New Brunswick is one of Canada’s beautiful maritime provinces located on the east coast. With its rugged coastlines, historic cities, Acadian culture, and abundant natural beauty, New Brunswick has plenty to offer visitors. This complete guide covers the top things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and tips for planning your New Brunswick vacation.
Key Highlights
- Stunning coastline and beaches along the Bay of Fundy
- Iconic sites like the Hopewell Rocks and Fundy National Park
- Whale watching and ocean adventures
- Historic Loyalist and Acadian settlements
- Dynamic cities like Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton
- Islands like Grand Manan and Campobello
- Maritime culture and seafood
When to Visit
- Summer (June-August) for warm weather and festivals
- Fall (September-October) for foliage and fewer crowds
- Spring (May) to see whale arrivals
Getting Around
Having a car is ideal for exploring smaller coastal and inland areas. Other options:
- Rent a car at major airports
- Use Maritime Bus services between cities
- Fly into Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton or Bathurst airports
Top Attractions and Things To Do
Explore the Spectacular Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is famous for having the highest tides in the world. These epic tides have carved an incredible coastline, with spots like the Hopewell Rocks showcasing unique rock formations. Don’t miss:
- Hopewell Rocks – Walk on the ocean floor at low tide to see flowerpot rocks and sea stacks up close.
- Fundy National Park – Hike coastal trails and see tidal action shape the landscape.
- St. Martins Sea Caves – Walk into carved sandstone caves at low tide.
- Cape Enrage – See steep cliffs and explore tidal zones.
- Alma – Visit beautiful waterfalls like Dickson Falls near the bay.
Go Whale Watching
The Bay of Fundy is one of the best places to go whale watching. Between June and October, species like humpback, minke, finback, and endangered North Atlantic right whales feed in the bay. Top spots:
- St. Andrews – Take a whale watch cruise to see these gentle giants up close.
- Campobello Island – Look for whales while visiting Roosevelt’s historic summer home.
- Grand Manan Island – Spot whales and puffins on tours from this picturesque island.
See the Iconic Reversing Falls
The famous Reversing Falls in Saint John occur when the rising Fundy tides cause the St. John River to temporarily reverse. For the best views, go to:
- Reversing Falls Bridge
- Fallsview Park
- Skywalk – An observation platform with a see-through floor!
Visit Picture-Perfect Grand Manan Island
Accessible only by ferry, Grand Manan Island is a quintessential maritime village getaway. Highlights include:
- Swallowtail Lighthouse
- Whale and bird watching
- Hiking to the western cliffs
- Local artisans and studios
- Fresh lobster and seafood
Retrace Loyalist and Acadian History
Two influential settler groups shaped New Brunswick’s history and culture:
- Loyalists – Visit the Loyalist Hub in Saint John and King’s Landing settlement.
- Acadians – Explore Acadian coastal villages and historical sites like the Village Historique Acadien.
See the Iconic Covered Bridges
New Brunswick has 58 historic covered bridges dotted throughout the countryside, along with the longest covered bridge in the world at Hartland. Top picks:
- Hartland Covered Bridge
- Powers Creek Covered Bridge
- Irish River Covered Bridge
- Hammond River Covered Bridge
Relax at Parlee Beach
Parlee Beach near Shediac has warm waters and sandy beaches perfect for swimming, sunshine, and relaxation. Nearby, don’t miss the world’s largest lobster statue!
Go Sea Kayaking
Paddle along the dramatic Fundy coastline on guided sea kayaking tours. Top spots include:
- St. Andrews – Paddle out to offshore islands and caves.
- Deer Island – Explore coves and coastal scenery.
- Mactaquac Provincial Park – Kayak on the wide St. John River.
Explore Saint John and Fredericton
New Brunswick’s two largest cities both have great historical and cultural attractions.
In Saint John, highlights include:
- The Loyalist Quarter’s Victorian architecture
- Reversing Falls
- City Market
- Irving Nature Park
In Fredericton, top sights include:
- Historic Garrison District
- Beaverbrook Art Gallery
- Science East interactive science museum
- Boyce Farmers Market
Spend a Day in Moncton
Notable Moncton attractions include:
- Magnetic Hill Zoo
- Tidal bore on the Petitcodiac River
- Resurgo Place rooftop viewing platform
- Treitz Haus Museum for Acadian History
Go Camping, Hiking, and Exploring Outdoors
With over 22 provincial parks, nature is always close by. Top spots:
- Fundy National Park
- Kouchibouguac National Park
- Sugarloaf Provincial Park
- Mactaquac Provincial Park
- Mount Carleton Provincial Park – Highest peak in the Maritimes.
Where to Stay in New Brunswick
Saint John
- Luxury: The Hilton Saint John
- Mid-Range: Homeport Inn and Suites
- Budget: Stoke’s Motel Saint John
Fredericton
- Luxury: Crowne Plaza Fredericton
- Mid-Range: Best Western Plus Fredericton Hotel & Suites
- Budget: Carriage House Inn
Moncton
- Luxury: Crowne Plaza Moncton Downtown
- Mid-Range: Residence Inn by Marriott Moncton
- Budget: Auberge au Bois Dormant Inn
Near Fundy National Park
- Luxury: Fairmont Algonquin Resort, St. Andrews
- Mid-Range: Maple Leaf Motel & Cottages, St. Andrews
- Budget: Fundy Highlands Motel & Chalets, Alma
Campobello Island
- B&B: The Owen House
- Inn: Tripp House Inn
- Camping: Anchorage Provincial Park Campground
Tips for Visiting New Brunswick
- Summer is the best time to visit for warm weather, but fall offers beautiful foliage.
- Rent a car to properly explore the province’s scenic coastal routes and inland areas.
- Bring layers and rain gear – the weather can be unpredictable.
- Try local specialities like fiddleheads, dulse seaweed, maple products, and lobster rolls.
- Don’t just stick to cities – visit small coastal towns and villages.
- Leave time to slow down and chat with locals – East Coast hospitality abounds!
Conclusion
With jaw-dropping natural scenery, rich history and culture, and no shortage of outdoor activities, New Brunswick is an incredible Canadian destination. Use this guide to help plan your perfect New Brunswick itinerary and make the most of this beautiful maritime province. The welcoming Acadian and Loyalist settlements, whales and wildlife, Fundy tides, and inspiring landscapes never cease to amaze. Experience it all for yourself on your next East Coast Canadian adventure!
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