Leaves Change Color In New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a sight to behold in autumn, when its trees explode into a dazzling array of reds, oranges, yellows, and greens. The province, with its abundance of maple trees, offers a spectacular display of colours that rivals the more popular foliage routes in neighbouring New England. Over 80% of New Brunswick is forested, so visitors are never far from a brilliant show of colourful leaves. While the season can be short-lived, with a bad freeze killing the colour, those who time their visit right are in for a treat. The best time to see the leaves in their full glory is around Canada's Thanksgiving Weekend in October, with the Bay of Fundy and the Acadian Coast being must-visit destinations.

The best spots to see the leaves change colour

New Brunswick is a great place to see the leaves change colour in autumn. Over 80% of the province is forested, so you're never far from a brilliant display of colourful leaves. Here are some of the best spots to see the fall foliage:

The Acadian Coast

The Acadian Coast is resplendent with bright fall colours and breathtaking autumn scenery. Be sure to stop at Chaleur Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, especially in the fall.

The Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is one of the Marine Wonders of the World, and it's also one of the best places to see vibrant fall colours. The summer beauty of the Bay of Fundy is only enhanced by the brilliant colours of autumn.

Downtown Fredericton

Fredericton is a city with a lot of well-preserved history. Wander the streets where 100-year-old elms and maples stretch above you, and daydream as the leaves slowly fall around you. The downtown area also has a wonderful walking trail that takes you across the Saint John River on an old train bridge. Grab a seat at Picaroons and watch as people enjoy the city’s impressive waterfront and pathways.

The Miramichi River

The Miramichi River provides a front-row view of the spectacular fall foliage. Walk along the hiking trails at French Fort Cove Nature Park, or view the colours from a boat on the river—either way, you’ll be sure to catch some spectacular views.

Mount Carleton Provincial Park

While the wind may blow the red leaves off the trees early, the views at Mount Carleton Provincial Park are still hard to beat.

St. Andrews By-The-Sea

Located just outside of New Brunswick’s most beautiful small town, St. Andrews By-The-Sea, the hike is simply incredible. The views from the summit are so stunning that they are difficult to capture in a photo, so make sure you take the time to soak them all in. The hike is reasonably easy and should take less than an hour. Once you reach the top, grab a seat and enjoy the magic of the dense forests meeting the Passamaquoddy Bay.

The science behind the changing colours

New Brunswick, Canada, is known for its vibrant autumn foliage, with a blend of green, red, yellow, and orange hues. The process of leaves changing colour is quite fascinating and occurs due to various scientific reasons.

Leaves exhibit different colours due to the presence of pigments, which are chemical compounds. There are four primary pigments found in leaves: chlorophyll (green), xanthophylls (yellow), carotenoids (orange), and anthocyanins (red, pink, or purple). During spring and summer, leaves appear green due to the abundant production of chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis, allowing plants to convert sunlight into energy.

As summer transitions into autumn, the days become shorter, and sunlight decreases. This environmental change signals trees to prepare for the upcoming winter by slowing down or stopping the production of chlorophyll. With reduced chlorophyll, the green colour fades, and the other pigments, such as xanthophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins, become visible, resulting in the vibrant autumn colours we admire.

The weather also plays a crucial role in the colour change of leaves. Colder temperatures, rain, and snow in autumn influence the timing and duration of the colour display. Extreme weather conditions, like droughts or early frosts, can cause leaves to fall off prematurely, before they have a chance to change colours.

In addition to the visual spectacle, the process behind the changing leaf colours is a strategic survival mechanism for plants. During winter, it is challenging for plants to retain their leaves due to the limited sunlight and water availability. Therefore, some plants break down the chlorophyll, reabsorbing its constituent molecules, and shed their leaves to conserve energy. By doing so, plants can utilise the stored molecules to regenerate chlorophyll when favourable conditions return in the spring.

The transformation of leaf colours in New Brunswick is a testament to the intricate balance of nature and serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

How weather affects the timing

New Brunswick is a great place to witness the leaves changing colour in the fall. The reds, oranges, yellows, and greens blend together in a truly magical way. The colours can be seen anywhere in New Brunswick, from the small town of Tracadie-Sheila on the northeastern coast to the historic downtown of Fredericton. The season, however, can come and go very fast. So, how does the weather affect the timing of the colour change and how long the leaves remain on the trees?

The changing colours of leaves in the fall are mainly in response to the decrease in daily sunlight. Photosynthesis, or the production of sugars that depend on sunlight, begins to slow down in response to the change in the amount of light. This leads to a reduction of chlorophyll, the pigment that supports photosynthesis and gives leaves their green colour. When chlorophyll is reduced, other pigments in the leaves begin to show or are produced, such as carotenoids (producing oranges) and xanthophylls (producing yellows). As the days get shorter and there is less sunlight, this is a signal for the leaves to prepare for winter and stop making chlorophyll.

