Quebec City To New Brunswick: Travel Options

There are several ways to get from Quebec City to New Brunswick, Canada. The best option depends on your budget and time constraints. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by plane, which takes around 5 hours including transfers and costs between $160 and $600. Alternatively, you can take a bus or train, which takes around 15 hours and costs between $110 and $240. Driving is another option, with the total distance being around 374 miles or 602 kilometres. This will take you approximately 8 hours and is the most affordable option, costing between $100 and $160.

Driving from Quebec City to New Brunswick

One option is to take the bypass that avoids Montreal by crossing to the south shore of the St. Lawrence River before you reach the city. This route helps you avoid the worst of the Montreal traffic. You can then continue on to Fredericton, Saint John, or Moncton, all of which are doable options for a stopover.

If you're looking for a more scenic route, consider driving along the St. Lawrence River to Rivière-du-Loup or even further to Edmundston, NB. This option offers a more leisurely pace and the chance to explore quaint towns and natural wonders. From Quebec City, follow the river northeast to Montmorency Falls, just 20 minutes away. Continue along the river to Canyon Saint-Anne, a natural wonder with waterfalls and suspension bridges. Then, cross to Île d'Orléans, an island known for its wine, cider, cheese, and picturesque farms.

From there, you can continue on to New Brunswick, where you'll find even more natural beauty and charming towns. Some must-see stops in New Brunswick include the Bay of Fundy, famous for its high tides, and the Hopewell Rocks. For outdoor enthusiasts, Fundy National Park offers pristine forests, streams, lakes, and waterfalls, as well as the chance to spot caribou and beavers. The Atlantic coast of New Brunswick is also a must-visit, known for its lighthouses, bird sanctuaries, and, of course, delicious lobster.

Whether you're looking for a direct route or a more scenic journey, driving from Quebec City to New Brunswick is a fantastic way to explore Eastern Canada and discover the region's natural beauty, charming towns, and delicious cuisine.

Flying from Quebec City to New Brunswick

Flying is the quickest way to get from Quebec City to New Brunswick, taking around 5 hours and 4 minutes, including transfers. The distance between the two locations is 214 miles, and the road distance is 471.9 miles.

There is no direct flight from Quebec Airport to Fredericton Airport. The quickest flight takes 3 hours and 6 minutes and has one stopover. The flight duration from Quebec City to New Brunswick, New Jersey, is 1 hour and 26 minutes.

Porter Airlines and Air Canada offer flights from Quebec City to Fredericton Airport. The best way to get to Quebec Airport from the city centre is to take the number 80 bus, which costs $3 and takes 49 minutes.

Train and bus from Quebec City to New Brunswick

There are several ways to get from Quebec City to New Brunswick by train and bus. Here is one option:

Option 1: Quebec City to Moncton by Train and Bus

This option involves taking a train from Sainte-Foy to Campbellton, followed by a bus from Campbellton to Moncton.

First, take the train from Sainte-Foy to Campbellton. Sainte-Foy is a neighbourhood in Quebec City, so you can easily get there by taxi or public transport from the city centre. The train is operated by VIA Rail, and there are typically three services per week. The journey from Sainte-Foy to Campbellton takes around 15 hours.

Once you arrive in Campbellton, you can take a bus to Moncton. This bus is operated by Maritimebus and typically runs three times per week. The journey from Campbellton to Moncton takes just under three hours.

The total travel time for this option is around 18 hours, including the layover time between the train and bus. The cost for this option is around $110-$240.

Option 2: Montreal to Moncton by Train

If you are willing to start your journey in Montreal, there is a direct train from Montreal to Moncton operated by VIA Rail. This train departs three times per week on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The journey takes approximately 17-19 hours, and the cost is around €80-€130.

Other Options

In addition to the train and bus options, you can also travel from Quebec City to New Brunswick by plane or car. Flying is the fastest option, taking around 5 hours, but it is more expensive, with costs ranging from $160-$600. Driving is the most affordable option, with costs ranging from $100-$160, and the journey takes around 8 hours.

