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St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New
Brunswick is Canada's first seaside resort town and home of the
historic Fairmont Algonquin. Built in the 1880's, this Tudor-style
hotel is located at the center of an original Loyalist town and
serves as a symbol of East Coast hospitality.
The hotel's grand opening in June
1889 was celebrated by distinguished guests from Canada and the
United States, who admired its four storey structure and castle-like
facade. The impressive hotel offered 80 guest rooms, with fireplaces
in all the larger rooms. First guests paid $3 to $5 per night for a
room complete with water closet.
One of The Fairmont Algonquin's
most sought-after features was the 'cure all' saltwater baths.
Saltwater was drawn from Passamaquoddy Bay and held in water tanks
in the hotel attic. Guests would immerse themselves in the
therapeutic solution in bathtubs designed with four taps - two for
fresh water and two for saltwater.
The saltwater baths, clean air and
local Samson Spring were all believed to have healing properties.
Early advertising proclaimed 'No hay fever here!' and 'A general air
of restfulness,' drawing many wealthy tourists with the promise of
good health in elegant surroundings - a haven for rejuvenation.
The hotel was the enterprise of the
St. Andrews Land Company, established in 1883 by wealthy American
businessmen. During this time most guests arrived by train and so
it was only fitting that the Canadian Pacific Railway Company took
over ownership in 1903. The hotel was sold to local interests in
1970 and the Province of New Brunswick leased the property in
1973. The Province eventually purchased The Fairmont Algonquin
along with two golf courses and Katy's Cove private beach in 1984.
In more recent history, The
Fairmont Algonquin was honored with the 2003 New Brunswick
Environmental Leadership in Business Award in recognition of its
'green action plan'. The comprehensive program includes reducing,
reusing, and recycling practices, and a constant search for new
green solutions. |
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The Fairmont Algonquin provides
visitors with a taste of history along with modern conveniences.
Whether whale watching, hiking, golfing, biking, or just basking in
the maritime sun, The Fairmont Algonquin offers guests activities to
enjoy year round. Some notable guests include Sir John A. Macdonald,
Bill Cosby, Theodore Roosevelt and Lady Diana, Princess of Wales.
Described by a 1902 brochure as 'an
incomparable resting-place and retreat from the cares of business
and the heat and dust and bustle of the city,' St Andrews by-the-Sea
retains to this day its impeccable service and idyllic charm. Join
us, and experience Canada's Historic Seaside Resort.
The Algonquin
Golf Course has hosted golfers for over 100 years.
Constructed in 1894, the course boasts one of Canada's oldest
clubhouses. The original course was built to suit the times and
could easily accommodate 30 to 40 golfers accustomed to small tees
and less landmass. For a membership fee of five dollars, golfers
could use the links and the clubhouse throughout the season.
Members' guests were accorded club privileges on payment of 50 cents
per day.
In the 1920s, the course was
renovated based on plans by legendary golf course designer Donald
Ross. These upgrades included the creation of The Executive Nine,
an additional nine holes that provided a less taxing alternative to
a full round of golf. The course remained basically the same until
the 1980s, when it was expanded to accommodate more traffic.
In order to continue its tradition
of golfing excellence, The Fairmont Algonquin broke ground for the
development of a completely new signature course in 1998. The new
7000 yard, par 72 course, complete with spectacular ocean views from
most holes opened for play on July 15, 2000. |
