New Brunswick's Ultimate Sights

New Brunswick, Canada, is known for its natural wonders, including the world's highest tides, excellent whale-watching, and the warmest saltwater swimming north of Virginia. The province is also home to historic houses and entire museum villages, as well as abundant natural wonders that appeal to all kinds of travellers. Here are some of the must-see sights in New Brunswick:

- Bay of Fundy and Fundy National Park: The Bay of Fundy is home to the world's highest tides, with dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and fantastic rock formations. Fundy National Park offers miles of hiking trails, campgrounds, and exciting sea kayaking.

- The Hopewell Rocks: These iconic rock formations are found on the Bay of Fundy and are dubbed the 'Flowerpot Rocks' due to their rounded appearance and vegetation-covered tops. Visitors can walk on the ocean floor at low tide and kayak among the rocks at high tide.

- Fundy Trail Parkway: This scenic coastal drive offers views of coastal cliffs, isolated beaches, marine wildlife, and Flowerpot Rock. A 10-kilometer pedestrian and bicycle trail parallel the drive, providing even more opportunities to explore.

- Whale Watching from St. Andrews-by-the-Sea: The Bay of Fundy attracts up to 12 species of whales, making it a prime spot for whale watching.

- Roosevelt Campobello International Park: This park is home to the summer home of former U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, with 2,800 acres of bogs, forests, and shores to explore.

- Fredericton's Garrison District: This historic site was once a British garrison and is now the centre of summer festivals, walking tours, and historical reenactments.

- Saint John City Market: This market offers a unique shopping experience with a variety of goods and services, including local crafts, seafood, and international foods.

- St. Martins Sea Caves: These sea caves were carved by the powerful Bay of Fundy tides and can be explored on foot at low tide or by kayak at high tide.

Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is a must-see location in New Brunswick, with its dramatic cliffs, powerful tides, and ecological wonders. The bay, which winds between the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, offers a unique natural experience with the highest tides in the world, reaching up to 48 feet every day. Here are some highlights and things to do when visiting the Bay of Fundy:

Hopewell Rocks

The Hopewell Rocks, located along the Bay of Fundy, provide a unique experience of witnessing both high and low tides. These impressive rock formations, carved by tidal erosion over thousands of years, are dubbed the 'Flowerpot Rocks' due to their rounded shape and vegetation-covered tops. At low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor and admire the massive rocks towering above you. Then, a few hours later, you can kayak among the rocks as they sit above the waterline. The Hopewell Rocks also offer scenic walking trails, lookouts, and a multimedia exhibit in the Interpretive Centre.

Fundy National Park

Fundy National Park, a coastal park with miles of rugged shores and forest streams, is an adventurer's paradise. It offers over 75 miles of walking and hiking trails through mountains, valleys, and forests, as well as beautiful Bennett Lake for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. The park also features campgrounds and several annual festivals.

Whale Watching

The Bay of Fundy is a prime location for whale watching, attracting up to 12 species of whales and other marine animals during the summer months. Minke and Finback whales arrive in the spring, followed by Humpback whales and White-sided dolphins in June. By mid-summer, even more species, including the rare North Atlantic Right Whale, join the mix. St. Andrews-by-the-Sea is a great base for whale-watching cruises and tours.

Cape Enrage

At Cape Enrage, you can rappel down cliffs into the bay or try other outdoor activities such as ziplining, rock climbing, and kayaking. Cape Enrage also features a tiny lighthouse dating back to 1838, providing panoramic views over the Bay of Fundy.

Fundy Trail Parkway

The Fundy Trail Parkway is a scenic coastal drive that starts near St. Martins and continues along the coast. It offers lookouts, picnic areas, and a 10-kilometer pedestrian and bicycle trail. The interpretive center at Big Salmon River provides insights into the area's logging history, and kids will enjoy the nearby suspension footbridge.

Fundy National Park

Located on the Bay of Fundy, Fundy National Park is a beautiful coastal park with miles of hiking trails along rugged shores and bubbling forest streams. The park covers an area of 207 km2 (80 sq mi) along Goose Bay, the northwestern branch of the Bay of Fundy. It is home to the world's highest tides, soaring coastal views, and the Acadian forest.

