Welcome to the last vestige of pure coastal wilderness on the Eastern Seaboard of North America. We invite you to explore our protected seaside splendor–from our sandstone sea caves, beautiful beaches and forests to our close-knit community and its seafaring heritage.
One of the most amazing places on Earth
Fundy-St. Martins is a member of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, a select group of only 65 sites worldwide and one of only two sites in North America. These unique locations have been deemed significant in everything from archaeology to wildlife to history and culture. St. Martins is part of the Stonehammer UNECO Global Geopark and the Fundy Biosphere Reserve. Together, these designations provide international recognition for the uniqueness of the area — geological formations, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and culture heritage — while emphasizing the importance of conservation and sustainability.
Seafaring heritage
The world’s highest tides have left an indelible mark on the St. Martins landscape, and its people. The Village is located on the traditional lands of the Wolastoqey (Maliseet). It is probable that both the Mi’mag and Maliseet peoples used the Fundy shore as a transportation route and established seasonal hunting camps there.
The original restored figurehead of the local ship Prince Victor, one of only two surviving figureheads made in the province.
The first permanent Anglophone settlers were United Empire Loyalists following the American War of Independence. The village was one of the first three permanent settlements in New Brunswick, after Saint John and St. Andrews.
During its heyday in the mid-19th century, St. Martins was a thriving shipbuilding community. It was one the of the richest communities in the Maritime Provinces. From 1803–1919, 632 wooden sailing ships were built in New Brunswick; 470 of them were built in St. Martins.
A unique feature of St. Martins’ shipbuilding history is the role of women in the trade. Some women owned or were shareholders of vessels. Women ran the shipyards, as well as their homes, while their husbands were at sea. Sometimes they accompanied their husbands on voyages, bearing children, entertaining the ship’s officers and wives, and helping with medical challenges.
The era of wooden ships ended in the early 1900s, but the resilience and spirit of St. Martins remains. Family-run businesses, entrepreneurship, and kinship characterize Village life. The fishery, as well as companies such as Red Rock Adventure still look to the sea for their livelihood. And the community continues to welcome visitors to share its remarkable landscape, history, and enduring spirit.
