Calais

Calais (pronounced "Cal' lus") is a coastal town in the Down East region of Maine, located at the Canadian border across from the town of St. Stephen, New Brunswick. It is one of Maine's busiest border crossings, and Calais and St. Stephen maintain a close relationship celebrated annually with a multi-day International Festival. A parade crosses the Ferry Point Bridge, with the mayors of both communities shaking hands across the border. The town sits on the St. Croix River, which forms the international boundary.

The area was first inhabited by the Passamaquoddy people, and the town was named after the French port city of Calais. The town's location on the St. Croix River made it a center for shipbuilding and lumber in the 19th century. Today, Calais serves as a gateway to the Down East region and a border crossing point for travelers between Maine and New Brunswick, Canada.

Calais experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant, with temperatures in the 60s-70s°F, and are the peak tourist season. Fall foliage peaks in late September to early October, with beautiful views along the St. Croix River. Winters are cold with regular snowfall, and spring brings warming temperatures and river activity. The town is accessible via Route 9 from Bangor, about 100 miles to the west.

By Plane

The closest airport is Bangor International Airport (BGR), about 100 miles west of Calais. The airport offers commercial service to major East Coast cities.

By Car / Road

The direct route from Bangor is via Route 9, locally called "The Airline," approximately 100 miles (about 2 hours). West Bus provides bus service from Bangor to Calais. The town is also accessible from St. Stephen, New Brunswick, via the international bridge crossing.

Calais is a small town that is easily walkable in its downtown area. The waterfront along the St. Croix River offers scenic walking paths. Most attractions and services are concentrated in the downtown area.

• Saint Croix Island International Historic Site — A National Historic Site commemorating the first permanent French settlement in North America, established in 1604. The site is on an island in the St. Croix River.

• Calais Museum of Fine Arts — Local art museum featuring works by regional artists.

• St. Croix Riverwalk — A scenic walking path along the St. Croix River with views of the international border and St. Stephen, New Brunswick.

• Historic Downtown Calais — Features well-preserved 19th-century architecture and waterfront views.

• Border Crossing — Walk or drive across the international bridge to St. Stephen, New Brunswick, for shopping and dining in Canada.

• Fishing and Boating — The St. Croix River offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

• International Festival — Annual celebration of the Calais-St. Stephen friendship, featuring parades, events, and cross-border festivities.

• Wildlife Viewing — The Down East region offers opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation.

• Budget — Several budget motels are available in Calais and the surrounding area.
• Mid-range — Hotels and inns in Calais offer a range of accommodations.
• Upscale / heritage — Bed and breakfasts and inns in the Down East region offer more upscale lodging.

• Machias (30 mi south, 35 min) — Coastal town known for the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival.
• Lubec (25 mi southeast, 30 min) — Easternmost town in the United States with views of the Bay of Fundy.
• Bangor (100 mi west, 2 hr) — Cultural hub and gateway to Acadia National Park.
• Bar Harbor (120 mi southwest, 2.5 hrs) — Charming seaside village and gateway to Acadia.
• St. Stephen, New Brunswick (adjacent, 5 min) — Canadian border town with shopping and dining.