The Fundy Isles’ Campobello Island, 70 sq. km (30 sq. mi), is connected to the mainland only by the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Bridge at Lubec, Maine. To reach Campobello Island from Canada, one has to take two ferries – one from mainland New Brunswick to Deer Island, and then a second ferry to Campobello Island.
Two of the island’s most popular sites include the Roosevelt Campobello International Park – former summer home of President and Mrs. Roosevelt – and East Quoddy Lighthouse – one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. Popular activities on Campobello Island include beachcombing, bird watching, hiking, nature walks, and whale watching.
Population: 1,195
Industries: Fishing, Tourism
Community Links:
http://www.visitcampobello.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campobello_Island,_New_Brunswick
Getting to Campobello Island
By Ferry
One way to reach Campobello Island is travel to L’Etete, New Brunswick, and line up to board one of two goverment operated ferries that leave L’Etete for Deer Island every half hour between 6:30am and 5:00pm and every hour between 5:30pm and 10:30pm. There is no toll for this ferry!
Returning from Deer Island to L’Etete, the ferries departs Deer Island every half hour between 6:00am and 5:00pm and every hour between 5:00pm and 10:00pm.
Once on Deer Island, drive across the island and get in line to board yet another ferry! This ferry service is operated by East Coast Ferries and a toll is charged for each crossing. The ferry leaves Deer Island on the hour between 8:30am and 6:30pm and Campobello on the half hour between 9:00am and 7:00pm (The two last trips are omitted in June and September). This crossing is only available June through September.
For more information pertaining to these ferry services please visit www.eastcoastferries.nb.ca.
By Land
If you are travelling to Campobello from the State of Maine, or if you do not enjoy ferry rides, cross the FDR Memorial Bridge which joins Lubec, ME to Campobello Island, NB.
Roosevelt Campobello International Park
The park, established in 1964, is one of only two of its kind in the world. Covering 2800 acres, Roosevelt Campobello International Park is home to the Roosevelt Cottage, former summer retreat of President Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor. Learn the history of the island and its significance to the Roosevelt family.
Also located in the park is Mulholland Point Lighthouse. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Open daily late May through early October, 10am-6pm Atlantic. The last tour of the cottage is at 5:45pm Atlantic.
Herring Cove Provincial Park
Take some time to explore Herring Cove Provincial Park, on the Eastern side of Campobello Island. Stroll along the mile-long pebble and sandy beach, challenge yourself to nine-holes of golf or hike one or more of the park’s six trails systems.
East Quoddy Lighthouse
Locally referred to as the Head Harbour Lighthouse, this is one of Canada’s oldest lighthouses. Now automated, its purpose has always been to help boats navigate the Bay of Fundy and the Passamaquoddy Bay.Time your visit to the lighthouse carefully as it is only accessible an hour and a half before, and one hour after, low tide. East Quoddy Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.
Leslie
You can also drive to the island from Canada at the border crossing from St. Stephen, NB into Calais, Maine, just an hour drive!
Don’t forget your PASSPORT 😁
James Besancon
The Lubec bank (Bar Harbor Bank and Trust)_ATM does not carry Canadian cash, and the branch closes at 3pm most days, later on Fridays. Does anyone know if the Camp[obello Pharmacy ATM has open hours? I guess I can call them.
Cindy
Due to COVID, are Canadians allowed to visit Campobellow island? Are American citizens allowed as well?
sharon claytor
We will be traveling to northern Maine last week in September and would love to see Bay of Fundy. Our rental car is not allowed to leave the US. How can we get to Campobello ferry?
Maureen Dean
I don`t think the kayaking picture is Campobello. It looks more like the Hopewell Rocks area.
felicia
campobello is a beautiful island it great for a vacation spot go if you love the beach people and love spending time with friends and family
Hilarie woods
Do you need a Canadian passport to go from Canada to Campabello Island?
felicia
no you do not you can just go over with you car on the ferry or by the brig but you’ll need you passport to go back to the us but if your not going to the us you don’t need it
Gillian
Why would you need a Canadian passport to visit a Canadian island??
Maureen Dean
Check the geography, me dear.
Zoe Hoyle
Is it possible or desirable to walk across the FDR Memorial Bridge? We’re thinking of staying in either a Victorian in town, or in the Quoddy Lighthouse Station house? Any opinions?
Bay of Fundy
I am not sure. These folks would know though: http://fdr.net/contact-us
Former Islander
It is possible to walk across the bridge although there is not much there except for the tourist information centre and the Mulholland Lighthouse. It is mostly park land along that end of the island. There are terrific hiking trails and fantastic views from that area though. I plan on taking friends there this summer for some on foot adventures.
Bay of Fundy
Thanks for sharing!
Karen E. Moore
Yes you can walk across the FDR Bridge. My daughter and son-in-law are moving to NB for work. They will be living in Saint Stephen and he is working on Campobello Island.
Julie Walker
Wondering why the ferry from Campobello to Deer Island shuts down so early? Tourists are plentiful in the month of October and love taking this route to New Brunswick.
Bay of Fundy
I’ve wondered the same thing myself. I am afraid I don’t have the answer and the best I can do is suggest you give them a call. Their 800 number is in the comment below this one.
M. Lyndall
I’m concerned about obtaining Canadian currency once we cross the bridge from Lubec, and I understand the ferries take only cash. Do you know where we can find an ATM for Canadian currency?
Bay of Fundy
There might be an ATM in the park, but I am not sure. There’s definitely a bank in Lubec and I would be surprised if they don’t carry Canadian currency. That being said, most places that are close to the border accept US dollars (often at a 1:1 exchange rate) and I don’t expect the ferry to be an exception. You can double check with them directly at 1-877-747-2159.
Campobello Island Tourism Association
Dear Mike: Great article. Could you please add our new website to your community links?
http://www.visitcampobello.com
Thank you
Oceanstar
Bay of Fundy
It’s added! Thanks for submitting your url.
Sharen Sherman
When does the ferry from Deer Island to Campobello actually stop service in September? Is there a way to get from Campobello to drive north toward ST John?
Bay of Fundy
I am not sure what the exact date is. I’d suggest emailing East Coast Ferries at [email protected].
If you are willing (and able) to cross in and out of the United States, you can take the Memorial Bridge and then enter Canada again via Saint Stephen. It’s definitely the long way around though (about 200km) and you should roughly count on a 3 hour trip.
elizabeth koopman
I am eager for more visibility of the Passamaquoddy on these websites. This is their homeland historically for thousands of years and also currently.
Justice and accuracy, in addition to respect and inclusion, require greater inclusivity of these First Nations in all ways, including education, marketing, and tourism.
All peoples will benefit.
Thank you very much.
Elizabeth Koopman