A neighbor to the northeast of Maine, New Brunswick is a Canadian province encompassing much of Acadia. It's dominated by the northern end of the Appalachian Mountain Range, and its roots are deeply entrenched in maritime history. From the Gulf of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world, to the hip city of Saint John, you'll never run out of things to do in New Brunswick.
The Hopewell Rocks and Fundy National Park are a couple of the most frequently-visited tourist attractions in NB, but they're just the tip of the iceberg. We're here to help you explore the cities, scenery and some of the best things to do in New Brunswick. We'll break it down by four of New Brunswick's most popular cities: Saint John, Moncton, Bathurst and Fredericton, and the best ways to experience each destination. Though the province is small, the possibilities here are vast.
Things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick Canada
Arguably one of the best cities on the Bay of Fundy, Saint John has a storied history. It factors into many sea shanties and voyaging songs, but even if that genre isn't exactly your jam, you'll find something to love about this hotbed of culture and history. Saint John might be New Brunswick's most hip city. You'll find excellent dining, hyper-local food and drink, and the perfect gateway to see the Gulf of Fundy and the Saint John River. These are among the most popular.
Saint John City Market
The Saint John City Market claims the title of Canada's oldest continuously-running farmer's market--quite impressive. But it's also one of the best farmer's markets in North America, depending on who you ask. This huge indoor market has it all: fresh meats, including seafood that doesn't get much fresher, an enticing array of fresh produce, the work of dozens of talented local artisans and some of the best coffee you'll ever drink. Food pop-ups serve up mouthwatering fare that would be equally at home in a fine dining establishment. It is open every day, all day, except Sunday, year-round.
See Reversing Falls
One of the best things to do in Saint John, New Brunswick is to see the reversing falls. The Bay of Fundy boasts the highest tides in the world; at low tide, you can walk miles on dry land to explore sea caves and incredible rock formations (like the famous Hopewell Rocks), and at high tide, the entire panorama changes as water fills in hundreds of acres of exposed shoreline. When the tide rushes in, the power of the flow is strong enough to reverse the direction of the Saint John River, creating rapids that careen raucously as the flow of the river is churned upstream. The best lookout point to view Reversing Falls is Fallsview Park, near the Reversing Falls Rapids Lookout Point. You can also get a higher-up view from the lovely Wolastoq Park.
Cruise Your Way Through the Region
Set sail on the high seas and experience the New Brunswick region via a cruise booked through AAA. Several cruise lines offer stops in Saint John, New Brunswick as part of their Canada/New England cruise itinerary. AAA Preferred Cruise Lines that currently offer stops in Saint John, New Brunswick include Azamara, Holland America, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Silversea and Viking Cruises. If peace of mind and ease of travel is a top priority for you, taking a cruise is one of the best things to do in New Brunswick, Canada to explore the region.
Experience the Outdoors at City Parks
Canada's provincial parks, much like American state parks, offer a gorgeous escape for nature lovers to get outside, breathe the clean forest air, and enjoy the spellbinding natural beauty that makes New Brunswick so remarkable. They're also a budget-friendly way to get out and experience the real New Brunswick! These are some of the loveliest provincial parks in the Saint John area:
- Manawagonish Island Nature Preserve: South of Saint John, this island/nature preserve is a favorite place to kayak and enjoy birdwatching from the shore.
- Irving Nature Park: This spot offers well-maintained hiking trails, rustic restrooms, and picnic tables. It's ideal for a short day hike to enjoy views of the coast.
- Rockwood Park: North of Saint John, Rockwood Park offers dense forests, lakes, trails, and excellent opportunities to fish, canoe and even to ice skate in the winter.
Whale Watching in the Bay of Fundy
The world's rarest whales, the North Atlantic Right Whales, were once hunted nearly to extinction. Thankfully, they're making a comeback--and you stand your best chance of seeing them in the Bay of Fundy.
The Best Things to do in Moncton, New Brunswick Canada
Moncton is New Brunswick's most populous city. It's chock-full of history, museums and opportunities to explore, and because it's not on the main tourist track, you won't encounter the same crowds that you do in Saint John or the nearby Prince Edward Island. Moncton is located in eastern New Brunswick along a bend in the Petitcodiac ("little chocolate") River. Here, you'll find that the people are friendly, the food is comforting, and there's quite a lot to see and do. Moncton itself offers plenty of excellent shopping and dining, natural beauty at Centennial Park, the Magnetic Hill Zoo and a Museum of Transportation, among other attractions. It's also a fantastic jumping-off point for day trips in eastern New Brunswick.
Kouchibouguac National Park
Kouchibouguac National Park is one of the most stunning national parks in Canada, offering year-round recreation opportunities from skiing and snowshoeing in the winter to canoeing and hiking in the summer. Moncton is a good jumping-off place for a day or two of exploring this area; it's just about a one-hour drive north of the city.
Hopewell Rocks
About an hour south of Moncton on the Bay of Fundy Coast, you'll encounter one of Moncton, New Brunswick's best things to do: the famed Hopewell Rocks. These unique rock formations are mesmerizing and during low tide, you can walk out to and around them. The surrounding area is home to fantastic shops, restaurants, bird watching, nature trails, lighthouses and quiet beaches, making the Hopewell Rocks the centerpiece of what could easily be a full day of exploring this secluded coastal area.
Le Pays de la Sagoine
An immersive cultural experience, Le Pays de la Sagoine offers presentations in English and French multiple times per day. Music, lights, artwork and a variety of types of shows showcase the culture and history of the Acadian people. This worthwhile day trip is one of the best things to do near Moncton, New Brunswick; it's located in Bouctouche, NB, about a 45-minute drive.
The Best Things to Do in Bathurst, New Brunswick Canada
Located in northern New Brunswick, the city of Bathurst is relatively small, with a population of 12,000 people. It overlooks the Nepisiguit Bay, and the life of the bay dominates much of the Bathurst cultural and dining scene. A gateway to northern New Brunswick, Bathurst offers a glimpse into the life of Acadia, and it's one of the best places to begin a coastal drive--arguably the best way to take in the scenery of the area.
Pabineau Falls
Just a short drive outside Bathurst, the iconic Pabineau Falls offers lovely views of the meandering river and falls. A place for seclusion and reflection, you won't encounter large crowds here--just easily-accessible falls, friendly trails, and stunning views.
Daly Point Nature Preserve
The Daly Point Nature Preserve is one of the best things to do in Bathurst, New Brunswick. The preserve boasts boardwalks and beautifully-maintained trails for exploring the bay's coastline. You'll find clean restrooms, plenty of signs and plaques pointing out unique flora and fauna and plenty of serenity.
Local Breweries
Like many smaller Canadian towns and cities, you'll find excellent food and local breweries interspersed with other activities, which often center on the natural world. A few of the favorite breweries in Bathurst include Four Rivers Brewing Company and Barrels Brewing Company, both of which offer exceptional local craft brews.
Things to do in Fredericton, New Brunswick Canada
New Brunswick's capital city, Fredericton offers cozy vibes, amenities and attractions, from museums to fine dining to attractions that bring thousands to the city each year. Fredericton is nestled along the Saint John River a little over an hour north of the City of Saint John. Fredericton is known for its 18th-century army garrison, which maintains a Changing of the Guard tradition every day. It's also home to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, countless small galleries, and a welcoming outdoor theater.
Beaverbrook Art Gallery
Beaverbrook Art Gallery has been around since its opening in 1959, and it offers one of Canada's best collections of British, Canadian, and First Nations Art. The gallery is beautiful and well-kept, with helpful staff and gorgeous works of art, both historical and contemporary.
Kings Landing Historic Settlement
A living history museum with compelling exhibits and fascinating history, Kings Landing Historic Settlement offers a glimpse into the life of the 19th century in rural New Brunswick. It's just a short drive west of Fredericton to reach Kings Landing, and you'll find plenty to catch your eye here, from hands-on interactive exhibits to horse-drawn wagon rides. Grab a meal at the on-site tavern for a taste of traditional food and drinks.
Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market
A quintessential Farmer's Market, this market takes place in the heart of Fredericton every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. You'll find fresh produce, of course, as well as local canned and baked goods, pop-ups by local restaurants and handmade items by local artisans. Though it's not as large as the Saint John's Farmer's Market, it's well worth a visit for its well-supplied vendors and welcoming atmosphere. Visiting the local farmer's market is a great way to immerse yourself in the city's culture and is certainly one of the best things to do in Fredericton, New Brunswick Canada.
Of course, these are just a handful of best the things to do and places to visit while you're visiting New Brunswick Canada. Many prefer to plan a road trip like a Fundy Coastal Scenic Drive or this jaunt along the Acadian Coast to get a feel for New Brunswick's rural roots and off-the-beaten-track attractions. No matter what approach you take: city or country, guided or self-guided, you'll find something to love in this secluded corner of Canada.
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