Overview

New Brunswick is one of Canada’s hidden gems — a bilingual maritime province offering rugged coastlines, friendly small towns, lush forests, and the world’s highest tides. With a strong Acadian, English, and Indigenous heritage, the province is perfect for road trippers, nature lovers, and culture seekers. From Hopewell Rocks and whale watching in the Bay of Fundy to charming cities like Saint John and Fredericton, New Brunswick invites you to discover a more peaceful, authentic side of Atlantic Canada.

  • Capital: Fredericton
  • Largest City: Moncton
  • Other Major Cities: Saint John, Bathurst, Edmundston, Miramichi
  • Population: ~820,000 (2024 est.)
  • Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (UTC−4) / ADT (Daylight Saving)
  • Climate: Humid continental — cold winters, warm summers, and coastal breezes

Top Destinations in New Brunswick

Hopewell Rocks & Bay of Fundy

Walk on the ocean floor at low tide and kayak around flowerpot-shaped sea stacks during high tide — a world-class natural wonder.

Fundy National Park

A natural playground of waterfalls, hiking trails, rivers, and coastline — perfect for camping and outdoor adventures.

Saint John

Canada’s oldest incorporated city, known for its historic waterfront, reversing falls, and the vibrant uptown core.

Fredericton

The provincial capital is a charming riverside city with a thriving arts scene, heritage buildings, and laid-back vibe.

Moncton

A lively bilingual hub near top attractions like Magnetic Hill and the Bay of Fundy, with a great culinary and music scene.

Must-See Attractions

  • Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park – Famous for its massive rock formations carved by the Fundy tides
  • Reversing Falls Rapids (Saint John) – A tidal phenomenon where the river appears to flow backwards
  • Kings Landing (near Fredericton) – A living history museum depicting 19th-century New Brunswick life
  • Magnetic Hill (Moncton) – An optical illusion that makes cars appear to roll uphill
  • Kouchibouguac National Park – Beaches, bogs, and Mi’kmaq heritage along the Acadian Coast

Things to Do

  • Hike or bike coastal trails in Fundy or Kouchibouguac National Parks
  • Experience Acadian culture in Caraquet or Shediac (home of the world’s largest lobster!)
  • Watch whales and seabirds on a boat tour from the Bay of Fundy
  • Stroll Saint John’s Market – the oldest continuously operated farmer’s market in Canada
  • Paddleboard or kayak on the Saint John or Miramichi rivers

Getting There & Around

Airports

  • Fredericton (YFC), Moncton (YQM), Saint John (YSJ), and regional airports

Transport

  • Rental cars are ideal for exploring scenic drives and coastal routes
  • Intercity buses connect major towns
  • Public transit available in Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John
  • Ferries to Campobello Island, Deer Island, and Grand Manan

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Ideal for beaches, outdoor activities, and festivals
  • Fall (Sep–Oct): Spectacular foliage, harvest season, and cooler hiking weather
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and cozy village escapes
  • Spring (Mar–May): Waterfalls at full flow and the return of migratory birds

Local Food & Culture

  • Cuisine: A delicious mix of Acadian, Indigenous, and British influences
  • Specialties: Lobster rolls, fiddleheads, seafood chowder, dulse (seaweed snack), and Acadian meat pies
  • Markets: Saint John City Market, Boyce Farmers’ Market (Fredericton), Dieppe Market
  • Events:
    • Acadian Festival (Caraquet) – A vibrant celebration of Acadian heritage
    • Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival (Fredericton)
    • Shediac Lobster Festival
    • Miramichi Folksong Festival
  • Languages: New Brunswick is officially bilingual (English and French)

Souvenirs from New Brunswick

  • Locally harvested dulse and sea salt
  • Acadian-themed crafts and flags
  • Handmade soaps and candles from coastal towns
  • Maple products and seafood preserves
  • Lobster-themed souvenirs and ceramics

Fun Facts

  • The Bay of Fundy sees tides up to 16 meters (52 feet) — the highest in the world
  • New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province
  • The Saint John River is one of the longest in eastern North America
  • Campobello Island is where Franklin D. Roosevelt had his summer home
  • The province has more than 60 lighthouses, many still in operation

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Fundy Coast Adventure

  • Day 1: Explore Moncton – Magnetic Hill + lobster dinner in Shediac
  • Day 2: Hopewell Rocks + Fundy National Park hiking
  • Day 3: Drive to Saint John – market visit + reversing falls

5-Day Acadian & Coastal Culture Road Trip

  • Day 1: Fredericton – walking tour, craft breweries, riverside dining
  • Day 2: Kings Landing + scenic drive to Saint John
  • Day 3: Fundy trail + overnight in Alma or St. Martins
  • Day 4: Drive to Caraquet – explore Acadian Village
  • Day 5: Relax at Kouchibouguac National Park or ferry to Grand Manan

Cities

  • Fredericton