Campobello Island

Île Campobello

A picturesque island connected by bridge to Maine, famous as the summer home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and now a museum dedicated to his legacy. The island offers charming coastal scenery, lighthouses, and a bridge connecting Canada to the United States.

Things to do

• Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum — Tour the restored 34-room summer cottage where FDR and his family vacationed, featuring original furnishings and exhibits on his presidency.
• East Quoddy Head Lighthouse — Hike to this iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse perched on a rocky point with stunning Bay of Fundy views, accessible at low tide.
• Head Harbour Lightstation — Visit this picturesque white lighthouse on a tidal island that becomes accessible when the Bay of Fundy recedes at low tide.
• Herring Cove Provincial Park — Explore coastal trails, pebble beaches, and dramatic ocean cliffs while watching for whales and seabirds in the Bay of Fundy.
• Campobello Island Bridge Tour — Walk or drive the historic Roosevelt Campobello International Park bridge connecting Canada to Lubec, Maine, with interpretive signage about its 1962 construction.
• Tide-Watching at Bay of Fundy — Experience the world's highest tides by visiting beaches at different times to observe dramatic water level changes of up to 45 feet.

Food to try

• Lobster Roll — Fresh Atlantic lobster meat piled onto a toasted bun, a Maritime staple available at local coastal restaurants and casual eateries.
• Dulse and Sea Vegetables — Locally harvested edible seaweed from the Bay of Fundy, served dried as a snack or incorporated into seafood dishes.
• Fish and Chips — Battered and deep-fried Atlantic fish such as cod or haddock, typically served with hand-cut fries at waterfront establishments.
• Smoked Salmon — Cold-smoked Atlantic salmon prepared locally and sold at island markets, reflecting the region's strong fishing heritage.
• Blueberry Pie — Wild blueberries from the Maritime provinces baked into traditional pie, a beloved dessert at local bakeries and restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Dual Currency and Border Proximity — The island operates with both Canadian dollars and is close to the US border, so visitors should carry both currencies and bring valid passports or travel documents.
• Tide Timing is Essential — Many island attractions like East Quoddy Lighthouse are only accessible during low tide, so check tide tables before planning outdoor activities.
• Seasonal Closures and Weather — The island experiences harsh maritime winters and many attractions have limited hours or close from November through April, so plan visits during summer and early fall.
• Respect for Natural Heritage — The Bay of Fundy ecosystem is protected and culturally significant to local Mi'kmaq communities, so visitors should stay on marked trails and respect wildlife viewing guidelines.