St. Stephen, town in Charlotte County, New Brunswick, Canada
St. Stephen is a small town in Charlotte County, southwestern New Brunswick, nestled along the St. Croix River. The downtown sits compactly with older buildings lining quiet streets, and the Ganong Bros Ltd. candy factory stands as a notable landmark that has shaped the town's character for generations.
The Ganong Bros company was founded about 150 years ago and transformed this location into Canada's chocolate-making hub. The factory's presence shaped how the town grew along the St. Croix River and anchored the local community's identity and prosperity for generations.
The town carries the identity of Canada's Chocolate Town, which shapes how locals and visitors experience the place. At Ganong Bros Ltd., you can watch workers hand-dipping chocolates and crafting candies, connecting the community's past to its present through this enduring craft.
The town sits right at the border with the United States, making it easy to cross into Calais, Maine via a nearby bridge. A visitor center at the waterfront is open during warmer months and staff can point you toward shops, restaurants, and local attractions.
Since 1973, St. Stephen and its neighbor Calais, Maine have celebrated their close bond every August with the International Homecoming Festival, featuring parades, fireworks, and events on both sides of the river. This cross-border celebration reveals how the two towns remain woven together despite belonging to different countries.
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