The Ultimate Guide to a Saint John to St. Andrews Day Trip

Optional Detours for the Curious Traveler: Your First Big Decision

The road to St. Andrews has some cool spots that are worth a look. Picking one of these detours will add about 1.5 to 2 hours to your travel time, but they offer unique experiences that you won’t find in St. Andrews itself.

Detour A: The Naturalist’s Pause at New River Beach Provincial Park

If you want to jump right into the coastal scenery, stopping at New River Beach Provincial Park is a great first move. It’s about 45 km (30 miles) from Saint John and gives you a perfect snapshot of what makes the Bay of Fundy so wild and beautiful. It has what is probably the biggest sandy beach on the New Brunswick side of the bay, and it looks completely different depending on the tide.

At low tide, the beach seems to go on for miles, leaving behind tidal pools full of sea life. You can easily spend an hour checking out the crabs, periwinkles, whelks, and starfish. The park isn’t just a beach, though. It has some amazing coastal trails. The Barnaby Head Trail is a 2.7 km loop that takes you along the rocky shore, through a bog with cool bug-eating plants like pitcher plants and sundews, and into a mossy spruce forest. For an easier walk, the Chitticks Beach Trail has several lookouts with great views of New River Island. This is a perfect stop for anyone who loves nature or for families who want to stretch their legs.

See some photos of our visit to New River Beach!

Detour B: A Sweet Diversion to “Canada’s Chocolate Town”

For something totally different, take a side trip to St. Stephen, known as “Canada’s Chocolate Town.” The town got the official title in 2000 and is home to Ganong, Canada’s oldest chocolate and candy company, which started back in 1873. The main attraction is The Chocolate Museum, located in the old Ganong factory on Milltown Boulevard.

A visit to the museum is a fun (and tasty) history lesson. Guided tours take about an hour and show you everything from how cocoa beans are processed to vintage candy-making machines. A real highlight is watching the “Hand Dippers” make chocolates the old-fashioned way, a tradition that’s been going for over a century. Afterwards, you can pop into the Ganong Chocolatier store next door to buy classic Canadian treats like Delecto chocolates, Chicken Bones, and the heart-shaped boxes that Ganong invented. With adult admission at $16.00, it’s a sweet start to your day trip.

Part 2: Arrival and Orientation in St. Andrews

Arriving in St. Andrews by-the-Sea is like walking onto a movie set for a charming seaside town. It has that classic seaside resort town feel, with beautiful old Loyalist-era buildings, colourful gardens, and that fresh, salty air. The best way to experience it is on foot. So, the first thing you should do when you get there is find a parking spot for the day and just walk. It’s the best way to really see the place.

A Town Steeped in Maritime Charm

The main drag in St. Andrews is Water Street, which runs right alongside the harbour. This is where you’ll find a great mix of chic shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés. A quick walk from there takes you to the Market Wharf, where many of the boat tours leave from. It’s also a great spot to just hang out and watch the fishing boats come and go. The town is small and easy to get around, making it perfect for exploring on foot.

Practicalities: Parking and Getting Your Bearings

Knowing where to start your day in St. Andrews makes everything easier. There’s some parking on the street, and a few private lots, but your best bet is the St. Andrews Welcome Centre.

You’ll find the Welcome Centre at 24 Reed Avenue, and it’s the perfect place to start. It has tons of free parking for any size of vehicle, from cars to RVs. But it’s more than just a parking lot. Inside, you can get free travel advice, help planning your day, and the latest info on what’s happening in town. They also have clean, accessible washrooms and free Wi-Fi, so it’s a great spot to regroup before you head out.

The town is set up this way on purpose. They want you to leave your car behind and experience St. Andrews at a slower pace. By parking at the Welcome Centre, you switch from being a driver to a stroller, which is the best way to discover all the hidden gems in the side streets and appreciate the historic, coastal vibe that makes St. Andrews so special.

Part 3: The Main Event: An Encounter with Giants in the Bay of Fundy

St. Andrews has plenty to see on land, but the real reason most people come here is for what’s out on the water. The town is a world-famous spot for exploring the Bay of Fundy’s incredible marine life, and you’re almost guaranteed to see some of the biggest animals on the planet. A whale watching tour isn’t just another activity; it’s the main event of any day trip, an incredible experience that really shows you the power and beauty of the ocean.

