Calais (pronounced “CAL-us” by locals) is Maine’s easternmost city, sitting directly on the St. Croix River across from St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. One of the most remote cities in Maine, Calais is the gateway to Downeast Maine’s Bold Coast and the jumping-off point for exploring the wild shores of Washington County — Maine’s least-visited and most dramatic coastal region.
Things to Do in Calais, Maine
The St. Croix Island International Historic Site — accessible by boat from Red Beach — marks the location of the first European settlement in North America north of Florida, established by French explorers in 1604. The Calais–St. Stephen International Bridge is one of the busiest border crossings in Maine and a gateway to New Brunswick. The St. Croix River offers excellent fishing for Atlantic salmon and smallmouth bass. The Downeast Sunrise Trail — a 87-mile multi-use trail — passes through Calais connecting to communities across Washington County.
Calais and the Bold Coast
Calais is the northern gateway to Washington County’s celebrated Bold Coast — one of the most dramatic and unspoiled stretches of coastline in the eastern United States. The Downeast Maine coast south of Calais offers the Bold Coast Trail near Cutler, the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse at Lubec (the easternmost point in the United States), and the wild shore of Cobscook Bay. Calais is also close to Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge — one of the finest birding destinations in the northeast.
Getting to Calais, Maine
Calais is located on US Route 1 at the northeastern end of Maine’s coastal highway, approximately 90 miles east of Bangor via Route 9 (the Airline Road) or about 150 miles via the coastal Route 1. The nearest commercial airports are Bangor International Airport and Bar Harbor Airport. From the south, Route 1 passes through Machias and Eastport before reaching Calais.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Calais Maine?
Calais, Maine is pronounced “CAL-us” — not like the French city “Calais” (cal-AY). The local pronunciation is a source of pride among Washington County residents and one of the classic Maine place name quirks.
What county is Calais Maine in?
Calais is in Washington County — Maine’s easternmost and largest county by area. Washington County is sometimes called “the sunrise county” as it receives the first sunrise in the United States each morning.
Where is Calais Maine located?
Calais is located on the St. Croix River at the northeastern corner of Maine, directly on the US-Canada border across from St. Stephen, New Brunswick. It sits at the end of US Route 1 — the easternmost city on America’s longest coastal highway.
What is Calais Maine known for?
Calais is known as Maine’s easternmost city, its location on the US-Canada border, the nearby St. Croix Island International Historic Site, and as a gateway to the Bold Coast of Downeast Maine. The city is also known for its proximity to Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge — one of the finest birding destinations in the Northeast.
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