New Brunswick's Natural And Historic Attractions

New Brunswick, Canada, is a province of natural wonders, including the world's highest tides, excellent whale-watching, and the warmest saltwater swimming north of Virginia. It borders Québec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the US state of Maine.

The largest cities in New Brunswick are Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton, the provincial capital. Forests cover much of the interior, and most of the province's attractions are close to the coast.

The Bay of Fundy is a major draw, with its dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and fantastic rock formations. The tides occur twice daily and can measure up to 19 metres deep, bringing an abundance of plankton and fish, making it a prime feeding ground for whales.

Other natural attractions include the St. Martins Sea Caves, Fundy National Park, and the Fundy Trail Parkway, which offers a scenic coastal drive with views of coastal cliffs, isolated beaches, and marine wildlife.

For history lovers, there's the Village Historique Acadien, a living museum portraying the daily lives of Acadians from 1770 to 1949, and Fredericton's Garrison District, which features heritage buildings and grassy lawns that become the centre of summer festivals and historical re-enactments.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy miles of hiking trails, campgrounds, and sea kayaking. The province also boasts several charming towns, such as St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, known for its historic homes and Kingsbrae Garden, a 27-acre horticultural garden.

With its mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural offerings, New Brunswick has something for everyone.

Whale watching

Island Quest Marine Whale and Wildlife Cruises, Fundy Tide Runners, and Jolly Breeze Tall Ship all depart from the main dock off Water Street and offer unique experiences, from zodiacs to a fully rigged sailing ship. Jolly Breeze is especially popular with younger children, with costumes and on-board activities adding to the fun.

The Bay of Fundy is a true natural wonder, with giant tides formed by over 100 billion tons of seawater rising up to 39 feet twice a day. This unique landscape provides the perfect habitat for whales and other marine life, making it a prime destination for whale watchers.

Quoddy Link Marine, a family-run business, offers environmentally conscious expeditions with a high success rate of whale sightings. Their spacious, modern power catamaran provides a comfortable and intimate experience, with limited passenger capacity. The vessel's speed and flexibility mean more time spent in whale feeding areas and less time in transit, increasing the odds of encountering these magnificent creatures.

Fundy Tide Runners operates Zodiac vessels, providing a fast, fun, and safe whale-watching adventure. Their experienced captains know the best spots to maximise the chances of seeing not just whales but also dolphins, seals, birds, and eagles.

Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is a popular tourist destination in New Brunswick, known for its natural wonders and attractions. Here are some highlights of what the Bay of Fundy has to offer:

The World's Highest Tides

The Bay of Fundy boasts the highest tides in the world, with water levels rising and falling by up to 19 meters twice a day. This natural phenomenon is intensified by the funnel-like shape of the bay, creating a dramatic and powerful display of nature.

Hopewell Rocks

The Hopewell Rocks, also known as Flowerpot Rocks, are one of the most iconic attractions in the Bay of Fundy. These sea stacks can be explored at low tide, and visitors can walk among them on the ocean floor. At high tide, kayaks offer a different perspective as you paddle around these towering structures.

Wildlife and Whale Watching

The Bay of Fundy is a prime location for whale watching, with up to 12 species of whales visiting during the summer months. The rich supply of krill and fish attracts not only whales but also dolphins, seabirds, and seals, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Coastal Cliffs and Sea Caves

The powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy have sculpted dramatic coastal cliffs and sea caves along the shoreline. At St. Martins, visitors can explore the sea caves carved from red sandstone layers, providing a unique insight into the area's geological history.

Fundy National Park

Fundy National Park offers a pristine coastal experience with miles of hiking trails, rugged shores, and bubbling forest streams. It is a great place to spot migratory birds feeding on the tidal mudflats in spring and autumn. The park also features campgrounds, swimming, and a golf course for outdoor enthusiasts.

Reversing Falls

The extreme tidal range of the Bay of Fundy creates a unique phenomenon at the Reversing Falls in Saint John. Here, the incoming tide forces water over a rock ridge, creating a waterfall that flows upstream. This powerful display of nature can be observed from the Reversing Falls Bridge and the Skywalk Saint John observation deck.

The Bay of Fundy offers a diverse range of attractions, from breathtaking natural wonders to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. It is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the beauty and charm of New Brunswick.

Hiking trails

New Brunswick offers a wide range of hiking trails, from family-friendly strolls to challenging wilderness hikes, with spectacular views of coastal vistas, seaside cliffs, diverse wildlife, and meandering rivers cutting through mountains. Here is a detailed look at some of the hiking trails in New Brunswick:

Fundy Footpath:

The Fundy Footpath is a 64 km (40 mi) long-distance trek that takes hikers across steep valleys, sandy beaches, ancient moss-covered forests, coastal mist, and tidal crossings. It is located in the Fundy Coastal East region, defined by the Bay of Fundy tides, which rise and fall by 16 meters twice daily, carving a rugged landscape.

Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail:

The Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail is an epic 150 km (93 mi) wilderness hike along the Nepisiguit River between Bathurst and Mount Carleton Park. It is the longest single-track hiking trail in the province and offers a unique cultural experience as it traverses the traditional lands of the Mi'gmaq people. The trail is located in the Acadian Peninsula and Chaleur Region, which boasts beaches, bogs, and waterfalls.

Mount Carleton Summit Trail:

The Mount Carleton Summit Trail is a 5.8 mi hike located in Mount Carleton Provincial Park. Mount Carleton is the highest peak in the Maritime provinces, and the trail offers rewarding views of the surrounding landscape. The park is typically open from May 15 to October 15 and closed during the winter months.

