Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

" Saint Croix Island International Historic Site Located at the mouth of the Saint Croix River near the U.S.-Canada border, this internationally significant site commemorates one of the earliest French attempts to colonize North America. "

Recommended For

History Buffs: Explore the origins of French colonization and early settler-Indigenous relations in the New World.
Cross-Border Travelers: Enjoy coordinated sites and activities on both the U.S. and Canadian sides of the historic location.
Educational Travelers: Engage with bronze sculptures, multimedia exhibits, and ranger-led talks that explore 400+ years of cultural legacy.

Highlights

Interpretive Trails: Self-guided paths on both sides of the border feature story-rich displays and lifelike bronze figures representing early French settlers and Passamaquoddy people.
Saint Croix Island Visitor Center (Calais, ME): Learn about the 1604 French expedition and the hardships that led to the founding of Port-Royal.
Viewing Decks: Gaze out across Passamaquoddy Bay to see the island from both the U.S. and Canadian visitor areas.
Birding & Photography: Spot native birdlife and snap serene shots of this protected corner of Maine-New Brunswick coastline.

Visitor Tips

While you can’t step onto Saint Croix Island, both visitor centers provide excellent vantage points and comprehensive historical context.
Plan visits in late spring through early fall for full ranger-led programming and bilingual visitor services.
The Calais site operates Thursday–Monday, with seasonal hours—check in advance via the NPS website.

Local Vibe

This quiet, contemplative historic site encourages reflection on the challenges and cultural crossroads of early colonial life. It’s a unique binational destination where natural beauty meets international history.

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