The park offers a variety of amenities, including a golf course, a heated saltwater swimming pool, and three campgrounds. There are also over 100 km of hiking and biking trails, with 25 hiking trails throughout the park. The Caribou Plains trail and boardwalk provide access to upland forest and bog habitats, while the Dickson Falls trail is the most popular in the park. During the winter, the park is available for day use and offers activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and winter walking.

The park has a rich history, with the area once inhabited by the Mi'kmaq and Maliseet peoples. In the late 1600s and early 1700s, the surrounding area was settled by Acadians, with one of the settlements being Chipoudy (now Shepody), established in 1710. The park's region was permanently settled by Europeans in 1825, with immigrants from Scotland, Ireland, and England. Today, Fundy National Park is a popular tourist destination, offering a unique natural experience and stunning views.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park

The park preserves the 34-room summer home and surrounding landscape of the Roosevelt family's beloved island retreat. The home, built in the Shingle Style and completed in 1897, was designed by Willard T. Sears and given as a wedding gift to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt in 1908. The home has been preserved as a museum, with many original furnishings, offering a glimpse into the early life of Franklin D. Roosevelt before he became president. Visitors can also join a "Tea with Eleanor" program, where they can enjoy tea and cookies while learning about Eleanor Roosevelt's life on Campobello.

In addition to the historic cottage, the park features related outbuildings, gardens, and hiking trails. It also has a visitor centre with a gift shop and a bilingual display on the open Canada–United States border. The park covers 2,800 acres of bogs, forests, and shores, offering outdoor activities such as sailing, hiking, and picnicking, as well as four lighthouses to explore.

The Roosevelt Campobello International Park is jointly administered, staffed, and funded by the governments of Canada and the United States, showcasing a unique example of international cooperation. It is open daily through Canadian Labour Day and offers free admission.

Kingsbrae Garden

The garden is home to over 50,000 perennials, with a variety of themed gardens, ponds, streams, and an old-growth Acadian forest. It also features dozens of remarkable sculptures, a stunning art studio, and interactive classes. Kingsbrae is known for its integration with the local community and its commitment to organic and sustainable gardening practices.

Beyond the flora, Kingsbrae offers a Dutch windmill, a cedar maze, and a sculpture garden that is expanded annually. Visitors can also enjoy interactions with alpacas, goats, and peacocks that roam the grounds. The garden provides activities for children, such as small playhouses and a castle to explore.

The Garden Cafe offers fine cuisine prepared by award-winning Chef Alex Haun, featuring the freshest products from New Brunswick. Kingsbrae is also home to some of the region's biggest and most exciting festivals, making it a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to New Brunswick.

One visitor raved about the garden, saying, ""It was a very pretty garden. My only complaint was that there was no label on any of the plants. We asked the staff why and they told us that we could just google them." Another visitor praised the accessibility options, stating, ""My husband explained the problem to the manager who graciously agreed to let a guide drive us around in a golf cart. Our guide, Ginger, was incredibly kind and patient and understanding of my disability."

Saint John

Reversing Falls Rapids

The Reversing Falls Rapids are a unique natural phenomenon where the Saint John River reverses direction twice daily due to the extreme tidal range of the Bay of Fundy. The best views of this powerful display can be seen from the Reversing Falls Bridge and the Skywalk Saint John, a rooftop observation platform that extends beyond the cliff edge, offering a thrilling perspective of the falls and whirlpools below.

Historic Sites

The Saint John City Market is a vibrant and unique shopping experience. Open year-round from Monday to Saturday, the market offers a wide range of goods, including local crafts, seafood, and international cuisine. It's a bustling hub of activity, with the sounds and aromas of fresh food, creating a lively atmosphere for both locals and visitors alike.

Partridge Island Quarantine Site

For a glimpse into a forgotten piece of history, visit Partridge Island Quarantine Site, located just off the coast of Saint John. Once a beacon of hope for thousands of immigrants, the island now lies in ruins, offering a complicated and intriguing piece of the city's past.

Irving Nature Park

Just outside the city, you'll find the Irving Nature Park, a natural oasis spread across 600 acres. The park features salt marshes, forests, mud flats, volcanic rock, and a beach along its 11 kilometres of shoreline. It's a great spot for birdwatching, with over 250 species of birds, and offers beautiful views of the constantly changing shoreline shaped by the Fundy tides.

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