Located in southern New Brunswick with picturesque views of the Bay of Fundy, The Algonquin Resort has been operating for over 130 years. Built in the late 19th century, The Algonquin was Canada’s first seaside resort and has grown to include over 200 accommodations, a golf course, spa services and more.

Early days

In 1883, St. Andrews Land Company was formed to initiate the construction of a premier Canadian seaside resort. Six years later, The Algonquin Resort opened its doors on June 28, 1889, in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. The resort originally had 80 rooms, which could be rented for $3-5 per day.

Ownership of The Algonquin changed for the first time in 1903 when it was purchased by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR).

 

Building and rebuilding

Under CPR’s ownership, a golf course was constructed as part of the resort as well as two new expansions — the Painter Wing and Kitchen Wing, which added 133 rooms. Sadly, in 1914 the majority of the resort was destroyed in a devastating fire. Thanks to the hard work of about 1,000 employees, The Algonquin was rebuilt and reopened in just 10 months. The resort’s new and improved accommodations included electricity and telephone in every room, and rental rates were raised to $4-7 per day.

The Algonquin hosted many notable guests over time, including Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in 1973 and Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1983.

 

Continued growth and expansion

Throughout the ‘90s, The Algonquin underwent a $10 million expansion, including the addition of a new convention centre, a rooftop garden and the Prince of Wales Wing which added 54 new rooms and suites. Soon after, the resort invested in a complete redesign of its golf course in the early 21st century, establishing it as a destination for the sport.

In 2012, The Algonquin was acquired by New Castle Hotels and Resorts and Southwest Properties and doors temporarily closed for major renovations totalling over $30 million. It reopened in 2014 as a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel with many new features and amenities.

 

Continued R&R

Today, The Algonquin Resort continues to operate in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, now owned by InnVest Hotels. In addition to its 233 rooms and suites, the resort includes an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa, golf course, three restaurants and more. Tammy Pandit, sales and marketing coordinator of The Algonquin Resort, says guests are also welcome to participate in a walking ghost tour that happens every evening. The resort’s five famous ghosts include a piano-playing bellman, a heartbroken bride, young Benjamin, a night watchman and an elevator bellman who’s happy to assist with luggage but refuses to accept tips.

Looking toward the future, Pandit says renovations to update most of the resort are on the horizon, as well as plans for a Nordic spa.

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