The Bay of Fundy coast is spread out, so the right base depends on what you want to see and when you travel. Most visitors choose between Saint John, the port city, Alma, the village at the gate of Fundy National Park, and St. Andrews by-the-Sea, the seaside town in the west. The key question is the season, because some properties close in winter.
Uptown Saint John
This is the best first base. The Delta Hotels by Marriott Saint John, at 39 King Street, has 250 rooms, an indoor pool and a restaurant, and it is about three minutes on foot from the City Market and two from Market Square. It is the choice for a walkable city stay and for off-season travel. The Homeport Inn, at 80 Douglas Avenue, is the character option: a historic bed and breakfast on a hill with bay views and a full breakfast included, a short drive from uptown. The Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton, at 51 Fashion Drive on the east side, has 117 rooms, a free hot breakfast, an indoor pool and free parking, and it suits drivers and families on a budget.
Alma
Parkland Village Inn, at 8601 Main Street, is about a five-minute walk from Fundy National Park, with ocean-view rooms and the Tides Restaurant. It suits walkers and couples in summer and early autumn, but it is closed from 16 October to 1 May, so it is not an option in November. It also puts you within reach of Hopewell Rocks for a low-tide morning.
St. Andrews
The Algonquin Resort, at 184 Adolphus Street, is the grand base: 234 rooms, an indoor pool with a three-storey waterslide, a spa, an 18-hole golf course and two restaurants, with free bicycles and a free area shuttle. It carries a 4-star class rating. The resort's own site says the indoor pool is open year-round and lists a seasonal resort fee from 1 November to 30 April, so it appears to operate through winter, though the garden, the cruises and the Blockhouse are summer attractions.
Seasons and rates
July, August and the autumn colour weeks are the busiest, and the best rooms go first, so book early. Outside summer the Delta, the Hampton Inn, the Homeport Inn and the Algonquin Resort are the year-round choices in this guide, while Parkland Village Inn is seasonal. If you travel in winter, ask about breakfast and restaurant service, which can be reduced.
Cars and parking
You will almost certainly drive. Parking is free at the Hampton Inn and at the Algonquin Resort for uncovered self parking, while the Delta charges roughly 20 dollars a night and has limited spaces. Parkland Village Inn offers free on-site parking, and the Homeport Inn charges a fee, so check each property before you book.
How to choose
For a walkable city stay, choose the Delta. For a historic, characterful night, choose the Homeport Inn. For value and free breakfast, choose the Hampton Inn. For a summer base at the park gate, choose Parkland Village Inn. For a resort stay with a spa and golf, choose the Algonquin Resort.
