The Year-Round Magic of St. Andrews: Why Fall & Winter Are the Best Kept Secrets of Our Seaside Town

St. Andrews has always been known as a charming seaside destination, especially in the warmer months, but those of us who live and work here know the magic doesn’t end when the temperature drops. Fall and winter bring a quieter kind of beauty to our town, one that’s even more special if you ask me. The streets become peaceful, the air crisp, and there’s a sense of warmth and community that makes it a wonderful place to be—year-round.

There’s a misconception that St. Andrews closes down in the fall, but that couldn't be further from the truth. We’ve got over 15 shops and boutiques and more than 10 restaurants and cafés that are open, most from Wednesday to Sunday, welcoming visitors with the same hospitality we’re known for. It’s the perfect time to stroll through town, without the summer rush, and really soak in the atmosphere.

Why Fall & Winter Are the Best Kept Secrets of Our Seaside Town

This weekend marks our first annual Halloween Nights by the Sea, with events for all ages—another reason to visit and experience something new. As we head into November and December, our town starts to bustle with holiday cheer. Our Christmas by the Sea events, carefully planned by a dedicated committee of locals, will get you into the festive spirit, and will quickly make St. Andrews your favourite place to visit every Christmastime.

And let’s not forget about our first-ever Holiday Sip & Shop at Marmalade on November 15th—it’s going to be an evening full of festive fun, and the perfect way to kick off the season.

Even through the colder months, St. Andrews is full of life. Many shops and restaurants remain open, The Algonquin Resort hosts a variety of events, from comedy nights to concerts, and our *Winter Warmer Festival* at the end of January promises even more to look forward to. 

So, don’t let the chill in the air (or false narratives) fool you—St. Andrews is alive, thriving, and waiting to welcome you. There’s something undeniably special about this time of year here, and we hope you’ll experience it for yourself. 

To help with your planning, we’ve put together a list of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafés that are open. We encourage you to check them out on social media to stay updated on their hours throughout the fall and winter. Or, if you’d rather, just send us an email and we’ll gladly gather the details for you!

Shops & Boutiques

  1. Maree
  2. Candy Creations
  3. Marmalade Home & Gift Boutique
  4. LH Boutique
  5. Crazy Moose
  6. Serendipity Art
  7. Spice Box
  8. The Whale Store
  9. Kilt and Kaboodle
  10. Cottage Chic
  11. Warm & Coasty
  12. My Space Gift Shop
  13. Jessie & Jona
  14. That’s Amor’EH Emporium
  15. The Wee Fabric Shop
  16. Home Hardware
  17. Cockburns Drugstore
  18. The Independent Grocery Shop

Restaurants/Cafes

  1. William on Water
  2. Honeybeans Cafe
  3. McGuire Chocolates
  4. St. Andrews Brewing Company
  5. The Herring
  6. Season’s Bistro
  7. Kennedy House
  8. Lumberjacks Cafe
  9. Drewhaven
  10. Niger Reef Teahouse
  11. Braxton’s at the Algonquin
  12. Salt Bight Restaurant
  13. Subway
  14. Tim Hortons
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