Seaglass in Saint John and it's nearby beaches provides a fun and rewarding adventure for beach enthusiasts and treasure hunters, showcasing a stunning coastline along the Bay of Fundy. This locale acts as a refuge for those on the quest for the vibrant and weathered treasures that the ocean deposits ashore as sea glass.
Glass from the past
What is Sea Glass?
The sea glass in Saint John is the result of discarded glass objects making their way into the ocean. Over time, the waves' constant motion, the saltwater's effects, and the friction against sand and rocks transform these pieces into smooth, polished gems. They come in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes, making each discovery unique. Rare sea glass colours include: Cobalt Blue, lavender, aqua, light blue, and lime Green. The most expensive sea glass is red.
5 Sea Glass Beaches in Saint John
Are you looking for the best sea glass beach in and around Saint John? See the jewels we've gathered for you below:
1. Dominion Park Beach
At low tide, Dominion Park Beach reveals a broad stretch of sand and rocky terrain, uncovering hidden treasures for visitors to discover. This scenic spot invites exploration and offers a unique seaside experience with each receding tide.
2. Mispec Beach
Mispec Beach's location along the Bay of Fundy makes it a prime spot for collecting sea glass because the strong tidal forces and frequent storms stir up the shoreline. This churning action tumbles the glass in the sand and surf, smoothing and frosting it over time, which makes it a popular activity for beachcombers after stormy weather.
3. New River Beach
New River Beach in New Brunswick is renowned for its unspoiled beauty and becomes a haven for sea glass collectors at low tide. Its sandy shores not only invite leisurely strolls but also provide perfect conditions for finding colorful sea glass, making it a popular destination for beachcombers and nature enthusiasts.
4. Bayshore Beach
Bayshore Beach, another pristine coastal gem, offers beachcombers a unique opportunity to discover sea glass treasures scattered among its rocky shores. Known for its rugged landscape, this beach provides a serene escape where visitors can explore and collect colorful glass smoothed by the ocean's relentless waves.
5. St. Martins Beach
St. Martins features a scenic beach renowned for its abundant sea glass. Visitors can explore this serene coastline, enjoying the thrill of discovering unique sea glass treasures amid the natural beauty of this quaint maritime destination.
Tips for Successful Sea Glass Hunting
Safety First: Wear appropriate footwear for walking on rocky and sandy shores, and be mindful of tides and currents.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled: look for small rocks shiny rocks, about the size of a quarter, in unusual colours.
Patience: Sea glass hunting requires patience. Spend time meticulously scanning the shoreline for the glimmering glass gems.
Sizes and Shapes: While smaller, well-rounded pieces are often considered prized finds, sea glass comes in all sizes and shapes. Some collectors enjoy finding larger or oddly shaped pieces for unique jewelry or decor.
Tools: You don't need any special tools for collecting sea glass, but having a small mesh bag or container to hold your finds can be helpful.
A Rainbow of Colours
Sea glass comes in various colours, including green, blue, brown, and even rarer hues like red and orange. The most common colours (clear, brown and green) come from glass products that are still in use today, like soda, liquor and wine bottle. Rare colours, such as sea foam green, amber, and lavender go back as early as the 1800s. Pink sea glass comes from depression glass that was mass produced as low-end glassware in the early 1900s. Red Sea Glass is one of the most difficult colours of sea glass to find. Produced from 1938 to 1967 and then again briefly in the 1970's, it was used as decorative glass as well as for boat lights, lanterns, and vintage Avon products.
Sea Glass Identification Chart
Unlock the mysteries of the shore with our exclusive Sea Glass Identification Chart! Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, our detailed guide offers invaluable insights into the colours, rarities, and origins of these ocean treasures. Download your free copy today!
Enjoying Your Finds
Once you've collected your sea glass treasures at the best sea glass beach in New Brunswick, they can be used in various creative ways. Some people turn their finds into jewelry, while others use them for crafting, mosaic projects, or simply as decorative pieces. Put them on display in a glass jar. The beauty of sea glass lies not only in its aesthetics but also in the stories it carries from its previous life as discarded glass. Remember, collecting sea glass in Saint John is about enjoying the process of discovery and connecting with the ocean's history. It's a mindful and nature-centered activity that lets you embrace the beauty of the shoreline while creating lasting memories.
Saint John Sea Glass Fesitval 2024
The Saint John Sea Glass Festival, held at 1 Market Square in Saint John, is a celebration of all things sea glass, bringing together 50 vendors from across the Maritimes. These vendors proudly showcase their extensive collections and creative sea glass-inspired works. Mark your calendars for August 30 and 31 to experience this unique gathering that highlights the beauty and craftsmanship of sea glass artistry.