The Call of the Ocean: Why St. Andrews is a Premier Whale Watching Destination

The secret to St. Andrews’ amazing whale watching is the Bay of Fundy’s crazy tides. The bay has the highest tides in the world, and this huge rush of water twice a day stirs everything up from the ocean floor. This creates a massive buffet of krill, plankton, and small fish like herring.

From late spring through the fall (usually June to October), this feast attracts an amazing variety of whales. You’re very likely to see the massive Finback whale, which is the second-largest animal on Earth. You’ll also probably see the fun-to-watch Humpback whale, known for jumping out of the water and slapping its tail, and the smaller, quicker Minke whale. If you’re lucky, you might also see pods of Atlantic white-sided dolphins, harbour porpoises, or even the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, one of the rarest whales in the world. A lone male orca nicknamed “Old Thom” also hangs out in the bay sometimes. All of this life, thanks to the tides, makes the waters off St. Andrews one of the best and most exciting places for whale watching anywhere.

Preparing for Your Voyage: Essential Tips for Comfort and Safety

To have a great time on a whale watching tour, you need to be prepared. The weather on the Bay of Fundy can change in a heartbeat, and being comfortable and safe is key to enjoying the trip.

What to Wear: Don’t trust the weather on land; it’s always colder out on the water. The number one rule is to dress in layers. A good setup is a base layer that wicks away moisture, a warm fleece or sweater, and a waterproof and windproof jacket on top. Long pants are a good idea. Your shoes are important too. You’ll want sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip, because the deck can get wet and slippery.

What to Bring: Even if it’s cloudy, the sun reflecting off the water is strong. Sunscreen and sunglasses are things you absolutely need. A hat that won’t blow off is also a good idea. To get great photos, bring a camera with a strap so you don’t accidentally drop it overboard. The whales can get close, but a pair of binoculars will let you see even more detail from a distance. Finally, it’s smart to pack a water bottle and a few snacks, since most tours are a few hours long.

If you go on one of the high-speed Zodiac tours, they’ll usually give you a full-body flotation suit to wear for warmth and safety.

Choosing Your Adventure: A Guide to St. Andrews Whale Watching Tours

You’ve got a few great choices for whale watching tours in St. Andrews, with different options depending on your travel style and budget. Some operators offer a classic, stable experience on larger vessels perfect for families, while others provide a fast, exhilarating adventure on smaller, high-speed boats. There’s no single “best” tour, just the one that’s the best fit for you.

Here’s a table to help you compare the main operators and make your decision.

Our Experience and Booking Advice

On our last trip, we went with Quoddy Link Marine, and it was a fantastic experience. The tour guides were friendly and really knew their stuff, and we saw a lot of whales. Their modern catamaran is very comfortable and spacious, which is great for families or anyone who might be worried about seasickness. Towards the end of the trip, the crew brought out a touch tank with some local sea creatures, which was a really cool, hands-on way to learn about the smaller marine life in the bay.

No matter who you choose, it’s always best to book your tour in advance, especially during the busy summer months, as they fill up quickly.

For the most stress-free option, especially if you’re coming from Saint John without a car, you can book an all-inclusive tour that handles the transportation for you.

Part 4: Beyond the Waves: Exploring the Treasures of St. Andrews

The whales are a huge draw, but there’s just as much cool stuff to see on land in St. Andrews. A good day trip plan leaves plenty of time to check out the town’s other treasures. The key is managing your time, especially for Ministers Island, which you can only visit when the tide is out.

An Island Revealed by the Tides: Ministers Island

One of the coolest and most unique spots around is Ministers Island, a 500-acre National Historic Site that you can only get to at low tide. The adventure starts before you even get there, as you have to drive or walk about a kilometre across a wide gravel bar on the ocean floor. It’s an unforgettable experience.

The island was the summer home of Sir William Van Horne, the president of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He turned it into his own personal paradise back in the late 1800s and early 1900s. You can explore his huge 50-room sandstone mansion, Covenhoven, as well as other historic buildings like a massive barn, a windmill, and the original stone cottage of Reverend Samuel Andrews, who the island is named after. The island also has over 20 km of old carriage roads and trails with amazing ocean views, plus ancient shell middens from when the Passamaquoddy people lived there.

The most important thing to know about Ministers Island is that you have to plan around the tides. The hours it’s open change every single day, and it’s not safe to cross outside of those times. You must check the tide schedule on their website before you go. A good visit takes at least 2 to 3 hours. Adult admission is $19.

