New Brunswick: Beach Proximity

New Brunswick in Canada has over fifty saltwater and freshwater beaches to choose from. If you're looking for stunning coastal scenery, head to Dennis Beach in the sheltered Bay of Fundy, or try Parlee Beach, which has relatively warm, sheltered waters and is a certified Blue Flag Beach. If you're in the US, you might be thinking of North Brunswick in New Jersey, which has several beaches within a 150-mile radius, including Broad Beach, just 14.94 miles away.

New Brunswick's best beaches

New Brunswick has over fifty saltwater and freshwater beaches to choose from, so narrowing down the best ones is no easy task! Here are some of the top contenders for New Brunswick's best beaches:

Parlee Beach Provincial Park

Said to be the best beach in New Brunswick, Parlee Beach is located in Pointe-du-Chêne and is open daily. It has a fee to enter, and lifeguards on duty during the summer months to ensure safe swimming. It also has all the essentials, such as toilets, showers, a restaurant, and a playground. Parlee Beach is a certified Blue Flag Beach, awarded in 2020, and is known for having the warmest saltwater in Canada.

Dennis Beach

Dennis Beach is a stretch of sand that goes for just over 1km in the sheltered Bay of Fundy. It offers stunning coastal scenery and is close to the town of Waterside. Visitors can enjoy rock pooling, kayaking, and swimming in the clean but chilly waters. There is also a 7km trail nearby for those who fancy some hiking and nature spotting.

Dune de Bouctouche

Located on Route 475, the Dune de Bouctouche is a secluded area with a 12km-long dune, one of the longest on North America's East Coast. The name comes from the native Mi'kmaq word meaning "Great little harbour", referring to the nearby town of Bouctouche. The dunes and golden sandy beach are home to many birds and plants, including some endangered species.

Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park

Also known as Flowerpot Rocks due to its natural pinnacles and arches, Hopewell Rocks is located in a provincial park within the Bay of Fundy at Hopewell Cape. At low tide, a two-kilometre beach appears on what was once the ocean floor, providing access to around 20 wave-formed stacks via a wheelchair-accessible ramp.

Mispec Beach

Located 15 minutes southeast of the town of Saint John, Mispec Beach is one of the best beaches in New Brunswick. It overlooks the chilly waters of the Bay of Fundy and has some of the highest tides in the world, with a massive tidal range of around 43 feet (13 metres). It can get crowded during the summer months, but it offers stunning views and plenty of golden sand.

South Kouchibouguac Dune

The South Kouchibouguac Dune lies to the south of the Kouchibouguac River estuary, where it empties into the Northumberland Strait. It is located in Kouchibouguac National Park on the east coast of New Brunswick. This dune is an offshore island or sand spit connected to the mainland by a boardwalk/footbridge.

Closest beaches to North Brunswick, New Jersey

There are several beaches near North Brunswick, New Jersey, that are perfect for a day trip or a quick swim. Here is a list of some of the closest beaches:

Broad Beach

Located in Monmouth, New Jersey, Broad Beach is the closest beach to North Brunswick, approximately 14.94 miles away. While it is a short distance from North Brunswick, it is important to note that this beach is reported to be quite small, measuring only 0.028 miles in length.

Cliffwood Beach Waterfront Park

Cliffwood Beach is a hidden gem located just 0.86 miles from Broad Beach. It is described as a small, isolated beach with a children's playground nearby, making it ideal for families.

Cedar Grove Beach

Cedar Grove Beach is another option for a beach day. While the exact distance from North Brunswick is not provided, it is listed as one of the closest beaches to the area. Visitors have noted that it can get quite packed, but it is still possible to have a pleasant experience.

Ocean Grove Beach

Ocean Grove Beach is a popular spot for those looking to chill and relax with family and friends. It is a short distance from North Brunswick and offers a pleasant beach experience.

Asbury Park Boardwalk

Asbury Park Boardwalk is a beach that requires an entry fee; however, it offers free admission for military personnel with valid IDs. It is a good option for those looking to enjoy the beach and the boardwalk amenities.

In addition to these beaches, there are a few other places in North Brunswick where you can take a dip or enjoy water-related activities:

• Captain Carlsen Park
• Cheesequake State Park
• Middletown Sports Complex

North Carolina's Brunswick Islands

The Brunswick Islands comprise about five barrier islands, including Ocean Isle Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach, Bald Head Island, and Sunset Beach, offering 45 miles of broad, sweeping, and uncrowded beaches. The islands are known for their family-friendly atmosphere, with activities such as lighthouse climbs, sea turtle walks, and golf courses.

