Exploring New Brunswick, Canada's Adventures

New Brunswick, Canada, is known for its friendly and welcoming people, maritime history, and amazing attractions. The province is dominated by the northern end of the Appalachian Mountain Range and has a lot to offer travellers, from whale watching to historic city centres.

The Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world, is a must-see. Visitors can walk the ocean floor at the Hopewell Rocks, kayak among the rock formations at high tide, or abseil down cliffs into the bay at Cape Enrage. The Bay of Fundy is also a great place to go whale watching, with the chance to see minke, humpback, fin, and northern right whales.

New Brunswick has a lot of natural wonders to explore, including the Fundy Trail Parkway, with its dramatic views of high sea cliffs, hiking trails, old-growth forests, and secluded beaches. The province is also home to the world's longest covered bridge in Hartland, and the famous Reversing Falls Rapids in Saint John, where the tides are strong enough to reverse the direction of the river, creating rapids.

There are also plenty of cultural and historical attractions in New Brunswick, such as the Village Historique Acadien, a living museum portraying the daily lives of the Acadians from 1770 to 1949, and the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, one of the top community markets in Canada.

Whale watching

There are several whale-watching tour companies to choose from in New Brunswick, including:

Quoddy Link Marine Inc.

Quoddy Link Marine offers Bay of Fundy Whale and Wildlife Cruises from St. Andrews, New Brunswick. Their vessel's speed and flexibility mean you have a greater chance of seeing whales. Their spacious, modern power catamaran also has a touch tank where you can get up close and personal with a variety of undersea life.

Fundy Tide Runners Whale Watching

This company offers safe and exciting whale-watching adventures aboard one of their three Zodiac vessels. Their tours run daily from May to October.

Jolly Breeze Whale Adventures

Jolly Breeze Whale Adventures offers adrenaline-filled tours and boat tours. They have been praised for their friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Island Quest Marine

Island Quest Marine offers boat tours and whale-watching excursions. They have been described as "friendly and kind" by customers, who have also praised their knowledgeable marine biologists.

Capt. Riddle's Whale Watch Cruises

Capt. Riddle's Whale Watch Cruises cater to kids and families. Their staff have been described as "awesome" and "patient" by customers with children.

Cruisin' With The Whales

Cruisin' With The Whales has marine biologists on board who are "very knowledgeable". Customers have described their staff as "friendly" and "kind".

Top of the Island Boat Tours

Top of the Island Boat Tours offers boat tours and dolphin and whale watching. Their converted fishing boat has been described as "fantastic for up-close and personal" viewing.

Saint John City Market

The Saint John City Market, located at 47 Charlotte Street, is the oldest continuously operated farmer's market in Canada, with a charter dating back to 1785. The market is open year-round, from Monday to Saturday, offering a unique shopping experience for both locals and visitors. It is the only place in Saint John where you can experience a traditional "farmers market" while shopping for a wide range of goods and services. The market houses a variety of local and international vendors, including butchers, bakers, fruit peddlers, sausage makers, fishmongers, and delicatessens. The market is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, filled with the sounds of busy shoppers and clerks, the aroma of fresh food, and colourful displays of produce, meats, and seafood.

The market's building has a unique history and architecture. Designed by architects J.T.C. McKean and G.E. Fairweather in the Second Empire style, the current structure was completed in 1876, replacing two previous wooden buildings that were destroyed by fire. The market's interior roof structure resembles an inverted ship's keel, built by unemployed ship carpenters using wooden trusses. The floor of the market slopes with the natural grade of the land, and the building is connected to the city's indoor pedway system.

In addition to its regular vendors, the Saint John City Market also hosts various pop-up exhibits, community events, art installations, children's activities, product tastings, and workshops. Some of the businesses in the market have been operating continuously for over 100 years, and it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1986.

Reversing Falls

The Reversing Falls, located in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, is a series of rapids on the Saint John River. The river passes through a narrow gorge before emptying into the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tidal range in the world. The semidiurnal tides of the bay force the flow of water to reverse against the prevailing current when the tide is high, although during the spring freshet, the downstream volume of water can surpass this. The rapids are created by a series of underwater ledges that roil the water in both directions, making it a significant navigation hazard. Vessels wishing to enter or exit the river must wait for slack tide.

The Reversing Falls have been an important industrial site for over a century. The Canadian Pacific Railway constructed the Reversing Falls Railway Bridge in 1885, which was replaced in 1922 and is currently used by the New Brunswick Southern Railway. The railway bridge crosses the gorge immediately downstream from the falls, parallel to the Reversing Falls Road Bridge. The location of the falls has also been home to a foundry and other light industrial operations, as well as a large pulp mill on the west side, which has been criticised for its presence at one of Saint John's prime tourism locations.

The Reversing Falls are a popular attraction in Saint John, with tourists coming from all over the world to witness the reverse flow of the waterfalls during changing tides. It is recommended that visitors observe the falls at both high and low tide to fully understand the unique phenomenon. Fallsview Park, located close to the falls, offers a good viewing point, as does the Reversing Falls Bridge. There is also a 12-minute film that explains the logic behind the reverse fall of water, which can be viewed at the Reversing Falls Roof Top Theatre while waiting for the flow of water to change.

In the past, a tourist business offered jet boat rides on the river in the vicinity of the falls, however, this closed at the end of the 2013 season after 19 years. More recently, the Reversing Falls has become a popular whitewater kayaking location, made unique by the changes in formation of the rapids during incoming or outgoing tides.

Fundy National Park

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your visit. Here are some suggestions:

• Hiking: Explore over 120 km of walking and hiking trails, including the famous Fundy Footpath, which is rated among the top 50 hiking trails globally. Discover the Acadian forest, with its rich variety of plant species, such as the rare bird's-eye primrose. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including moose, beavers, deer, and great blue herons.
• Water Activities: Rent a canoe or kayak and explore Bennett Lake. You can also go swimming or join a guided beach walk. Don't miss the opportunity to walk the ocean floor at low tide and witness the power of nature as the tides rise.
• Camping: Choose from three campgrounds and set up your tent, trailer, or accommodation. The park offers a range of services, including electricity, water, and sewage.
• Sports: Golf, tennis, and lawn bowling are available for those who want to stay active during their visit. There is also a heated saltwater pool for a refreshing dip after a long hike.
• Sightseeing: Take in the breathtaking views of the jagged, red-rock coastline and sea stacks. Visit nearby attractions such as Cape Enrage, the Fundy Trail Provincial Park, and The Hopewell Rocks.

Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market

Fredericton, New Brunswick, is home to the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, recognised as one of Canada's top 10 community markets. It is Fredericton's original and largest farmers' market, founded in 1951, and has been a staple for locals and visitors alike for nearly 70 years.

The market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm, with over 200 vendors offering a diverse range of products. You can find everything from fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and wines to crafts, jewellery, and other unique souvenirs. It is the perfect place to discover seasonal products and ultra-fresh foods, including organics, seafood, cakes, breads, and homemade jams.

The Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market also offers a variety of ethnic delicacies, such as Chinese buns, Lebanese stuffed grape leaves, and the city's famous samosas. You can enjoy breakfast on-site or indulge in the many ethnic foods available.

In addition to the wide range of products, the market provides a vibrant and colourful space to socialise and connect with the local community. It is a great way to spend a Saturday morning, offering a delightful mix of good food, good finds, and good friends.

The Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market is a must-visit destination and a true community gathering spot that embodies the spirit of Fredericton and showcases the best of local and regional offerings.

Frequently asked questions