After visiting the larger centres of Moncton and St John, we finished off our New Brunswick family trip in St Andrews by-the-Sea. This picturesque town is a place that completely stole my heart in the most unexpected of ways.
I knew that I’d enjoy this leg in our trip, yet the vast impact which St. Andrews made was most unexpected. We arrived in St, Andrews during their market on the main street {which is named Water Street}, which is the bulk of the shops that line the shore.
From the artisan tents to the street performers and live music all around – it was a welcome that made us smile.
The main street {Water Street} consists of colourful and vibrant heritage homes which line the shore, family-owned businesses one after another, and scents of homemade maritime food filling the air.
WHERE TO EAT:
When arriving in St. Andreas, it wasn’t long before I just had to try a lobster roll from one of the many restaurants right there on Water Street. Melt in the mouth, bliss.
When looking up and down Water Street which lines the shore, you’ll notice plenty of eateries to choose from. Most have a menu or food description visible from the street, though feel free to peek into restaurants as you walk past.
When in the town, I suggest choosing one of the many restaurants and bistros right on main street, as there aren’t many other options otherwise. Take note that there is no ‘delivery’ at all in the town, but they do have a local pizza place {yes, again on main street}, that many boast about. It won’t be hard to find, it’s the only pizzeria in St. Andrews.
The choices are endless from sit down meals to pubs and quick bites. One spot that sticks out is The Gables Restaurant on main street, it’s a gem that you wouldn’t otherwise know unless you walked the path that leads to behind the restaurant.
The food – the views! It was a great location with pleasant staff and remarkable food. I was tempted to even go back for dinner that same night!
WHAT TO DO
While in St. Andrews, we did three main activities with our family – and all three were ones that were completely incredible. In fact, if we’re lucky enough to find ourselves in the area again, I wouldn’t hesitate to do them all. So let this be your mini trip guide of great suggestions when visiting this coastal town of New Brunswick.
This private, not-for-profit organization is heavily focused on education, research and innovation in the field of ocean sciences. The staff are so knowledgeable and have a true passion for what they do and it shows in their excited explanation to visiting guests.
This aquarium showcases the creatures – both big and small – all of which can be found in the Bay of Fundy region of New Brunswick.
Catch the seals that call this aquarium home, Loki and Snorkel, in a show. Not only will you learn a ton, but you’ll laugh at their antics. Be there for feeding time for the seahorses and salmon – it’s not to be missed.
Don’t forget to spend some time in the kids section where they’ll get hands-on education on starfish and the like – it’s pretty cool.
Everyone in the family will love the gigantic touch pool, a place to get up close to some of the marine life at the aquarium.
This garden is 27 hectares of sheer beauty. One step into the gardens and ones feels like they stepped right into Wonderland, complete with a maze and more species of flowers than you can imagine.
Winner of the Canadian Garden Tourism Awards {and rightfully so}, there’s more to this attraction than I could even divulge in. They offer summer programs and guided tours, yet you are more than welcome to just take a stroll on the paths and immerse yourself in the surroundings.
Kingsbrae Garden in St. Andrews is a place where the air is sweet and fresh, one moment tropical and the next, mountainous. It’s where kids can run free, imagining they’ve fallen into their most favourite of fairy tales {complete with an actual real secret garden hidden behind a wall of shrubs}.
There’s sections of species, sculptures, an art studio and even a green where you might run into an alpaca or two.
Our kids participated in a ladybug release, by the thousands actually. Alright .. I might have helped a few fly away myself as well, proving that even adults can get lost in this designated land of whimsy. Which, we all need from time to time.
Jolly Breeze Tall Ship Whale Watching
Now this one is a guided tour which I’ll never forget. I mean, going out on the seas and whale watching on a pirate ship? Absolutely!
This tour starts at the docks just off Water Street, but before you set sail, the kids have a chance to loot through the treasure chest and get on pirate gear. Once aboard and on the waters, be treated to a lovely brunch from the professionals who know a thing or two about whale watching.
This tour is mainly about whale watching, so be prepared to visit with the others on board and simply – stare out into the waters with camera in hand. It’s something that comes naturally though, as the bay is so gorgeous that you might not be able to look away.
To keep the kids happy and entertained while on board, the guides do everything they can to make it as interactive as they can. Allowing them to help set sails? Check! Giving them turns as captains behind the wheel? Check! Face painting? Check! Hand-on marine life instruction? Check!
Wile on the Jolly Breeze Tall Ship Whale Watching tour you’ll see porpoise and sea lions, birds and iconic lighthouses.
Oh yeah, and whales. And that was magnificent!
WHERE TO STAY
Well, this is a good question, as our family stayed in the most AMAZING hotel I think we’ve ever had the pleasure of being guests – The incredible Algonquin Resort.
The hotel really does deserve a separate article since I have so much to share. Hint: you can see it in the very top image to this post, with the signature red roof. Stay tuned as you’ll WANT to hear more about this St. Andrews accommodation.
Have you ever been to St. Andrews by-the-sea?
My family and I were hosted by Tourism New Brunswick and SJ Consulting for this #LetsGONB retreat. All opinions are my own.
