Where the St. Croix River meets the Bold Coast. Calais is the northern gateway to Downeast Maine — a town with deep history, wild nature, and the whole Bold Coast at its doorstep.
Calais sits on the St. Croix River across from St. Stephen, New Brunswick — one of the most historically significant river valleys in North America. In 1604, French explorer Samuel de Champlain chose St. Croix Island, just downstream, as the site of the first European settlement north of Florida. The colony barely survived a brutal winter, but the river it was built on became the boundary between the United States and Canada — a line that still runs through Calais today.
By the 1800s, Calais was one of the most productive lumber and shipbuilding centers in the world. The St. Croix River floated millions of board feet of timber to sawmills that lined both banks. Calais merchants grew wealthy — wealthy enough to build the grand Victorian commercial buildings that still line Main Street. At its peak, more lumber passed through Calais than almost anywhere in North America.
Today it's quiet — but in the best possible way. Calais and St. Stephen share one of the most open international borders anywhere in the world, with a long tradition of residents crossing freely to shop, work, and visit. That cross-border culture gives Calais a distinct character you won't find anywhere else on the Bold Coast.
Calais has its own story — a riverfront history, one of Maine's best wildlife refuges, and trails that most visitors drive right past.
The most practical dining options on the Bold Coast — Calais has real variety, and it's a smart first stop before heading deeper into Washington County.
A Calais favorite for coffee, baked goods, and lighter fare. Warm, welcoming, and reliably good. Great for breakfast or a mid-day break after the border crossing.
Classic diner plates and solid pizza under one roof. Reliable, filling, and exactly what you want after a day outdoors or a long drive in.
Big portions, hometown cooking, and the kind of friendly service that small-town Maine is known for. A local staple on Main Street.
Calais's go-to pub for a sit-down dinner with drinks. Burgers, sandwiches, and a bar that gets lively on weekend evenings.
Generous portions and a menu covering all the classics. A good option when you want something different from the usual Maine coastal fare.
Practical, well-located lodging — Calais puts you close to Moosehorn, the Sunrise Trail, and the rest of the Bold Coast.
Well-located motel close to the international bridge and the heart of Calais. Solid value for travelers using Calais as a northern base or gateway to the Bold Coast.
Visit Website →Comfortable, reliable option on the outskirts of Calais with easy highway access. A solid choice for travelers moving through the region or planning day trips along the Bold Coast.
Visit Website →Machias is only 45 minutes south and has more lodging options — including vacation rentals with waterfront access. Consider basing yourself there if you plan to explore the full Bold Coast.
View all Bold Coast lodging →The Bold Coast stretches south from Calais through Machias, Lubec, and Eastport. Let us build your full itinerary — day by day, stop by stop.