Caithness between the Magaguadavic River and Passamaquoddy Bay

Caithness by river and bay

Mouth of the Magaguadavic Camping is located in Caithness, New Brunswick, where the Magaguadavic River meets Passamaquoddy Bay on the Bay of Fundy. Fresh water and tidal salt water are among the specific landscape features of this place. The campground provides access to the river’s fresh water; it also includes several shale beaches on the tidal salt water.

For paddlers seeking calmer, warmer waters, an optional self-guided route leads upstream on the Magaguadavic River to Saint George Basin and Saint George Gorge. Along the way, they pass the Three Sisters and a Bald Eagles Nest at the eastern end of the campground. This is a self-guided paddling route, not an organized excursion.

Kayaking on the salt waters of Passamaquoddy Bay offers another option: from the campground, kayakers can paddle past Midjik Bluff. The two options therefore differ in their water and direction: upstream on the Magaguadavic River, or along the bay’s salt water past Midjik Bluff. Anyone including a paddling trip in their travel plans can use this distinction as a guide without treating the routes as the same.

The character of the campsites is also part of the setting. Natural, tall grass grows there; some areas are mowed in mid-season. The campground also includes private Blueberry Island.

A broader perspective: Charlotte County

In the wider travel region of Charlotte County, coastal communities stretch from St. Stephen and Saint Andrews to the coastal islands along the western shores of the Bay of Fundy. In Saint Andrews stands the St. Andrews Blockhouse, built by residents during the War of 1812 to protect the town from American privateers and military forces. Visitors can see the barracks and gun battery there. The coastal and harbour water level rises and falls twice daily; the average tidal range is 7.24 metres.

Garden and coastal highlights in Charlotte County include Kingsbrae Garden and Ministers Island. Kingsbrae Garden in Saint Andrews is a 27-acre horticultural and ornamental garden, open daily from mid-May through October. Check seasonal opening hours before your trip. Ministers Island features the Van Horne estate, hiking trails, and coastal views; the island is accessible only at low tide. Because access depends on the tides, check the appropriate times before visiting.

In St. Stephen, the Chocolate Museum tells the story of confectionery production and Ganong’s Canadian candy innovations. Visitors can watch Ganong Hand Dippers make chocolate using a method that has remained unchanged for more than a hundred years. The Charlotte County Museum takes a broader historical approach: since 1961, it has preserved artifacts, presented exhibits, and offered educational programs and tours about the history of Charlotte County. Together, these examples showcase different ways to experience the region—from coastal history and tides to horticulture and confectionery production.

Discover more destinations: Pennfield, St Stephen, Blacks Harbour, Saint Andrews, St George, Pocologan, Saint James, Bocabec

For the broader travel overview: Charlotte County.