The coolest places to stay along the Bay of Fundy
This post originally appeared on the Tourism New Brunswick blog.
Ever stayed in a teardrop? Or one of the famous Canadian Pacific Railway hotels? How about a cliffside campsite with whales singing below?
Road trip season has us dreaming of all the cool spots to crash along the Fundy Coast -- one of New Brunswick's iconic road trip routes. Anyone who's travelled around this region knows that nature steals the show every time (the world's highest tides have a way of doing that, they're very selfish), but finding somewhere to stay that's just right definitely comes in at a close second.
Here are a few favourites in the Bay of Fundy area. If one catches your eye in an omg-I-need-to-stay-there kind of way, book soon or availability may be gone with the tides.
1. St. James Gate, Moncton
It's common for visitors to use the city of Moncton as a home base for Fundy explorations. Its close proximity to the coast -- about a 30-minute drive to The Hopewell Rocks and an hour to Fundy National Park -- makes for easy day trips if that's what you're after. Stay at the hip St. James Gate boutique hotel in the city's downtown core to be walking distance from hot restaurants, live music, and local brewpubs (there's even a resto-bar attached to the hotel).
Also check out... Delta Beausejour, Auberge Wild Rose Inn, Hotel Casino New Brunswick
2. Hopewell Haven, near the Hopewell Rocks
What's a Bay of Fundy visit without a stop at 'The Rocks'? The area's got several cool AirBnBs and small inns with hosts that'll give you a really warm welcome, like this post-and-beam cottage hosted by Leah. The locals love showing off their corner of New Brunswick so don't be shy to ask for recommendations!
Also check out... Innisfree Bed & Breakfast, Broadleaf Guest Ranch, Captain's Lookout Cottages
3. Goutte D'?, Fundy National Park
This electric-blue teardrop-shaped cabin competes with the views to be the most Instagrammable thing at Fundy National Park. Imagine curling up on a hammock inside your very own water droplet after a day of exploring. Thumbelina would be envious.
Also check out... Yurts, oTENTiks, and Rustic Cabins at the park for other no-tent-required options
4. Chipman Hill Suites, Saint John
The region's other urban hub, Saint John, sits right on the bay and happens to be Canada's first incorporated city. This means lots of architectural character with buildings that contain shops, galleries, and restaurants as well as cool spots to stay -- like Chipman Hill Suites, a collection of 10 individual properties in the historic uptown region of the city.
Also check out... Shadow Lawn Inn, One Princess AirBnB, Hilton Saint John
5. Tidal Watch Inn, St. Martins
There are so many reasons to make your way to St. Martins. The seafood chowder, the Fundy Trail Parkway, the sea caves, the kayaking. Did we mention the seafood chowder? This cute seaside village is only about 45 minutes from Saint John, so it's an easy day trip, but if you're looking to overnight on the coast then the Tidal Watch Inn offers just that -- cosy accommodations just steps from the highest tides in the world.
Also check out... St. Martins Country Inn, Weslan Inn, wilderness camping along the Fundy Footpath
6. New River Beach Provincial Park Campground
Are you into camping? If you're nodding an emphatic "yes" then book a campsite at this park ASAP, especially if you're travelling with little ones. Contrary to what the name suggests, the park is tucked in a cove on the Bay of Fundy (not actually a river at all), with tons of unspoiled marine life. Tidal pools, trails, an amazingly long sandy beach (at low tide), all just a short distance from the campground.
Also check out... Herring Cove and The Anchorage for other provincial park campgrounds on the Bay of Fundy
7. The Algonquin Resort, Saint Andrews
Stay in a piece of luxurious history. You'll have good company -- Prince Charles and Princess Diana stayed at this former Canadian Pacific Railway hotel during their visit to Canada. The property has never lost its grandeur in more than a century of operation, recently becoming the first Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel in Canada. Even if you don't overnight at the property, we recommend stopping by for a meal or an alfresco cocktail on the veranda.
Also check out... Seaside Beach Resort, St. Andrews Inn & Suites, Cory Cottage at the Pansy Patch
8. Inn at Whale Cove Cottages, Grand Manan Island
Step into a postcard on Grand Manan Island. Seabirds circle above sheer rock cliffs which cascade into endless blue sea. It's a dreamer's paradise. Stay in the traditional, wood-shingled cottages of Inn at Whale Cove to feel the maritime vibe that pulses through the island. You'll be treated to rustic comfort, hearty home cooking, and -- a must on Grand Manan -- incredible views.
Also check out... Compass Rose Heritage Inn, Marathon Inn, Hole-in-the-Wall Park & Campground
9. Blair House Heritage Inn, St. Stephen
If you're coming to New Brunswick from the United States by car this is the first town you'll hit. And lucky you -- St. Stephen is Canada's Chocolate Town! The home of Ganong chocolatier (they're famous for inventing the heart-shaped box and for those delicious morsels), St. Stephen is full of historic relevance including the site of this inn which is over 150 years old (that's older than Canada). Be a part of Loyalist history with a stay.
Also check out... Casa Breeze Inn, The Coach House AirBnB, Oak Bay Campground
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