Springtime Adventures In New Brunswick

New Brunswick in May is a great time to explore the province's natural wonders, including the world-famous Bay of Fundy and its incredible tides. You can walk on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks, explore the stunning coastal scenery of the Fundy Trail, and visit the iconic Roosevelt Campobello International Park. Saint John, the province's largest city, offers a vibrant cultural scene with great food and craft breweries, while the historic city of Fredericton is worth a visit for its charming architecture and summer festivals. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's whale watching, sea kayaking, and hiking trails to discover, as well as the chance to spot wildlife such as seals and puffins. With friendly locals and a variety of attractions, New Brunswick is a fantastic destination to explore in May.

Whale watching

The Bay of Fundy is home to over eight species of whales, with a population that can exceed 300 at any given time. Commonly sighted species include Humpback, Minke, and Finback whales. The bay also has a nursery for the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. Other species occasionally spotted include the Sei Whale and Pilot Whale. Keep an eye out for rare sightings of Blue, Sperm, Killer, and Beluga whales.

When choosing a whale-watching tour, consider the type of vessel used, such as converted fishing boats, catamarans, motor/sailing vessels, or zodiacs. Zodiacs offer a unique perspective by putting you at water level, while other vessels provide a smoother ride and shelter from the elements.

• Quoddy Link Marine Inc.: This company offers boat tours and eco-tours. Passengers can observe seals, porpoises, eagles, seabirds, and learn about marine biology while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies.
• Fundy Tide Runners Whale Watching: This company provides exciting whale-watching experiences, with some passengers spotting numerous whales during their trips.
• Jolly Breeze Whale Adventures: Specialising in adrenaline-filled tours, Jolly Breeze offers boat tours and shares fascinating stories about the annual return of minke whales.
• Island Quest Marine: This company combines whale-watching with marine biology lessons, making the experience both fun and educational.
• Top of the Island Boat Tours: Captain Stephen takes passengers on a journey to see whales and provides insights into local life on Grand Manan Island.
• Capt. Riddle's Whale Watch Cruises: This company offers whale-watching cruises suitable for all ages, with knowledgeable staff who happily answer questions.

Remember to book your tour in advance, as whale-watching tours tend to fill up quickly. Additionally, bring extra layers of clothing, as it can get chilly on the water, even during the summer.

Walk on the ocean floor

Walking on the ocean floor is a truly unique experience that can be had in New Brunswick. The Bay of Fundy, located near Hopewell Cape, is a great place to do this. The Hopewell Rocks, also known as Flowerpot Rocks, are an iconic rock formation that can be explored during both high and low tide. The extreme tidal range of the bay makes them only accessible at low tide. The best time to explore the ocean floor is three hours before and after low tide, as the water can rush back in at over 10 meters per minute!

The Flowerpot Rocks were formed by the erosion effect of 100 billion tons of water moving in and out of the Bay of Fundy twice a day. The unusual shape of the formations and the trees growing at the top of the brown sea stacks resemble plants growing in a clay pot, hence the name. At the Learning Centre, you can learn about the formation of the Bay of Fundy and the Flowerpot Rocks.

The Bay of Fundy is also home to Fundy National Park, which offers several walking trails that lead to various lookout points. One family-friendly trail takes you to Demoiselle Beach, a sandy cove home to wildlife such as moose, white-tailed deer, red fox, coyote, raccoons, and porcupines. There are also salt marshes where you can spot waterfowl and shorebirds.

So, if you're looking for an adventure in May, walking on the ocean floor in New Brunswick is definitely a memorable experience to consider!

Explore sea caves

The St. Martins Sea Caves are a popular attraction for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers and rockhounds. The sandstone caves are carved by the Bay of Fundy's tides—the highest tides in the world. Spelunkers can explore the caves at their leisure, but only at low tide. The sea caves are located just before the Fundy Trail, so it's easy to visit both in one trip.

The sea caves are free to visit and there is plenty of free parking available. The walk across the shingle to the caves is relatively easy, but the rocks can be slippery, so it's important to wear proper footwear. Water shoes with grip are highly recommended, and underwater gloves can also be useful for climbing over rocks. It's also important to be aware of the tide times, as the tide comes in deceptively fast and can cut off access to the caves.

The sea caves are cordoned off, so you can no longer enter them, but it's still impressive to see them from outside. There are also some beautiful views along the walk to the caves. There are some souvenir shops and restaurants nearby, including the highly recommended Seaside Restaurant, which serves delicious soup.

