Travel Between Quebec And New Brunswick: What You Need To Know

Yes, you can travel from New Brunswick to Quebec by road, air, rail, or ferry. New Brunswick is linked to Quebec by road and air, and you can also travel by train or ferry between the two provinces. There are no identification requirements when crossing the border, and the trip can be completed in under a day.

A popular route is from Quebec City to New Brunswick, with stops in Rimouski, Caraquet, Miramichi, Saint-Louis, Shediac, Fundy National Park, and St. Andrews. Along the way, you can visit Bic National Park, the Acadian Historical Village, and the Pays de la Sagouine theatrical village. You can also go whale watching in St. Andrews and sea kayaking at Hopewell Rocks.

Travel by road, rail, or air

There are several ways to travel from New Brunswick to Quebec by road, rail, or air.

Travel by Road

The most common way to travel between New Brunswick and Quebec is by car. You can use your international driver's license or foreign license for up to six months, but after that, you will need a valid New Brunswick driver's license. The road distance between the two provinces is around 470 miles. The drive typically takes between 8 and 9 hours.

Travel by Rail

You can also travel between New Brunswick and Quebec by train. The journey takes between 14 and 25 hours and costs between $110 and $650. The train route between the two provinces offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean.

Travel by Air

Finally, you can fly between New Brunswick and Quebec. The flight time is around 3 to 5 hours, including transfers, and the cost is between $160 and $700. There are no direct flights, so you will have to connect through another city such as Montreal or Toronto.

Quarantine requirements

As of October 1, 2022, all COVID-19 travel and border measures have been removed in Canada. However, here is a summary of the quarantine requirements that were in place previously.

From September 24, 2020, New Brunswick imposed travel restrictions on residents of Quebec's southern Gaspe area, which had seen a rise in COVID-19 cases and was moved to the "pre-alert" stage of the government's COVID-19 alert system. Only residents of the Listuguj First Nation and Pointe-a-la-Croix, near Campbellton, New Brunswick, were permitted to make day trips into New Brunswick. Quebec's Avignon Municipal Regional County was the other region invited into the northern New Brunswick travel bubble, and its residents were allowed to enter the neighbouring New Brunswick community of Campbellton without having to self-isolate.

On the same day, the New Brunswick government decided to place border restrictions on Quebec's Temiscouata Municipal Regional County, which had previously been granted access to northern New Brunswick. Only residents travelling to Edmunston for medical appointments, approved work, or shared child custody were allowed to enter the Edmunston area without self-isolating.

On July 30, 2022, New Brunswick ended border restrictions for Canadians. As of June 7, 2021, anyone travelling from P.E.I., Newfoundland, or the Avignon and Témiscouata regions of Quebec could enter without self-isolation or testing requirements. As of July 1, 2021, these freedoms extended to anyone coming from Nova Scotia or those from elsewhere in Canada who had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Those without a dose had to isolate for five to seven days pending a negative test result.

As of February 14, 2022, Nova Scotia lifted all border restrictions for domestic travellers, and they no longer needed to isolate or complete a form upon arrival. Effective March 14, 2022, New Brunswick lifted the proof of vaccination requirement. As of March 12, 2022, Quebec ended its vaccination passport requirement.

International Travel:

As of November 8, 2021, the United States opened its borders to fully vaccinated travellers by air, land, or passenger ferry. Air travellers needed to show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of boarding their flight or a positive test taken within three months and a letter from a healthcare provider clearing them to travel. Non-essential travellers crossing by land border were required to show proof of vaccination or attest to their vaccination status but were not required to show a negative COVID-19 test.

For re-entry into New Brunswick, travellers needed proof of enrolment in the province's travel registration program, a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of arrival in Canada or a positive test taken between 14 and 180 days before arrival, and a quarantine plan if they did not meet the requirements of a fully vaccinated traveller. They also needed to upload proof of vaccination, quarantine information, and travel information up to 72 hours before entry into Canada via the ArriveCan app.

Domestic Travel:

As of March 2022, there were no preventive isolation measures for people arriving in Quebec from other Canadian provinces. However, non-essential travel was advised against.

As of March 2022, there were no restrictions on travel to Ontario from other provinces or territories.

Attractions in Quebec

Quebec is a province full of diverse landscapes, from historic cities to isolated Arctic tundra. Here are some of the top attractions in the province:

Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)

Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only remaining fortified city in North America. The city is surrounded by 4.6km of defensive ramparts, which form part of a larger defence system built between 1608 and 1871. Within these fortifications, you will find stunning architecture, including the Château Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world, and the Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec, the site of the first Catholic parish north of the Spanish colonies. Old Quebec is also home to the Petit Champlain District, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in North America, known for its cobblestone streets, boutiques, and restaurants.

Montmorency Falls Park

Montmorency Falls Park is home to the Montmorency Falls, which, at 272 feet, are one and a half times taller than Niagara Falls. The park offers stunning views of the falls from various vantage points, including a suspension bridge, a gondola, and hiking trails. Visitors can also choose to zipline across the falls or enjoy a meal at the elegant Manoir Montmorency.

Plains of Abraham

The Plains of Abraham is a large urban park and recreational area with a rich history. In 1759, it was the site of a pivotal battle between British and French troops, which led to the fall of Quebec City to the British. Today, it is a popular spot for cycling, picnicking, and winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

La Citadelle de Québec

La Citadelle de Québec is a star-shaped fortress located on Cap Diamant, overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Built in the 1800s to protect the city from an American invasion, it is now an active military post and the headquarters of Canada's Royal 22nd Regiment. The Citadel also houses a military museum and offers a daily Changing of the Guard ceremony during the summer months.