Road trip from Quebec City to New Brunswick

The drive from Quebec City to New Brunswick is approximately 374 miles or 602 kilometres. This road trip will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Eastern Canada, from wild coastlines and serene meadows to charming towns and villages. Here is a suggested itinerary for your journey:

Quebec City to Fredericton

Start your journey by driving from Quebec City to Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick. This leg of the trip will take you through the picturesque Saint John River Valley. Make sure to stop in the charming town of Edmundston, known for its friendly residents and beautiful natural surroundings.

Fredericton to Moncton

From Fredericton, continue your journey to Moncton, the largest city in New Brunswick. Moncton is known as the "Hub City" due to its central location and history as a transportation hub. While in Moncton, be sure to visit the Magnetic Hill, a unique gravity hill that is sure to intrigue.

Moncton to Shediac

From Moncton, make your way to Shediac, the self-proclaimed "Lobster Capital of the World". Here, you can indulge in delicious lobster feasts and explore the charming coastal town. Shediac is also home to the famous Parlee Beach, one of the province's most popular beaches.

Shediac to Fundy National Park

After Shediac, head to Fundy National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve known for its dramatic tides. The Bay of Fundy is famous for having the highest tides in the world, reaching over 50 feet high. The fishing village of Alma is a great place to witness this natural phenomenon.

Fundy National Park to Saint Andrews

From Fundy National Park, make your way to Saint Andrews, a quaint seaside town known for its whale-watching opportunities. A zodiac boat tour will bring you up close to humpback whales, right whales, minke whales, and more. Saint Andrews is also home to charming restaurants and shops.

Saint Andrews to Quebec City

On your way back to Quebec City, make a stop in Kamouraska, a beautiful village located halfway between Isle-aux-Coudres and the mouth of the Saguenay River. Enjoy the salt waters of the estuary and explore the colourful facades of the surrounding villages. Finally, return to Quebec City, where you can end your trip by exploring the charming Old Town and enjoying the city's delicious cuisine.

Best places to stay and visit in New Brunswick

New Brunswick, Canada, is known for its rugged coastal scenery, historic city centres, and friendly, welcoming people. Here are some of the best places to stay and visit in this beautiful province:

Saint John

Saint John is a hip city with a reputation for being one of the most underrated in Canada. It boasts old warehouses turned into microbreweries, chic bistros, and artisan workshops. Some must-see attractions include Grannan and St. Germain streets, the Imperial Theatre, and the New Brunswick Museum, which is Canada's oldest continuous museum.

St. Martins Sea Caves

Located on the coast of the Bay of Fundy, these red-rock caves are a spectacular natural wonder. At high tide, the caves are filled with water, but at low tide, visitors can walk into the caves and explore their massive caverns. St. Martins itself is also worth exploring, with its historic covered bridges, kayak tours, and unique fishing boats that sit on the ocean floor at low tide.

Fundy National Park

This coastal park offers miles of hiking trails along rugged shores and bubbling forest streams. It may be one of Canada's smallest national parks, but there is plenty to see and do, including excellent hiking and camping.

Hopewell Rocks

The Hopewell Rocks, also known as the Flowerpot Rocks, are one of North America's most unusual sights. Visitors can walk on the ocean floor during low tide and witness the powerful tides, which are the highest in the world.

Irving Nature Park

This 600-acre park near Saint John offers spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy coastline. It features walking and cycling trails, a boardwalk, a lookout tower, and free special events throughout the year.

Confederation Bridge

This engineering marvel links Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick and is the longest bridge in Canada and the world that spans over ice-covered waters.

Chateau Moncton Trademark Collection by Wyndham

This hotel in Moncton is a great place to stay, offering comfortable rooms, a fitness centre, private parking, and a terrace. It's also within walking distance of many restaurants and shops.

The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews By The Sea, Autograph Collection

This highly-rated resort in Saint Andrews offers elegant rooms, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a fitness centre, and a restaurant. It's located close to the historic downtown area, with its fine dining, luxury accommodations, galleries, and boutique shopping.

Auberge Wild Rose Inn

Located near the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport, this inn offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar. They also provide a delicious hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

These are just a few of the many wonderful places to stay and visit in New Brunswick, Canada. Whether you're looking for natural wonders, historic sites, or comfortable accommodations, this province has something for everyone.

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