To the point
With New Brunswick reopening to the rest of Canada, we can't wait to get to the Bay of Fundy and its warm water beaches.
Destination: New Brunswick
Entry requirements for New Brunswick
A must: New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy
Tides at Hopewell Rocks Park
The Fundy Trail in New Brunswick
The Bay of Fundy Tidal Bore
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Destination: New Brunswick
This is it! The Maritime Province of New Brunswick is opening up to visitors. The Bay of Fundy and the warm water beaches of the Acadian seashore will of course be in the spotlight. No kidding, the water here is warmer than Old Orchard in the United States. In fact, it can go up to 28 degrees Celsius.
This article details some of the must-see places in this province. I had the pleasure of going there a few years ago.
Entry requirements for New Brunswick
There are two conditions that must be met to ensure entry into New Brunswick:
- Anyone over 12 years of age must have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Evidence of this must also be presented. Naturally, the youngest are exempt from all conditions.
- Register in advance (at least one week before departure). Otherwise, there is a risk of being turned away at the border.
A must: New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy
Tides at Hopewell Rocks Park
The region is known for its tides ranging from 10 to 14 meters. While the average tide in the world is limited to one meter or less. They are in fact the biggest tides in the world.
You can get there from Hopewell Rocks Park.
This is where the region’s emblematic icons can be seen. You know those huge rocks they call “flowerpots”?
Park fees are $14/adult and $8 for people aged 5 to 18. You even have the right to come back the next day. That waym you can get the change to observe both tides.
On foot or by kayak
At low tide, you can walk around it for 2 kilometres. Put on your rain boots or water sandals, because you’ll have the unique chance to discover a sea bed. However, be sure to plan your trip carefully as the tide comes in fast and deep. You can plan your visit according to the tide table.
At high tide, many take advantage of a guided or autonomous kayak excursion.
Impressive phenomenon in New Brunswick, isn’t it?
The Fundy Trail in New Brunswick
Whether you bike, walk or drive, the Bay of Fundy Scenic Drive is a MUST SEE. It stretches for about thirty kilometres.
Several lookouts along the way provide access to nearly twenty trails and superb viewpoints. There is also a suspension bridge, waterfalls, streams and stairs that lead to uncrowded beaches. The one in Long Beach stretches for a kilometre at low tide. Bring your own picnic!
The Bay of Fundy Tidal Bore
Next, I’d like to suggest checking out another uncommon natural phenomenon. I’m talkin about where the tide and the river meet, which is called the tidal bore.
Every day, the powerful Bay of Fundy tide pushes the flow of the St. John River in the opposite direction, creating rapids. Waves and whirlpools can be seen at their best from the Reversing Falls Bridge (200 Bridge Road).
But if you want to see a larger tidal bore, to the point where you can ride the wave, you’ll have to go to the Petitcodiac River in Acadia.
The warm water beaches of Acadia, New Brunswick
Il n’y a à peine que 90 minutes en voiture qui séparent les villes de Saint John et Moncton au Nouveau-Brunswick.
Il vous sera donc possible de profiter des attraits de ces deux villes, en plus de ceux de la Baie de Fundy et des plages à eaux chaudes du littoral acadien.
Pensons-y. L’eau salée pour se baigner est la plus chaude de tout le Canada, voire même du Nord de la Virginie. Prêts à oublier la côte Est américaine ?
Why is the water warmer?
Do you know why the water is so warm on the saltwater beaches of the Acadian Peninsula?
- This is because the sea is shallow in front of the strait where they are located (Northumberland).
- In addition, the warm “Golfstream” marine current that arrives from Florida reaches this level.
That’s it. I now recommend 5 warm water beaches. There are others of course, but these are my favourites in New Brunswick
New Brunswick's Top 4 Warm Water Beaches
Here are the most beautiful warm water beaches in New Brunswick:
I live in the Village of Cap-Pelé (15 minutes from Shediac) and I would venture to say that the Aboiteau Beach is the #1 of all. Blue Flag certification (environmental), Restaurant à la dune and CAVOK Brewing Co. on the terraces. Very relaxed and there is beach for miles and miles.
Francois Richard
- Miscou Island Beach : beautiful and wild, it is accessible to people with reduced mobility thanks to a footbridge. Families with young children will also appreciate its warm and shallow water. Toilets and showers on site and… dogs are allowed.
- Parlee Beach : 20 minutes from Moncton, this beach is located in Parlee Provincial Park. Therefore, there is a $13 fee per car to park there. It is considered one of the most beautiful and warmest in North America but is very crowded. The beach is supervised, there are many activities and a campsite is nearby.
- Bouctouche Dune Beach: Here you can enjoy 12 km of beach on the large dune of the Northumberland Strait. A wooden footbridge over 2 km allows you to explore the fauna and flora. This avoids trampling on the wilderness and salt marshes, which remain protected.
Well-kept secrets: 2 other beaches
Finally, here are two other lesser-known beaches for lovers of wide open spaces.
- The Parc-de-l’île-aux-foins: Access to this small island is via a bridge. And its beach would be among the best kept secrets of Acadia. Families will be delighted as the park offers a playground, a lighthouse and interpretation panels.
- Murray Beach is located in the provincial park of the same name. This is another unsupervised and lesser known beach. The water is warm and there are beautiful shells. Finally, the icing on the cake is the magnificent Confederation Bridge in the distance, linking New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island.
Conclusion
As Quebec goes green and our neighbouring provinces open up again, let’s take advantage of the end of the lockdown by exploring them. In a few months we should be able to leave the country again and give tourists from outside the country a chance to come and discover Canada.
Check out our other articles for inspiration:
Questions
What to do in New Brunswick
Le Nouveau-Brunswick est réputé pour ses marées impressionnantes dans la Baie de Fundy. On y séjourne pour observer ce phénomène mais aussi pour marcher sur l’un des nombreux sentiers qui partent de la voie panoramique de Fundy. La ville de Saint John a aussi beaucoup à offrir. Enfin, on y séjourne pour profiter des plages à eaux chaudes de la péninsule acadienne.
How long can I stay in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick is rich in activities. Hiking, boat trips, kayaking, etc. There’s plenty to do. Several small towns are also worth discovering, not to mention the fish and lobsters to be tasted. We advise you to stay at least 5 to 7 days in order to make the most of it.
How do I get to New Brunswick?
The New Brunswick border is about a 6 hour drive from Montreal. We can reach Moncton in 9 hours. If your time is limited, Air Canada flies to Fredericton or Moncton.
Crédit Photo de Couverture: Tango7174
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