New Brunswick's Ultimate Travel Bucket List

New Brunswick, Canada, is a province known for its friendly and welcoming people, rugged coastal scenery, and historic city centres. It is home to the world's highest tides and offers incredible whale-watching experiences.

Some must-see attractions in New Brunswick include the Hopewell Rocks, where visitors can witness the immense movement of legendary waters and walk on the ocean floor. The Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world, is a wonder to see at both high and low tides. The Roosevelt Campobello International Park, which preserves the summer retreat of Franklin D. Roosevelt, is another popular destination. For those interested in history, the Village Historique Acadien, a living museum portraying the daily lives of Acadians from 1770 to 1949, is a must-visit.

Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the St. Martins Sea Caves, walking along the Fundy Trail Parkway, and discovering the beauty of Fundy National Park. For a unique experience, don't miss the opportunity to drive on the ocean floor at Ministers Island.

With its combination of natural wonders, historic sites, and friendly locals, New Brunswick offers something for every traveller to enjoy.

Whale-watching

Whale watching is one of the most popular attractions in New Brunswick, particularly in St Andrews, which is located on the Bay of Fundy. The Bay of Fundy is home to some of the highest tides in the world, meaning that twice a day, fresh supplies of plankton are brought in—the perfect food source for whales.

There are several whale-watching tour companies operating in St Andrews, including Jolly Breeze Whale Adventures, Fundy Tide Runners Whale Watching, and Quoddy Link Marine. These tours typically last around 2-3 hours, and passengers are likely to see humpback, minke, and finback whales, as well as other marine life such as seals, porpoises, and bald eagles.

When choosing a whale-watching tour, it's important to consider the size of the boat and your comfort level on the water. Smaller boats, such as Zodiacs, offer a more intimate experience and can get closer to the whales, but they can be bumpy and are more exposed to the elements. Larger boats may be a better option for those who are prone to seasickness or are travelling with young children.

The best time for whale watching in New Brunswick is generally from August to early September, but tours operate throughout the summer months.

In addition to St Andrews, there are other places in New Brunswick where you can go whale watching, such as Campobello Island, which is known for its whale-watching tours.

Hopewell Rocks

The Hopewell Rocks, also known as the Flowerpot Rocks, are a must-see attraction in New Brunswick. Located on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, the Hopewell Rocks are iconic rock formations that offer a unique natural experience. Here are some details about this remarkable place:

Location and Geology

The Hopewell Rocks are situated along the upper reaches of the Bay of Fundy at Hopewell Cape. This area is known for its extreme tidal range, with the highest tides in the world reaching up to 52 feet (16 metres). The rocks themselves stand tall, ranging from 40 to 70 feet (12 to 21 metres) in height. These impressive structures are composed of red-brown sedimentary conglomerate, sandstone, and minor mudstone rock.

Formation and Tidal Erosion

The distinctive shapes of the Hopewell Rocks are a result of tidal erosion. After the last ice age, surface water filtering through cracks in the cliffs, along with the advancing and retreating tides and waves, gradually separated the formations from the rest of the cliff face. The constant erosion by water has shaped these rocks into various forms, earning whimsical names such as Elephant, Bear, Dinosaur, ET, and Mother-in-Law.

Visitor Experience

The Hopewell Rocks provide a dynamic experience, as visitors can explore the formations during both high and low tides. It is recommended to stay for a full tidal cycle to appreciate the dramatic changes in the landscape. At low tide, you can descend to the ocean floor and walk among the rock formations, but be prepared for a muddy experience! Sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the trails and shoreline. The park offers three primary access points to the ocean floor, including a large metal staircase, a ramp, and a trail leading from behind the Interpretive Centre.

Other Amenities

The Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park enhances the visitor experience with a network of well-groomed, wheelchair-friendly trails. These trails offer stunning lookouts, secluded vistas, ocean floor access, and natural forests. The park also features an Interpretive Centre with a multi-media exhibit, providing a deeper understanding of the area. Additionally, guided tours and dining options are available, making the Hopewell Rocks a must-visit destination in New Brunswick.

