Lubec is the easternmost town in the United States — a small fishing community at the tip of a long peninsula in Washington County, looking across the Lubec Narrows to Campobello Island, New Brunswick. What Lubec offers is simple and genuine: dramatic tidal scenery, the easternmost point of land in the United States, a short walk to Canada, exceptional wildlife watching, and the particular satisfaction of being somewhere that most Maine visitors never get to.
West Quoddy Head State Park
West Quoddy Head State Park protects the easternmost point of land in the United States, marked by the iconic red-and-white striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse — a navigational landmark since 1808. The current tower dates from 1858 and is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine.
The Coastal Trail follows the Bay of Fundy shoreline north from the lighthouse for about 1.5 miles, with views across the bay to Grand Manan Island. The Bog Trail is a boardwalk loop through a coastal raised peat bog featuring carnivorous sundews and other specialized vegetation — short and suitable for all ages.
The tides: The Bay of Fundy tidal range at West Quoddy Head regularly exceeds 18 feet — among the highest in the world. The difference between high and low tide is visually dramatic and worth timing your visit around.
Cross to Campobello Island
The FDR International Bridge connects Lubec to Campobello Island, New Brunswick — a short drive across the international border. Roosevelt Campobello International Park preserves the summer estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, jointly administered by the US and Canadian governments. Free to visit, with guided tours of the 34-room cottage during summer. A passport is required for both the crossing to Canada and the return. See our complete Campobello Island day trip guide for full details.
Watch the Tides in the Lubec Narrows
The Lubec Narrows is one of the most dramatic tidal passages on the East Coast. Strong currents create visible rips, whirlpools, and standing waves. Harbor porpoise regularly hunt in the narrows, taking advantage of the tidal concentration of fish. Bald eagles work the shoreline on both sides. Best viewing is from the FDR International Bridge — park at the Lubec end and walk out to the middle.
Explore the Lubec Waterfront
Lubec’s waterfront is a working fishing town in transition — lobster boats still work the harbor and the town has a genuine working-coast character. The Lubec Channel Lighthouse is visible from the waterfront and from the bridge. The Lubec Historical Society museum covers the sardine industry and the town’s maritime history — worth a stop for context.
Wildlife Watching
The waters off Lubec and Passamaquoddy Bay are extraordinarily productive marine habitat. Finback, minke, and humpback whales are regular summer visitors. Bald eagles are essentially guaranteed — multiple eagles are visible from the waterfront on most days. Harbor seals haul out on ledges visible from the Coastal Trail. Puffin watching tours to Machias Seal Island operate from nearby Cutler.
Additional Hiking
Boot Head Preserve — A Nature Conservancy preserve on the south side of the Lubec peninsula with trails accessing dramatic coastal headlands and a cobble beach. Less visited than West Quoddy Head. Hamilton Cove Preserve — Another Nature Conservancy property with coastal forest and headland trails and excellent seabird watching.
Getting to Lubec
Lubec is approximately 3 hours from Bangor via Routes 9 and 1, and about 45 minutes from Eastport. Cell service is limited in Washington County — download offline maps before leaving Machias or Eastport. Fill up with gas before heading to Lubec — stations are sparse east of Machias.
Where to Stay
The Peacock House is a beautifully restored Victorian inn in the town center. Eastport (about 45 minutes away) provides additional lodging options for visitors exploring the full Quoddy region.
Plan Your Trip
Ready to visit Lubec? Browse lodging in Eastport as an alternative base for exploring the broader Quoddy region. For more Downeast Maine, see our Downeast Maine Road Trip Itinerary, our guide to Things to Do in Eastport Maine, and our Campobello Island day trip guide.
MaineGuide.com has been helping visitors plan their Maine trips since 1995.
📌 Puffin watching near Lubec? Read our complete Puffin Watching at Machias Seal Island guide — Cutler is about 45 minutes from Lubec.
📌 Visiting Downeast in peak blueberry season? Read our complete Maine Wild Blueberry Picking guide — PYO farms, public lands, and the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival.