When individuals speak about visiting Atlantic Canada or the Maritime Provinces, what rapidly involves thoughts are the scenic seaside villages in Nova Scotia or the bucolic farms and pink sand seashores of Prince Edward Island.
To get to each of these, guests usually skip proper over New Brunswick, the Image Province, which received its nickname from its stunning shoreline. However I’m going to present you 4 highly effective causes NOT to skip New Brunswick, however somewhat plan a New Brunswick highway journey to discover this stunning province.
4 Causes to Go to New Brunswick, Canada
- New Brunswick is inexpensive! I’m undecided in case you have seen however within the final 12 months, resort costs have skyrocketed within the U.S. as pent-up demand and a need to recoup losses have led to some value gouging — and it isn’t like service has gotten any higher both. However New Brunswick, Canada is a really budget-friendly vacation spot. There are a variety of lodging choices within the funds to mid-range and, if you’re visiting from the U.S., the forex conversion additionally makes meals and actions cheaper.
- New Brunswick isn’t crowded. You probably have traveled to out of doors locations within the U.S. within the final two years, you’ve gotten most likely seen a growth in tourism in Nationwide Parks, State Parks, and different public areas as individuals have sought time within the nice open air. Whereas Canadians love their out of doors areas too, you don’t see the crowds that you will discover south of the border. It’s a pleasure to as soon as once more spend time in nature with out jostling for house or navigating crowded trails and parking heaps.
- New Brunswick is nearer than you suppose. If you happen to reside anyplace within the Northeastern U.S., New Brunswick is a superb highway journey vacation spot. You may observe my Maine coast highway journey itinerary (or my New York to Maine highway journey itinerary) and choose a spot to cease alongside the best way or drive straight via. Boston to St. Andrews close to the united statesA.-Canadian border is a lower than six-hour drive. What a reduction it’s to not need to cope with the present state of air journey! Canadians may also drive in from Quebec Metropolis (perhaps with a cease in Saguenay) or Montreal.
Nonetheless, in case you do need to fly, you may fly into Moncton, St. John, or Fredericton (the capital), however chances are high you have to to attach in Toronto or Montreal. - There may be a lot to do! After I first met with the representatives from the New Brunswick tourism board, I used to be so impressed by the breadth and depth of enjoyable actions in New Brunswick. Whether or not you’re visiting as a household with younger children or teenagers, as a pair, with a good friend, or simply on a solo highway journey like me, you will discover one thing to like in New Brunswick.
There are dramatic cliffs, the very best tides on this planet, delicate sand seashores with the warmest water on the East Coast north of the Carolinas, wineries, breweries, the Lobster Capital of the World, journey sports activities, forested wilderness, stunning nationwide and provincial parks, and funky small cities. Additionally, you will discover one-of-a-kind experiences like Ballet by the Ocean or tidal bore browsing.
So hopefully I’ve bought you on planning a visit to New Brunswick. Now I must inform you do it. I not too long ago spent 10 days exploring Southern New Brunswick as a visitor of New Brunswick Tourism to analysis this text and I’ve discovered lots and have lots to share (word: all opinions are my very own.)
New Brunswick Street Journey Itinerary
Observe: This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. If you happen to click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
New Brunswick is a reasonably large province and it’s actually greatest explored by automotive. I’d advocate that you just take every week to discover Southern New Brunswick. I’ve organized this New Brunswick highway journey itinerary assuming you’re driving from the USA and doing a loop via Southern New Brunswick.
Nonetheless, if you’re flying in, you may simply use this itinerary as a information and alter it to fulfill your schedule. I’d recommend flying into and out of Fredericton and nonetheless following this basic highway journey itinerary.
To offer you an outline, I’ve created a map utilizing Google My Maps that exhibits you the main stops alongside this New Brunswick highway journey.
Day 1: St. Andrews
If you cross the border in Calais, Maine, your first cease on the New Brunswick highway journey will likely be St. Andrews. You probably have time, cease briefly in St. Stephens as you cross the border. Do you know that St. Stephens is Canada’s “Chocolate City”?
On the Ganog Chocolate Store in St. Stephens, you may pattern old school chocolate varieties which were made there for the reason that mid-1800s. There may be additionally a Chocolate Museum within the outdated Ganong sweet manufacturing facility.
