Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
🇺🇸 United States
🇨🇦 Canada
Border Cities
🇺🇸 Calais, Maine
🇨🇦 St. Stephen, New Brunswick
Coordinates
45.18°N, 67.27°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
15-45 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~3000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
English
Currency Exchange
Available near Calais (USD, CAD)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Generally safe, rural area
Emergency Contacts
🇺🇸 911 🇨🇦 911
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Calais, Maine & St. Stephen, New Brunswick
A Crossing Between the “Friendliest Border Towns”
The border crossing connecting the city of Calais, Maine, with St. Stephen, New Brunswick, is a journey into a region that prides itself on being the “Friendliest Border in America.” This is not a single checkpoint, but a complex of three separate bridges over the St. Croix River, which forms the border. To cross here is to travel between two communities that are not just neighbors, but are deeply and historically intertwined, a place where a shared history and a spirit of cooperation have created a truly unique international community. It is a crossing defined by its multiple bridges, its rich history, and the genuine warmth of the relationship between the two towns.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects Washington County, Maine, with Charlotte County, New Brunswick. It is unique in that it has three separate crossings: the Ferry Point International Bridge and the Milltown International Bridge, which are older bridges in the downtown areas, and the new, modern International Avenue Bridge, which is located just outside the towns and handles the majority of the commercial freight traffic. The two downtown bridges are for passenger cars only. The main International Avenue crossing is open 24/7, while the two smaller bridges have more limited hours. This multi-bridge system allows for a separation of traffic that helps to preserve the character of the historic town centers.
A History of a Shared River
The history of this region is the history of the St. Croix River. It was the site of one of the first European settlements in North America, a French colony established by Samuel de Champlain on St. Croix Island in 1604. The river was later established as the border between the United States and British North America (later Canada). Despite the international border, the towns of Calais and St. Stephen grew up as a single economic and social unit, with a shared economy based on logging, shipbuilding, and trade. The two towns have a long tradition of cooperation, including a shared fire department in the past and numerous joint festivals, such as the International Homecoming Festival, which celebrates their unique relationship.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a professional and efficient process. You will approach a primary inspection booth for the country you are entering. You will need a valid passport or other approved travel document (such as a NEXUS card or an Enhanced Driver’s License). The border officer will ask you a series of questions about your citizenship, your destination, the purpose of your trip, and what goods you are bringing with you. Be prepared to declare all items. The process is generally straightforward and courteous, and the officers are accustomed to the constant flow of local traffic between the two towns.
The Surrounding Region: United States Side
On the US side, the crossing is in the city of Calais. Calais has a charming historic downtown with beautiful 19th-century brick buildings. The city is a gateway to the “Downeast” region of Maine, an area of rugged coastline, picturesque fishing villages, and vast blueberry barrens. The St. Croix Island International Historic Site, which commemorates the 1604 French settlement, is a must-see. The region is a paradise for kayakers, hikers, and those who enjoy the wild, natural beauty of the Maine coast.
The Surrounding Region: Canada Side
On the Canadian side, the crossing is in the town of St. Stephen. St. Stephen is known as “Canada’s Chocolate Town,” as it was the home of the Ganong Bros. company, the oldest chocolate and candy company in Canada. The town has a Chocolate Museum and hosts an annual Chocolate Fest. The town has a beautiful waterfront and a charming historic district. It is a gateway to the Fundy coast of New Brunswick, home of the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world. The beautiful resort town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea is also a short drive away.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is straightforward. The main roads are well-maintained. The official currencies are the US Dollar (USD) in the United States and the Canadian Dollar (CAD) in Canada. Many businesses in the border towns may accept both currencies. Be aware of the customs limits for goods. The choice of which bridge to use depends on your vehicle type and destination, with the International Avenue bridge being the best choice for through traffic and the downtown bridges for local access.
Final Considerations
The Calais–St. Stephen border crossing is a journey into the heart of a truly international community. It is a busy, functional checkpoint that is defined by its unique three-bridge system and the exceptionally friendly relationship between the two towns. It offers a passage through a beautiful landscape and a region with a deep and fascinating history. For the traveler, it is a gateway to the rugged beauty of Downeast Maine and the charming Fundy coast of New Brunswick. It is a border that is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and cooperation to transcend political divisions.