Musée de la Civilisation

The Musée de la Civilisation is one of the most-visited museums in Canada, attracting around 14 million visitors annually. It features exhibits on the history of Quebec, Aboriginal peoples, and global civilisations. The museum is located in the Vieux Port (Old Port) area of Quebec City and offers a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as interactive activities for all ages.

Jacques-Cartier National Park

Jacques-Cartier National Park is a vast and mountainous park located just outside Quebec City. It offers over 100km of hiking trails, as well as opportunities for camping, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The park is especially picturesque in the fall, with hillsides covered in vibrant autumn foliage.

Island of Orleans

The Island of Orleans is a short drive from Quebec City and is known for its farmers, food producers, and charming villages. Each of the six distinct villages on the island has its own unique character, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's rich agricultural and cultural heritage.

Attractions in New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a province in Eastern Canada with plenty of attractions for visitors. Here are some of the top places to visit and things to do during your trip:

Bay of Fundy and Fundy National Park

The Bay of Fundy is known for having the world's highest tides, which occur twice daily and can reach heights of up to 19 metres. Fundy National Park, a stretch of undeveloped coastline between Moncton and Saint John, offers hiking trails, cross-country skiing, and camping. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including Dickson Falls, Laverty Falls, and Third Vault Falls.

Hopewell Rocks

An iconic Canadian site, Hopewell Rocks features unique rock formations shaped by the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy. Visitors can walk on the ocean floor at low tide or kayak around the rocks when the tide comes in.

Saint John

The city of Saint John, the largest in New Brunswick, offers a variety of attractions. These include the Reversing Falls, where the Bay of Fundy's extreme tides collide with the Saint John River, creating a waterfall that flows upstream. Saint John is also home to historic sites such as the City Market, the oldest continuing farmers' market in Canada, and the Saint John Anglican Church, built in 1825.

Fredericton

Fredericton, the provincial capital, is home to the Garrison District, a former British garrison site that now hosts summer festivals, historical reenactments, and museums. The city also boasts the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, which features works by international artists, and the Boyce Farmers Market, one of Canada's top community markets.

Magnetic Hill

Located in Moncton, Magnetic Hill is a tourist attraction that plays tricks on the eye. When a car is placed in neutral and allowed to roll, it appears to move uphill due to an optical illusion caused by the surrounding landscape.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park

Campobello Island, accessible by ferry or bridge, is home to Roosevelt Campobello International Park. The park features the Roosevelt Cottage, a 34-room lodge where former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his family spent their summers.

Grand Manan Island

Grand Manan Island, accessible by ferry, is a tiny fishing community near the mouth of the Bay of Fundy. It is a popular spot for birdwatching, whale watching, and observing other aquatic life such as dolphins and seals.

Kings Landing

Kings Landing, located west of Fredericton, offers a unique museum and historical village experience. It showcases the history of rural New Brunswick, with interactive exhibits and costumed interpreters who demonstrate traditional skills and crafts.

St. Martins Sea Caves

The St. Martins Sea Caves, located near the town of St. Martins, were formed by the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy. Visitors can explore the caves at low tide or by kayak at high tide.

Village Historique Acadien

This museum village showcases the lives of the Acadians, French-speaking settlers who arrived in the region in the 1600s and 1700s. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional skills and crafts, and visitors can sample Acadian cuisine in the village restaurant.

Irving Nature Park

Irving Nature Park, located just outside Saint John, protects 600 acres of salt marsh, forests, and beach along the Bay of Fundy. It offers trails for observing birds and wildlife, as well as a Seal Observation Deck.

Cape Enrage

Cape Enrage is home to a tiny lighthouse dating back to 1838. It also features an outdoor activity centre where visitors can learn to rappel, zipline, rock climb, and kayak.

Travel costs

Driving

The road distance between New Brunswick and Quebec is approximately 472 miles (758 km), and the driving distance is about 537 miles (864 km) to 981 km. The driving option is generally the most cost-effective way to travel between the two provinces, with estimated costs ranging from $100 to $160 for fuel. The time taken for this journey is around 8 to 10 hours, so it is also a convenient option for those looking to travel at their own pace and make stops along the way.

Flying

Flying is the fastest way to travel between New Brunswick and Quebec, with a flight time of around 4 to 5 hours. The cost of flying varies depending on the origin and destination airports, as well as the time of booking and the season. Generally, flying can be more expensive than driving, with prices ranging from $160 to over $600 for a one-way trip. It is important to note that flying from Fredericton (YFC) to Quebec (YQB) tends to be more affordable, with prices starting at $160.

Bus and Train

Taking a bus or a train is another option for travelling between New Brunswick and Quebec. The bus journey takes around 14 to 15 hours and costs approximately $110 to $200. The train journey, including transfers, can take over 24 hours and cost upwards of $110. Combining the bus and train can be a more affordable option, with total costs ranging from $110 to $240, but it will also be the longest journey, taking over 14 hours.

Tour Packages

For a more comprehensive travel experience, there are tour packages available that include flights, accommodation, transportation, and admission to various attractions. These packages typically start from £2,895 to £4,020 per person for a 16-day trip, depending on the season, accommodation choices, and activities included.

When considering travel costs, it is important to factor in additional expenses such as food, beverages, and any entrance fees or activities that are not included in the chosen mode of transportation.

Frequently asked questions