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From hiking in pristine national parks and exploring cultural treasures in historic villages to relaxing on stunning shorelines, New Brunswick offers an impressive variety of experiences. Here’s an overview.
From the record-breaking tides of the Bay of Fundy and the warm-water beaches along the Acadian coast to vibrant festivals celebrating French heritage and breathtaking scenic landscapes, there’s no shortage of things to do in New Brunswick, which makes it the perfect destination for a Canadian vacation.
The Bay of Fundy offers one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena, with record tides of 12 metres and moving 100 billion tonnes of water twice a day. This millennia-old aquatic ballet has sculpted the famous Hopewell RocksThese sandstone formations, nicknamed “flowerpots”, offer an unparalleled experience. At low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor between these towering, four-storey rock pillars. Just a few hours later, you can kayak around these same formations, now surrounded by water.
Whether it’s whale watching, exploring the trails or taking a break on the sandy beaches, the Bay of Fundy and Hopewell Rocks offer a spectacular playground for lovers of the great outdoors.
Remember to reserve your Hopewell Rocks admission online to avoid queues and maximize your time on site!
Fundy National Park is more than just giant tides. It’s also a paradise for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. Over 120 km of trails lead you through mountains, waterfalls and old-growth forests. Our favourites? The Moose Trail is a 7-kilometre loop that takes just under two hours to complete and is perfect for families. More experienced hikers may prefer the Goose River Trail, which spans 18 kilometres and offers breathtaking ocean views. Don’t miss Cape Enrage, located along the scenic Fundy Coastal Drive.
The AllTrails app is an indispensable tool for any hiker. It shows all the trails in New Brunswick, and lets you get directions, preview your route and customize it.
New Brunswick is the perfect place for hiking. What’s next? Mount Carleton Provincial Park features 11 trails suitable for all skill levels. The highlight is undoubtedly the summit of Mount Carleton, which you can reach in just over three hours on a nine-kilometre hike with an elevation gain of 428 metres. If you’d rather take it easy, head to the north beaches of Nictau Lake or the east beaches of Bathurst Lake.
New Brunswick’s capital city is full of unexpected cultural richness. Fredericton is home to an impressive number of artistic institutions, including the renowned Beaverbrook Art Gallery. The Boyce Farmers Market, one of Canada’s most vibrant community markets, is also well worth a visit. More than 250 local vendors offer fresh produce, meats, cheeses, bread, and wine. For budget-conscious travellers, it’s the perfect place to put together an affordable picnic while discovering local crafts.
On Campobello Island, near Saint Andrews, Roosevelt-Campobello International Park transports visitors in the footsteps of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who spent his summers here. Enjoy the vast forests, marshes and shores with a memorable hike to the lighthouses, a seaside picnic or even a whale-watching outing.
Overlooking Grand Manan Island, Swallowtail Lighthouse Station is one of New Brunswick’s most iconic and photographed lighthouses. Built in 1860 and perfectly restored, it welcomes visitors as soon as they arrive by ferry. Take time to admire the panoramic view from the observation area, or climb the steep steps to the foot of the lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic coast. In summer, you can even climb to the top and explore the small adjoining museum.
Saint John, the largest city in the Maritimes, is well worth a day or two. Opt for an excursion on the Saint John River or a guided tour in a small group to capture the essence of this unique port city and stroll through its historic market, a must for lovers of local produce, then let yourself be surprised by the diversity of its coastal landscapes, museums and lively neighbourhoods.
Located just minutes from Saint John, Irving Nature Park spans over 240 hectares of protected land and features six distinct ecosystems, including marshes, forests, and coastline. It’s a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts! Eight marked trails, suitable for all levels, wind through the park and allow you to discover the region’s rich ecological diversity.
Also in southern New Brunswick, this charming coastal village not far from Saint John is home to one of Atlantic Canada’s botanical gems: the Kingsbrae Garden. Just a few kilometers from Saint John, this 27-acre horticultural masterpiece is a must-see for garden and nature lovers. Think about buying your tickets onlineThis is one of New Brunswick’s most popular venues!
It’s time to relax! The Bouctouche Dune is home to one of New Brunswick’s warmest beaches on the Acadian coast. Protected by an impressive 12-kilometre stretch of sand, it offers a unique seaside experience thanks to its temperate waters.
The Miramichi River is a must for anyone dreaming of an authentic outdoor experience. Famous for its fly fishing and Atlantic salmon, it draws anglers from around the world. But the Miramichi offers much more than just fishing! Paddle down the river by canoe or kayak, relax on a tubing excursion, or spot local wildlife on a scenic river cruise.
Located 80 kilometers northeast of Miramichi, this town on the Acadian Peninsula embodies New Brunswick’s francophone soul. With 95.4% of its population French-speaking, Tracadie-Sheila is the second largest French-speaking town in the province. The island’s beaches, friendly atmosphere and cultural events immerse us in its Acadian heritage.