I’ve been waiting for this article!! So glad you enjoyed Saint Andrews. 🙂 It’s our home away from home and we try to go camping there a few times each summer. We luckily live only a couple hours away so close enough for day trips too. The Harbour Front Restaurant is our favorite place to dine in Saint Andrews. But just up the road is Ossies and it is not to be missed! I highly recommend the seafood platter with homemade tarter sauce. The Jolly Breeze will always hold a place in our hearts since we got married on that boat. The Quoddy Link catamaran is another great boat for whale watching.
I have just followed you there thanks to your fantastic post! St. Andrews by the sea looks so quaint and cozy, your family looks like they had an amazing time. That lobster roll though?… drool!
What a beautiful place! I would love to go there and whale watch! That had to be amazing for you and the kids! The town is gorgeous!
What a gorgeous place! I could totally go for a week in St. Andrews by the sea. Beautiful!
Would love to go back to N.B. My dad was born there and we always when there when I was a child
What a fabulous place to visit. Absolutely love the quaintness and everything about the ocean! Fantastci pics and post!
This is such a charming place to spend the day with your family! That lobster roll made my stomach growl! Water Street is so cute!
That place looks absolutely amazing! The food looks fantastic but more so I adore the scenery and activities!
The Kingsbrae Garden is stunning! I can see why it has won awards – beautiful.
Oh my goodness, I want to go there – RIGHT NOW… those views… food… fun? What more could I ask for. What a fabulous time. Thanks for sharing
I have never been to St. Andrews by the Sea. It look s so beautiful there. These are amazing photos.
St. Andrews looks so beautiful. I have always wanted to go there. I would love to take the kids to the Aquarium.
New Brunswick looks like such a beautiful place. I love the view from St. Andrews.
This looks like a beautiful and an amazing place to take the family on vacation! I love your photo from instagram it looks so relaxing!
Wow there is just so much to do! The seafood would be a big draw for my family.
Great post! I always wanted to take a road trip to the East coast 🙂 I need to add this to my itinerary!
I haven’t had a lobster roll in years! Now I’m really getting a craving for one!
What a charming and beautiful place. Looks like a lot of fun.
The place is so beautiful and there’s so much to do. We were there last month and we had a blast. They have the best lobster roll I’ve ever tasted.
This looks like a beautiful place to visit or even live. I would love to see it myself!
St. Andrews by-the-Sea in New Brunswick sounds like a wonderful vacation spot. The gardens especially sound beautiful.
I was born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick, but have lived in Ontario for 28 years. I worked in St. Andrews for a summer before University. In fact, I worked at the White building in your picture- it used to be called the Shiretown Inn, and was a Best Western property.
I went back a couple of years ago to visit family, and we went to St. Andrews again. It was still very charming. The Algonquin Hotel has gone through some massive renovations and is stunning!
That looks like a great place to visit! Whale Watching sounds is something I would love to do!
How gorgeous is that!! I totally love it and why are we not living there? Almost seems like a different country, I totally love it, thanks for sharing.
Beautiful pictures. I have been to New Brunswick a few times but never to St. Andrews by the Sea. I will have to add it to my bucket list of places to visit.
What a fun place to go to. Now, I must visit this place! lol
wow! so happy for you and your family that you were able to enjoy this beautiful place. The pictures are great, thank you for sharing. I could have lobster rolls like that every day! lol 🙂 The weather was fabulous for you! Now it’s on our bucket list too…have a good day!
This looks like a great place to vacation! I’ve never been to the east coast but it looks so beautiful.
Wow New Brunswick looks absolutely stunning! I would love to vacation there.
This looks like such gorgeous place. Maybe I can get out there next year
I have never been but it sure looks like a place I will have to visit some day 🙂
great description of St Andrews and lovely pictures. ( PS Saint John is always spelled out we do not use the abbreviated version that is reserved for St John’s NF)
Wish I had seen this earlier! We just left NB, but didn’t stop here! Next time. 🙂
I LOVED LOVED visiting St-Andrews.
ive never been but it looks amazing
Amazing pictures! Also, that lobster roll looks delicious!
looks like such a beautiful spot to visit, I hope one day to make it out there, and can eat lobster rolls every day!
Wow how lucky! I’ve always wanted to go to the Maritimes.. looks like such a beautiful place
Loved the article, I live in Saint John and we go down quite often and stay at the Algonquin, love it there, peaceful. Glad you enjoyed your trip of N.B.
I have never been to St. Andrews by-the-sea, but I would love to visit!
This is one place I would d love to check out. I hear it’s haunted, too.
Beautiful! I wish Atlantic Canada wasn’t so far away from us
Looks so beautiful, and a lot of fun, I love going vender to vender. Food looked very tasty
So beautiful <3
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your enthusiasm in this post and if I ever get the chance (I do plan on visiting friends in NB next year) then I will be following your trail. I must make sure that I go when lobster is in season though – that roll made my heart flip, I love lobster. 🙂
We have just have to visit there and soon! Looks so beautiful and with plenty to keep us busy and fed.
I love this place. Beautiful pics you posted.