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Castalia Marsh Retreat

11 Bancroft Point Rd, New Brunswick E5G 4C1 Canada
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Room & Suite (10)
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About

#2 of 6 Specialty lodging in Grand Manan
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.5
Service
4.5
Value
4.6
The Retreat site is seven acres of forested land overlooking Swallowtail Lighthouse, the saltwater marsh, the fishing village of North Head and picturesque islands in the Bay of Fundy. It is a safe, warm, and dry environment where one can relax and be surrounded by nature. There is a network of nature trails connecting four small fish and frog ponds and the various cabins and tent site. We try to create a supportive environment where people who want to share what they have learned can be actively involved in increasing their knowledge of personal, spiritual, and environmental health or just relax and enjoy the natural beauty. We have a facility ideally suited for hosting workshops or facilitating gatherings focused on personal, spiritual, and environmental health.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
BBQ facilities
Picnic area
Wifi
Self-serve laundry
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Room features
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Great View
66Reviews0Q+A13Room tips
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Most Recent
ksoconnor21 wrote a review Aug 2021
Hillsborough, Canada21 contributions6 helpful votes
We loved our stay at Castalia Marsh Retreat. We stayed in the birdhouse and had beautiful uncompromised views of the marsh. We fell asleep under the stars and moon each night, woke up to birds singing, including one of my favourites, Nelson’s Sparrows. We sat on the deck watching birds of prey hunt while we had our breakfast. James was a great host!
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Dawn M wrote a review Aug 2021
3 contributions
Loved this unique place, the view of the marsh was spectacular - don’t forget your binoculars! Our son was happy with WiFi too. I actually felt relaxed and after the last 16 months, that is saying something! ( we even got to see fireworks from the cabin next door) .
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Date of stay: August 2021
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from James Bates, Owner at Castalia Marsh Retreat
Responded Aug 4, 2021
It was so good to have you and the MacNeils here at the same time.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Starla M wrote a review Jul 2021
Waasis, Canada57 contributions27 helpful votes
+1
This is a home away from home for us! We have been coming here since our Daughter was 4 and she is now 20. Coming to Castailia marsh is completely unplugging from the pressures of society and to a more simpler time. Unique and rustic is two of the things I love about being here! To be able breathe in ocean air completely surrounded by nature is something that is so precious and is a true treasure! James has become an extended member of our family! He is welcoming and warm and very very accommodating! I have travelled all over the world and this is truly my favourite place to be! I love that I grab a bag of clothes and arrive to every thing I need in the cabins and the grocery store is so handy! We have brought our family and friends and all of our family pets over the years! We have created so many wonderful memories, too many to count! This is the place to be one with nature and to take in some of the most amazing sunrises and sunsets! I wish I could give this more stars! Highly recommend!
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: relax and be in the moment! If you need anything at all or have any questions reach out to James...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from James Bates, Owner at Castalia Marsh Retreat
Responded Jul 29, 2021
I look forward to see you again in the fall.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Donna A wrote a review Jul 2021
Fredericton Junction, Canada1 contribution
NO WIFI AT ALL in the Bird House. Limited at the community building. Futon was like sleeping on plywood. Getting the loft bed is to crawl through a hole less then 2 feet wide. We pd for 4 nights and left after 2. James pretends to be friendly but he's not. He avoided us and our complaint about WIFI. Also to shower outside you only have 3 walls, facing naked into the woods, trails and lane to cabin. Girls next door also complained about no WIFI. Lots of nice places to stay on Grand Manan at same cost.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from James Bates, Owner at Castalia Marsh Retreat
Responded Jul 28, 2021
I'm sorry the internet on the island is notoriously poor and crashed twice last week. We had ordered a new cable and router but it didn't arrive until after you left. The descriptions of the cabin on the website describe that the shower as being outside. Birdhouse has a waiting list of people who come to stay there year after year. If you had taken the time to tell me you were unsatisfied with the cabin and were leaving I could likely have rented it to someone who wants to be here and return your money. I'm very sorry you were unhappy with me and what i have to offer.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Navigate38240811909 wrote a review Jul 2021
3 contributions
We stayed two nights in The Barn. We were a family with two adults, a senior, two teenagers, and a small dog. The cottage was very clean and comfortable and had plenty of room for us all. We enjoyed the free range chickens and had a lovely campfire overlooking the marsh. Really interesting place to stay.
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Nancy Slater wrote a review Aug 2020
1 contribution1 helpful vote
