At the beginning of July, I took a three-day painting trip up to beautiful Campobello Island, just over the border from Maine in New Brunswick, Canada. It is about a four and a half hour ride from Portland, Maine, and your last stop in Maine is Lubec, billed as the easternmost city in the US.
The instigation behind my visit was an invitation from artist, journalist and workshop instructor Mchael Chesley Johnson, of Campobello and Sedona, who issued an invitation for artists to come and paint that weekend. He had planned a reception, but alas, I was the only one who answered his invitation that weekend. He graciously shared his studio and gallery with me and I learned a few things just talking “shop” with him.
I camped for three nights at the Herring Cove Provincial Park ($25 a night) that was very nice and the weather held all three days I was there. I met a very nice couple also camping and shared good conversation in the evenings.
The island is the sight of Roosevelt – Campobello International Peace Park, a joint Canadian/U.S. venture which contains a historic cottage from the Roosevelt’s, and a 2800 acre park containing dramatic coastal cliffs and a sublime forest and marsh environment inside.
The fascinating thing about this area is the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world. This is due to a geographical funneling f the water. One day as I was painting the water level changed about 8 ft. in two hours. Apparently there is up to a 26 ft. variation.
The island is a great place to paint and I was really happy I made the trip, even though I was busy getting ready for some group shows that week. You can also take a ferry up to Deer Isle for $20 and then continue to St Andrew ,New Brunswick, and then on to Prince Edward island, Nova Scotia or even New Foundland. A trip I hope to make someday!
Alternatively you can turn around at St. Andrew, New Brunswick and drive back down into Maine through Calais or Eastport, making a nice driving loop. Don’t forget you’ll need a passport or enhanced drivers license to re-enter the U.S.
Stephan Giannini 
Hi Stephan – I really enjoyed reading your blog on the trip! It looks like you got some good paintings out of it. It was a pleasure to meet you. Stop by again! – Michael
Great to meet you too, Michael – Stephan