, deer wander the roads, and every turn brings another coastal discovery. From Old Sow and sea kayaking to beaches, seafood, art galleries, and friendly locals, this guide shares the best things to see, do, eat, and experience on Deer Island.

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Rossmount Inn - Culinary Destination

Rossmount Inn is a culinary destination and boutique hotel just minutes from St. Andrews, New Brunswick. It’s where award-winning Chef Chris Aerni—one of Canada’s top chefs—creates world-class, market-fresh, local, and primarily organic cuisine. Since 2001, Chris and his wife Graziella have transformed the 18-room manor house and its 87-acre estate into a charming country inn with a restaurant & bar so popular it boasts one of Canada’s top ten waiting lists. Dining here is extraordinary —book a reservation and discover Chef Aerni’s culinary excellence firsthand.

Campobello Island, New Brunswick: A Beloved Bay of Fundy Island

Campobello Island, New Brunswick, is a beloved Bay of Fundy escape where rugged coastlines, fascinating history, wildlife and quiet beaches invite you to slow down and explore. Walk out to the iconic Head Harbour Lightstation at low tide, wander the grounds and trails of Roosevelt Campobello International Park, watch for whales and porpoises, and discover the island’s local character along the way.

From lighthouses and beaches to sea glass, wildlife and unforgettable coastal views, Campobello offers plenty of reasons to stay awhile.

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The Puffin Tour at Machias Seal Island

If seeing puffins close up is on your bucket list, book a half-day excursion to Machias Seal Island. Avid bird watchers, nature lovers, scientists, wildlife photographers, and filmmakers have been flocking to this wee mile-long island in the lower Bay of Fundy for almost 200 years. Folks like me go, too, toting a little camera with a tiny lens, and a big sense of adventure because no other birding destination compares for close range puffin observation and photography. If you love puffins, the puffin tour at Machias Seal Island is a must do.

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Meet Clare Nova Scotia

Acadian pride, ocean air, and a warm welcome — that’s what you’ll find in Clare, Nova Scotia. From kitchen parties and seafood feasts at Belliveau Cove, to sunset walks on Mavillette Beach, rum-running tales at Smuggler’s Cove, and sweeping views from Cape Saint Mary, every stop along the French Shore tells a story. Step inside studios where artists turn sea and shore into masterpieces, taste Acadian traditions like rappie pie and fresh lobster, and join the joy of the Festival Acadien de Clare or the lively Tintamarre on National Acadian Day. Clare isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a place to belong. Come discover this hidden gem on Nova Scotia’s French Shore.

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Kayak the Rocks and Walk on the Ocean Floor at Hopewell Rocks

Paddle around towering flowerpot rocks at high tide. Return a few hours later to walk the very ocean floor you just kayaked. At Hopewell Rocks, the world’s highest tides transform the same landscape twice daily, and doing both back-to-back is one of New Brunswick’s most unforgettable experiences.

Dining on the Ocean Floor

Dining on the Ocean Floor was named One of the 13 Most Spectacular Dining Destinations in the World and it happens right here in the Maritimes. This is a bucket list experience you do not want to miss. Pull up a chair at a beautiful table set on the ocean floor to experience the ultimate culinary adventure at the site of the world’s highest tides. Savour the best of Nova Scotia food, beer and wine. Chef Domenic Padula of Food Fantastique orchestrates it all oceanside at Burntcoat Head Park on the Bay of Fundy, declared one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America!

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Grand Manan Island

Grand Manan welcomes you with open arms to its rugged, storm-beaten yet peaceful haven. It is the island that is too good to be true and there is no place like it. The waters around Grand Manan are a haven for whales, porpoises, seals, and seabirds. Let it share its unspoiled scenic vistas and hidden secrets. I guarantee it will capture your heart.