Swimming In New Brunswick's Natural Wonders

New Brunswick, Canada, is a haven for water lovers, offering a range of swimming spots from serene natural environments to unique ecosystems. The province boasts Canada's warmest saltwater beaches on the Acadian Coast at Parlee Beach, attracting around one million visitors annually. For those seeking freshwater alternatives, there's Grand Lake, the largest open body of water in the province, along with numerous rivers and tributaries for recreational water use. Adventurous souls can explore the Bay of Fundy, home to the world's highest tides, or venture to various waterfalls, such as Moosehorn Falls and Raggedy Ass Falls, for a dip in their pools. With clean water and well-maintained facilities, New Brunswick presents an array of swimming options to suit every taste.

Swimming in New Brunswick's saltwater beaches

New Brunswick is a water lover's dream. While the oceans that surround Canada can make for a cold swim, New Brunswick is home to several warm saltwater beaches. In fact, the province boasts Canada's warmest saltwater beaches on the Acadian Coast at Parlee Beach, which welcomes approximately one million visitors each year.

If you're looking for a scenic swim in clean waters, then look no further than New Brunswick's saltwater beaches. The province has two beaches that have been certified with 'blue flag' awards, recognising their high environmental, safety, and cleanliness standards. These beaches are Aboiteau Beach and Parlee Beach Provincial Park.

Aboiteau Beach is located along the shores of the Northumberland Strait and is perfect for swimming on a hot summer day. The beach is surrounded by marshland, and tourists are encouraged to walk along the 2.5km trail through the marshes to the beach. Aboiteau Beach is also wheelchair accessible.

Parlee Beach Provincial Park is a summer tourist hotspot, nestled along the Northumberland Strait. Parlee Beach has some of the warmest swimming waters in the Strait and features a variety of sporting activities throughout the summer. The beach also offers picnic areas, a restaurant, a canteen, and a playground for kids.

In addition to these two award-winning beaches, there are several other saltwater beaches in New Brunswick that are worth mentioning.

Katy's Cove in St. Andrews is a supervised sandy beach offering picturesque views of Passamaquoddy Bay. It's a great spot for swimming, volleyball, sandcastles, and other summer activities.

New River Beach Provincial Park is another excellent option for saltwater swimming. The park offers an expansive, sandy beach at low tide, as well as tidal pools where you can wade and search for crabs, periwinkles, whelks, and starfish.

Murray Beach, part of Murray Beach Provincial Park, is located along the beautiful Northumberland Strait coastline. Visitors can enjoy the warm saltwater and take in the vistas of the world-famous Confederation Bridge. Throughout the summer, there are plenty of activities to enjoy at the beach and nearby, including sea kayaking, exploring lighthouses and historic sites, and attending farmer's markets and festivals.

So, if you're looking for a saltwater swim in New Brunswick, you have several excellent options to choose from! Each beach offers its own unique features and attractions, so you can find the perfect spot for your needs and interests.

Swimming in New Brunswick's freshwater lakes and rivers

New Brunswick, one of Canada's Maritime Provinces, is a water lover's dream. While the province is known for its saltwater beaches, it also offers plenty of freshwater lakes and rivers for swimming and other recreational activities. Here are some spots to consider:

Grand Lake

Grand Lake, located east of Fredericton, is the largest open body of water in New Brunswick. The lake's beaches offer boat ramps and camping grounds, as well as cabins for longer stays. It is a great spot for swimming and other water activities while enjoying the serene natural environment.

Saint John River

The Saint John River is one of the major river systems in New Brunswick and is known for its tributaries, such as the Madawaska River, Tobique River, and Nashwaak River. The river empties into the Bay of Fundy, and the high tides often cause the river to flow upstream, a phenomenon known as the Reversing Falls in Saint John. The Saint John River is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and other water activities. However, it is always essential to check local conditions and be cautious of strong currents.

Miramichi River

The Miramichi River is another significant river system in New Brunswick, with two main branches: the Southwest Miramichi River and the Northwest Miramichi River. It is renowned for its salmon pools and parks, making it a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The river flows into Miramichi Bay, and its tributaries offer areas for recreational water use.