One of the highlights of the Brunswick Islands is the variety of water activities available. With access to both the wilder ocean and the gentler sound area, visitors can enjoy surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing. The Intracoastal Waterway, a favourite Inter-coastal Waterway, connects the islands and offers endless opportunities for exploration.

In addition to its natural attractions, the Brunswick Islands region also incorporates communities on the mainland, such as Shallotte and Leland. The area is known for its delicious Calabash-style seafood and is considered "North Carolina's Golf Coast," with more than thirty championship golf courses.

The best time to visit the Brunswick Islands is during the fall, when the temperatures are still warm, the ocean water is inviting, and the sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking. This season also offers fewer crowds and more affordable prices, making it the perfect time for a relaxing beach vacation.

Whether you're seeking pristine beaches, outdoor adventures, or a taste of local seafood, North Carolina's Brunswick Islands offer a diverse range of experiences that will create lasting memories for you and your family.

New Brunswick's black sand beaches

New Brunswick, Canada, is known for its natural beauty, from its snowy winters to its stunning coastline. With over 50 saltwater and freshwater beaches to choose from, it's a great place to soak up the sun, sea and sand.

One of the most unique beaches in New Brunswick is Black Beach in Lorneville, located minutes outside of Saint John. This beach stands out for its distinctive black sand, a result of graphite deposits in the area. Black sand beaches are a rare find in this part of the world and are more commonly associated with volcanic activity in places like Iceland, Hawaii and the South Pacific.

The beach is situated along the Musquash Estuary, a biologically diverse area that is home to a variety of bird, fish and wildlife species. The estuary is the last fully functioning estuary in the Bay of Fundy and is protected by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC).

Black Beach offers a unique visual experience with its dark sand contrasting against the blue waters of the bay. It is easily accessible by road and has a good-sized parking lot for visitors. While there are no facilities at the beach, it is a great spot to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The beach is also dog-friendly, so your furry friends can join in on the fun.

For those looking to explore more of the area, there are hiking trails nearby, including the Black Beach Loop, part of the Musquash Estuary, and the Split Rock Trail, which offers a longer hike of around 9km. These trails provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region and discover hidden gems along the way.

Another notable beach in New Brunswick is Parlee Beach, which has been recognised as one of North America's finest beaches. With its warm saltwater and Blue Flag International Eco-Certification, Parlee Beach offers a great mix of relaxation and activities, including supervised swimming and daily sports. The beach is located in Pointe-du-Chêne and has all the essential amenities, making it a popular choice for families.

Whether you're seeking unique natural wonders like Black Beach or popular spots like Parlee Beach, New Brunswick has a diverse range of coastal destinations to explore and enjoy.

New Brunswick's beaches with coastal scenery

New Brunswick, Canada, is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its beaches. With over fifty saltwater and freshwater beaches, there is a lot of choices when it comes to soaking up the sun, sea and sand.

Dennis Beach

Dennis Beach is a stretch of sand that goes for just over 1km in the sheltered Bay of Fundy. It is known for its stunning coastal scenery and is close to the town of Waterside and the Hopewell Rocks. Visitors can enjoy walking along the edge of the surf, rock pooling, kayaking and swimming in the clean but chilly waters. There is also a 7km trail nearby for hiking and nature spotting.

Parlee Beach

Parlee Beach is a popular beach located in Pointe-du-Chêne. It has a fee for entry and is open daily with lifeguards on duty during the summer. It has all the essential amenities, including toilets, showers, a restaurant, picnic area and a playground. Parlee Beach is said to have the warmest saltwater in Canada and holds a Blue Flag International Eco-Certification.

Dune de Bouctouche

Located on Route 475, the Dune de Bouctouche is a remote and uncrowded beach. The name comes from the native Mi'kmaq word meaning "Great little harbour", referring to the nearby town of Bouctouche. Stretching for 12km, it is one of the longest dunes on North America's East Coast and is home to many birds and plants.

Mispec Beach

Mispec Beach is located 15 minutes southeast of the town of Saint John and is known for being crowded during the summer. It overlooks the chilly waters of the Bay of Fundy and has some of the highest tides in the world, with a tidal range of around 43 feet (13 metres).

Kouchibouguac Dunes

The Kouchibouguac Dunes are located in Kouchibouguac National Park on the east coast of New Brunswick. The South Dune lies to the south of the Kouchibouguac River estuary, while the North Dune stretches for 25km to the north. The word "Kouchibouguac" in Mi'kmaq means "River of long tides". Both dunes are offshore islands or sand spits connected to the mainland by a boardwalk/footbridge.

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