Head Harbour Lightstation - check tide times if you plan to cross
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Campobello Island

4.7
·134 reviews·, Canada

A serene island in the Bay of Fundy, offering historical charm, rugged coastlines, and abundant wildlife. A peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Head Harbour Lightstation - check tide times if you plan to cross

Campobello Island

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene island in the Bay of Fundy, offering historical charm, rugged coastlines, and abundant wildlife. A peaceful escape.

4.7
(134 reviews)

"A delightful gem! The end of island lighthouse - gorgeous! And the Roosevelt summer home, house for tea with Eleanor!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive Through Maine

Access Campobello by driving through Lubec, Maine, USA. Ensure your passport is ready!

☕ Book 'Tea with Eleanor'

A must-do historical reenactment at the Roosevelt Cottage. Book in advance!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 136 reviews

Type

Island

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Roosevelt Cottage National Historic Site

Roosevelt Cottage National Historic Site

Welshpool

Step back in time at FDR's summer home. Explore the historic grounds and enjoy a unique 'Tea with Eleanor' experience.

Reddit
Herring Cove Provincial Park

Herring Cove Provincial Park

Southwest Head

Discover rugged coastlines, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy. Perfect for nature lovers.

Instagram
Head Harbour Lighthouse

Head Harbour Lighthouse

North Head

An iconic lighthouse accessible by foot at low tide. Offers stunning photo opportunities and a glimpse into maritime history.

Reddit
Seaglass Beaches

Seaglass Beaches

Various locations, notably Pollock Cove

Hunt for colorful seaglass treasures along the island's tranquil shores. A peaceful and rewarding beachcombing experience.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Island's Unique Geography

Campobello Island's charm lies in its remote beauty, but getting there requires a bit of planning. Since it lacks a land link to mainland Canada, you'll likely drive through Maine, USA, crossing the border at Lubec. Factor in border crossing times and ensure your vehicle documents are in order. Instagram

Embrace the Island Pace

This is a place to unwind. Don't overschedule! Many visitors recommend taking your time to explore the numerous beaches and enjoy the stunning sunsets. Booking the 'Tea with Eleanor' experience at the Roosevelt Cottage is a highly recommended historical immersion. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon for sunsets
Why
Spectacular golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Campobello Setting Day, Nov 9 — The fishing boats of Campobello Island line up and wait for the DFO (Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans) to blow the horn at 7am Atlantic Time to kick off the start of their winter lobstering season. This is known as "setting day" because they set their traps for the season. All the boats are loaded up with tons of traps, with the crew often standing on top of them. Musi...
awoodworthphoto
35 likes • 1.2K views

🚗 Drive Through Maine

Access Campobello by driving through Lubec, Maine, USA. Ensure your passport is ready! Instagram+1

☕ Book 'Tea with Eleanor'

A must-do historical reenactment at the Roosevelt Cottage. Book in advance! Reddit

Sailing to Campobello Island for Seaglass September? Here are 7️⃣ mermaid-approved experiences that must be on your itinerary! 🏡 Stay at @pollockcove Seaside Resort. It’s as dreamy as it looks online AND it’s on one of the best seaglass beaches on the island! 🐋 Watch for whales! You can easily see humpbacks, finbacks, minkes and more from the ferry, from the lighthouses, from the land — lite...
eastcoast_mermaid
198 likes • 14.6K views
48 hours solo through 📍Downeast and 🇨🇦Campobello Island. Those shells at the end are all handmade chocolate btw. 👌 Not pictured: all the swimming, camp meals, seals I saw and antiquing I did. #downeast #campobello #summerisntover #maine #canadatravel #cabinlove #cabinchronicles
halfmoonvalleyhomestead
117 likes • 1.3K views

🥾 Pack Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking and hiking opportunities on trails and beaches. Instagram

🌊 Check Tide Charts

Essential for accessing Head Harbour Lighthouse and exploring some beaches. Reddit

Top 7 places to visit in New Brunswick🇨🇦 1. Campobello Island🏝️ ( This island is operated by 2 countries, i.e. Canada & US both. It has mesmerizing views with cute little café to enjoy the island vibes.😎🍹) 2. Oppenheimer Museum 🏫 ( Yes, i am talking about museum not the Oppenheimer movie. This museum is an ancient house building which converted into an museum now due to its architecture, ancien...
atlanticnewbie
0 likes • 610 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive Through Maine

Access Campobello by driving through Lubec, Maine, USA. Ensure your passport is ready! Instagram+1

☕ Book 'Tea with Eleanor'

A must-do historical reenactment at the Roosevelt Cottage. Book in advance! Reddit

🥾 Pack Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking and hiking opportunities on trails and beaches. Instagram

🌊 Check Tide Charts

Essential for accessing Head Harbour Lighthouse and exploring some beaches. Reddit

📱 Download Offline Maps

Cell service can be spotty. Be prepared with downloaded maps for navigation. Instagram

🦞 Savor Fresh Seafood

Enjoy delicious local catches, especially lobster, at island eateries. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(134 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Campobello Island's stunning natural beauty, rich history, and tranquil atmosphere, often highlighting the Roosevelt Cottage and scenic lighthouses. It's praised as a less crowded alternative to popular tourist spots, offering a relaxing escape with opportunities for hiking, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing. Some wish they had more time to explore its entirety.