Other Freshwater Spots

In addition to Grand Lake and the Saint John and Miramichi rivers, New Brunswick has several other freshwater locations ideal for swimming and recreation:

• Mactaquac Provincial Park: Located near Fredericton, this park offers cliff jumping into deep water at Mactaquac Lake (St. Johns River). It is important to exercise caution when jumping into the water.
• Laverty Falls: Located in Fundy National Park, Laverty Falls features a trail that leads to unspoiled falls with swimming at the bottom. The area also has several natural rocky swimming holes.
• Moosehorn Falls: Found in Fundy National Park, Moosehorn Falls features small waterfalls and pools carved from granite slabs by the stream.
• Raggedy Ass Falls: This set of four waterfalls in the woods near Wirral has deep pools cut into slanted rock plates. The largest pool is about 20 feet wide and deep enough that one visitor couldn't touch the bottom.
• Coac Falls: Coac Falls in Upper Queensbury has a deep pool perfect for swimming, and the surrounding rock formations are interesting to explore.
• Sheephouse Falls: Located in the woods north of Miramichi City, Sheephouse Falls features a large, gravel-bottomed pool at its base. It is quite deep and offers the unique experience of walking behind the waterfall.
• Howland Falls: Accessible from Route 105 west of Mactaquac Provincial Park, Howland Falls features a deep ravine with a pool at the bottom suitable for swimming.

Swimming in New Brunswick's waterfalls

New Brunswick is a water lover's dream. While the province offers several warm, saltwater beaches, it is also home to numerous waterfalls. Here is a detailed guide to swimming in New Brunswick's waterfalls:

Laverty Falls

Located in Fundy National Park, Laverty Falls offers an unspoiled experience with swimming available at the bottom. The length and difficulty of the hike to the falls are unknown, but it is a great option for those seeking a more adventurous journey. Continuing past Laverty Falls, there are also several opportunities to swim in large, natural rocky swimming holes.

Seymour Stream Waterfalls

In Fredericton, near the Nashwaak River, lies a series of waterfalls on Seymour Stream. These waterfalls provide a unique experience, resembling a mini Niagara Falls. Visitors can lounge and wade in the knee-deep stream, being cautious of the current. For a more relaxing option, there is an entrance behind the waterfall where one can sit and enjoy the cool moss. Tubes are also available for rent nearby.

Moosehorn Pools

The Moosehorn Trail at Fundy National Park is another excellent option for waterfall enthusiasts. The trail begins at Laverty Falls and follows the Laverty Stream, where the stream bed transforms into rock, creating numerous small waterfalls and pools. The variety of pools ensures that visitors won't get bored, with one circular pool even resembling a hot tub.

Raggedy Ass Falls

Raggedy Ass Falls, located in the woods near Wirral, is a set of four waterfalls with deep pools. The pools are cut into the slanted rock plates, with the bottom waterfall featuring a pool at least 10 feet deep and 20 feet wide. The smaller falls above form a deep V shape, providing a unique swimming experience.

Coac Falls

Coac Falls, situated in Upper Queensbury, boasts a deep pool perfect for taking a dip. The rock formations that create the stair-step effect of the large waterfall are fascinating to explore. Crayfish can also be spotted in the area, adding to the overall experience.

Sheephouse Falls

Sheephouse Falls, located in the woods north of Miramichi City, offers a large, gravel-bottomed pool at the base of the falls. The waterfall is easily accessible, making it a great spot to spend a hot summer day. Visitors can even walk behind the waterfall for a unique perspective.

Howland Falls

Howland Falls is conveniently accessible from Route 105, west of Mactaquac Provincial Park near Fredericton. A short walk over a steep hill leads to a deep ravine with a waterfall. The pool at the bottom, reaching a depth of about five feet, is large enough for a refreshing swim, especially during the hot summer months.

In addition to these waterfalls, New Brunswick offers a range of other swimming spots, from saltwater beaches to freshwater lakes and rivers. The province truly caters to those seeking aquatic adventures and provides a diverse range of options to explore and enjoy.

Swimming in New Brunswick's tidal pools

New Brunswick is a water lover's dream. While the Canadian province is known for its cold ocean waters, it is also home to several warm, saltwater beaches. The province boasts Canada's warmest saltwater beaches on the Acadian Coast at Parlee Beach, which welcomes approximately one million visitors each year.

