The Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews, New Brunswick

We just returned from a wonderful few days exploring St. Andrews, one of Canada’s first seaside resort towns in the province of New Brunswick in Canada, less than 30 minutes from the US border and the state of Maine. One of the highlights of our visit was our stay at the Algonquin Resort, a Marriott Autograph Collection property, which is now on our list of our favorite resorts.

Originally built in 1889, the majority of the Algonquin was destroyed by a 1914 fire caused by repairs to the roof. Many local townspeople helped the staff quickly rebuild the resort in just six months, reopening in 1915. Expansions and renovations occurred throughout the 20th century, including a convention center and rooftop garden, and the resort began  staying open year round in 1997. In 2012, the New Brunswick government sold the resort to a Marriott brand corporation and the resort reopened as a Marriott Autograph Collection property in 2014.

We loved our visit at the Algonquin Resort and hope to return with our entire family soon. There are plenty of attractions and amenities that multi generations will enjoy. 

Lodging options: There are over 200 rooms and suites at the Algonquin, and many of them have been recently renovated. Rooms include queen, king, and two double bed options, and some rooms have patios with views of the front lawn and even Passamaquoddy Bay. Suite options include a separate bedroom and sitting areas and are a great option for families with multiple children. 

Dining options: The resort has several dining options throughout the property:

• Braxton’s: Located on the main floor, offering a very popular breakfast buffet (as well as a la carte options) and full service lunch and dinner, with a great children’s menu. Indoor and outdoor garden dining.
• The Gallery: Located in the lounge areas of the lobby and front porch, offering small plates and festive adult drinks. Usually available from noon through late evening.
• Right Whale Pub: Located on the lower level of the main resort building, offering dinner nightly with a menu filled with British themed dishes. Indoor dining only.
• The Club House: Located at the Golf Course (five minute drive from the resort), offering to-go snacks in the morning, quick service meals for golfers, and full service lunch and dinner (indoor and outdoor dining available) with views of the 9th and 10th holes and Passamaquoddy Bay.
• Outdoor Pool: Located at the entrance of the outdoor pool, offering snacks and drinks from 10am-6pm.
• In room dining is also available.

Of Note:

• The resort is very dog friendly and many guests bring their dogs to the Algonquin. Dogs even get a special treat at check in. Dogs must be leashed when on resort property. We did notice staff routinely cleaning public areas of the resort and we never saw or felt like the dogs took away from the beauty or welcoming atmosphere of the resort.
• There is a local town shuttle with a stop at one end of the main driveway of the resort. The shuttle operates from 9am-9pm Thursday through Saturday with stops at the Fundy Discovery Aquarium, Kingsbrae Garden, and the downtown wharf.
• Be sure to check the Summer Activity Guide for daily schedules of events, times, and locations. 

Nine Kid Friendly Activities at the Algonquin:

1. Go swimming: The indoor pool is open year round with a fun indoor water slide, hot tub,  and large pool. The outdoor pool complex is open during warmer summer months and features plenty of lounge spaces and a snack bar with freshly made frozen drinks.
2. Have a friendly competition in the Play Zone: Located in the van Horne building next to the pool, the large room features a large projection screen for movies, table games, and an arts and craft area.
3. Play games: The resort has many cozy nooks for relaxing (often by a fireplace!) to enjoy chess, checkers, and a St. Andrews themed Monopoly. Outside there’s a giant Jenga, a giant Connect4 game, and various lawn games.There are also resort sponsored daily games such as rubber duck races and sandcastle building competitions. Check the Summer Activity Guide for the daily schedule.

4. Stay in shape: Tennis courts, and a pickleball court, are located behind the main resort building and there are shuffleboard courts located near the outdoor pool. Ask the hotel concierge for tennis rackets and pickleball paddles. There’s also a full Fitness Centre with several pieces of modern gym equipment. 
5. Bike around St. Andrews and the waterfront: The resort offers bikes (for all sizes and ages!) and even a few electric scooters for guests to borrow. The van Hord trail is close to the resort property.
6. Check out the views of Passamaquoddy Bay: Head the garden terrace on the second floor for beautiful views of the harbor and bay. 

7. Take a tour: the resort offers a daily town walking tour and nightly ghost tour. The one hour town walking tour includes the history of St. Andrews while walking through the neighborhoods surrounding the resort. Guests are able to stay in town for a meal or return to the resort with staff. The nightly ghost tour includes stories about the piano playing bellman, the broken hearted bride, Benjamin and the red ball, and the night watchman as well as the opportunity seeing the only two objects that survived the 1914 fire and go “behind the scenes” in the basement of the resort.
8. Enjoy sweet treats: There are daily afternoon treats in the main lobby and front lawn (and a traditional afternoon tea for an additional fee) and nightly s’mores by the fires on the front lawn. 
9. Head to the beach: Katy’s Cove Beach is a quick five minute walk from the resort (concierge will also drive guests there directly) and has three play structures, a grassy area with picnic tables, and a sandy beach with calm waters. Be sure to ask the hotel concierge for a beach amenity kit, which includes towels, water bottles, and beach toys.

Bonus: Be sure to say hello to Leila, the head of the concierge team, who greets visitors in the main lobby every Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. 

Other Popular Activities:

1. Golf: The Algonquin Golf Course, established in 1894, is an easy five minute drive from the resort. The 18 hole course has beautiful views of Passamaquoddy Bay from several holes and the oldest clubhouse in Canada.
2. Spa: The Spa at the Algonquin offers a full service spa on the lower level of the resort, open Tuesday through Sunday. Services include hair cuts, styles, and treatments; manicures and pedicures; and facials, waxes, and massages.

Looking for activities and attractions to enjoy throughout St. Andrews? See our full City Guide here. And follow along on our adventures on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Disclosure: We were gifted an upgraded room and meal credit during our visit; all opinions expressed are my own.