From St. Stephens, it is just a 30-minute drive right down to St. Andrews by-the-sea. This charming vacation city on the coast is a stunning place to spend an evening or two. I’d extremely advocate spending no less than one full day in St. Andrews.
St. Andrews is a great spot to go whale watching, with many choices from quick Zodiac boats to bigger catamarans. Choose one which greatest matches your schedule and elegance. For instance, select a Zodiac if you’d like the fun of velocity and the bigger boats if you’re vulnerable to seasickness.
The whale watching season begins in late June and you will notice the very best sightings from late July via September. Throughout my time in St. Andrews, I took a three-hour whale-watching cruise with Quoddy Hyperlink Marine. Regardless that it was early July, we nonetheless noticed a number of minke whales, seals, harbor porpoises, and even a finback whale throughout a ravishing day trip on the water.
After the cruise, spend a while strolling via the charming city, poking into the lovable boutiques, and seize lunch at one of many many seaside eating places. I had a stunning lunch on the shaded patio at The Gables restaurant.
You probably have extra time in St. Andrews, throughout the low tide of the Passamaquoddy Bay, you may drive throughout the ocean flooring to Ministers Island. For a lot of 1000’s of years, the island (Consquamcook) was the seasonal dwelling of the Peskotomuhkati indigenous individuals. Later, it was settled by Loyalists in search of a brand new starting and it was additionally the summer season property of the entrepreneurial industrialist, artist, and Canadian nation builder, Sir William Van Horne. Immediately, you may go to the property and stroll or bike alongside the carriage lanes, simply keep watch over the tide schedule to your return.
The place to remain in St. Andrews: The perfect place to remain is The Algonquin Resort, which is a part of Marriott’s Autograph Assortment. This historic resort additionally presents trendy conveniences like a golf course, effective eating, and even an indoor pool with a waterslide. It’s the sort of place the place you need to collect across the hearth pit at night time and watch the sundown or play garden video games earlier than taking a dip within the out of doors pool.
Day 2: St. Martins
On the second day of your New Brunswick highway journey, drive just below two hours to Saint Martins. You may at all times cease in Saint John on the best way for lunch if you’d like. This seaside city is small, however nonetheless a must-see due to the St. Martin Sea Caves. That is one other spot the place you’ll want to test the tide charts as a result of throughout low tide you may stroll out on the seashore and discover the ocean caves.
Throughout excessive tide, you may kayak round these identical sea caves with Bay of Fundy Adventures. There are additionally two coated bridges and a small harbor the place, throughout low tide, the boats sit on the ocean flooring.
If you get hungry, seize a bowl of seafood chowder at Seaside Restaurant or get pleasure from some fried clams or different seafood at The Caves restaurant overlooking the seashore. For effective eating, make a reservation at Periwinkles on the Seashore Avenue Inn.
The place to remain in St. Martins: The Seashore Avenue Inn in St. Martins is likely one of the nicest locations that I stayed at throughout my time in New Brunswick. There are 14 ensuite rooms or suites in the primary home and carriage home. Every is tastefully appointed to create a trendy retreat with trendy facilities and comforts.
Day 3: Drive the Fundy Path Parkway
Begin your subsequent day early and choose up a picnic lunch to carry in your drive alongside the scenic Fundy Path Parkway. Accomplished in mid-2020, the Fundy Path Parkway is nineteen miles lengthy and encompasses 2,559 hectares (6,323 acres) of land from the West Gate in St. Martins to the jap entrance in Sussex Nook. There are 21 scenic overlooks, 4 waterfalls, 5 seashores, and 22 miles of mountain climbing and biking trails alongside the Fundy Path Parkway. The Fundy Path mountain climbing path is additionally a part of two UNESCO-designated websites: the Fundy Biosphere Reserve and Stonehammer International Geopark.
I’ve written a separate weblog put up about some must-see locations alongside the Fundy Path Parkway together with some quick hikes to the “Grand Canyon of New Brunswick”, a swinging suspension bridge, a ravishing seashore, a waterfall, and plenty of beautiful scenic overlooks.
After you end driving the Fundy Path Parkway, use the newly accomplished connector highway via Fundy Nationwide Park to achieve your vacation spot for the night in Alma. You probably have time alongside the best way, you may cease for a hike or to get pleasure from a scenic view.