New Brunswick's beaches offer serene natural environments and unique ecosystems. The Hopewell Rocks in the Bay of Fundy offer a unique experience. At low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor and explore the tidal pools that form along the coastline. As the tide rises, you can kayak or swim in the same area. The Bay of Fundy is known for having the world's highest tides, so be sure to check the tide charts before planning your visit.

Hopewell Rocks, Bay of Fundy

The Hopewell Rocks in the Bay of Fundy offer a unique experience. At low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor and explore the tidal pools that form along the coastline. As the tide rises, you can kayak or swim in the same area. The Bay of Fundy is known for having the world's highest tides, so be sure to check the tide charts before planning your visit.

Fundy National Park

Fundy National Park, located on the north shore of the Bay of Fundy, offers several opportunities for swimming in tidal pools. The Laverty Falls Trail leads to unspoiled falls with swimming at the bottom. Continuing past Laverty Falls, you will find several large natural rocky swimming holes. The Moosehorn Trail, which starts at Laverty Falls, also offers access to numerous small waterfalls and pools formed by the Laverty Stream.

Parlee Beach

Parlee Beach, located in Pointe-du-Chêne, is a popular tourist destination known for its warm swimming waters. The beach features a large, supervised swimming area and a variety of sporting activities. It has also undergone improvements in recent years to ensure water quality and safety. Parlee Beach is one of New Brunswick's busiest beach destinations during the summer.

Mactaquac Provincial Park

Mactaquac Provincial Park, located near Fredericton, offers two unique swimming experiences. The Mactaquac Cliffs provide an unofficial spot for cliff jumping into deep water. Bathing suits are required, and there are no facilities or fees, but visitors should exercise caution. The Mactaquac Coves, on the other hand, offer secluded coves for lake swimming. While there are also no facilities or fees, swimmers should be careful as there are no lifeguards on duty.

In addition to these spots, there are numerous other beaches and swimming holes in New Brunswick that offer tidal pools and scenic swimming experiences. Remember to always check local conditions and water quality before swimming, and follow any posted rules and regulations.

Swimming in New Brunswick's cleanest beaches

New Brunswick is a water lover's dream, with warm saltwater beaches and freshwater lakes and rivers to enjoy. The province is home to Canada's warmest saltwater beaches, with the warmest waters north of Virginia, on the Acadian Coast at Parlee Beach.

If you're looking for clean beaches with excellent water quality, two New Brunswick beaches were certified with 'blue flag' awards in 2023: Parlee Beach Provincial Park and Aboiteau Beach. These awards recognise beaches that meet high environmental, safety, and cleanliness standards. Parlee Beach is a popular tourist destination with warm waters and a large, supervised swimming area. Aboiteau Beach, located along the shores of the Northumberland Strait, has cooler waters perfect for swimming on a hot summer day. It is also wheelchair accessible.

Other clean beaches in New Brunswick include:

• New River Beach Provincial Park, located on the Bay of Fundy, offers private sites for dining and bug tents.
• Plage Youghall Beach is a perfect spot to take a dip in the water, stroll, or have a picnic.
• Meenan's Cove Beach is a beautiful sandy beach in a treed cove with a west-facing view.
• Escuminac Beach and Family Park is an off-the-beaten-path gem with basic facilities and reasonable admission.
• Dominion Park Beach is a unique beach nestled in a cove on the St. John River, with warm waters and a picturesque landscape of cliffs and trees.
• La Plage de Grande-Anse is a nice beach for kids, with good sand for playing and a tidal range for exploring.
• Beresford Municipal Beach Park is a quiet, magical spot with a dog section separated from the swimming area.
• Gondola Point Beach is a neighbourhood beach with a dog park, offering access to the water for dogs and swimmers.
• Herring Cove Beach, located near the town of Saint John, has a massive tidal range and is accessible via a man-made staircase.

In addition to saltwater beaches, New Brunswick also offers freshwater swimming options. Grand Lake, east of Fredericton, is the largest open body of water in the province, with beaches offering boat ramps and camping grounds. The Saint John and Miramichi rivers and their tributaries provide areas for recreational water use, although it's essential to check local conditions to avoid strong currents.

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