Campobello Island Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Explore the rugged beauty of the Bay of Fundy, historic international parks, and breathtaking coastal trails on this beloved New Brunswick island.
Campobello Island is a place where history and nature converge in a spectacular display of Maritime beauty. Connected by bridge to the United States and by ferry to the Canadian mainland, this island in the Bay of Fundy offers a unique international experience. It is a land of craggy headlands, sweeping tides, and spruce forests that smell of salt and resin. For decades, it served as the beloved summer retreat for the Roosevelt family, and today, that legacy is preserved in a unique international park jointly managed by Canada and the US.
Beyond the presidential history, the island is a sanctuary for those seeking the raw power of the Atlantic. The Bay of Fundy boasts the highest tides in the world, sculpting the coastline twice daily and creating a nutrient-rich ecosystem that attracts whales, seals, and seabirds in droves. Whether you are hiking the mossy trails of the interior or scrambling over the ocean floor at low tide to reach a lighthouse, Campobello invites you to slow down and breathe in the cool, foggy air.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
A Shared Heritage
What makes Campobello truly unique is its status as the home of the Roosevelt Campobello International Park. This is the only park of its kind in the world, symbolizing the enduring friendship between Canada and the United States. Franklin D. Roosevelt spent his summers here from childhood until he contracted polio in 1921, and he returned as President in the 1930s. The island shaped his love for nature and the sea.
Visitors can step back in time wandering through the meticulously preserved 34-room Roosevelt Cottage, where family photos and original furniture remain just as they were. But the history here isn’t just about the famous family; it’s about the local fishing culture, the treacherous history of the shipwrecks off the coast, and the resilient islanders who have called this rocky outcrop home for generations.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Tour the magnificent 34-room summer cottage of Franklin D. Roosevelt and explore the sprawling heritage gardens.
Head Harbour Lightstation Trek
Walk across the ocean floor at low tide to reach one of the most photographed lighthouses in Canada.
Zodiac Whale Watching
Embark on a high-speed adventure to see minke, finback, and humpback whales in the nutrient-rich Bay of Fundy.
Tea with Eleanor
Listen to captivating stories about the life of Eleanor Roosevelt while enjoying free tea and cookies in a historic lodge.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Roosevelt Campobello International Park - This massive park covers a large portion of the island. Admission to the grounds and cottages is free. Explore the Visitor Centre, the Roosevelt Cottage, and the beautiful flower gardens. It is the heart of the island’s tourism.
Head Harbour Lightstation - Located at the northern tip of the island, roughly 15 km from the bridge. Access to the island requires a $5 CAD fee. This is one of the oldest wooden lighthouses in Canada, and the trek across the ocean floor at low tide is an unforgettable adventure.
Herring Cove Provincial Park - Situated on the eastern side of the island, this park offers a mile-long sandy beach and rugged hiking trails. Entry is free, though camping fees apply. It is a perfect spot for a picnic or a bracing dip in the Atlantic.
Mulholland Point Lighthouse - Located near the bridge to Lubec, this non-operational lighthouse offers the best views of the Narrows. It is a free site and a prime location for spotting harbour seals and watching the currents swirl between the two countries.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Reaching Campobello Island usually involves a drive through the United States. You will cross the FDR Memorial Bridge from Lubec, Maine. Because you are crossing an international border, a valid passport is absolutely essential for all travelers. Alternatively, during the summer months (roughly June to September), you can take a ferry from Deer Island, New Brunswick, but this service is weather-dependent.
The island is small, but a car is necessary to get around as there is no public transit. Be prepared for the “Fundy Fog,” which can roll in quickly and drop temperatures significantly, even in July. Packing layers, sweaters, rain jackets, and good walking shoes, is the best way to ensure you enjoy the outdoors regardless of the shifting maritime weather.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (July - August)
Pros
- All historical sites and restaurants are open
- Best weather for whale watching
- Full schedule of park programs
Cons
- Accommodation requires booking months in advance
- Border crossing queues can be longer
- Coastal fog can obscure views
Shoulder Season: Late Spring & Early Fall (June, September)
Pros
- Fewer crowds at major sites
- Beautiful fall foliage or spring blooms
- More relaxed pace at local dining spots
Cons
- Some seasonal businesses may have reduced hours
- Evenings can be quite chilly
- Black flies can be active in June
Off-Peak: Winter (October - May)
Pros
- Complete solitude and peace
- Dramatic winter seascapes
- Lowest accommodation rates
Cons
- Most restaurants and attractions are closed
- Ferry service to mainland NB stops
- Harsh weather conditions
Campobello Island is a seasonal destination that shines brightest in late summer. While the winters are quiet and starkly beautiful, the island truly comes alive when the wild roses bloom and the whales return to the bay. Whether you come for the history, the hiking, or the seafood, this island offers a tranquil escape on the edge of the continent.