Saint John

Reversing Falls Rapids

The Reversing Falls Rapids are a must-see natural anomaly. The powerful whirlpools and rapids flow one way with the incoming tide and another with the outgoing tide. Visitors can observe the churning water from rooftop viewing areas in Fallsview and Wolastoq parks, or for an extra thrill, try zip-lining with Saint John Adventures.

Irving Nature Park

Irving Nature Park is a 600-acre green space with breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy. The park features a variety of habitats, including a forest, a salt marsh estuary, beaches, and a bog, connected by a boardwalk and hiking trails. It's also a great spot for wildlife watching, with over 250 species of birds and maritime mammals like whales.

Rockwood Park

Rockwood Park offers a dose of nature close to the city centre. This outdoor oasis features a zoo, a spa, horse stables, a golf course, and natural wonders like freshwater lakes, caves, and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from fishing and kayaking to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, depending on the season.

Carleton Martello Tower

Carleton Martello Tower is one of nine remaining Martello Towers in Canada. Built during the War of 1812, it served as a British defensive structure until World War II. While the tower's interior is currently closed for renovations, visitors can explore the interactive exhibits in the museum and take in the stunning panoramas from the top of the hill.

The Saint John City Market, located in uptown Saint John, is the oldest continuing farmers market in Canada, dating back to the late 1700s. The market offers a unique shopping experience with a wide range of local crafts, fresh produce, and international foods. The building's ceiling resembles the upturned hull of a ship, paying tribute to the city's shipping industry.

King's Square

King's Square is a beautiful park in the heart of Saint John. It features the King Edward VII Memorial Bandstand, which hosts free outdoor concerts during the warmer months. It's a great spot for people-watching, picnicking, and enjoying the historical monuments.

Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is a must-see when visiting New Brunswick. The bay, which is between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, has the highest tidal range in the world, with water levels rising and falling by up to 48 feet every day. This natural wonder is a result of the specific size and shape of the bay, which create powerful tides as 100 billion tons of seawater crash into the shore.

The Hopewell Rocks, located along the bay, offer a unique natural experience of both high and low tides. Visitors can explore the dramatic rock formations, shaped by centuries of water, and enjoy scenic walking trails, lookouts, and guided tours. The area is also a great spot for a picnic, with miles of beach to relax on and enjoy fresh lobster and a bottle of wine.

For those interested in a more active experience, the Fundy Trail Parkway offers over 60 kilometers of hiking trails, including the opportunity to visit four waterfalls, explore seven pristine beaches, and take in the views from 21 clifftop lookouts. The Bay of Fundy is also a great place to go kayaking, with kayakers often weaving through the Hopewell Rocks.

The Bay of Fundy is also home to a rich history and culture. The Miꞌkmaq people lived in communities around the bay for centuries before the first Europeans arrived, and according to Miꞌkmaq legend, the tide was created when Glooscap wanted to take a bath. The bay was also a significant site for shipping and shipbuilding in the 19th century, and the port of Saint John, the largest population centre on the bay, was the first incorporated city in what is now Canada.

Fundy National Park

Located on the Bay of Fundy, near the village of Alma, New Brunswick, Fundy National Park is a beautiful coastal park with miles of rugged coastline and hiking trails through bubbling forest streams. The park covers an area of 207 square kilometres (80 square miles) along Goose Bay, the northwestern branch of the Bay of Fundy.

The park offers a unique experience with the world's highest tides, rising up to 12 metres or more, and a variety of sea creatures to discover at low tide. Visitors can explore the ocean floor and witness the disappearance of the ocean floor under 15 metres of saltwater at high tide.

The park is also a great destination for winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and winter walking. With its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and range of activities, Fundy National Park is a must-see attraction in New Brunswick.

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