St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick
Visitor's Overview Surrounded By Sea & Beauty
The city of St. Andrews reflects rustic charm and genteel Loyalist values
at their finest. The ambiance, friendliness, and spirit of St. Andrews
invites visitors to experience one of the most well-preserved colonial
towns in North America. Despite a comfortably small size, St. Andrews is
also a vibrant and dynamic community of friendly neighbors and exciting
specialty shops.
Located on Passamaquoddy Bay in New Brunswick, locals residents and visitors
alike can marvel at the quaint, peaceful atmosphere, beautiful sunsets,
expansive night sky, and the breathtaking tidal activity which rises and
falls 28 feet twice a day to uncover six square miles of intertidal beach
to explore for wildlife and historical artifacts.
To learn more about the wonder that is St. Andrews, click
here.
Surrounded by Passamaquoddy Bay, St. Andrews by-the-Sea's relaxed pace
can be linked to the rhythm of powerful tides that can rise over 28 feet.
The intertidal zone is an ever-changing landscape that nourishes a rich
diversity of marine creatures. A guided walk over the tidal flats will
prepare you to explore the area's many coves and islands.
Covered bridges and lighthouses lure painters and photographers into
the surrounding countryside. Saint Croix Island - site of Sieur de Monts
and Samuel de Champlains' 1604 settlement - is a must for sightseers. Ministers
Island and the estate of railway magnate Sir William Van Horne can be reached,
at low tide, by driving across the ocean floor on your guided tour. There
are convenient day trips from St. Andrews to the nearby islands that will
take you by road and ferry past coastal scenery that is too picturesque
for words. Another wonderful attraction is the spectacular Kingsbrae Horticultural
Garden. This 27 acre site is located at the top of the town overlooking
Ministers Island.
Children's Adventures
The Touch Pool at the Huntsman Marine Aquarium is a favourite with young
visitors, as is the in-stream aquarium at the Atlantic Salmon Centre.
Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre offers children's programs which
encourage them to explore nature and express their discoveries through
art.
The St. Andrews Creative Playground - the first in Canada designed by renowned
playground architect Robert S. Leathers - offers fun and exercise for children
of all ages. Children will also enjoy beach-combing along the never ending
and diverse shoreline.
Experience A Day Adventure
How does "adventure" sound to you? The murmur of a sail boat
carving through salt water... the hum of fishing line being ripped off
a reel... or the lazy buzz of a picturesque riverside garden? Whatever
your answer, St. Andrews' Day Adventure Centres open the door to a world
of excitement. Guided tours in a sea kayak, on a bicycle or on horseback,
showcase the natural beauty and abundant wildlife for which our coastal
landscape is known. Or head out into the Bay to see whales from aboard
a square-rigged cutter, a catamaran cruiser or a high speed Zodiac. New
Brunswick's Day Adventure Program provides visitors convenient access to
the unique attractions in every part of the province. In St. Andrews, the
three centres are: in the Chamber of Commerce Welcome Centre next to the
arena; at the Adventure Destinations Centre near the town wharf; and in
The Algonquin's main lobby.
Unique Shopping
Shopping in St. Andrews means a pleasant stroll exploring the many unique
shops that line Water Street. The commercial district has a distinctive
character and appearance which can be attributed to the fact that it has
not changed significantly since the 1800's. The wares being offered here
however have changed, and today you will find a diverse selection of interesting
goods. From quality apparel to gifts with a local flavour, there is something
for everyone. St. Andrews also boasts many well known artists whose work
is created in a variety of forms, be it in sculpture, pottery, glass, wood,
jewelry or on canvas. You will be able to observe many of these artists
at work in their studios, or see their offerings at one of several local
galleries.
Heritage
St. Andrews was declared a National Historic District and the Greenock
Church was declared a National Historic Site on August 7, 1998. St. Andrews
was settled by United Empire Loyalists in 1783 following the American Revolution.
Some of the settlers had dismantled their homes in Castine, Maine and brought
them here aboard barges where they were reassembled and can still be seen
today. The main town plat of St. Andrews has been designated a National
Historic District and many of the more than 250 homes that are 100 to over
200 years old, have been marked with descriptive plaques by the St. Andrews
Civic Trust. Around the turn of the century St. Andrews by-the-Sea flourished
as Canada's first seaside resort town and attracted many of the East's
more prominent families. The famous architects, Edward and W.S. Maxwell
of Montreal, are responsible for many of the grand summer "cottages"
of that era. In addition, the Ross Museum, Sheriff Andrews House, the Blockhouse
and Court House, and the many historic churches offer visitors a glimpse
into the town's past. Walking tours of these historic sites are available
daily.
Accommodations & Dining
St. Andrews caters to every taste. Quaint bed and breakfasts, historic
and modern inns, cottages and an ocean front campground, all welcome visitors.
The Algonquin is St. Andrews' dominant landmark and its spectacular setting,
overlooking the peninsula, features a wealth of recreational facilities
- including an 18 - hole seaside golf course. The town's restaurants range
from old world elegance to a 50's style diner. Several offer fresh seafood,
many overlook the Bay and they all feature the friendly hospitality of
St. Andrews by-the-Sea.
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