Discover Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews brings together several distinct visitor interests: history at the St. Andrews Blockhouse, marine life at the Fundy Discovery Aquarium, art at the Oppenheimer-Prager Museum at Dayspring, and gardens at Kingsbrae Garden. If you are looking for a hotel, you can plan your stay around the subjects that interest you most. For specific visits, it is worth taking access and seasonal conditions into account; for Ministers Island in particular, the tides are decisive.

History and Tides at the St. Andrews Blockhouse

The St. Andrews Blockhouse was built by residents during the War of 1812 to protect themselves from American privateers and the American military. Its defensive purpose gives the site historical significance; visitors can tour the barracks. At the St. Andrews Blockhouse, in the broader destination of Charlotte County, water levels along the coast and harbour rise and fall twice daily; the average tidal range is 7.24 metres. History and tides are therefore two distinct aspects of the site: the barracks represent its former defensive function, while the tide is a practical consideration when planning a visit.

Gardens and Art

Kingsbrae Garden combines themed gardens with more than 50,000 perennials and covers a total of 27 acres. Children can explore a cedar maze. These details describe different aspects of the grounds: their themed layout, the scale of the plantings, and a specific activity for children. In the broader destination of Charlotte County, the garden is open daily from mid-May through October. Check these seasonal opening hours before your visit. The Oppenheimer-Prager Museum at Dayspring showcases works by Joseph Oppenheimer and Eva Prager, adding a distinct art connection to Saint Andrews alongside its garden art.

Aquarium and Animal Encounters

The Fundy Discovery Aquarium is located at 1 Lower Campus Road in Saint Andrews. General admission provides access to the galleries and exhibits. Group tours and behind-the-scenes tours are also offered; their availability may vary. In the broader destination of Charlotte County, the aquarium features large subtidal tanks where visitors can touch marine animals under supervision. At low tide, visitors can access the beach, and animal feedings take place daily. Galleries and exhibits, tour formats, and animal encounters are distinct aspects of a visit. Check operational details before your visit.

Ministers Island: Nature Trails and Access at Low Tide

Ministers Island is designated a National Historic Site of Canada and has more than 20 kilometres of nature trails. In the broader destination of Charlotte County, the island includes the Van Horne Estate and is accessible only at low tide. It also offers hiking trails and coastal views. Access therefore depends on the tide, while trail conditions may change seasonally. Check access times and trail conditions before your visit.

A Broader Look at Charlotte County

The broader destination of Charlotte County stretches from St. Stephen and Saint Andrews to the coastal islands along the western shores of the Bay of Fundy. In St. Stephen, the Chocolate Museum tells the story of confectionery making and Ganong’s Canadian confectionery innovations. Visitors can also watch Ganong Hand Dippers make chocolate using a method that has remained unchanged for more than a hundred years. Ganong Nature Park is a 350-acre property overlooking the confluence of the St. Croix River and St. Croix Island. Activities offered there include hiking, cycling, and snowshoeing, as well as exploring the tidal beach zone at low tide.

Discover more destinations: Blacks Harbour, Caithness, St George, Bocabec, Pennfield, St Stephen, Pocologan, Grand Manan

For the broader travel overview: Charlotte County.