Exploring New Brunswick: How Long To Stay?

New Brunswick, located in Eastern Canada, is a province with plenty of natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and cultural attractions. The number of days you should stay in New Brunswick depends on your interests and how thoroughly you want to explore the province. If you just want to see the major attractions, a week can provide a good overview. However, for a more in-depth experience, 10-14 days are ideal, allowing time to explore cities, visit national parks, and appreciate the Bay of Fundy's tides.

Driving across New Brunswick

New Brunswick has a unique rectangular shape, measuring about 300 km from west to east and 340 km from north to south. This means you can cross the province in any direction in less than 5 hours. The province's two largest cities, Saint John and Fredericton, are about 150 km apart, and the drive between them takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes at a steady speed of 80 km/h.

When driving across New Brunswick, it's recommended to refer to a map of provincial highways, which can be found on the New Brunswick government website. If you plan to take smaller highways, it's advisable to call ahead to ensure the route is passable. The province also closes certain highways for annual maintenance between October 15 and March 15, so check the NB roads before embarking on your journey during this period.

New Brunswick offers a range of scenic drives and attractions to explore. The Bay of Fundy, known for its dramatic tides, and the Fundy Footpath are definitely worth experiencing. The province also boasts cultural sites such as the historic town of Saint John and the vibrant city of Fredericton with its festivals and art galleries. Nature lovers will appreciate Kouchibouguac National Park, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy the charming coastal town of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea.

Remember to follow New Brunswick's strict seat belt and child car seat laws for your safety. If you're an international visitor, you can use your International Driver's Licence or foreign licence for up to six months before needing to obtain a local driver's licence. Keep in mind that breaking driving rules can result in losing your driving privileges, so it's important to familiarise yourself with the local regulations.

Best places to stay

New Brunswick is a province in eastern Canada with plenty of natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and cultural attractions. The largest cities are Saint John, Moncton, and the provincial capital, Fredericton.

Algonquin Resort St Andrews by-the-Sea

Located in the charming coastal town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea, the Algonquin Resort is a luxurious hotel that combines historic elegance with modern amenities. The hotel features a golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, spa services, and several dining options. The Algonquin is perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Fredericton

The Delta Hotels by Marriott Fredericton is a modern hotel located in the heart of Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a fitness centre, and an indoor pool. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring cultural attractions such as the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the Fredericton Playhouse.

Langmaid’s Island View Resort

Langmaid’s Island View Resort is a cozy family-run resort located on the shores of Lake George in New Brunswick. The resort features rustic cabins, a sandy beach, and plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking. This resort is perfect for families seeking a peaceful and relaxing holiday.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Moncton

The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Moncton is a modern hotel offering comfortable rooms, a fitness centre, and an indoor pool. The hotel is ideally located for exploring Moncton's cultural attractions, such as Magnetic Hill and the Moncton Museum.

Crowne Plaza Fredericton Lord Beaverbrook

The Crowne Plaza Fredericton Lord Beaverbrook is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Fredericton. The hotel features elegant rooms, a fitness centre, and several dining options. Its location is perfect for exploring the city's cultural attractions, including the Fredericton Region Museum and the Science East Science Centre.

Fundy Heights Bed and Breakfast

The Fundy Heights B&B is a charming bed and breakfast located in Saint John. The B&B features comfortable rooms, a full breakfast, and a peaceful garden. Its location is ideal for exploring nearby attractions, such as the Reversing Falls Rapids and the Irving Nature Park.

Hôtel Shediac

The Hôtel Shediac is a modern hotel located in Shediac, a town known for its beautiful beaches and seafood. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a fitness centre, and a restaurant serving local cuisine. It is ideally located for exploring nearby attractions, such as Parlee Beach Provincial Park and Shediac Bay Cruises.

Kouchibouguac Resort

The Kouchibouguac Resort is a peaceful retreat located in Kouchibouguac National Park, a protected area known for its diverse wildlife and ecosystems. The resort features comfortable cabins, a restaurant, and plenty of outdoor activities, including kayaking and hiking. This resort is perfect for nature lovers and families seeking an adventurous holiday.

Things to do

New Brunswick, located in Eastern Canada, is a province with plenty of natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and cultural attractions. Here are some things to do when visiting:

Explore the Outdoors

New Brunswick boasts impressive natural wonders, such as the Bay of Fundy, which is home to the world's highest tides. The Hopewell Rocks, located along the Bay of Fundy, offer a unique experience of both high and low tides, with scenic walking trails and lookouts. The Bay of Fundy also boasts the Fundy Trail Parkway, one of the last remaining coastal wilderness areas, featuring hiking trails, waterfalls, clifftop lookouts, and pristine beaches. For those who enjoy hiking and nature walks, the Irving Nature Park and Kouchibouguac National Park offer well-groomed and well-marked trails.