Sample Itineraries
Classic Campobello Heritage Weekend
A relaxed weekend focusing on the rich history of the Roosevelt family and the island's iconic lighthouses.
Day 1: Presidential History and Sunset Views
- Morning: Start your day at the Roosevelt Campobello International Park Visitor Centre to secure free tickets for tea, then take a self-guided tour of the 34-room Roosevelt Cottage which takes about 90 minutes. Walk through the colourful flower gardens and the Hubbard Cottage nearby before grabbing a light lunch at the Prince Café for approximately $20 CAD per person.
- Afternoon: Attend the famous ‘Tea with Eleanor’ program at the Wells-Shober Cottage to hear moving stories about the First Lady while enjoying cookies and tea. Afterward, take a scenic 5 km drive to the Mulholland Point Lighthouse to watch harbour seals playing in the Lubec Narrows currents.
- Evening: Enjoy a fresh lobster dinner at The Porch at Friar’s Bay for roughly $50 CAD per person while watching the light fade over the water. End the night with a quiet stroll along the beach near Welshpool to see the stars without light pollution.
Day 2: Lighthouses and Coastal Charm
- Morning: Check the tide tables carefully to plan your visit to Head Harbour Lightstation, as you can only cross the ocean floor during a specific 4-hour window at low tide. Pay the $5 CAD maintenance fee to access the island and climb the steep stairs and ladders to the top of the lighthouse for incredible views of the Bay of Fundy.
- Afternoon: Drive to Herring Cove Provincial Park for a picnic lunch on the mile-long beach which costs roughly $10 CAD for park entry. Hike the easy 2.5 km Carriage Road trail that winds through spruce forests and offers glimpses of eagles and osprey.
- Evening: Stop by Family Fisheries for a casual basket of local fried clams costing about $25 CAD per person. Wrap up your trip by visiting the marina at Head Harbour to watch the fishing boats return with their daily catch.
Fundy Nature & Adventure Trek
An active itinerary for nature lovers featuring whale watching, hiking, and exploring the rugged coastline.
Day 1: Arrival and Forest Trails
- Morning: Arrive via the FDR Memorial Bridge from Lubec and head straight to the Tourist Information Centre to pick up trail maps. Drive to the southern end of the island to hike the Liberty Point Trail, a 4 km round trip offering dramatic cliff views and sightings of the ‘Sugar Loaf’ rock formation.
- Afternoon: Head to Herring Cove Provincial Park and walk the Roosevelt Park’s natural area trails, specifically the steep trek down to Raccoon Beach. Enjoy a packed lunch on the pebbled shore before exploring the unique geology of the coastline which features ancient volcanic rock.
- Evening: Check into the rustic Lupine Lodge and enjoy a hearty dinner at their on-site restaurant for approximately $40 CAD per person. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing on the lodge’s deck which offers a panoramic view of the bay.
Day 2: Whales and Tides
- Morning: embark on a 2.5-hour zodiac whale watching tour with a local operator like Captain Riddle, costing around $85 CAD per person. Keep your camera ready for minke, finback, and humpback whales, as well as porpoises and puffins feeding in the nutrient-rich waters.
- Afternoon: After returning to land, grab a quick seafood chowder lunch at a local takeout stand for $15 CAD. Drive to the northern tip of the island to explore the hiking trails around Head Harbour, watching the massive Fundy tides rise and cover the access road to the lighthouse.
- Evening: Dine at The Fireside Restaurant, enjoying their signature seafood platter for roughly $45 CAD. After dinner, drive to the Cranberry Point primitive hiking area for a secluded sunset view away from the main tourist spots.
Day 3: History and Departure
- Morning: Rent bicycles near the park entrance for about $30 CAD and cycle the gravel carriage roads that the Roosevelts used to ride. Stop at the Observation Deck near Friar’s Head to see the weir fishing nets setup in the water below.
- Afternoon: Visit the serene St. Anne’s Anglican Church in Welshpool to admire the stained glass windows and local history. Grab a final coffee and souvenir at the Gift Shop in the Roosevelt Park Visitor Centre before preparing for departure.
- Evening: Cross the bridge back into Lubec, Maine, stopping at the border duty-free shop if applicable. Enjoy a final view of the island from the US side of the Narrows before continuing your journey home.
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