In Calais, along the St. Croix River, just above Passamaquoddy Bay, where salt water meets fresh water, you can witness the highest rise and fall of tides in the continental United States. The difference can reach up to 28 feet. Along the waterfront in Calais, you may enjoy the walkway where you can view the remains of piers of a once thriving sailing industry.
The Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is five miles North of Calais on the Charlotte Road. It was established in 1937 and is a nature lovers' paradise of 23,000 acres of woods, fields, ponds and streams. Moose, deer, bear, eagles, beaver, mink, geese and woodcock are just some of the species that inhabit the refuge. Pair of Bald Eagles has successfully nested on a man-made platform, next to busy U.S. Route 1, for ten consecutive years and has produced ten offspring.
Walk along the shore at Mill Cove, just South of Robbinston. Park on the East side of U.S. 1, go down the bank on the South side and walk South to pulpit rock, about 1 mile. You will see an inter-tidal zone with all its peculiarities. You might see Eagles, Blue Heron, Cormorants and Harbor Seals. You have a four- (4) hour window to do this. From two hours before low tide, till two hours after low tide. (13 Miles)
Cobscook Bay State Park is located just off U.S. Route 1 near Whiting. It offers more than 800 acres of woods and fields for roaming. This Park offers camping, hiking, beachcombing, boat launching ramp and picnic spots.
The Waponahki Indian Museum at Pleasant Point, on Route 190 towards Eastport, is a stop to see the Passamaquoddy Indian History. From artifacts to old photos, tools, baskets and arts and crafts are a trip back through Indian culture. The Passamaquoddy Annual Gathering, at Pleasant Point, is usually the second weekend in August. Starting with the lighting of the sacred fire to the closing, this may be a must for you.
Franklin D. Roosevelt's summer home is located on Campobello Island, which may be reached via the bridge at Lubec, Maine or by ferry from Eastport via Deer Island. The Roosevelt Campobello International Park was dedicated in 1964 as a memorial to the late President. Within its 2,800 acres, there are natural areas of bogs, beaches, salt marshes, open fields, forests, ponds and spectacular headlands. At the reception centre you may enjoy a film about Roosevelt's days on the island and tour the 34-room "cottage" which is furnished as though the family still lived here.
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse is located just south of Lubec. It may be reached by taking Maine Route 189 to the road marked Quoddy Head State Park. Located on the easternmost point of land in the United States, this current lighthouse was built in 1858, and replaced one built under the orders of Thomas Jefferson in 1807. This famous "Candy Striped" lighthouse's beacon may be seen for 18 miles. The 400-acre State Park offers walking on the nature trails along the high cliffs, which have rails separating them from the surf 40 feet below. Beachcombing and picnicking are here for the adventurer. You may see Campobello & Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick from West Quoddy Head. The park is open daily from May 30 to Labor Day and on weekends until November 1.
In Machias, about one hour from Calais, via Route 191 and U.S. 1, (this is the shortest distance and very scenic) you will find Burnham Tavern. This is the only building in Eastern Maine that has a Revolutionary War history. Job Burnham, for settlers to gather and drink and for travelers to rest, built it in 1770. During the Revolutionary War the tavern was the meeting place for settlers to discuss news of the war and was used as a hospital after the battle of the Margaretta. Today it is maintained and operated as a museum, during the summer, by the D.A.R. It may be opened on special occasions for tour groups. While in Machias, drive down to Machiasport and see Fort O'Brien and the Gates House, which is a federal style colonial house and houses the Machiasport Historical Society.
If you are in the area during the first part of August be sure and attend the International Festival. This festival of cooperation between Calais, ME and St. Stephen, New Brunswick is a four-day festival. The festival is usually the first part of August. The festival includes such things as craft fairs, street fairs, parade, soapbox derby, beauty pageants, raft race the Great International Rubber Ducky Race, songfest, blues concert, concert in the park, family fun day and a host of other programs. The festival usually terminates with a fireworks display.
Whale watching tours are available from Eastport and Lubec. Eastport is just _ hour from Calais and Lubec is about 1 hour. There are charter boats and sloops that, for a reasonable fee, will take you whale watching in the Bay of Fundy. While on your tour you may spot many seals that abound in the area. Some of these boats, from Eastport, may take you by the "Old Sow" whirlpool. This is the second largest whirlpool in the world. Some of these boats from Eastport and Lubec may also take you to Machias Seal Island on Puffin watches. The trip to Machias Seal Island is a full day round trip.
Whitlock Mill Lighthouse, located 3 miles south of Calais, was originally built in 1892 and later rebuilt in 1910. It provided navigation through the narrows as ships approached Calais. This was extremely important when Calais was a major shipping port in the 1800's and early 1900's. It still is a working lighthouse.
St. Croix Island, located about five miles south of Calais on U.S. Route 1, is an International Historic Site. In 1604, Samuel de Champlain and Sieur de Mons visited the St. Croix Valley. They attempted to start a permanent settlement on the island they called Ile Sainte-Croix or Holy Cross Island. They set about building fortifications and dwellings, obtained Native American guides and explored. Winter set in early that year, October 6, and they were ill prepared for the cold and lost 35 personnel due to poor shelter, scurvy and isolation.
Enjoy a day on a lake and maybe you will be the only one there. One such lake is just west of the Moosehorn Wildlife Refuge. Take the Charlotte Road, which goes past the entrance to the Moosehorn Office, and you will come to Round Lake (known locally as Round Pond). This picturesque lake will be on your right and has a beach. Have a picnic, relax or just enjoy. Other lakes are Pennamaquan and Boyden. Pennamaquan is near the town of Charlotte and Boyden you take Ridge road just South of Robbinston.