Immerse Yourself in History

Take a step back in time and explore the rich history of New Brunswick. Visit the Roosevelt Campobello International Park, which was once the summer home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. His 34-room cottage has been preserved as a museum, offering a glimpse into his early life. The Village historique acadien is a living museum portraying the daily lives of the Acadians from 1770 to 1949, with historic buildings, interpreters, and various services. The Saint John City Market, open year-round, offers a traditional "farmers market" experience with a wide range of goods, crafts, and local cuisine.

Discover Unique Attractions

New Brunswick is home to some unique and unusual attractions. In Nackawic, you'll find the largest axe on the planet, containing a time capsule. Shediac, the self-proclaimed "lobster capital of the world," boasts the World's Largest Lobster, a monster fiberglass crustacean. For a quirky experience, visit the world's longest covered bridge in Hartland or the Magnetic Hill in Moncton.

Indulge in Local Cuisine and Crafts

Taste the local cuisine, including the famous fish and chips at the Saint John City Market. New Brunswick also has the second-most craft breweries per capita in Canada, so be sure to sample some local brews.

Enjoy Cultural Events and Festivals

New Brunswick offers a vibrant cultural scene with festivals and events throughout the year. Enjoy the Buskers on the Bay festival, featuring street performers and entertainment. Le Pays de la Sagouine, inspired by Acadian heritage, offers festivals and musical performances during the summer.

How many days to stay

New Brunswick, a province in eastern Canada, is known for its natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and cultural attractions. The ideal number of days to stay in New Brunswick depends on your interests and the depth of exploration desired. Here are some recommendations to help you plan your trip:

1-3 Days:

If you are short on time but want to experience the highlights of New Brunswick, a long weekend or a 3-day trip can be sufficient. You can choose to stay in one central location and explore the surrounding areas. For example, you could stay in the capital city of Fredericton and visit nearby attractions such as the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the Fredericton Playhouse. Alternatively, you could base yourself in Moncton and explore the Magnetic Hill and the Moncton Museum.

1 Week:

A week-long trip will provide a more comprehensive overview of New Brunswick. This duration will allow you to visit the province's major cities, such as Fredericton and Saint John, and explore their cultural offerings. You can also take day trips to some of the nearby natural attractions, such as the Bay of Fundy and the Fundy Footpath.

10-14 Days:

For a more immersive and in-depth experience, consider spending 10-14 days in New Brunswick. This will give you ample time to discover the province's natural and cultural attractions at a relaxed pace. You can spend a few days in each of the larger cities, such as Fredericton and Saint John, and also explore smaller towns like St. Andrews by-the-Sea and Shediac. With this amount of time, you can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the province's beautiful beaches.

In conclusion, the ideal number of days to stay in New Brunswick depends on your preferences and travel style. Whether you choose a short weekend getaway, a week-long exploration, or an extended vacation, New Brunswick has something to offer for everyone. Remember to consider your transportation options and the distances between attractions when planning your itinerary.

Natural beauty and cultural attractions

New Brunswick is a province in Eastern Canada that boasts diverse natural beauty and cultural attractions. The Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world, is a must-see natural wonder. The Hopewell Rocks, unique rock formations carved by tidal erosion, offer a stunning visual spectacle. The Bay of Fundy can be explored through various activities such as walking the ocean floor, abseiling down cliffs, whale-watching excursions, and visiting nearby islands.

Fundy National Park provides an outdoor adventurer's paradise with miles of hiking trails, mountains, valleys, forests, waterfalls, and beautiful Bennett Lake. Roosevelt Campobello International Park, once the summer retreat of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, offers a glimpse into history with its acres of bogs, forests, shores, lighthouses, and whale-watching opportunities. Kingsbrae Garden, a 27-acre horticultural paradise, showcases over 50,000 perennials in themed gardens, along with a Dutch windmill, a cedar maze, and roaming alpacas.

The province also offers cultural attractions such as the historic sites of Saint John, including the Reversing Falls Rapids and the Saint John City Market, a traditional "farmers market" with a wide range of local goods and crafts. Fredericton, the capital, is home to cultural landmarks like the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the Fredericton Playhouse. The Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, one of the top community markets in Canada, offers fresh produce, ethnic foods, and local art.

For those seeking relaxation or adventure, New Brunswick presents a diverse range of natural wonders and cultural experiences that cater to all interests. Whether it's exploring dramatic coastlines, immersing in historical sites, or enjoying the vibrant festivals, New Brunswick has something for everyone.

Frequently asked questions