Campobello Island, New Brunswick, CanadaAcross the bridge in Lubec, Maine is Campobello Island. Although a part of Canada, its history and geography tie it closely to the United States. It is most noted for being the beloved summer retreat of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the U.S. Lesser well known is that it provides wonderful outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities. Many of the highlights of the island can be accessed directly from your vehicle. There is an accessible shopping complex (Co-op) that includes a bank. Top of the list are such places as the Eagle Hill Bog, with its accessible boardwalk, and Herring Cove Provincial Park, our starting point. The Herring Cove campground is unique in that it is truely accessible. The campsites are sited off packed gravel roads that can easily be traveled by most wheelchairs or scooters. The sites are level, well packed, and large. The serviced sites have water and electric. There is a dumpstation available for rv's that need it. The only access problem that occurred was that some of the water spigots were too high to be easily reached from a wheelchair. There are two bathhouses. They both have some accessible features, with the new one being totally accessible. There is also a designated campsite across from the new bathhouse. Even more unique, the activities at the park are also accessible. The beach is wheelchair accessible as seen below:
It's a fairly easy roll up to the beach area. Unfortunately, at the time I was there, there was no beach chair available. At the top of the beach area is a fairly large platform with two benches. The beach consists of loose sand and gravel and would not accomodate most wheelchairs. Again, the good news is that you can get there.
There is a small playground and covered picnic area near the beach. There are also two other playground areas in the park.
An outstanding feature at the beach area is the picnic area that is on a high cliff overlooking the beach. Considerable effort went into creating a road and parking area to make this feature accessible.
Beach view from the accessible overlook. Roosevelt International Park, CampobelloThe centerpiece of the Park is the Roosevelt summer cottage. The ramped entrance to the cottage. This is looking back at the path from the cottage to the well house. I would think twice before going down here with a manual chair. Eagle Hill BogThe access road to the Eagle Hill Bog is across from the Roosevelt cottage. Like many of the roads on the island, it is surfaced with gravel. The bog parking area has a paved area for handicap parking. The bog board walk is easily accessible from the parking area. There are several benches on the board path. They provide a good place to sit and consult your nature guide books. Included among the flora are pitcher plants and miniature trees. Carriage RoadThe Carriage Road loops around much of the International Park. It is a narrow dirt road that is also accessed from the road across from the Roosevelt cottage. There are many accessible picnic tables and views on the road.
The access to the shore is very steep. In many places there are long flights of steps to get to the shore. Liberty Point parking area. Even the parking lots have ocean views. Ocean overlooks in the Liberty Point area. Seals, and sometimes whales, can be seen from these wooden overlooks.
The paths to the viewing areas can be narrow and steep. Some of them are marginally wheelchair accessible, but you should be cautious. The Ferry to Deer IslandOne of the highlights of visiting Campobello is taking the car ferry to Dear Island. The 45 minute trip across Cobscook Bay is well worth the small fee. Note that the ferry only operates during the summer season. During the winter, Campobello has no direct access to the Canadian mainland. The view below is from the ferry leaving Campobello. Another view of Campobello. Islands in Cobscook Bay. The ferry approaching the landing on Deer Island. Where to stay in the area.The links below are to B&B's in the area that report having accessible rooms. Unfortunately, none of them are on Campobello. There are some places to stay on Campobello that are partly accessible. http://www.peacockhouse.com/Lubec, ME http://www.campobello.com/whitingbay/index.htmlWhiting, ME
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