Visit museums and historic sites

New Brunswick is home to a plethora of museums and historical sites that offer visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Here is a list of some must-visit museums and historical sites in New Brunswick, Canada:

Kings Landing Historical Settlement

Kings Landing, located in New Brunswick, is a living history museum that takes visitors back in time to experience rural life in the province during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The site features original buildings from the 1820s to 1920s, showcasing the lifestyles and traditions of the province's ancestors.

Village Historique Acadien

The Village Historique Acadien is a museum village that represents the lives of the Acadians, French-speaking settlers who arrived in New Brunswick from France in the 1600s and 1700s. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional household, farming, and craftsmanship skills, offering visitors a unique insight into Acadian culture and history.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park

Campobello Island, accessible via ferry or bridge, is home to the Roosevelt Campobello International Park. The park features the Roosevelt family's 34-room cottage, where they spent their summers from 1905 to 1921. The grounds also include several other historic summer homes and offer insights into the family's life and the cross-border connections between Canada and the United States.

Fredericton Region Museum

The Fredericton Region Museum showcases the history of the region, including exhibits on local immigrant stories, a regional thief, and local medical history. The museum is located within the Garrison District, a former British garrison site that now hosts summer festivals, historical reenactments, and walking tours.

Saint John Jewish Historical Museum

The Saint John Jewish Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and cultural heritage of the Jewish community in Saint John. It offers a unique perspective on the diverse cultural fabric of the city and is a must-visit for those interested in history and culture.

Magnetic Hill Zoo

The Magnetic Hill Zoo in Moncton is the largest zoo in Atlantic Canada, housing over 400 animals and offering a diverse range of species for visitors to explore. It is located near the famous Magnetic Hill, a tourist attraction known for its optical illusion of a car appearing to roll uphill.

New Brunswick Museum

The New Brunswick Museum, located in Saint John, is Canada's oldest continuing museum. It has been preserving and showcasing the country's rich heritage for years, making it a significant cultural landmark.

Albert County Museum

The Albert County Museum, situated in Hopewell Cape, offers visitors a glimpse into the region's past through a complex of ten buildings, nine of which are open to the public.

Carleton Martello Tower

The Carleton Martello Tower, located in Saint John, is one of nine remaining Martello Towers in Canada. These defensive structures, built during the 19th century, have become important landmarks and offer insights into the country's military history.

McAdam Railway Station

The McAdam Railway Station, located in McAdam, is a heritage station and a provincial and national historic site. Built in 1901, it was once a major station in the province but declined in importance from the 1960s. Today, it serves as a museum, attracting history enthusiasts and tourists.

These are just a few of the many fascinating museums and historical sites that New Brunswick has to offer. Each one provides a unique perspective on the region's history, culture, and traditions, making them well worth a visit for those interested in exploring New Brunswick's rich heritage.

Hike nature trails

New Brunswick is a great place for hiking nature trails, with 80% forested land and a diverse range of trails to choose from. Here are some ideas for hiking nature trails in New Brunswick in May:

Fundy National Park

This beautiful coastal park offers miles of hiking trails along rugged shores and bubbling forest streams. The 2.5-km Laverty Falls Trail leads you through a mixed forest of maple, birch, and beech trees to one of the park's most impressive waterfalls, where you can cool off by dipping your feet in the deep pool at the base of the falls. The 0.7-km Dickson Falls Trail takes you through pristine old-growth forest with viewpoint boardwalks and waterfalls.

Fundy Trail Parkway

As one of the last remaining coastal wilderness areas between Florida and Labrador, the Fundy Trail offers over 60 kilometres of hiking trails, including four waterfalls, 21 clifftop lookouts, seven pristine beaches, and the Big Salmon River Suspension Footbridge.

Third Vault Falls Trail

This 4.4-mile trail takes you through relatively flat woodlands before leading down to the Third Vault Brook, where you can enjoy views of a beautiful waterfall.

Sussex Bluff Trail

A 2.3-mile trail that offers a bit of elevation gain and great views. Please note that this trail does enter private property, so it's important to stay on the marked path and respect any signage.

Mount Douglas Bald Trail

A shorter trail at 1.3 miles, offering a quick hike with scenic views.

Split Rock and Troy's Trail

A unique 7.8-mile trail for coastal exploration, with fantastic views along the shoreline, including excellent viewpoints at Colson's Cove and Black Beach.

Turtle Mountain

For a more involved and rewarding hike, try the 13.6-mile Turtle Mountain trail, which includes a steep climb up massive rocks to a viewpoint of five lakes: Turtle, West, Elizabeth, Labrador, and Little Sherwood.

Frequently asked questions