This living museum authentically recreates the life of New Brunswick’s early French settlers in the 17th century. Costumed guides bring traditions, old trades, and artisanal skills to life across more than forty historic buildings. Enjoy musical performances, explore life in a traditional log house, and sample local specialties like molasses cake. This immersive journey into Acadian history will leave you with a deep appreciation for the resilience and vibrant culture of the Acadian people.
Every July, the charming coastal town of Shediac, the self-proclaimed Lobster Capital of the World, celebrates this delicious symbol with a vibrant festival. For several days, the streets come alive with over fifty activities, including tastings, culinary competitions, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy fresh lobster in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
In August, Caraquet comes alive with music and laughter during the Acadian Festival, the annual must-see event celebrating Acadian pride and joie de vivre. The lineup features renowned artists, a variety of performances, and family-friendly activities, all building up to the highlight: the famous Tintamarre on August 15. During this vibrant and noisy parade, the entire community gathers to showcase its cultural identity.
In September, Fredericton vibrates to the sound of the Harvest Music Festival, a must-see event for jazz, blues and contemporary music fans. Downtown stages light up with performances by international artists and emerging talents, creating unforgettable shows in an energetic atmosphere.
Whether you’re a seasoned music lover or just curious, this festival is a great opportunity to discover the New Brunswick music scene while enjoying the warm welcome of the capital.
To make the most of your stay in New Brunswick, choose hotels affiliated with the Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors loyalty programs. These programs allow you to earn points for every night you stay, redeemable for free nights.
Our favourite place? The prestigious The Algonquin resort St. Andrews by-the-sea, Autograph Collectiona true historical icon.
Here are some other recommended locations:
Marriott Hotels
Hilton Hotels
New Brunswick may be in Canada, but it’s still important to plan ahead before heading there for a few days.
The following two credit cards earn Marriott Bonvoy points directly:
These cards include a welcome bonus to help you earn points faster, a wide range of travel insurance and an annual annual Free Night Award certificate to stay at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel without paying.
If you’re not going to a Marriott hotel, there are also strategies for saving money by booking independent hotels.
Check to see if you have any points sitting idle in your favourite loyalty programs. AIR MILES miles, Scene+ points, TD Reward points or NBC Rewards points can help you cover the cost of your accommodations.
Many credit cards offer annual travel credits that can be applied to accommodation expenses, including the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card.
If you prefer Airbnb, you’ll need travel points to save on your booking. Among the best travel points programs, you could opt for American Express Membership Rewards or Scene+ points.
The best time to visit New Brunswick depends on what you’re looking for. In the summer, from June to September, you can enjoy warm-water beaches and a wide range of outdoor activities. Coastal resorts, festivals, and local markets are in full swing, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. In the fall, from late September to October, the province transforms with stunning autumn colours. It’s the perfect season to take in spectacular scenery, hike in national parks, or explore New Brunswick’s scenic drives for a vibrant road trip.
To reach New Brunswick from Quebec, there are two options:
Air Canada offers direct flights from Montreal and Quebec to New Brunswick’s main airports, including Moncton, Fredericton and Saint John.
On average, you’ll need around 18,000 Aeroplan points per person for a round-trip economy flight from Montreal. This is the fastest solution, ideal for those who want to save time or start their stay in the heart of the province.
Porter Airlines offers non-stop flights to New Brunswick from Ottawa and Toronto, with approximately 12,000 to 14,000 VIPorter points per person for a round-trip.
From Quebec City or Montreal, take the Trans-Canada Highway (A-20 then A-85) to Edmundston, the gateway to New Brunswick. It’s about a 7 to 8-hour drive from Montreal, depending on your final destination (and yes, New Brunswick is actually closer than the Gaspé Peninsula!).
The best way to visit New Brunswick is by car. Why? This way, you can easily explore charming small towns, secluded beaches, and national parks.
If you don’t have a car, use Discover Cars to rent one at the best price. It’s a handy comparison tool for finding the best deals.
New Brunswick reveals its magic to those who take the time to explore beyond the beaten path. This maritime province offers the perfect balance of spectacular natural adventures and authentic cultural immersion, all in a compact, accessible geographic setting. Pack your bags!
New Brunswick is full of family-friendly activities: explore the Hopewell Rocks at low tide, go hiking in the national parks, or relax on warm-water beaches like Bouctouche. Summer festivals, local markets, and interactive visits to the Acadian Village are sure to delight both kids and adults.
In five days, you can enjoy a mix of nature and culture: start with the Bay of Fundy and its famous tides, hike in Fundy National Park, then explore Saint John and the surrounding area. Southern New Brunswick is full of hidden gems!
In Moncton, visit the famous Magnetic Hill Park or the Resurgo Place Museum, stroll through the lively downtown area, and check out the regional market open every Saturday. You can also enjoy a variety of local shops, the riverfront park, and the region’s renowned beaches.
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