New Brunswick: Canada’s Hidden Gem

Contributed by Guild Member Marcy Barnes, Explore New Brunswick

New Brunswick is an adventurer’s paradise, a place where the natural beauty of pristine coastlines, rolling sand dunes, and breathtaking landscapes come together with rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. Whether seeking outdoor thrills, historic sites, or a taste of authentic cuisine, this province is a destination that blends vibrant cities with charming seaside villages, inviting visitors to explore its welcoming nature.

From the awe-inspiring Bay of Fundy to Acadian cultural experiences and creative urban hubs, here’s how to experience the best of New Brunswick.

Tides, Islands & Coastal Wonders: Experience the Bay of Fundy

No trip to New Brunswick is complete without experiencing the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides. Twice each day, these dramatic tides rise to the height of a four-story building, creating a breathtaking marine phenomenon found nowhere else on Earth.

One of the most awe-inspiring sights along the Bay of Fundy is the Hopewell Rocks, where 160 billion tons of seawater flow in and out each day. Over millions of years, this powerful tidal force has sculpted the rocks into towering, otherworldly formations. At high tide, visitors can kayak around these majestic pillars, gliding between them as they rise from the sea. Just six hours later, low tide reveals the ocean floor, inviting guests to walk among the base of the rocks and experience the dramatic transformation from an entirely new perspective.

Further along the coast, the charming town of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea beckons with its pedestrian-friendly downtown, colorful shops, and bustling wharf. A stay at the historic Algonquin Resort, one of Canada’s Grand Railway Hotels, offers a touch of luxury. Nearby, Kingsbrae Garden showcases beautifully themed gardens and sculptures, while a visit to Ministers Island allows travelers to drive across the ocean floor at low tide to explore the former home of railway baron William Van Horne. For those craving an island escape, the Fundy Isles offer stunning landscapes and authentic maritime charm. Grand Manan Island is a haven for rugged cliffs, lighthouses, and abundant marine life, while Campobello Island invites visitors to explore the historic Roosevelt Campobello International Park. Meanwhile, Deer Island offers a peaceful retreat with sweeping coastal vistas, vibrant artisan studios, and sea kayaking adventures.

New Brunswick is also a whale watcher’s dream, home to more than a dozen whale species, including humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, and the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Whale-watching excursions from St. Andrews, Grand Manan, or Campobello Island provide an unforgettable experience as these majestic creatures breach and glide through the waters. For a different kind of adventure, sport fishing in St. Andrews offers an exhilarating way to experience the Atlantic Ocean.

Wild Vistas & Scenic Escapes: National Parks and Coastal Drives

A must-visit for nature lovers, Fundy Trail Provincial Park features a stunning 30-kilometer (19-mile) coastal parkway that winds along the dramatic cliffs of the Bay of Fundy, offering breathtaking views and countless opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty. Carved from one of the last remaining stretches of coastal wilderness between Florida and Labrador, the park offers spectacular viewpoints, scenic hiking trails, and cascading waterfalls that showcase the untouched beauty of the Bay of Fundy region.

Nearby, the charming village of St. Martins is renowned for its iconic Sea Caves, which can be explored on foot at low tide or by kayak during high tide for a truly unique perspective. Just a short journey away, Fundy National Park offers another natural wonder, with over 120 kilometers (74.5 miles) of hiking trails winding through lush Acadian forests, pristine lakes, and cascading waterfalls — a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Venturing north, Mount Carleton Provincial Park is home to the highest peak in the Maritime provinces. With 11 diverse trails, ranging from gentle walks to challenging mountain hikes, visitors are rewarded with stunning panoramic views, where on a clear day, up to 10 million trees are visible, stretching across the horizon.

For travelers craving a coastal road trip, the Acadian Coast offers a stunning 750-kilometer (466-mile) drive that celebrates New Brunswick’s vibrant Acadian culture and features the warmest sandy beaches in Canada. Along the way, travelers can stop in Shediac — proudly known as the ‘Lobster Capital of the World’ — as well as the charming communities of Bouctouche, Miramichi, and the scenic Acadian Peninsula. A standout destination on this route is Kouchibouguac National Park, where visitors can explore golden sand dunes, discover rich Mi’kmaq and Acadian heritage, and gaze at star-filled skies in one of Canada’s designated Dark-Sky Preserves.

A Living Heritage: Acadian, Indigenous, and Colonial Traditions

New Brunswick’s rich history comes to life through its Indigenous, Acadian, and British influences, showcased in immersive cultural experiences across the province. At Village Historique Acadien, visitors are transported through 200 years of Acadian heritage, with costumed interpreters bringing the past to life in historic buildings. In Bouctouche, the theatrical Acadian village Pays de la Sagouine celebrates Acadian culture through vibrant music, storytelling, and live performances.

For an English colonial experience, Kings Landing near Fredericton provides an interactive 19th-century village experience, complete with period-costumed characters, heritage buildings, and hands-on activities. Visitors can enjoy a hearty meal at the King’s Head Inn, featuring traditional New Brunswick cuisine.

The province is also home to vibrant festivals, including the Tintamarre in Caraquet on Acadian Day, August 15th. This annual Acadian celebration fills the streets with music, costumes, and a joyous spirit, offering visitors a firsthand experience of Acadian “joie de vivre.”

From Lobster to Local Brews: A Taste of New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a food lover’s paradise, celebrated for its incredibly fresh seafood — from succulent oysters to world-famous lobster. Culinary experiences span from casual beachside fish and chips to elegant gourmet meals in scenic riverside bistros. Complementing the cuisine is the province’s thriving craft beer, cider, and wine scene, offering visitors a true taste of New Brunswick’s rich local flavors and creative spirit.

Urban Charm: Culture, Food & Festivals in New Brunswick’s Cities

Fredericton

Fredericton, New Brunswick’s capital, is a hub of culture and creativity. The award-winning Harvest Music Festival in September transforms the city with world-class musicians, street performers, and culinary delights. The Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, one of Canada’s top 10 markets, offers a lively Saturday morning experience with local produce, crafts, and international foods. Art lovers will enjoy the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, housing a stunning collection of Canadian and international masterpieces. And for craft beer lovers, Fredericton boasts the highest number of breweries per capita in the Maritimes.

Saint John

Saint John, Canada’s first incorporated city, seamlessly blends historic charm with vibrant urban energy. At the heart of the city lies the Saint John City Market — the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in Canada — where visitors can sample local delicacies and explore unique artisan crafts. Just beyond the city streets, the Reversing Falls Rapids offer a stunning natural spectacle, where the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy collide with the Saint John River, creating a mesmerizing display of churning waters and reversing currents.

Moncton

Moncton, known as the ‘Hub City,’ serves as a gateway to many of New Brunswick’s top attractions. One of its most intriguing natural phenomena is the Tidal Bore, where the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy reverse the flow of the Petitcodiac River. Visitors can enjoy tastings of award-winning local wines at Magnetic Hill Winery and explore a thriving culinary scene that blends modern Acadian flavors with global cuisine. Just a short drive away, the town of Shediac delights with its annual Lobster Festival — a lively celebration of seafood, music, and maritime heritage.

Plan Your Adventure

From awe-inspiring natural wonders and exhilarating outdoor adventures to rich cultural experiences and mouthwatering cuisine, New Brunswick truly offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re exploring rugged coastlines, immersing yourself in vibrant Acadian heritage, or savoring the freshest seafood, this hidden gem is waiting to be uncovered.