Quebec And New Brunswick: East Or West?

New Brunswick is one of Canada's thirteen provinces and territories. It is located in the eastern part of the country and is bordered by Quebec to the north, Nova Scotia to the east, and the US state of Maine to the west. New Brunswick is part of the Maritime provinces and has a diverse geography, ranging from coastal plains in the east and south to the Appalachian Mountains in the west and north. The province has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.

New Brunswick is Canada's eighth most populous province, with a population of over 775,000 as of 2021. The province is officially bilingual, with English and French having equal status. The majority of the population is English-speaking, while about one-third is French-speaking, mainly of Acadian origin.

The province's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from industries such as forestry, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The city of Saint John is a major industrial centre and home to Canada's largest oil refinery. New Brunswick offers a range of natural attractions, including the Bay of Fundy, known for its high tides, and the Acadian Coast, known for its cultural and historical significance.

New Brunswick's location and borders

New Brunswick is located in eastern Canada and is one of the country's four Atlantic provinces. It is bordered by Quebec to the north, Nova Scotia to the east, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to the northeast, the Bay of Fundy to the southeast, and the U.S. state of Maine to the west. The southeastern edge of New Brunswick is connected to Nova Scotia by the narrow Chignecto Isthmus.

New Brunswick is roughly rectangular in shape and covers an area of 72,908 square kilometres (28,150 square miles). The province is characterised by rolling hills, with the Appalachian Mountains dominating the landscape in the west and north. The highest peak in the province is Mount Carleton, which rises to 2,680 or 2,690 feet above sea level in the northwestern region.

The eastern and southern regions of New Brunswick feature extensive coastal plains, including the Acadian Peninsula, Chaleur Bay, and the Northumberland Strait. The southern coast is defined by the Bay of Fundy, known for its high tides and unique ecosystems.

The province's climate is humid continental, with warm summers, cold winters, and ample precipitation. Winters are generally milder and summers cooler in coastal regions compared to inland areas.

Forests predominantly mixed-wood and softwood forests, cover approximately 83% to 85% of New Brunswick's landmass. The Saint John River is the most prominent river in the province, traversing nearly 673 kilometres from its origin in Maine before emptying into the Bay of Fundy. Other significant rivers include the Miramichi, the Restigouche, and the Petitcodiac.

New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in Canada, with French and English having equal status. Fredericton is the provincial capital, while Moncton is the largest city. The province's population was estimated at 775,610 in 2021 and 842,725 in 2023.

The province's climate and geography

New Brunswick is one of Canada's thirteen provinces and territories, and one of the three Maritime provinces. It is bordered by Quebec to the north, Nova Scotia to the east, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to the northeast, the US state of Maine to the west, and the Bay of Fundy to the southeast. The province is also bounded by the Northumberland Strait in the east. The southeastern edge of the province is connected to Nova Scotia by the Chignecto Isthmus.

New Brunswick's landscape is dominated by the Appalachian Mountains, which extend from the southeastern United States to the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec, cutting through the western and northern portions of the province. The highest peak in the province, Mount Carleton, rises to 2,690 feet above sea level in the northwestern region. The topography also consists of rolling hills, with the northern uplands rising to 820 meters and appearing mountainous. There are gently rolling hills in the central and eastern parts of the province, while sharp hills on the southern coast slope down to tidal marshes and a lowland plain in the southeast.

The province's eastern and southern regions feature extensive coastal plains, including the Acadian Peninsula, Chaleur Bay, and the Northumberland Strait. The Bay of Fundy, known for its high tides and unique ecosystems, defines the southern coast. The tides create dynamic environments such as the Hopewell Rocks and the Reversing Falls Rapids in Saint John.

New Brunswick's climate is continental, with snowy winters and temperate summers. The province experiences a humid continental climate characterised by warm summers, cold winters, and ample precipitation. The climate is similar to Central European weather conditions. The coastal regions often enjoy milder winters and cooler summers compared to inland areas. New Brunswick is one of the warmer regions in Canada, with an average daily high temperature of 11 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit is from May to September, avoiding the cold months from November to April.

The province's geological history includes rich deposits of base metals, potash, and natural gas. Forests, mainly mixed-wood and softwood forests, cover about 83% to 85% of New Brunswick's landmass. The Acadian forest, a unique blend of northern hardwoods and boreal species, provides habitats for diverse flora and fauna. The Saint John River is the most prominent river in the province, traversing nearly 673 kilometres from Maine through New Brunswick before emptying into the Bay of Fundy. Other significant rivers include the Miramichi, the Restigouche, and the Petitcodiac. The province also boasts lakes such as Grand Lake, Oromocto Lake, and the Chiputneticook Lakes.

New Brunswick's economy and industries

New Brunswick is located to the east of Quebec. It is one of the thirteen provinces and territories of Canada and is the only officially bilingual province, with French and English having equal status.

