At St. Andrews Blockhouse, water levels along the coast and in the harbour rise and fall twice daily, by an average of 7.24 metres. This dramatic tidal range is a striking starting point for discovering Charlotte County: its coastal communities stretch from St. Stephen and Saint Andrews to the islands on the western shores of the Bay of Fundy.
Tides, Gardens and Coastal Trails
Ministers Island is accessible only at low tide and is home to the Van Horne estate. The island also offers hiking trails and coastal views. Since access depends on the tide, check tide times before you arrive.
In Saint Andrews, Kingsbrae Garden combines horticulture with ornamental gardens across 27 acres. The garden is open daily from mid-May to October. Confirm seasonal opening hours before your visit.
At Fundy Discovery Aquarium, encounters with marine life are also part of the experience: visitors can touch marine animals in large subtidal pools under supervision. At low tide, visitors can access the beach, and animal feedings take place daily. Check operational details before your visit.
Ganong Nature Park offers hiking, cycling and snowshoeing. At low tide, visitors can also explore the tidal beach zone. At New River Beach Provincial Park, trails run along the cliffs at Barnaby Head. A separate boardwalk crosses a bog with insect-eating plants and 90-year-old dwarf spruce trees. The park hosts an annual sand sculpture competition.
History in its Specific Places
St. Andrews Blockhouse was built by residents during the War of 1812 to protect the town from American privateers and military forces. Visitors can explore the barracks and gun battery. Here, the history of the fortification and the tides exist side by side: the past is tangible in the buildings, while the water level changes twice daily.
Charlotte County Gaol was built in 1832 from grey granite blocks. The massive square building had walls 2.5 feet thick; its austere prison cells were used until 1979. Pea Point Lighthouse has stood at the eastern entrance to the harbour since 1878.
Confectionery History, Art and Local Memories
The Chocolate Museum tells the story of confectionery-making in St. Stephen and Ganong’s Canadian confectionery innovations. Visitors can watch Ganong Hand Dippers make chocolate using a method that has remained unchanged for more than a hundred years. The story connects the history of a place with a specific craft.
Blacks Harbour Heritage Museum shares the story of life in a fishing village on the Bay of Fundy and its sardine industry. Charlotte County Archives offer a broader perspective over time: they preserve records reflecting the experiences of people in Charlotte County from the 18th to the 21st century. At the Charlotte County Museum in New Brunswick, a partially guided tour explores the county’s history, alongside free tours and interactive exhibits.
Located on the shore of Saint Andrews, Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre focuses on visual arts and crafts, natural history, and conservation education. Its year-round offerings include galleries, artist studios, a nature space for children and a pottery studio. Children’s programs and nature excursions are also available; availability may vary seasonally.
Discover more destinations: St Stephen, St George, Pennfield, Saint James, Saint Andrews, Bocabec, Blacks Harbour, Caithness, Pocologan, Grand Manan, Fairhaven.
For the broader travel overview: New Brunswick.
