Fundy & Saint John: A Golfer's Guide to New Brunswick

Where the world's highest tides shape the shoreline, New Brunswick's Fundy & Saint John Golf Trail delivers two distinct golf experiences: the century-old resort elegance of The Algonquin Golf Course in St. Andrews by-the-Sea, and the welcoming parkland challenge of Sussex Golf & Curling Club inland along the Kennebecasis Valley.

• The Algonquin Golf Course: A 7,135-yard resort course established in 1894, designed by Rod Whitman, with a short par-3 twelfth that draws comparisons to the iconic 7th at Pebble Beach.
• Sussex Golf & Curling Club: An 18-hole, par-72 parkland layout stretching 6,593 yards through the Sussex countryside, anchored by a demanding 184-yard par-3 thirteenth.
• Bay of Fundy setting: Both anchor towns sit within reach of the Bay of Fundy, offering dramatic coastal scenery and tidal spectacles between rounds.
• Small-town hospitality: From the boutique inns of St. Andrews to the convenient lodges of Sussex, the trail pairs quality golf with genuine Maritime warmth.

A natural starting point for the trail is The Algonquin Golf Course in St. Andrews by-the-Sea. One of the oldest resort courses in Atlantic Canada, it was established in 1894 and later shaped by designer Rod Whitman into a modern test measuring 7,135 yards from the tips. The layout rewards strategic thinking throughout, but it is the twelfth hole that tends to linger in memory — a short par three that echoes the silhouette of the celebrated seventh at Pebble Beach, with all the drama that comparison implies. Greens fees run approximately CAD 127, making a round here an accessible treat for any serious golfer.

From the coast, the trail turns inland to Sussex Golf & Curling Club, a mature parkland course designed by C. E. Robinson and opened in 1973. Playing to a par of 72 over 6,593 yards, the layout suits a wide range of handicaps while still offering enough variety to hold interest across multiple visits. The standout is the thirteenth hole — a 184-yard par three with a hog's-back green hemmed in by trees on all sides — a hole that demands both precision off the tee and a deft touch with the putter. Sussex also houses a four-sheet curling facility, underlining the club's deep roots in the local community.

Day 1 — Arrive in St. Andrews by-the-Sea: Check in to The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection or the more intimate Treadwell Inn, then get acquainted with St. Andrews and the harbour. A quiet dinner at Braxton's Restaurant & Bar, the Algonquin Resort's signature dining room, sets the tone with Bay of Fundy coastal cuisine steps from the first tee.

Day 2 — The Algonquin Golf Course: Dedicate the morning and afternoon to The Algonquin Golf Course. Take time on the twelfth green to absorb what Rod Whitman's design has built around this Passamaquoddy Bay setting. After the round, explore St. Andrews itself — the tidal shoreline and the town's heritage streetscape are worth an easy evening stroll.

Day 3 — Drive to Sussex via Saint John: The road east from St. Andrews passes through Saint John, the province's largest city and an ideal lunch stop. Billy's Seafood Company at the historic Saint John City Market is a reliable choice for fresh Maritime seafood, while Cask & Kettle Irish Gastropub on the waterfront suits anyone after a more relaxed afternoon pint. Continue east to Sussex and settle in at Amsterdam Inn & Suites Sussex.

Day 4 — Sussex Golf & Curling Club and departure: A morning round at Sussex Golf & Curling Club closes out the trail. Budget extra time for the hog's-back thirteenth — it is the kind of hole that rewards a second look from the tee before committing to a club. Before heading home, a return through Saint John is worthwhile for dinner at East Coast Bistro, where a hyper-local, seasonal menu caps the trip on a fitting Maritime note.

St. Andrews by-the-Sea offers the trail's most concentrated collection of lodging options. The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection is the natural choice for golfers who want everything in one place — the historic Marriott property sits on Passamaquoddy Bay with the award-winning golf course on site. Guests seeking a more intimate setting can turn to Treadwell Inn, a boutique waterfront inn dating to 1820 that sits steps from the course, or Kingsbrae Arms Inn, a luxury 1897 property set on an 87-acre Fundy estate.

For the Sussex leg of the trip, Amsterdam Inn & Suites Sussex offers centrally located, convenient accommodation just minutes from Sussex Golf & Curling Club. Golfers spending time in Saint John can base themselves at Days Inn by Wyndham Saint John New Brunswick, a full-service property with complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool.

The Fundy & Saint John Golf Trail combines storied resort golf, classic parkland challenge, and the raw coastal drama of one of the world's great natural wonders — a combination that makes New Brunswick well worth adding to any Atlantic Canada golf itinerary. Start planning a loop along the Bay of Fundy and discover what this underrated corner of the Maritimes has to offer.