Island Living
After becoming an "Islander" in 2009 I have adjusted in a big way. For years my general attitude towards islands was: Pretty to look at, but I would never live there.  I didn't want to be dependent on a ferry service, on certain schedules or even worse, weather conditions. Maybe I was a bit afraid of being confronted with an "Island-Mentality" as well. I guess, being a bit of a "go-getter", I have a short patience for "slow-cookers".


Well, all this changed with coming to Campobello Island. And strictly, Campobello does not have the drawbacks of a typical Island as it is connected to the rest of North America by a bridge. If Islanders ever had something against that bridge, I bet they have changed their mind by now. Without the Roosevelt-Campobello International bridge this island, which is pretty far off the Canadian main land would be depopulated by now, unless the government would have provided a year-round government ferry, like they did for neighboring Deer Island. But that is very unlikely.


And regarding an Island Mentality it might be here, but due to my advanced age I kind of feel alright with it - as long as I am not too dependent on help from contractors.


it is very hard and costly to employ contractors from the Canadian Mainland, as they have to drive an hour through the United States. So, if you can help yourself it is not a real problem.


Living on Campobello makes an upright and honest human out of everyone - at least as long as we talk about customs.  Smuggling  stuff across the border I would not recommend. The customs officers live on the island as well and getting caught in the act would not be good for anyone's reputation, nor would it make life easy for future border crossings. 


Having said that, you can bring almost anything to the Island, except certain non-certified plants, firewood and anything with soil on it. For details contact the CBSA at the border.


Campobello has no gas station and therefor we fill up our vehicles in Maine. That alone is a price advantage vis-a-vis New Brunswick gas prices which are between the highest in Canada.


Campobello was recently incorporated into a rural community. Before that the island was administered by Charlotte County. With the affairs of the island in their own hands council will have a time of learning and adjustments ahead. Campobello is one of the smallest communities in Canada, and it is the youngest.


There are two main centers of the island. On the south side there is Welshpool, on the northern end we have the village of Wilsons Beach. Besides of that there is also North Road.


Island living is very much dominated by the past. Like in the older days there are still "cottagers", even though their social background might be a lot different than what it used to be in the early 1900's. Many of these cottagers have their home in Welshpool and along the North Road. 
The biggest and newest homes are located along Fundy Bay Drive on the East side of the island.


We have found that there are significant differences in climate between the East Side and the West Side. With the eastern shores being exposed to the open ocean they are prone to get a lot more fog than is the case along the western shoreline.
What we also discovered: Whenever the weather turns bad (is there really 'bad' weather?) on the mainland, very often, Campobello doesn't get it. Weather fronts tend to move along the coast of the mainland. 


Campobello is a great tourist destination for those who want to enjoy serene nature and have a quiet time. Miles and miles of trails invite for hiking, mighty whales can be seen during the summer and early fall. 
Campobello Island - the 'Beloved Island' is sure worth to visit.