In September of 2013, I went on my last adventure with my "big black van", my destination Campobello Island which is located in the Province of New Brunswick, Canada. I initially was going to return to Cobscook State Park in Maine - very close to Lubec where you cross a bridge onto the Island. I gave this way too much thought going back and forth on whether or not to go to Cobscook, made and cancelled my reservations at this park four times and finally decided not to do it. The primary reason for my decision not to go to Cobscook was no electrical hook-ups. September up in that area of Maine, the temperature can go down into the 40's. The year before when I camped at Cobscook with Jill, I used a small propane heater and discovered using propane in my van gave me anxiety even though I only used it when I was awake. If I was to camp in that region of Maine, the Bold Coast, I had to find another campground that offered electric hook-ups making it possible for me to use my electric heater. As I searched for campgrounds in the area, I found my choices were limited primarily because I'm very picky - only a certain kind of campground appeals to me, I need privacy and nature and decent site size. I finally found exactly what I was looking for and it was in Canada on Campobello Island at the Herring Cove Provincial Park. Jill and I spent a half day exploring the Roosevelt "Cottage" and grounds on the Island in 2012. I was familiar with the Island, it had impressed me and I decided this was a good option and made a reservation. On September 9, 2013, I was sitting in my van, sipping coffee, at site 28, Herring Cove Provincial Park ready to experience one of my best camping adventures ever!
I've been rereading my Campobello journal and have been doing research on some of my favorite Island landmarks and reaquainting myself with some of the people I met during my stay. While doing this, I found there's just too much to write about in one post and so, in the end, I'll probably divide my Campobello trip into 3 or 4 separate entries.
Maine seems to be a real destination favorite for many people. It's a beautiful State, offers many kinds of adventures, from woodlands, mountains and popular parks and cities to the wonderful coastline that extends from York right up to Lubec. Personally, my favorite part of this coastal area has been north of Bar Harbor. I've already written a post called, "My Maine" detailing my travels in this area and my favorite sights to see. If you're going to visit Maine and especially if you're going to the Bar Harbor area which includes Acadia National Park, you should think about extending your trip north to Lubec and then crossing over to Campobello Island - you won't be disappointed - I promise!
The trip from Bar Harbor to Lubec takes about 3 hours if you go straight through (you won't). I'd advise you to stay at least one overnight near Milbridge as you travel up the coast on Rte. 1. Really nice area and offers a variety of fun activities and of course, lots of lobster. Once you reach Lubec, you'll cross over to the Island via the Roosevelt International Bridge.
You are entering Canada which is a foreign country - sometimes hard to remember when living here in Michigan so close to the border - you'll need your passport or an enhanced driver's license and if taking a pet you'll need shot records including rabies certificate. You'll also need a permission slip if taking a child without a parent present - check into that requirement and also requirements for pets - could change. The time on the bridge is, my guess, about 3 minutes - it's very short. You also need to add in possible wait times getting onto the bridge in the peak summer tourist season and also, whatever time it takes to get through customs which should not be a problem. The island is small, about a 20 minute drive, end to end. There are only about 800 full time residents and the actual name for the community is Welshpool. The Roosevelt Campobello International Park includes 2,800 acres, Herring Cove State Park has a campground, golf course, hiking trails and over a mile long sandy beach.
There are a few motels and you can rent homes through VRBO. There are many "only found here" sights to see and many adventures like whale watching tours, great hiking trails, etc. Most of my information comes from my 2013, 2 week camping experience and also 2016, when I returned to the Island with my daughters and grandkids for a day visit.
There's absolutely no way to include all I saw and did on the Island in this post unless you want to continue reading for another hour. Two of my very favorite adventures ever took place on Campobello and each will be found in their own posts. So, as I frequently say, I'm alive today, onward and upward and looking forward to another day when I continue sharing my love affair on Campobello Island with you.
