River Ridge Retreat - River Ridge, NB - Rising Tides & Stars Region
River Ridge Retreat River Ridge, NB - Rising Tides & Stars Astroregion
River Ridge Retreat – Where the Stars Meet the Water Tucked away on the tranquil shores of the St. Croix River, River Ridge Retreat is more than just a charming waterfront escape—it’s your front-row seat to the cosmos. Perfect for families, friends, and couples seeking a peaceful getaway, this off-grid hideaway blends river adventures with unforgettable nights under some of the clearest skies in the region.
By day, explore the river with our water rafts, lily pad, and nearby boat ramp, or paddle out to watch bald eagles soar overhead. Moose calls in the distance and the splash of fish breaking the surface remind you that here, nature is the soundtrack.
By night, the magic deepens—free from city glare, the sky transforms into a glittering canopy where the Milky Way stretches horizon to horizon. You’ll witness shooting stars, trace constellations mirrored in the still water, and feel the awe that only comes from stargazing in true darkness. Our main cottage offers a spacious king bedroom with a private half bath, a second queen bedroom, and a cozy king pullout couch in the living area—ideal for evenings by the woodstove after a night of skywatching.
The luxurious full bath features a double-head shower for unwinding after outdoor adventures. Need extra room? The separate bunkie includes a single bed, a double Murphy bed, its own half bath, and a top deck that’s perfect for early morning coffee or late-night meteor showers. The fully equipped kitchen has everything you need for cooking, from basic spices to a French press for coffee under the morning mist.
We provide plush linens, eco-friendly toiletries, bug spray, sunscreen, and even swimming towels—just pack light and arrive ready to relax. For a touch of wellness, warm up in the wood-fired sauna after a cool evening paddle. Then step outside, let your eyes adjust, and watch the constellations emerge—Orion standing tall in winter, the Summer Triangle in August, or the breathtaking sweep of the Milky Way on warm nights.
Located just 20 minutes from St. Stephen and 45 minutes from the coastal charm of St. Andrews by-the-Sea, River Ridge Retreat offers easy access to whale watching, golfing, and historic towns—yet feels a world away when the first stars appear. Here, the night sky isn’t just a view—it’s an experience. Come to River Ridge Retreat, where the river flows, the stars shine brighter, and memories are written in the constellations above.
Astro-strengths: Away from significant light pollution, you will enjoy dark skies with better-than-Bortle-3 conditions, ensuring stargazers and astronomers alike will have the opportunity to view and experience the night sky and all its wonders. You can use the handy Cliff Valley Astronomy binder to help you in your star-hopping journey.
Bortle Zone: better than 3
Perfect for: Beginners to advanced astronomers, astrophotography, nightscape and Milky Way photography, couples, families and nature lovers!
Booking policies: Consult owner at time of booking.
Book here.
2025 Key Celestial Events:
- July 16 – Moon, Saturn & Pluto conjunction
- July 20 – Moon & M45 Pleiades conjunction
- July 28 – Moon & Mars conjunction and Delta Aquarids meteor shower (20/hr and Moon at 10%)
- August 11 & 12 – Venus & Jupiter conjunction and Perseids meteor shower (100+/hr and Moon at 83%) and Moon & Saturn conjunction*
- August 31 – Moon and M44 Beehive Cluster conjunction
- September 7 – Total Lunar Eclipse*
- September 8 – Moon, Saturn & Neptune conjunction
- September 12 – Moon and M45 Pleiades conjunction
- September 16 – Moon & Jupiter conjunction
- September 20 – Saturn at opposition
- September 21 – Partial Solar Eclipse (not visible from North America)
- September 23 – Neptune at opposition
- Octoboer 13 – Moon & Jupiter conjunction*
- October 21 – Orionids meteor shower during New Moon*
- November 2 – Moon & Saturn conjunction*
- November 9 – Moon & Saturn conjunction*
- December 7 – Moon & Jupiter conjunction*
- December 26 – Moon & Saturn conjunction*
- December 31 – Moon & M45 Pleiades conjunction*