Leave Kingston around 7:30 AM for the roughly 4½–5-hour drive, allowing extra time for a border crossing and one short stop. Take NH Route 101 east toward I-95 North, continue through Maine, then follow Route 1 toward St. Andrews; the final stretch becomes increasingly coastal and scenic. Keep passports ready for the St. Stephen–Calais border crossing, and confirm your accommodation’s check-in and parking arrangements before departure—downtown St. Andrews parking is generally manageable, but summer spaces fill more quickly around the waterfront. After entering New Brunswick, pause for 20–30 minutes at Whiting Bay Lookout near St. George. It is a simple roadside coastal viewpoint, best treated as a leg stretch rather than a full hike; watch for traffic when rejoining Route 1.
Continue to Katy’s Cove Coffee Shop on Water Street in St. Andrews for coffee and a light lunch in a relaxed waterfront setting. Plan on about C$10–20 per person and roughly 45 minutes; hours can vary seasonally, so check the day’s schedule before relying on it for lunch. From there, drive or walk to the Huntsman Marine Science Centre on Prince of Wales Street—it is a short local transfer, though walking takes longer and is less appealing in hot weather. Allow about 1½ hours for the hands-on exhibits and local ocean research displays, with admission commonly around C$15–30. Continue along Prince of Wales Street to Kingsbrae Garden, where two unhurried hours fit nicely: wander the landscaped gardens, sculptures, and plant collections rather than trying to see every corner. Expect roughly C$15–25 admission, and wear comfortable shoes; some paths are uneven and the garden is much more enjoyable without rushing.
Finish back in central St. Andrews with an easy walk along Water Street and St. Andrews Harbour. The compact waterfront is ideal for a relaxed first evening—browse the historic streets, watch boats in the harbor, and settle in for sunset views without adding another scheduled attraction. Allow about 45 minutes, longer if the light is good. Temperatures can drop near the water even in August, so bring a light layer; after the drive and garden visit, this gentle harbor walk is a better finale than another long outing.