What Makes St. Andrews Special?
 

St. Andrews-by-the-Sea is Canada’s first seaside resort town and home to the historic Fairmont Algonquin. Built in the 1880s, this Tudor-style hotel is located at the center of an original Loyalist town. Situated 20 miles (32 km) from the U.S. border along magnificent Passamaquoddy Bay, this quaint, historic town provides an idyllic setting; take in stunning scenery from land or sea, enjoy the clean ocean air and delight yourself in awe-inspiring whale sightings in the nearby Bay of Fundy. As you browse through unique craft and gift shops on the town's main street, view the local artisans busy in their studios and sample seafood fresh from the sea, you're sure to experience that famous Maritime hospitality.

The community of St. Andrews By-The-Sea has attracted visitors and residents alike for many years.  It has historically been the residence of choice for the wealthy and executive of both Canada and the United States.  Today, St. Andrews is one of New Brunswick's most prestigious locations and is ranked as one of the top best towns to live in all of Canada.

Surrounded by the Passamaquoddy Bay, St. Andrews is a residential community with no industrial zoning.  Some of the best preserved examples of colonial heritage can be found here.  Most homes range from seaside homes and cottages to large historic estate homes.  While maintaining its historical charm, St. Andrews is a dynamic and prosperous community.  St. Andrews is blessed with small town values and friendly neighbors.  It is indeed a lifestyle of choice.

There are seven active Churches in St. Andrews and an abundance of community groups and events for almost every hobby and interest.  The seaside Algonquin Golf Course will capture your senses with spectacular vistas and a world class course.  The quaint and charming downtown provides unique and convenient shopping and services.  You will also enjoy the many adventures, sports, and activities that are provided in St. Andrews.

St. Andrews currently has three physicians, two dentists, a physiotherapist and a dietitian who provide service to the area.   Passamaquoddy Lodge is a nursing facility located within the town.  A hospital is located in St. Stephen, just a 20 minute drive from St. Andrews.  New Brunswick's largest hospital is located just one hour east from St. Andrews in Saint John.  A full time ambulance service and fire department provide emergency services.  Three constables of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police serve St. Andrews with the larger force located in neighboring St. George.

More than charm and elegance...
The Algonquin, St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, N.B.
 

There is a unique charm to St. Andrews-by-the-Sea that is noticeable the moment you drive into town. It is more than the stately homes that sit back from the street on shaded landscaped properties and the preserved historic buildings downtown. There is a sense of contentment that prevails as you walk along narrow streets, visible in each smiling face as visitors and residents stroll leisurely along pathways and sidewalks.
 

Driving along the New Brunswick side of the Bay of Fundy, the highway skirts the side of lush green valleys dotted with white farmhouses, open fields and half-hidden covered bridges on seldom-used dirt roads. We had visited St.Andrews before, but we had never stayed at The Algonquin . This time we wanted to experience the charm and elegance of this famous resort . Spread out over a hill-top that overlooks the community, the red-tiled turrets invite visitors to explore the majesty of New Brunswick's symbol of hospitality. After several hours of driving, we rested on the large verandah that serves as a restful reprieve, sipping a cool drink whilst admiring the multi-hued gardens, the colours of which try to outdo those of the gaily painted wooden lawn chairs.

Inside, the richness of the lobby gives a hint of the lovely decor that surrounds visitors in the public rooms. Our spacious room overlooked Passamaquoddy Bay . As the receptionist had provided us with a street map, we plotted a circular route of exploration that would take us along the ocean, beside the waterfront and through streets shaded with century old trees.

The bike rental was beside the large outdoor swimming pool . The cooling water looked more inviting than a work-out in the warmth of the afternoon sun, but a promise of a swim on our return kept us going. One on bike, the other one running, we began our odyssey of adventure under a canopy of shade trees. As we approached the shoreline at the bottom of the hill, the tide was low exposing the bottom of the bay that gradually slopes away from land. In the downtown area we passed fine craft shops and outdoor terraces of restaurants and pubs filled with people enjoying a quiet break. As we strained to complete the uphill return to The Algonquin , we passed majestic homes with immaculate lawns and gardens. Not satisfied with the torture of mid-afternoon exercise, one of us decided we needed to repeat the ordeal. Luckily, down the hill, a group of young entrepreneurs had set up a lemonade stand.