Alma is a really cute fishing and lobstering village with a handful of eating places, a brewery, a number of retailers, and a few motels. In case you are prepared for a drink, cease into Holy Whale, considered one of New Brunswick’s 50 craft breweries, based mostly in a former church constructing. I’m undecided you may go improper with a dinner choose, however I had scrumptious mussels at Tipsy Tail’s on the water. It was an ideal spot for watching the lobster boats return to the harbor and unload and to observe the sundown. Within the morning, cease into Kelly’s Bake Store for her well-known sticky buns.
The place to remain in Alma: the choices in Alma are restricted and fundamental funds motels, however effective for a brief keep. I’d advocate the Parkland Village Inn, which has a pleasant garden out again and in case you get an ocean view room, you may watch the boats come and go.
Day 4: Cape Enrage
In case you are prepared for an journey, spend your fourth day in New Brunswick at Cape Enrage. I’d advocate you name forward to search out out the occasions for the tides and see in case you can e-book a fossil tour and different adventures. It’s a scenic 20-30 minute drive from Alma to Cape Enrage and it’s a stunning drive on winding nation roads lined with wildflowers.
Alongside the best way, you may cease for a stroll on Waterside Seashore and Pebble Seashore. It’s $6.00 per grownup to enter and Cape Enrage is closed on Wednesdays. I’d extremely advocate calling upfront to see opening hours and talk about out there actions. Cape Enrage is dwelling to the oldest lighthouse on mainland New Brunswick.
Your entrance price additionally provides you entry to the rocky seashore, reached by climbing down a steep set of steel stairs. It is advisable to watch the tides, but when the tide is low sufficient you may stroll alongside the coast and be wowed by the dramatic cliffs. What you might not discover by yourself is that the seashore is plagued by fossils.
To be taught extra, you may e-book considered one of two fossil excursions. The 45-minute tour takes you onto the seashore and offers you a pleasant training into the geological historical past of the realm and the influence of the tides. The longer, two-hour tour additionally features a hike alongside the coast and must be performed throughout low tide.
Different non-compulsory actions are both ziplining or cliff rappeling. Since I’ve performed ziplining in lots of places, I wished to attempt one thing new so I signed as much as go rappeling. I’m not afraid of heights however I’m additionally not an enormous thrill seeker. Nonetheless, I assumed that I’d be effective however I used to be truly rather more nervous than anticipated as soon as I needed to step off that platform. You want a good stage of health and braveness, however it’s one thing value making an attempt — no less than as soon as!
There’s a cafe on property that serves fish and chips, seafood chowder, and different dishes, making it simple to spend a full day at Cape Enrage.
The place to remain: you actually have three choices after your day at Cape Enrage, you may backtrack to Alma and keep two nights on the Parkland Village Inn (however you have to to drive previous Cape Enrage to rise up to Hopewell Rocks the subsequent day), you may drive as much as Moncton and keep two or three nights there to keep away from an excessive amount of shifting round (however you have to to drive again to Hopewell Rocks the subsequent day), or you may keep one night time on the Hopewell Rocks Motel and Nation Inn. It’s a fundamental motel however it’s clear and has a pool and restaurant and is your best option in case you prioritize comfort.
Day 5: Hopewell Rocks
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is likely one of the most well-known sights in New Brunswick. Hopewell Rocks is just half-hour from Cape Enrage so you can technically do each of those points of interest in sooner or later, relying on what actions that you just need to take part in at every. Nonetheless, I do suppose it’s actually wonderful to see Hopewell Rocks at each excessive tide and low tide, so you actually need to plan on spending many of the day right here.
Hopewell Rocks is likely one of the greatest locations on the Bay of Fundy to expertise the facility of the tides. There are over twenty free-standing sea stacks alongside the 2 kilometers of shoreline, which you’ll be able to simply stroll alongside throughout low tide. After all it’s a very completely different expertise at excessive tide.
Many individuals like to go to first at excessive tide after which both return later, or have lunch or a picnic and discover the interpretative middle earlier than then going again at low tide. This provides you with an actual wow second to see the distinction that a number of hours make. However in actuality, it doesn’t matter what order you go to in so simply do what works greatest together with your schedule and the tide calendar.