"When you need beautiful scenery, history, and a bite to eat and don’t want to deal with the crowds of Acadia it’s time to come here.

This is a great location to spend a relaxing day as you walk, hike, learn and eat. If you can make sure to book the free tea with Eleanor experience."

Michelle Furman

"It was amazing the sunsets were gorgeous and the weather was great!

There were so many beaches to explore and they have playgrounds right next to them for your kids if they get bored!

Roosevelt park was such a great experience and was so historic and fun!

Over all it was a great experience for everyone!"

Andi Calder

"What a delightful gem! The end of island lighthouse - gorgeous! And the Roosevelt summer home, house for tea with Eleanor! Just a wonderful, well run, cared for place!"

C B

What People Like

Beautiful scenery and sunsets
Historic Roosevelt Cottage
Tranquil and uncrowded atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited time to see everything

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada, is best accessed by car. You'll typically drive through Maine, USA, crossing the border at Lubec, Maine, and then crossing the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Bridge to reach the island. Instagram+1 Ensure you have your passport ready for border crossings. There is no direct ferry service from mainland Canada to Campobello Island. Instagram

Currently, there is no direct ferry service from mainland Canada to Campobello Island. The primary access is via the bridge from Lubec, Maine. Instagram

The border crossing from Lubec, Maine, into Campobello Island is generally straightforward. Have your passports readily available for inspection by border officials. Instagram+1

Yes, you can drive to Campobello Island from Bar Harbor, Maine. The drive involves heading north towards Lubec and crossing the border. The distance is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and border wait times. Instagram

From the United States, head towards Lubec, Maine. Once in Lubec, follow signs for Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada, and cross the bridge. From other parts of New Brunswick, you will need to drive south through Maine to reach the island via Lubec. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Campobello Island itself does not require an entry ticket. However, specific attractions like the Roosevelt Cottage National Historic Site may have admission fees or require reservations for special events like 'Tea with Eleanor'. It's advisable to check their official website for current pricing and booking information. Reddit

The Roosevelt Cottage National Historic Site typically operates during the summer season. Hours can vary, so it's best to check the Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date operating hours and any seasonal closures. Reddit

Herring Cove Provincial Park is a provincial park, and while day-use access is generally free, there might be fees for specific facilities or camping. It's recommended to check the New Brunswick Parks website for any applicable charges. Instagram

Yes, Head Harbour Lighthouse is a popular attraction. Access to the lighthouse itself is often tide-dependent, meaning you can walk out to it during low tide. There may be a small fee for guided tours or access. Reddit

Several tour operators offer various experiences on Campobello Island, including whale watching tours, historical tours, and general island exploration. Checking local tourism websites or asking at the visitor center upon arrival can provide current options. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Top activities include visiting the Roosevelt Cottage, exploring Herring Cove Provincial Park, walking to Head Harbour Lighthouse at low tide, beachcombing for seaglass, whale watching, and enjoying the scenic drives and tranquil atmosphere. InstagramReddit+2

Absolutely! Campobello Island offers numerous hiking trails, particularly within Herring Cove Provincial Park, with stunning coastal views. The island's natural beauty makes it a great destination for walkers and hikers. Instagram

Yes, whale watching is a popular activity. You can often spot whales, seals, and dolphins from shore, especially during certain seasons. Boat tours are also available for a closer look. Instagram+1

Campobello Island features a variety of beaches, from rocky shores perfect for exploring to sandy stretches ideal for relaxing. Many are known for their seaglass treasures. Instagram+1

Compared to more mainstream tourist destinations, Campobello Island is generally less crowded, offering a more tranquil experience. However, it can get busier during peak summer months. Visiting on weekdays can help avoid larger crowds. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Campobello Island offers several dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants serving fresh seafood. Many accommodations also offer dining. Look for local spots to enjoy the island's culinary offerings, especially lobster. Instagram

The local cuisine heavily features fresh seafood, with lobster being a particular highlight. You'll also find classic coastal fare. Instagram

Many of the island's eateries are family-friendly, offering a relaxed atmosphere. Some beaches also have nearby playgrounds, making it easy to combine a meal with family activities. Reddit

While seafood is prominent, many restaurants are accommodating and may offer vegetarian or vegan dishes. It's always a good idea to inquire about options when ordering. Instagram

This is a unique historical reenactment at the Roosevelt Cottage where an actress portrays Eleanor Roosevelt and serves tea. It's a delightful way to learn about the history of the cottage and the former First Lady. Booking in advance is highly recommended. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Iconic spots include Head Harbour Lighthouse, the rugged coastline of Herring Cove Provincial Park, the Roosevelt Cottage grounds, and the scenic ocean views from various points along the island. Sunsets are particularly stunning. InstagramReddit+1

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour providing beautiful, soft illumination. Sunsets are a major draw for photographers. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally permitted on the grounds of the Roosevelt Cottage National Historic Site. However, specific restrictions might apply inside buildings, so it's best to check signage or ask staff. Reddit

The unique dual-country aspect (accessible via the US), the tide-dependent lighthouse access, and the abundance of seaglass offer distinctive photographic subjects. Wildlife, like seals and whales, also present great opportunities. Instagram+2

A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for capturing landscapes and potential wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for coastal scenes, and a tripod can be useful for low-light sunset shots. Instagram

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