Split Rock and Troy's Trail:

Split Rock and Troy's Trail is a 7.8 mi unique coastal exploration trail. It offers fantastic views along the shoreline, with excellent viewpoints and the scent of saltwater air. Colson's Cove and Black Beach are highlights of this trail, providing great photo opportunities.

Eagle Hill Nature Trail:

The Eagle Hill Nature Trail is located in Roosevelt-Campobello International Park. While the length of this trail is unclear, it is likely a shorter hike suitable for those looking to explore nature and experience the beauty and serenity of the park.

Third Vault Falls Trail:

The Third Vault Falls Trail is a 4.4 mi hike that leads through relatively flat woodlands before descending to the Third Vault Brook. The trail features rocks and exposed roots, and hikers can enjoy views of a beautiful waterfall upstream from the brook.

New Brunswick has over 700 hiking trails to choose from, catering to all levels of hikers, and offering a diverse range of natural landscapes and experiences.

Saint John

The city's combination of the Bay of Fundy's unusually high tides and a narrow gorge at the end of the estuary gives it its famous Reversing Falls, one of New Brunswick's top tourist attractions. The Reversing Falls Rapids can be viewed from the Reversing Falls Bridge, which crosses the narrowest point of the gorge, and from the Skywalk Saint John, an observation platform that extends out from the cliff's edge. The Skywalk features glass floor panels that offer a clear view of the falls and whirlpools 30 metres below.

• Irving Nature Park: This 600-acre park protects 11 kilometres of Bay of Fundy shoreline, featuring forests, mudflats, salt marshes, volcanic rock, and a sandy beach. The park has eight walking trails of varying lengths and offers free guided tours. It's a great spot for birdwatching, with over 250 species of migratory and marine birds sighted.
• New Brunswick Museum: This modern facility on the waterfront houses engaging exhibits on the province's natural history, culture, art, and history. The museum has something for all ages, including a Great Hall of Whales, exhibits on shipbuilding, and a bright interactive area for children.
• Saint John City Market: The classic old market hall is one of the few buildings that survived the Great Fire of 1877. It is believed to be the oldest continuing farmer's market in Canada, open year-round from Monday to Saturday. The market features local vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, crafts, and more.
• Rockwood Park: This large park covers 2,200 acres and offers over 55 paths and trails for hiking and biking. It also has ten lakes, including a freshwater lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. Rockwood Park has something for everyone, from a large playground for families to a Bark Park for dogs.
• Carleton Martello Tower: A National Historic Site, this tower was built in 1813 to protect the port against potential attacks from the United States. It is one of only nine surviving towers out of the original 14 built in Canada. The tower offers panoramic views of the town, harbour, and Bay of Fundy.
• Loyalist House: The oldest building in Saint John, Loyalist House was built in 1817 by a Loyalist family fleeing New York. The white wooden house has a plain exterior but a spacious and elegant Georgian interior with curved doors and fine furnishings.
• Imperial Theatre: This century-old theatre, built in 1913 as a vaudeville house, is one of the grandest buildings in the city. It hosts a variety of performances, including stage plays, films, comedy shows, dance, opera, and burlesque revivals.
• Fort Howe National Historic Site: Located on a clear day, this fort offers a magnificent panorama of the shipyards, harbour, river, and town. It features a wooden blockhouse replica from 1777, when the ridge was fortified to guard against potential attacks.

With its natural wonders, outdoor activities, historic sites, and cultural offerings, Saint John is a captivating destination in New Brunswick.

Fredericton

Officers' Square and the Garrison District

The heart of Fredericton's historic Garrison District is Officers' Square, a stately complex of brick buildings that once housed a British garrison from 1784 to 1869. The square hosts daily Changing of the Guard ceremonies, outdoor concerts, and theatre performances by the Calithumpians, making it a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. The district also includes the Fredericton Region Museum, the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, and the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. During the summer, Carleton Street in the Garrison District transforms into a vibrant market, with local artisans and producers offering their unique goods.

Boyce Farmers Market

Recognised as one of Canada's top community markets, the Boyce Farmers Market is a bustling hub of local culture and cuisine. Every Saturday, the market halls and surrounding outdoor areas come alive with over 250 vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, baked goods, and an array of local crafts. It's a great place to interact with the locals and discover unique products, making it a favourite among visitors.

Beaverbrook Art Gallery

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is a cultural gem, boasting a collection of over 3,000 works of art, including Canadian, British, and International pieces. The gallery showcases a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums, from Pre-Raphaelite paintings to First Nations art. One of its most notable exhibits is Salvador Dali's monumental painting, "Santiago el Grande." The gallery also features a sculpture garden with large-scale outdoor sculptures.

Odell Park and Fredericton Botanic Gardens

Odell Park, a 175-hectare green space, offers a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. With old-growth forests, walking trails, and the Fredericton Botanic Gardens, it's a nature lover's paradise. The botanic gardens feature perennial beds, rhododendrons, azaleas, and outdoor sculptures, creating a serene and artistic atmosphere.

Christ Church Cathedral

The Christ Church Cathedral is an elegant example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Completed in the mid-19th century, it showcases stunning stained glass, a carved stone pulpit, a baptismal font, and a brass lectern. The cathedral is a testament to the city's religious heritage and is designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.

Legislative Assembly Building

The Legislative Assembly Building, located across from the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, is an impressive Victorian-style structure. It houses the New Brunswick legislature and features a spiral staircase, a legislative chamber, and a parliamentary library with a complete set of John James Audubon's "Birds of America" engravings. Free guided tours are available for visitors to explore this historic site.

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