Saint James: Discover History and Nature

When searching for hotels in Saint James, it’s also worth considering the local history of Scotch Ridge and selected attractions in the wider destination of Charlotte County. This gives you historical connections and nature experiences as distinct themes to consider when planning your trip.

Scotch Ridge: Church and Settlement History

Scotch Ridge United Church was built in 1826 and was originally Presbyterian. It is the oldest still-operating United Church building in New Brunswick.

The post office opened in 1885 under the name Scotch Ridge. The settlement’s history also includes an episode involving Scottish merchants from St. Andrews: they followed prospective settlers and persuaded them to return.

Camp Cheputneticook, also called Camp Chiputneticook, is a 2,400-acre property in Scotch Ridge. It borders the St. Croix River and King Brook Lake; a historic hunting and fishing lodge, built around 1910, stands on the property. On February 17, 2018, an announcement was made in Scotch Ridge concerning the transfer of Camp Chiputneticook’s land and a collection of culturally significant artifacts to the Peskotomuhkati Nation.

Nature Near Scotch Ridge

Near Scotch Ridge, Clark’s Point Nature Preserve protects 138 hectares (341 acres) of shoreline habitat along the St. Croix River. The undeveloped preserve allows hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing; hunting, fishing, and trapping are not permitted. Visits are at your own risk. A 1.9-kilometer trail crosses a wetland and passes through a mature forest to the St. Croix River.

Charlotte County: The Wider Region

In the wider destination 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, residents built the St. Andrews Blockhouse 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 Charlotte County Archives preserves records reflecting the experiences of people in Charlotte County from the 18th through the 21st century.

In St. Stephen, the Chocolate Museum tells the story of confectionery making and Ganong’s Canadian confectionery innovations. Visitors can watch Ganong Hand Dippers make chocolates using a method that has remained unchanged for more than a hundred years.

Nature attractions in the wider destination of Charlotte County also offer a range of experiences: The 350-acre Ganong Nature Park offers views of the confluence of the St. Croix River and St. Croix Island. Visitors can hike, cycle, snowshoe, and explore the tidal shoreline zone at low tide. Ministers Island encompasses the Van Horne estate and offers walking trails and coastal views; the island is accessible only at low tide. At the St. Andrews Blockhouse, the water level along the coast and in the harbour rises and falls twice daily by an average of 7.24 metres. Take the low-tide time into account when planning a visit to Ministers Island.

Discover more destinations: Caithness, Bocabec, Saint Andrews, Pennfield, Grand Manan, Pocologan, Fairhaven, Blacks Harbour

For the wider travel overview: Charlotte County.