We stayed for 3 nights at The Barn in July 2020, my husband and myself and 2 members of our extended family. It was perfect for us and I was very impressed with all that the cottage offered included a full size fridge, stove and even a mini split unit. We had a full bathroom with the traditional toilet and a lovely shower. In back of our cabin was an additional bathroom and even laundry facilities! Our grandson loved the friendly free range chickens and we bought some of the eggs which were the best! James and his son were very hospitable and I would highly recommend Castalia Marsh Retreat.
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Date of stay: July 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Floripopo wrote a review Aug 2020
Fredericton, Canada28 contributions17 helpful votes
I’ll start with the one thing that may not be your bag: dry toilets (actually cleaner and less smelly than your traditional toilet). If you think that’s a big issue, then this place is probably not for you. But if you dig family and pet-friendly, eco-conscious holidays, if you love nature, sunrises, sunsets, birds and a slower pace of life, then let me tell you: you are in for a treat! We stayed for 2 nights and wished we could have stayed for longer. We also instantly knew we would be coming back and the feeling never left us. Castalia Marsh Retreat is a labour of love. Everything was designed and built by James, the owner. Each cabin is individual, both practical and playful. James and his son are welcoming, gentle-mannered and genuine. It was so lovely to chat with them. The cottage (Fern Alley) was spotlessly clean and extremely well appointed, the beds were very comfortable. We loved the balcony overlooking the marsh (perfect place to watch the sun go down and the ferries leave the island) and the view from our bed downstairs (the sunrises were spectacular). Our kids loved the chicks, the barbecue at The Gathering Place, the organic garden, the little playground... well everything! It’s a truly individual, magical place and we cannot wait to return!
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Douglas R wrote a review Aug 2020
3 contributions
We stayed 2 nights in the Captain's Quarters and were greeted warmly by James and his son. The cabin was fully stocked with everything but food. We had brought a lot of provisions and were shocked to see that the kitchen had spices and salt and pepper as well as anything needed to cook a meal. The BBQs at the Gathering Place were less than 25 meters away and it was easy to use them when needed. The scenery was breathtaking and very relaxing. We truly enjoyed this family mini vacation and I was able to de-stress and leave the problems of the world behind when on the island.Highly recommend this retreat if you are looking for a place to relax and unwind.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Cleanliness
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Room Tip: Captain's Quarters or Bird House cabins are great choices.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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johanna l wrote a review Aug 2020
2 contributions
My husband and I rent the lookout cabin for 5 nights and it was perfect. The view from the cabin deck is amazing ! Your are surrounded by trees with a clear view over the marsh and the Swallow tail lighthouse. The cabin is clean, comfy and well equiped with a full operational kitchen . You have a choice between an indoor or an outdoor shower. the whole area was really quiet and we had deer and hummingbird passing by. We recommend and we will definetly come back !
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Date of stay: July 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Choose one of the cabin with view over the marsh you will not regret it !
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from James Bates, Owner at Castalia Marsh Retreat
Responded Aug 8, 2020
We are happy to hear you enjoyed your time here.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MichikoG wrote a review Jul 2020
Saint John, New Brunswick7 contributions3 helpful votes
I have travelled across Canada and what a wonderful surprise to find this gem so close to home. You are completely submerged in nature, with just enough amenities that you feel naturally pampered. The detail taken to be respectful to the planet is much appreciated. You feel like you are giving back to the environment without always taking. We stayed at the Birdhouse. First time taking a shower outdoors. I’m one with nature now :)
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Date of stay: July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LOCATION
CanadaNew BrunswickGrand Manan
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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CASTALIA MARSH RETREAT - Campground Reviews (Grand Manan, New Brunswick)

Frequently Asked Questions about Castalia Marsh Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Castalia Marsh Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Swallowtail Lighthouse (3.2 miles), Grand Manan Island (3.8 miles), and Anchorage Provincial Park (5.0 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Castalia Marsh Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and meeting rooms.
What food & drink options are available at Castalia Marsh Retreat?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Castalia Marsh Retreat?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Castalia Marsh Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include North Head Bakery, Postoffice Pizza, and The Old Well House Cafe.
Are pets allowed at Castalia Marsh Retreat?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Castalia Marsh Retreat offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and a banquet room during their stay.
Are there any historical sites close to Castalia Marsh Retreat?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Seal Cove Herring Smoke Sheds (3.1 miles).