A Stroll Through History and Commerce: Water Street and Beyond

The centre of St. Andrews is perfect for a casual walk, with a nice mix of shopping, history, and things to learn. The town is really small and easy to walk around, which is the best way to see it. Water Street is lined with all sorts of little shops selling souvenirs and local goods, so it’s a great place to just browse and wander.

If you need a caffeine fix or a sweet treat, make a stop at Honeybeans. It’s a really nice coffee shop and a local favourite—a perfect spot to take a break from walking.

Also, if you happen to be in town on a Thursday morning, you might be in luck. The St. Andrews Farmers’ Market runs from May to September in Market Square, right downtown. It’s a great place to find local crafts, snacks, and produce. It’s worth checking online to see if it’ll be running when you’re there.

Shopping: Water Street is the main shopping street, and it’s full of unique, independent shops instead of big chains. You can find beautiful home goods and gifts at Marmalade Boutique, which makes a point of selling products from Canadian women-led brands. For souvenirs and local stuff, The Whale Store / Boutique la Baleine is a popular little shop. Other great spots include My Space Giftshop for clothes, The Leather House for quality leather goods, and The Wee Fabric Shop if you’re into quilting or sewing.

Culture & History: To learn more about the local sea life, the Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium is a great stop. It has touch pools where you can handle sea urchins and starfish, and you can watch them feed the harbour seals, sea horses, and salmon. Not far from there is the St. Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site. This old wooden fort was built for the War of 1812 and is still standing guard over the harbour. It’s a cool piece of military history and a great spot to take photos of Passamaquoddy Bay.

Part 5: A Taste of the Tides: Culinary Delights in St. Andrews

After a day of exploring, the restaurants in St. Andrews are the perfect way to end your day. The town’s dining scene, especially along Water Street, is all about fresh, local seafood from the Bay of Fundy. Whether you want a casual lunch after your whale tour or a nice dinner before heading back to Saint John, there’s something for everyone.

From Casual Chowder to Contemporary Cuisine

Top Casual Pick: Char & Chowder
Located at 182 Water Street, Char & Chowder is the perfect spot to eat after your tour. It has a great open-air setup and often has live local music, which gives it a fun, relaxed vibe. The menu is all about local ingredients, and as the name suggests, they’re known for their chowder. It’s a great place to grab a bowl of seafood chowder and just enjoy the atmosphere of the town. The kitchen closes at 9:00 PM, so it works for a late lunch or an early dinner.

Top Contemporary Pick: William & Water
If you want something a bit fancier but still casual, check out William & Water at 160 Water Street. They call their style “contemporary casual dining,” and the menu is creative, mixing East Coast ingredients with other influences. They have great small plates and main dishes, like Maison Beausoleil Oysters, Lobster Pintxo with burrata, and Pan Roasted Salmon. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a more modern taste of St. Andrews.

Classic Resort Dining: Braxton’s Restaurant & Bar
Located inside the famous Algonquin Resort, Braxton’s is an elegant but welcoming spot for a special meal. The menu is focused on excellent seafood and steaks, all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s a great place to celebrate or just enjoy the classic feel of the historic hotel. They also have a great cocktail and wine list.

Other Notable Options: There are several other great spots right on the water. Salt Bight Restaurant and Bar has a great setting with beautiful harbour views and specializes in seafood. If you’re willing to drive a little out of the main town, the restaurant at the Rossmount Inn is famous for its creative, fresh food. The menu changes daily based on the best local ingredients they can find.

Part 6: Crafting Your Perfect Day: Sample Itineraries

With so much to do, a good plan helps you make the most of your day. Here are a couple of ideas for how to structure your day trip from Saint John. You can follow them exactly or just use them as a starting point for your own adventure.

Below itineraries are just an example, make sure to double check operating hours! Operating hours of any stores and restaurants may change.

The Lingering Magic of the Coast

Driving back to Saint John, you’ll definitely be thinking about your day in St. Andrews. It’s a place where life moves with the tides, where history is built into the streets, and where nature puts on an incredible show just off the coast. A day trip to St. Andrews is more than just a visit; it’s a day where you really get a feel for New Brunswick’s coast. It’s the thrill of a Zodiac ride, the beauty of a garden, the unique feeling of driving on the ocean floor, and the simple joy of a meal by the sea. It’s a day that captures the heart of the Fundy coast and leaves you with a fresh sense of wonder for this amazing part of the world.

Part 7: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)