Caithness: Paddling on the River and in the Bay

A distinctive place to enjoy the water in Caithness is Mouth of the Magaguadavic Camping in New Brunswick: it is located where the Magaguadavic River meets Passamaquoddy Bay on the Bay of Fundy. The scenery for paddling plans shifts between the river’s fresh water and the bay’s tidal salt water.

The campground has several shale beaches along the tidal salt water. The camping fields have natural, tall grass; some areas are mowed midway through the season. The site includes four separate camping fields: Barnes' Point, Charlies Garden, the Villa Point and the Main Beach. The private island of Blueberry Island is also part of the campground.

River and Bay: Two Paddling Options

Mouth of the Magaguadavic Camping provides access to the fresh water of the Magaguadavic River. From there, paddlers can travel upstream to the Saint George Basin and Saint George Gorge if they are looking for calmer, warmer waters. On this optional, self-guided route, they pass the Three Sisters and a Bald Eagles Nest at the eastern end of the campground; this is not an organized excursion.

Another option takes kayakers from the campground onto the salt waters of Passamaquoddy Bay, past Midjik Bluff. The two options therefore differ in their waters and direction: upstream for calmer, warmer conditions, or out on the bay’s salt water past a named coastal landmark. If you are looking for a vacation rental in Caithness, these paddling highlights can be a good starting point for deciding what kind of trip you want.

The Wider Charlotte County Travel Region

Those who also explore the wider Charlotte County travel region will find other highlights in history, culture and nature. The Charlotte County Museum has preserved artifacts since 1961 and features exhibits, educational programs and tours about the county’s history. During the War of 1812, residents built St. Andrews Blockhouse as a defensive structure to protect the town from American privateers and military forces. Visitors can see the barracks and gun battery there.

The Chocolate Museum tells a different local story: it shares the history of confectionery making in St. Stephen and of Ganong’s Canadian confectionery innovations. Visitors can watch Ganong Hand Dippers make chocolate using a method that has been maintained for more than a hundred years. The history of confectionery is thus paired with a glimpse of a long-preserved production method.

The nature destinations in the wider Charlotte County region also offer different highlights. Kingsbrae Garden in Saint Andrews is a 27-acre horticultural and ornamental garden, open daily from mid-May to October; check seasonal opening hours before your trip. Ministers Island is accessible only at low tide and includes the Van Horne estate; it has walking trails and coastal views. Since access depends on the tide level, check access conditions before visiting.

Ganong Nature Park is a 350-acre site overlooking the confluence of the St. Croix River and St. Croix Island. Activities described there include hiking, biking and snowshoeing, as well as exploring the tidal shore zone at low tide. At Fundy Discovery Aquarium, visitors can touch marine animals in large subtidal tanks under supervision; there is also beach access at low tide and daily animal feedings. Check tide-dependent access and the current program before your visit.

Choose your accommodation based on the experiences that matter to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Saint James, Fairhaven, St Stephen, Pennfield, Grand Manan, St George, Blacks Harbour, Pocologan

For the wider travel overview: Charlotte County.