Trip to the Town of Saint Andrews in Eastern Canada
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Saint Andrews is a cute, small historic town in New Brunswick, Eastern Canada, half an hour north of the border with the United States and about 100 km southwest of the port city of Saint John, which is the second largest in the province of New Brunswick.
Weather and Recommended Times to Visit the Town
The comfortable season for traveling in Saint Andrews is between June and September, when in July and August the average maximum temperature is 23 degrees Celsius and the minimum is 12.
In June and September, the average maximum temperature is 19-20 degrees Celsius and the minimum is 8-9.
The least rainy season is during the months of August and September.
In the winter months of January and February, the average maximum temperature is minus 2 degrees Celsius and the minimum is minus 13.
♦ Recommended Hotels in Saint Andrews
The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection – A 5-star resort in a central location. The resort features two pools (one indoor), a hot tub, a gym, a spa, a bar, and a restaurant. Elegant rooms, some with sea views. Free Wi-Fi and parking for an additional fee.
Inn on Frederick – A high-quality B&B in a historic building within a short walking distance of the town's main street and harbor. Features rooms of various sizes: from single rooms to family rooms for up to 4 guests. Price includes breakfast. Free Wi-Fi and parking.
Treadwell Inn – A small waterfront hotel in the town center. Some rooms have a balcony and sea views. Breakfast included in the price. Free Wi-Fi and parking.
Recommended Places to Visit in the Town
This is a fun town to stroll along its main street, which is full of shops, restaurants, galleries, and also hosts a charming market.
In its streets, you can encounter deer crossing the main road and wandering in the yards of houses.
Saint Andrews is a relatively old town founded in 1783 by Americans loyal to the British Crown (known as Loyalists) who fled during the American Revolution and settled in northeastern Canada.
In the town center, you can walk along perpendicular streets featuring many houses built around 200 years ago, each painted a different color, adding charm and vibrant visual appeal.
The town has several museums (free admission to all) housed in historic homes where you can see how people lived 100-200 years ago, complete with explanations and demonstrations. Notable historic structures include the Charlotte County Courthouse building, completed in 1840, and the Ross Memorial Museum building from 1824, which belonged to a couple who donated their home to become an open museum featuring their collection of fine antique furniture and artworks.
Ross House / Open Museum:
The Sheriff's House from 1820 has also been converted into an open museum that visitors can tour. They even serve visitors tea and cookies in the family's original dining room (twice a week in the afternoon)—an authentic and delicious experience (which, like the entry and guided tours, is free).
Sheriff's House Museum:
The town is well known for successful whale watching tours departing from the pier in the town center. Several companies organize whale watching excursions using boats of various sizes.
Garden lovers will enjoy visiting Kingsbrae Garden in Saint Andrews: lovely botanical gardens featuring, in addition to a variety of flowers and plants, model houses, sculptures, a windmill, and other surprises.
Near the town, there is a small aquarium and marine research center called Huntsman Marine Science Centre Fundy Discovery Aquarium, which you can visit.
Close to the town lies Navy Island, located 1.5 km offshore, which is a nature reserve reachable by boat or kayak. The island holds remains from the early settlers who established themselves there even before Saint Andrews was founded.
Another island named "Ministers Island" is located right near the town (1 km away) and can be accessed by car or on foot only during low tide. On the island, there is an impressive historic estate you can tour: The Summer Estate of Sir William Van Horne.
In my opinion, the town is a must-see destination for anyone traveling in Eastern Canada who begins their journey in the northeastern United States. There are direct flights to Boston (a 6-hour drive from Saint Andrews) operated several times a week by both Delta and El Al, making it an ideal starting point for a trip through New England and onward to Eastern Canada.
Recommended Restaurants in Saint Andrews
♦ Harbour Front Restaurant – Bar / seafood restaurant. Located in the town center opposite the harbor.
♦ The Gables Restaurant – American / Canadian food, seafood, also suitable for vegetarians. Located on main Water Street near the waterfront. Features sea views from its patio.
♦ Rossmount Inn Restaurant – Canadian European restaurant featuring seafood. Located outside the town, about 6 km to the north.