We hope you will enjoy your stay with us. You are in an area of quiet forests, lakes, ponds and islands. History and nature are here and we invite you to enjoy it with us. Walk along our shores, sit on the beaches, stroll through nature trails and enjoy the quiet and tranquility of "The way life should be."

Washington County is one of the last places on the busy, over-crowded Eastern seaboard where you can get away by yourself on a forest trail or walk for miles on the salt-sprayed shoreline and see no one. You can yield to that bit of pioneer blood and live completely out of sight from your neighbor's cabin. Not many withdraw that far, but there are others who consider Washington County their last frontier of peace and untarnished beauty - of quiet and clean, clear air. Join us in all seasons and enjoy our "little piece of Paradise."

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Please visit the Quoddy Loop website to learn more about coastal communities from the Bay of Fundy to Passamaquoddy Bay.

**IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS***If you plan on visiting Canada, please be aware of new requirements to return into the United States. The deadline for Passports has been pushed back to June 2009. If you already have your passport, consider bringing it with you. It will expedite your entry back into the United States. As of January 31, 2008, adults 19 and older must have a photo ID and proof of  citizenship either by birth certificate (not issued by hospital), Certificate of Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization, or other documents approved by the Department of Homeland Security. People 18 and under are only required to present a birth certificate, or other documentation that proves their citizenship. It is recommended that you have your documents out and ready for presentation to the Customs Officers. Please don't have it packed away in your suitcase! Please visit either the Homeland Security website or Customs and Border Protection website for the most current and more detailed information.

Passports are required for air travel only beginning January 23, 2007. Passports will be required for land and sea travel between January 2008 and June 2009.

Calais Regional Hospital serves an area of about 40,000 inhabitants, and the area has a well-trained ambulance/transport service. There are numerous service organizations based in Calais, and churches of many denominations welcome visitors.

Whitlock Mills Lighthouse is the northeastern most lighthouse within the United States. It is situated on private property and owned and maintained by the St. Croix Historical Society. The Coast Guard maintains the light itself. It is best seen from the St. Croix River.

There are financial institutions, fine motels and excellent restaurants. A three-screen cinema shows the latest movies. Bed and breakfasts offer alternate accommodations, and there are many camping areas for the outdoor experience. Historic buildings can be found throughout the city, including the Calais Free Library, the Holmes Cottage and the "Gingerbread Houses."

Calais is the primary shopping center for eastern Washington County and Charlotte County, N.B. There is a wide variety of chain and independent stores, as well as antique and craft shops which enable the visitor to find that special item they've been searching for.

Join us each August as we celebrate the International Homecoming Festival. What started out as a 3-day event, has grown into a celebration that lasts a week and a half! This year the festival will be celebrated from August 3-12, 2007.

If hunting or fishing is your activity of choice, the St. Croix Valley offers plenty of opportunity for just that. Maine Guides are also available to help you succeed in your adventure. Visit www.maineguides.org for a complete listing of Maine Guides.