The weather leading up to the shortening of the days plays a role in the timing of the colour change. The extent of red colours and the length of time they are displayed are directly related to temperature and moisture conditions that occur before and during the period when the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves is diminishing. The most brilliant displays of colour follow a period of warm and sunny days with cool nights. During this weather cycle, leaves produce an abundance of sugars. The cooler nights and gradual narrowing of leaf veins in the fall mean that most of the sugars are trapped in the leaf. An abundance of sugar and light in the leaf leads to the production of vivid anthocyanin pigments, which produce red, purple and crimson colours.

Soil moisture also plays a role in the timing and brilliance of leaf colour. The best displays are produced when the soil has been adequately moist throughout the year, with warm and sunny days and cool nights. A late spring or severe summer drought can delay the onset of colour. Summer drought conditions can stress trees, causing them to lose their leaves prematurely or start producing colour prematurely. A warm period during the fall can also decrease the intensity of fall colours by triggering early leaf drop before the colours have had a chance to develop. Windy and rainy weather during the fall can also knock leaves down prematurely, shortening the colour display at its peak.

How to plan your trip to see the leaves

New Brunswick is a great place to see the leaves change colour in autumn. Over 80% of the province is forested, so you're never far from a brilliant display of colourful leaves. The best time to see the leaves is around Canada's Thanksgiving Weekend. Here are some tips on how to plan your trip:

Where to Go

The province's tourism website has an interactive map that allows you to find the best spots to see the leaves. You can also follow their online fall leaf report to get snapshots and driving routes of the best fall colours.

The Bay of Fundy is one of the best places to see vibrant fall colours. The Acadian Coast is also resplendent with bright fall colours, and Chaleur Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in the world, partly because of the fall foliage.

The Miramichi River provides a front-row view of the fall foliage. You can walk along the hiking trails at French Fort Cove Nature Park or view the colours from a boat on the river.

Where to Stay

The Best Western Plus in Fredericton and Woodstock is located along the Saint John River Valley, which offers great views of the leaves.

What to Do

Take a hike just outside of St. Andrews By-The-Sea for stunning views of dense forests meeting the Passamaquoddy Bay.

Wander the streets of downtown Fredericton, where 100-year-old elms and maples stretch high above you. The downtown walking trail will take you across the Saint John River on an old train bridge.

Find a place where the water is perfectly still, such as downtown Woodstock or the town of Harvey, to get two fall photos for the price of one.

Drive along the Saint John River, taking Routes 104 and 105 through small towns like Hartland and Florenceville. Stop at Covered Bridge Chips in Hartland to pick up some of the best potato chips on the East Coast.

See the waterfalls at Lepreau Falls, Saint George Falls, and Jackson Falls near Woodstock. The contrast of the fall colours with the raging waters is truly magical.

So, plan your trip to New Brunswick this autumn and enjoy the spectacular display of nature's beauty!

What to do if you can't travel to see the leaves

If you can't make it to New Brunswick to see the leaves change colour in person, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty of the season. Here are some ideas to bring the experience to you, no matter where you are:

• Explore virtual options: Many local businesses, tourism boards, and photographers offer virtual tours and experiences of New Brunswick's fall foliage. You can find online galleries, 360-degree panoramas, and even live streams that will allow you to immerse yourself in the vibrant colours of the season from the comfort of your home.
• Connect with nature locally: While New Brunswick's fall colours are unique, there may be similar experiences closer to home. Look for local parks, forests, or nature trails where you can observe the changing leaves and connect with the autumn landscape near you. Even a walk through your neighbourhood or a nearby park can offer a chance to appreciate the beauty of the season and spot colourful leaves.
• Create a cosy atmosphere: Bring the outdoors in by creating a cosy atmosphere at home. Light some candles, put on your comfiest sweater, and make yourself a warm drink. You can even add some autumn-themed decorations, like pumpkins, colourful leaves, or cosy blankets, to set the mood and create your own fall sanctuary.
• Enjoy fall-themed entertainment: Curl up with a good book, movie, or TV show that showcases the beauty of autumn. Whether it's a classic novel set in the countryside or a film with stunning fall visuals, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can also listen to autumn-themed playlists or podcasts that capture the cosy atmosphere of the season.
• Follow the journey online: Many people document their travels to see the fall foliage in New Brunswick through blogs, vlogs, and social media posts. By following these online journeys, you can live vicariously through their experiences and enjoy the stunning visuals they capture. You can also join online communities dedicated to autumn foliage enthusiasts, where people share tips, photos, and their favourite spots to view the leaves.
• Plan for next year: If you're unable to travel this year, start planning for the next leaf-peeping season. Research the best times and places to visit, and make a list of must-see spots in New Brunswick. You can also look into travel options, accommodations, and any local events or festivals that coincide with the fall foliage season. That way, you'll be all set to make the most of your future trip.

Frequently asked questions