Economy and Industries

New Brunswick's economy is diverse, with a variety of sectors contributing to its growth. Here is an overview of the key industries:

• Services: The service sector is the largest contributor to New Brunswick's economy, accounting for 43% of its provincial GDP in 2002. This includes government services and public administration, social assistance, trades, and healthcare.
• Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing: About 83% of New Brunswick is forested, and the natural resources sector plays a significant role in the province's economy. Forestry, in particular, has been historically important and continues to be a major industry. In 2012, the forestry industry generated revenues of around $437 million. Agriculture and fishing are also important, with crops like potatoes, apples, cranberries, and maple syrup being significant.
• Manufacturing and Utilities: This sector contributed 24% to the provincial GDP in 2002. It includes manufacturing industries such as textile mills, iron mills, pulp and paper mills, and food processing.
• Real Estate and Construction: Real estate rental contributed 12% to the provincial GDP in 2002, while construction, along with manufacturing and utilities, made up 24%.
• Wholesale and Retail: The wholesale and retail trade sector contributed 11% to the provincial GDP in 2002.
• Mining and Quarrying: While historically unimportant, mining has grown in significance since the 1950s. In 2015, the province's GDP from mining and quarrying was $299.5 million, with mines producing lead, zinc, copper, and potash.
• Transportation and Warehousing: This sector contributed 5% to the provincial GDP in 2002. The province has a well-developed transportation network, including highways, railways, and ports, that facilitate trade and movement of goods.
• Tourism: Tourism is also a significant contributor to the economy, accounting for about 9% of the labour force directly or indirectly. Popular destinations include Fundy National Park, Hopewell Rocks, and Kouchibouguac National Park.

A notable aspect of New Brunswick's economy is the significant influence of the Irving Group of Companies, which has holdings in various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, food processing, media, oil, and shipbuilding. The group has a substantial impact on the province's economic landscape.

Language and demographics

New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province, with French and English having equal status. The majority of the population (about two-thirds) are English-speaking, while French-speaking residents make up a substantial minority (about one-third). The variety of French spoken in New Brunswick is called Acadian French, and it has seven regional accents.

The population of New Brunswick is estimated to have been 775,610 in 2021, with a more recent estimate of over 800,000 in March 2022. This makes it the third-least populous of Canada's four Atlantic provinces and thirteen provinces and territories overall. Atypically for Canada, only about half of the population lives in urban areas. The largest city is Moncton, while the capital is Fredericton.

The most commonly reported ethnic origins in New Brunswick are Canadian, Irish, and English. About 5.8% of the population belongs to a visible minority group, and 4.4% are Indigenous (including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit). The most commonly reported religions in the province are Christianity (67.5%) and Irreligion (29.7%).

New Brunswick's official languages are reflected in its media and educational institutions. There are four daily newspapers published in the province, three in English and one in French. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has English-language television and radio operations in Fredericton, while Télévision de Radio-Canada is based in Moncton. The province also has a parallel system of Anglophone and Francophone public schools.

Attractions and things to do

New Brunswick, Canada, is a great place to visit, with its beautiful forests, rivers, lakes, and seashores. Here are some attractions and things to do when visiting New Brunswick:

Hopewell Rocks

The Hopewell Rocks, located along the Bay of Fundy, is home to the highest tides in the world. It offers a unique natural experience of both high and low tides. Visitors can enjoy the multi-media exhibit in the Interpretive Centre, scenic walking trails, and lookouts. A guided tour is also available, and entrance passes are valid for two consecutive days.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park

Walk in the footsteps of President Franklin D. Roosevelt at his 34-room summer cottage, now preserved as a museum. The park is open daily through Canadian Labor Day and offers free admission.

Fundy National Park

Explore the beautiful Fundy National Park, which offers miles of hiking trails along rugged shores and bubbling forest streams. The park also features a 27-acre horticultural garden with over 50,000 perennials, engaging animals, an annual National Sculpture Competition, ponds, streams, old-growth Acadian forest, and activities for children.

Irving Nature Park

Nature lovers will enjoy the well-groomed and well-marked hiking trails at Irving Nature Park.

Fundy Trail Parkway

As one of the last remaining coastal wilderness areas between Florida and Labrador, the Fundy Trail offers over 60 kilometers of hiking trails, four waterfalls, seven pristine beaches, and breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy from 21 clifftop lookouts.

Village Historique Acadien

A living museum portraying the daily lives of the Acadians from 1770 to 1949, the Village Historique Acadien is a must-see attraction. The site includes forty historic buildings along a 2.2 km trail, operated by bilingual interpreters (English and French). From November to March, the Village is open free of charge to hikers and cyclists.

Saint John City Market

Open year-round, the Saint John City Market offers a unique shopping experience with a wide range of goods, including local crafts, dulse, and fresh produce. It is a great place to enjoy a meal and experience the lively atmosphere created by busy clerks and shoppers.

Confederation Bridge

Take a drive on the Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge in the world spanning over ice-covered waters, connecting Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

St. Martins Sea Caves

Explore the St. Martins Sea Caves at low tide, but don't forget your shoes! This is a great outing for kids, and there are nearby restaurants and shops to enjoy as well.

Ministers Island

Accessible by driving over the seafloor at low tide, Ministers Island offers a glimpse into the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can explore the summer estate of Sir William Van Horne, the driving force behind the Canadian Pacific Railway, including his vast house, barn, and bathhouse/artist's hideaway.

Reversing Falls Rapids

Witness the power of nature at the Reversing Falls Rapids in Saint John, where the river reverses direction twice daily due to the Bay of Fundy's tides.

These are just a few of the many attractions and things to do in New Brunswick, Canada. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or just looking for a unique travel experience, New Brunswick has something for everyone!

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