New Brunswick's Ultimate Bucket List

New Brunswick is a province in Canada that borders Québec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the US State of Maine. Its top attractions include natural wonders like the world's highest tides, excellent whale-watching spots, and the warmest saltwater swimming north of Virginia. The province also offers outdoor activities such as hiking trails, camping, and sea kayaking, as well as historic houses and museum villages for those interested in history. Here are some must-do activities when visiting New Brunswick:

- Experience the Bay of Fundy Tides: Walk on the ocean floor and witness the dramatic difference between high and low tides.

- Visit Saint John: Explore Canada's oldest continuing farmers' market, admire Victorian architecture, and visit historic sites like the City Market and St. John's Anglican Church.

- Discover Fredericton: Stroll through the walkable downtown, visit the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, and explore the Boyce Farmers' Market.

- Explore Kouchibouguac National Park: Enjoy the warm salt water, sandy beaches, bogs, marshes, and wildlife.

- Hunt for Waterfalls: Hike the many trails to discover over a hundred waterfalls scattered across the province.

- Visit St. Andrews-by-the-Sea: Go whale watching, explore historic homes, and visit the Kingsbrae Garden.

- Roosevelt Campobello International Park: Tour the historic Roosevelt summer estate on Campobello Island, shared by Canada and the US.

- Grand Manan Island: Take a ferry to this island for excellent whale watching, birdwatching, and scenic lighthouses.

- St. Martins Sea Caves: Explore the sea caves at low tide or by kayak at high tide.

- Magnetic Hill and Magnetic Hill Zoo: Experience the optical illusion of Magnetic Hill, and visit the zoo to see a variety of animals.

Walk on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks

Walking on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks is a unique opportunity that should not be missed when visiting New Brunswick. The Hopewell Rocks are a collection of sea stacks in the Bay of Fundy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bay of Fundy is known for having the highest tides in the world, with a vertical variance of over 50 feet and a horizontal variance of up to 3 miles.

At Hopewell Rocks, you can walk on the ocean floor around the sea stacks at low tide and then return to see the same area covered in water at high tide. The Hopewell Rocks Park is owned and operated by the Provincial Department of Tourism and Parks, and visitors must pay an admission fee. The park pass is valid for two days, which is great for ensuring additional time to walk the ocean floor. It is recommended to arrive at the park an hour early, as it takes about 10-15 minutes to walk from the main gate to the launching point.

The ocean floor is accessible for exploring three hours before and three hours after low tide. During this time, you can search for treasures such as fossils, sea glass, and semi-precious stones. It is important to be careful when exploring the exposed ocean floor, as the water can rush back in at a rate of over 10 meters per minute.

The Hopewell Rocks are also a great place for kayaking, with Baymount Outdoor Adventures offering guided kayak tours among the sea stacks at high tide. This activity, paired with walking on the ocean floor at low tide, provides a full appreciation of the awesome natural wonder of the highest tides in the world.

The Hopewell Rocks are located in Hopewell Cape, about an hour north of Fundy National Park. The park features stunning lookouts, secluded vistas, ocean floor access, and natural forests all within a short walk from the main building. There is also a shuttle service available for a small fee.

The iconic red rock formations at Hopewell Rocks offer a great visual indicator of how high the water has risen. These strangely shaped rocks, formed over millions of years by erosion and tectonic shifts, have inspired nicknames such as Elephant Rock, Mother-in-Law Rock, and E.T.

When visiting Hopewell Rocks, it is recommended to wear sturdy footwear, bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water. A lightweight nylon coat and a change of clothes are also suggested, as there is a good chance you will get wet and/or muddy.

Explore the St. Martins Sea Caves

The St. Martins Sea Caves are a must-see when visiting New Brunswick. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your experience:

Location and Accessibility

The St. Martins Sea Caves are located in the Bay of Fundy on Canada's Atlantic Coast, known for having the world's highest tides and the largest difference between low and high tides daily. The caves are accessible from the village of St. Martins, a 45-minute drive from the city of Saint John. St. Martins is a small seaside town with a high street, a river, and a bridge. From the bridge, you'll spot a fish shop on the beach, with the cliffs and the caves in the distance.

Parking and Amenities

The site offers a reasonably-sized car park, although spots fill up quickly during peak seasons and weekends. Parking is free, and there is a large beach restaurant and two small beach stores selling handmade items. While there are no public toilets, the restaurant has facilities for paying customers.

Exploring the Caves

The St. Martins Sea Caves are a natural phenomenon, showcasing the history of the geologic landscape. They are best explored at low tide, when you can walk along the beach and into the caves. Remember to check the tide times in advance, as the caves are only accessible on foot during low tide. There is often a stream of water to cross, so waterproof footwear is recommended.

The caves are partially submerged during high tide and can be explored by boat or swimming. There are officially two large caves, and unofficially, there are four. Two of the caves are "younger," allowing you to get up close to the cliff face.

Nearby Attractions

If you're planning to spend some time in the area, there are several nearby attractions worth visiting:

• The Fundy Trail: A 30-minute drive from the St. Martins Sea Caves, this scenic coastal drive offers breathtaking views and is a popular tourist destination.
• Quaco Head Lighthouse: A cute stop for photos, this lighthouse is located in the heart of the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve.
• Walton Glen Gorge Falls: Enjoy the Salmon River and take in the views of the Bay, small cliffs, and foliage.

Practical Tips

• Bring appropriate footwear: The beach can be rocky, and there may be streams to cross, so waterproof shoes or boots are recommended.
• Check tide times in advance: Visit websites like Tide Forecast to plan your visit during low tide, which is the best time to explore the caves.
• Arrive early to secure parking: The car park fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons and weekends.
• Bring sunscreen or purchase locally: There may not be public toilets, but you can buy sunscreen from the general store on the high street.

The St. Martins Sea Caves offer a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Bay of Fundy. By planning your visit and coming prepared, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience at this remarkable site.

Visit the Chocolate Museum

If you have a sweet tooth, a visit to the Chocolate Museum in St. Stephen is a must. Standing in the original location of the famous Ganong Factory, the museum celebrates the historic innovation of candy-making in the town. You can learn about the history of the cocoa bean and how it became the treat it is today. The museum also tells the story of Ganong Bros. Limited, a wonderful local chocolate company that has been making candy in St. Stephen since 1873.

The museum offers guided tours and hands-on exhibits. You can explore vintage chocolate boxes and machines and even watch Ganong's famous hand dippers craft chocolates using the same traditional methods that have been passed down for over a hundred years. If you're feeling creative, you can build your own box of chocolates from a wide variety of showcase chocolates or select from their exclusive Ganong Chocolate and Confectionary items.

The town of St. Stephen was officially dubbed 'Canada's Chocolate Town' in 2000, and it truly lives up to its name. In addition to the museum, you can visit the Ganong Chocolatier, browse the local merchants, and take in the sights along the waterfront trail. The factory is located at 73 Milltown Blvd., and the museum is situated in the corner down from the Ganong Chocolatier.

The Chocolate Museum is open Monday to Saturday, with tour times at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Tours are limited to 20 people and last from 45 minutes to 1 hour. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for larger groups.

So, if you're looking for a sweet and indulgent experience in New Brunswick, a visit to the Chocolate Museum is definitely worth your time!

Experience the Bay of Fundy tides

The Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides in the world, reaching up to 16 metres (53 feet) at their most extreme. This natural wonder is a must-see when visiting New Brunswick, and there are several ways to experience these impressive tides.

One of the best ways to witness the Bay of Fundy tides is to find a beach and walk on the ocean floor at low tide. The Fundy Trail Parkway offers a scenic coastal drive where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, isolated beaches, and marine wildlife. You can also explore the Hopewell Rocks, where you can walk under the towering statues of red sandstone, known as "flowerpots," at low tide. Then, return a few hours later to see these same spots completely submerged by the rising tides.

For a more adventurous experience, consider tidal bore rafting on the Shubenacadie River. This rare tidal phenomenon occurs when a standing wave of water forms at the front of the incoming tide, travelling upstream at speeds of up to 15 kilometres per hour. Tidal Bore Adventures offers rafting trips that include mud sliding and the opportunity to capture your experience with a Go-Pro camera.

If you're looking for a relaxing way to observe the marine life in the Bay of Fundy, consider a cruise on the MV Fundy Rose. From the observation deck, you can enjoy meals, access Wi-Fi, and live entertainment while taking in the stunning views of the bay.

The Bay of Fundy tides are a true natural wonder and offer a unique experience for visitors to New Brunswick. Whether you choose to explore by land, sea, or air, you're sure to be amazed by the power and beauty of these tides.

Discover New Brunswick's First Nations' Culture

New Brunswick is home to a rich tapestry of First Nations culture and history, with more than 16,000 members, mostly Miꞌkmaq and Maliseet (also known as Wolastoqiyik). The Passamaquoddy, who are based in the southwest of the province, also have a historical presence in the region.

One of the best ways to experience the diversity of New Brunswick's First Nations is to attend a Powwow, such as the Saint Mary's First Nation Powwow in Fredericton. These colourful, vibrant gatherings offer a unique insight into the music, dancing, and traditions of the province's first inhabitants and are open and welcoming to all ages and nationalities.

For those interested in learning more about the history and heritage of New Brunswick's First Nations, a visit to the Metepenagiag Heritage Park is a must. This ancestral home of the Miꞌkmaq people features two important archaeological sites and a museum and interpretation centre, providing a wealth of information about the culture and traditions of these indigenous people.

Exploring the Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail is another excellent way to connect with the province's indigenous heritage. This 150 km portage route, connecting Mount Carleton Provincial Park to Daly Point Nature Reserve in Bathurst, offers a glimpse into the ancient travel routes used by First Nations people.

The Maliseet Trail, located south of Woodstock, covers a small section of an ancient portage route connecting the Saint John River with the Penobscot River in Maine. At just 2 km, it's an easy hike that rewards walkers with a beautiful waterfall at the end.

With over 32 Indian reserves and a wealth of indigenous place names, New Brunswick's First Nations communities are a vital part of the province's heritage. From participating in traditional craft workshops and smudging ceremonies to sampling authentic aboriginal cuisine, there are numerous ways to discover and engage with New Brunswick's First Nations culture.

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