Beachcombing in the Saint John Region

What is beachcombing?

People have always been drawn to the beach to collect essential resources such as wood, or simply to pick up unfamiliar objects out of curiosity. But what does beachcombing look like today? The definition of beachcombing is "the activity of walking along beaches looking for objects of value or interest," in other words to search for and collect objects such as seashells, sea glass, rocks, and driftwood along the seashore.

I was born and raised near the Pacific Ocean and going to the beach was a weekly activity.  My favourite part of going to the beach was always collecting seashells. I didn’t know anything about sea glass until I moved to Saint John, but I was immediately hooked. 

Where to Beachcomb in the Saint John Region

With so many nearby beaches to explore for sea glass, living here is a dream come true. A few I would recommend include:

Bayshore Beach | 599 Sea Street, Saint John

With a mix of sandy stretches and stony paths, Bayshore Beach offers a unique space for exploring beachcombers. Enjoy the mystique of the beach on foggy days, uncover hidden treasures at low tide, or simply take in the beauty at high tide.

McLarens Beach | 51 McLarens Beach Road, Saint John

McLarens Beach is a beautiful sandy beach in Saint John, with hidden sea glass treasures waiting to be discovered. Enjoy the beautiful coastal views as you explore this peaceful place.

Saints Rest Beach | Sand Cove Road, Saint John

Saints Rest Beach boasts beautiful scenery along the beginnings of the Irving Nature Park. Known for its stunning sunsets, this beach offers picture perfect views and photo opportunities, as well as the ideal conditions for beachcombing. Although you may not find a lot of seaglass while you're there, this beach is great for finding quartz and other colourful stones.

Things to Keep in Mind

It's important that beachcombers check the tides before heading to the beach. The ideal time to go is at low tide for the best access. While you're searching, be sure to look up once in a while to be sure you don't get stuck anywhere as the tides come back in. More information on the Bay of Fundy tides can be found here.

Unfortunately, in recent decades, more and more waste materials are ending up on our shorelines. Marine litter is a global problem of unimaginable scale and consequence, both to the animals that live in the sea and to ourselves. One habit every beachcomber can adopt is to remove some of the litter they find every time they go to the beach, and to ensure they aren't leaving any litter behind.

Another suggestion is to go prepared. Pack gloves, a small bag for the treasures you find, and an extra pair of socks and shoes. 

Beachcombing is an activity of discovery, and an experiential way to enjoy and learn about the natural world. It also provides us with an opportunity to make a positive difference to the world around us, so let's all do our part!

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Looking to learn more about beachcombing? Want to explore incredible sea glass collections, or get inspired by crafty sea glass creations? Be sure to add the 2024 Saint John Seaglass Festival to your bay-cation itinerary - coming to Market Square August 30-31, 2024. Find more details at their Facebook event page by clicking here.