It’s a 10-15 minute stroll to the primary entrance level to the coast down the steel stairs close to the Flower Pot rocks, or you may pay a small price to take a shuttle. The realm across the well-known Flower Pot Rocks can get crowded, however in case you stroll alongside the coast at low tide you may simply get away from individuals. Simply make sure you put on sturdy footwear that you just don’t thoughts getting soiled as the ocean flooring is kind of rocky and slippery with mud. Don’t fear, they do present a hose footbath to scrub off after.
A stroll alongside the coast will take you previous sea stacks resembling Elephant, Bear, Dinosaur, ET, and even Mom-in-Regulation. One other enjoyable solution to discover the shoreline is by kayak with Baymount Out of doors Adventures. I used to be scheduled to take an evening kayaking tour among the many sea stacks however sadly, the wind and present was too sturdy that night time so that they needed to cancel.
The place to remain: until you’re staying for the late night time kayaking tour, I’d advocate driving half-hour north to Moncton to remain in a single day at both the Delta Beausejour or the Residence Inn, each of that are Marriott properties which might be conveniently positioned in downtown Moncton. If you happen to would like to loosen up at a seashore for the subsequent day, you may drive a bit additional (about an hour from Hopewell Rocks) and keep on the Resort Shediac. Resort Shediac is a pleasant boutique, full-service resort that’s strolling distance to eating places in downtown Shediac and a brief drive to Parlee Seashore.
Day 6: Moncton or Shediac
Since you’re reaching the tip of your New Brunswick highway journey, you have to a bit of time to loosen up and there are two choices for you: 1) loosen up on the seashore; or 2) benefit from the thrills and chills or Magnetic Hill. I’d encourage you to spend an additional day and do each.
Moncton is known as the Hub Metropolis as a result of it’s a nice launching pad for day journeys across the space, together with the seashore cities alongside the Northumberland Strait. The Northumberland Strait has the warmest waters north of the Carolinas and as a New Englander, I concur. There are a selection of pretty seashore cities alongside the Acadian Coast, every with a barely completely different vibe however all are household pleasant.
Parlee Seashore is Shediac is beautiful with full amenities, huge stretches of sand that aren’t overcrowded, plentiful parking, and calm, clear water. Plus, you’re just some minutes drive to downtown Shediac, the Lobster Capital of the World, and residential of the Big Lobster sculpture.
Whereas there I extremely, extremely advocate reserving a Lobster Tales cruise with Shediac Bay Cruises. The 2-hour cruise leaves out of Pointe-du-Chêne wharf (which is a cute place to go to by itself) and is an absolute delight. Not like most sightseeing cruises, this journey is concerning the meals — significantly, the lobster.
Captain Ron entertains friends with tales from his 40 years of fishing expertise but additionally educates about conservation and, importantly, the easiest way to eat a complete lobster. Then, dinner is served and you place your newly-learned expertise to the take a look at. You’ll snigger lots and never go dwelling hungry!
In case you are on the lookout for one thing much more mellow, drive up the Acadian coast to the Irving Eco-Centre at La Dune de Bouchtouche. This middle was established to protect the 12 km sand dune that stretches throughout Bouctouche Bay. Along with the training middle, there’s lengthy, serpentine boardwalk that runs alongside the dunes, in addition to a forest path beside the salt marsh. This space is dwelling to the Nice Blue Heron, the Piping Plover and different wildlife.
Cap-Pelé is one other nice selection for a seashore day paired with beachside seafood. Plage Seashore at Parc de L’Aboiteau is the primary salt water seashore in Canada to obtain the Blue Flag Certification for its cleanliness and accessibility. Right here you will discover a stunning seashore, full amenities, a spacious seafood restaurant overlooking the water and even a craft beer taproom!
Don’t fear in case you aren’t visiting in the summertime otherwise you aren’t within the temper for a seashore day, Moncton presents lots to do for households or adults. Downtown Moncton is a enjoyable place to discover with tons of nice eating places and craft breweries. You can too benefit from the metropolis’s bike paths or try the tidal bore wave that rolls via city on the flip of the tide.
Nonetheless, most definitely you’ll want to head 15-20 minutes out of city to Magnetic Hill. This space was so-named due to a pure phenonemon that makes it seem {that a} automotive can roll backwards up hill. That’s a enjoyable factor to expertise, and afterwards households can get pleasure from a day at both the Magic Mountain Water Park or the Magnetic Hill Zoo.
