THE EARNEST TRAVELER
Just across the bridge from Lubec lies Campobello Island — Canadian soil, and the summer home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Touring his seaside cottage and the wild park around it is Lubec's other great draw, and the easiest international day trip in America.
FDR's Summer Cottage
Roosevelt Campobello International Park preserves the 34-room 'cottage' where FDR summered as a boy and young man, kept much as the family left it, with a visitor center telling the story. Around it spread 2,800 acres of natural area — drives, walking trails, beaches, bogs, and Bay of Fundy overlooks. Admission to the cottage and grounds is free.
It's Canada — Bring a Passport
The island is reached by the FDR Memorial Bridge from Lubec, and crossing it means clearing a real international border both ways. Every traveler needs a valid passport or approved document, and Campobello runs on Atlantic Time, one hour ahead of Maine. Check current border hours and any requirements before you cross.
The Only International Park
Roosevelt Campobello is the world's only park jointly run by two nations — the US and Canada — a small monument to a friendship across the border. The cottage and visitor center open seasonally (late May through late October); the grounds and trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Lighthouses & Shore
Beyond the cottage, the island rewards a slow drive: the view to Mulholland Point Light by the bridge, the trails out to Head Harbour (East Quoddy) Light at the island's tip (reachable only at low tide — mind the fast Fundy water), and quiet coves and beaches. Give the island a half to full day.
The Roosevelt park sits on Campobello Island, New Brunswick, reached by the bridge from Lubec. Crossing means a real international border both ways — every traveler needs a valid passport (or approved travel document), and the island runs on Atlantic Time, one hour ahead of Lubec. Check current border hours and rules before you go.
The walk out to Head Harbour (East Quoddy) Lighthouse crosses the seabed and is only safe near low tide — the Bay of Fundy comes back fast and hard. Check the tide table, watch the posted times, and never linger; people get stranded here every year.
Official park info and current hours.