Eastport

About as far “downeast” as you can get in Maine, the coastal city of Eastport is right across the bay from New Brunswick, Canada, and situated on Moose Island, between Cobscook Bay and Passamaquoddy Bay. Eastport has the deepest port on the East Coast, and this region is notorious for its ripping tides and powerful currents. These features have given birth to a rare phenomenon—reversing falls in nearby Pembroke. The churning water kicks food to the surface, supporting rare forms of aquatic life and attracting seals and eagles at high tide – great for whale watching. The best whale watching is from May through October and you can plan a day around this unique activity. And don’t miss the Fisherman and Mermaid statues by the harbor.

Between Eastport and Deer Island is another natural wonder—Old Sow in Passamaquoddy Bay, believed to be the biggest whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere.

In the late 1800s, Eastport, Maine had a bustling sardine canning industry, with more than a dozen canneries. The notable mansions and architecture of this era are found today throughout Eastport’s streets, with 29 buildings on the National Historic Registry in downtown alone.

Things to Do in Eastport

In Eastport, you can tour America’s only remaining stone-ground mustard mill—Raye’s Mustard Mill. To the north of Eastport, more than 700 members of the Passamaquoddy Indian tribe reside in the Pleasant Point Indian Reservation. You can learn about this tribe’s history at the Waponahki Museum, located on the reservation. There are often demonstrations by local Passamaquoddy artisans, traditional dance, native foods, and Passamaquoddy legends or storytelling. The Tides Institute & Museum of Art is located downtown with a focus on the Passamaquoddy region.

You can see Campobello Island from Eastport, and by boat, it’s just a few minutes away. By car, you can drive to Lubec, Maine, and cross the bridge into Canada—don’t forget your passport! If you want to stay stateside, visit Shackford Head State Park—a favorite among birders.

Eastport, Maine knows how to celebrate! The city hosts numerous festivals and events like the popular Great Sardine and Maple Leaf Drop on New Year’s Eve, the Eastport Pirate Festival, and the Salmon and Seafood Festival.

Where to Stay in Eastport

Eastport lodging consists of quaint B&Bs like the Todd House Bed & Breakfast and the Kilby House Bed & Breakfast and a simple motel, The Motel East. All are within walking distance of shopping and the harbor. Want more? Check out the list of area businesses in the list below or click here.

Restaurants in Eastport

With its proximity to the sea, it’s no wonder that Eastport restaurants are known for their seafood. Bocephus, a seasonal spot great for crab and lobster rolls, gets rave reviews and The Happy Crab is a cozy place in the heart of the city as is the WaCo diner. For additional restaurant suggestions, scroll down through our list of area businesses below or click here.