This seaside village with storybook vibes is one of the 'most charming' small towns in Canada

Looking for the perfect vacation spot? Canada has tons of beautiful small towns that offer gorgeous scenery, charm, and tons to see and do.

If you've been dreaming of a peaceful getaway that looks like it belongs on a postcard, look no further than this small town by the sea that's home to quaint streets and tons of history.

Tucked away on the southern tip of New Brunswick, Saint Andrews (or St. Andrews by-the-Sea, as it's also known), is a dreamy coastal town that feels like it was plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale.

With colourful heritage buildings, salty ocean breezes, and a slow-paced vibe, it’s no wonder this spot is often named among the top places in the country — CN Traveller has even called it one of the "most charming" small towns in Canada.

About an hour from Saint John, Saint Andrews is the perfect spot for a coastal vacation. The town was founded by United Empire Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, and the town's buildings reflect that history today, with a collection of authenticated heritage buildings in town dating back to the 18th century.

Here, you'll find seaside cottages, B&Bs, and tons to see and do. On Water Street and the Wharf, the central hub of the town, you'll find an array of cute shops, art galleries and cozy cafes.

It's the perfect place to grab a coffee and stroll around, popping into shops as you go, and is best followed up with some time spent along the waterfront.

Being so close to the sea provides tons of opportunities for things to do. As the gateway to the Bay of Fundy, Saint Andrews is home to some incredibly scenic views, the highest tides and many stunning beaches.

You can walk along a waterfront trail and watch boats drift by, or take a whale-watching tour and see humpbacks breaching just offshore.

You can even walk across the ocean floor to Ministers Island. Accessible only at low tide, the island is home to the grand Van Horne estate, walking trails and breathtaking coastal views, and regularly hosts concerts and festivals.

Another popular spot to visit is the Pendlebury Lighthouse. Constructed in 1833, the Pendlebury Lighthouse is the oldest remaining mainland lighthouse in the province, and makes for a great photo opp.

For an iconic place to stay, look no further than the Algonquin Resort, a seaside resort rich in history.

The resort offers incredible dining, a wonderful spa, and an award-winning golf course. It's also said to be haunted, with a helpful bellhop and a "weepy jilted bride" among the resort's most well-known apparitions.

And if you're into seafood, you’re in for a treat — Saint Andrews offers a blend of upscale dining and Maritime comfort food, with everything from contemporary fare to traditional pubs, cafes, breweries and farmers markets on offer, and there are plenty of spots to grab some fresh seafood while also enjoying views of the water.

Whether you’re planning a staycation, a solo trip, or a girls’ getaway, Saint Andrews delivers tons of charm.

If you want to make your visit part of a road trip, consider driving from Saint Andrews up to the iconic Hopewell Rocks, where you can walk on the ocean floor among towering sea stacks. Along the way, there are plenty of interesting stops, including the city of Saint John and the St. Martins Sea Caves.

Tourism New Brunswick website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.