These touring with out children may also get pleasure from Magnetic Hill, adopted by a go to to the Usva Spa Nordik. This Nordic spa presents a cold and hot thermal expertise and loads of house to loosen up. After a morning of leisure, I’d recommend reserving a tasting or a tour on the Magnetic Hill Vineyard subsequent door. Right here you may pattern every thing from fruit wines to dry reds at New Brunswick’s largest vineyard.
The place to remain: you’re in luck! You may keep in the identical place you stayed final night time and at last get an opportunity to settle in as an alternative of shifting each night time.
Day 7: Glamping or Fredericton
As your time in New Brunswick attracts to an in depth, it’s time to begin looping again in direction of the Maine border (or Fredericton in case you flew in.) The drive from Moncton to Fredericton is about two hours and a cease right here is one other solution to break up the journey dwelling.
Fredericton looks like a cool little capital metropolis however sadly I didn’t get to go to on this journey. As an alternative, I booked a two-night glamping keep at Glamp Camp, which is about half-hour from Fredericton. My preliminary plan was to take a day journey into Fredericton and spend the day both renting a kayak or aquabike on the river or exploring a number of the metropolis’s Taproom Path, because it is named Atlantic Canada’s Craft Beer Capital. Nonetheless, I used to be too drained from my journey and took the day to loosen up and have a little bit of a writing retreat.
New Brunswick presents a formidable vary of glamping choices and Glamp Camp in Waterborough opened in late 2019. There are 10 geodesic domes on property. Every dome is fully-equipped with an entire lavatory, small kitchen, a pellet range, and even air-con! The domes actually have the comforts of a resort room, however rather more enjoyable!
Outside, every dome has a propane grill, picnic desk, hearth ring, and a fire-heated sizzling tub. You may lease tandem bikes to discover the realm or kayaks that the workers will ship to the lake throughout the highway for you. I discovered it a enjoyable and memorable solution to finish my journey.
The place to remain: I completely liked glamping within the dome at Glamp Camp in Waterborough. Nonetheless, if glamping isn’t your factor, you can cease over in Fredericton on the Delta Resort Fredericton.
And that’s it — one week in New Brunswick goes rapidly and leaves you wanting extra. Don’t let this vacation spot move you by as it’s so uncommon to discover a place that provides a lot magnificence and journey that isn’t crowded with vacationers.
Regularly Requested Questions
How lengthy does it take to drive round New Brunswick?
It takes just below three hours to drive from the U.S.-Canadian border to the jap coast of New Brunswick. You may drive from the Bay of Fundy within the south to the border with Quebec to the north in roughly 4 hours, nonetheless, this New Brunswick highway journey itinerary focuses on journey in and round Southern New Brunswick.
What languages are spoken in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick is Canada’s solely official bilingual province and all indicators will likely be in each French and English. Along with French, additionally, you will hear the Acadian dialect, as New Brunswick is dwelling to the most important Acadian group in Canada.
What number of days do you want in New Brunswick?
How lengthy you spend in New Brunswick is dependent upon what you love to do and if you wish to give attention to only one area or journey round. For a correct New Brunswick highway journey, I’d recommend a minimal of 5 to seven days. If you happen to simply need to go to the Moncton space and take day journeys from the Hub Metropolis, three to 4 days would possibly suffice, however 5 can be greatest.
What’s the greatest time of 12 months to go to New Brunswick?
For a highway journey via Coastal New Brunswick, it’s best to go to within the late spring via the autumn. You can find that some lodging alongside the coast shut after Canadian Thanksgiving in October. That is additionally the very best time to take part in actions resembling kayaking within the Bay of Fundy. Different points of interest such because the Fundy Path Parkway usually are not open 12 months spherical.
Nonetheless, there’s lots to do in New Brunswick within the winter together with snowmobiling, canine sledding, searching, ice skating, ice fishing, and even snowboarding.
The place are the very best locations to see the Bay of Fundy tides?
The Bay of Fundy has the very best tides on this planet, ranging about 50 toes from low tide to excessive tide. There are various locations alongside the New Brunswick coast to look at this alteration of tides, however two locations, particularly, are particularly dramatic. Hopewell Rocks is probably the most well-known place to see the Bay of Fundy tides and stroll alongside the ocean flooring at low tide. The St. Martins Sea Caves additionally supply a dramatic backdrop for the change in tides.
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