New Brunswick Header

New Brunswick, Canada

New Brunswick Introduction

New Brunswick is one of the Maritime Provinces of Eastern Canada and one of the less well-known destinations in the country. While we love visiting under-rated tourist sites, we believe New Brunswick deserves more recognition that it gets. With its dramatic coastlines, abundant wilderness, pastoral river valley, vibrant small cities, and diverse cultural history New Brunswick should be on everyone’s Canadian Travel Bucket List.

We’ve written extensively about things to do in New Brunswick (and will continue to do so.) It’s Alison’s home province, and we’ve spent the past year re-discovering it with new eyes. This page will give you the information you need to plan and enjoy your travel in New Brunswick and point you to our in-depth articles on specific locations around the province.

Quote

Dramatic coastlines, abundant wilderness, pastoral river valley – New Brunswick should be on everyone’s Canadian Travel Bucket List.

Who Should & Shouldn’t Visit New Brunswick?

Of course, we love New Brunswick and think everyone should give it a chance. The reality is, however, not everyone looks for the same things in a tourist destination. If you’re a traveller who only enjoys large metropolises like New York, Rio, and Hong Kong, you may find the pace in New Brunswick a bit slow. Likewise, if you need all of the tourist attractions to be quickly or easily accessed by public transportation, you’ll find the vast distances of NB difficult (unless you’re willing to be part of a package tour).

However, we know most of our readers, like us, enjoy off-the-beaten-path destinations with ready access to local cultures, foods, and incredible nature. If you’re an independent traveller who is prepared to either stay in one place or allow plenty of time for travel between major centres, then New Brunswick is for you. If you love scenic drives and believe the journey itself is part of the destination, you’re in the right place. NB is ideal for families of all ages, has plenty of romantic vistas for couples, and lots of adventure-driven activities for active travellers.

Where is New Brunswick?

We’ve answered the question ‘Where is New Brunswick?’ (and why you should visit) in depth in this article. But here’s a little overview:

New Brunswick is one of Canada’s Maritime Provinces, found on the Eastern Atlantic Coast of the country. NB is east of Quebec, west of Nova Scotia, and north of the US state of Maine.

Map of New Brunswick

Click to use map

New Brunswick Facts

New Brunswick Facts

The following are a few of the many fun facts about New Brunswick; a province that is home to many ‘world’s largest’ and ‘world’s firsts.’

  • While New Brunswick looks small in relation to larger provinces like Quebec and Ontario, it is 72,908 km2 (or 28,150 square miles) which is 2000km larger than Ireland and 2.5 times the size of Belgium.
  • Despite its size, New Brunswick’s population is a mere 755,000 (Quebec City alone has almost 700,000 inhabitants).
  • New Brunswick is home to the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy. They rise up to a metre an hour, and at certain points of the year there’s a difference of 16.3m (over three storeys!)
  • These high tides cause some unique phenomenon including Saint John’s Reversing Rapids (or the Reversing Falls). The force of high tide pushes the St. John River back upstream causing the river to ‘reverse’ its flow.
  • New Brunswick is home to the warmest salt water north of Virginia, in the Northumberland Strait. You can enjoy the warm temperatures on the white sandy beaches of Kouchibouguac National Park.
  • New Brunswick’s Hartland Covered Bridge is the longest in the world at 390 meters (1282 feet) long. The province contains about 60 of these beautiful structures, most of which are maintained by the Department of Transportation.
  • NB also boasts a half dozen river ferries operated by the Department of Transportation which are free of charge to cross.
  • The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is the “oldest English-language post-secondary institution in Canada,” founded in 1785.
  • Saint John, NB, is Canada’s oldest incorporated city and is home to many Canadian ‘firsts’:

    • Canada’s oldest museum – The New Brunswick Museum (local legend says actor Donald Sutherland got the acting bug by taking puppet classes here as a child).
    • Canada’s oldest independent brewery – Moosehead
    • Canada’s oldest continuing farmer’s marketSaint John City Market
  • New Brunswick is the birthplace of a variety of useful inventions including the sardine can, the Vortex-flushing toilet, the scuba tank, the fog horn, and the snow blower.

New Brunswick Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms

New Brunswick Flag

Provincial Flag

Black-Capped Chickadee – Official bird of New Brunswick

Black-Capped Chickadee – Official Bird

Language in New Brunswick

One other fact about New Brunswick is so integral to the province it deserves its own section. NB is the only officially bilingual province in Canada, despite the country itself having two official languages, English and French. In most Canadian provinces, the primary language is English, except Quebec (primarily French) and Nunavut (although the official language is English, Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun, two closely related Inuit languages are widely spoken). New Brunswick, however, has its bilingual status listed in both provincial and federal law.

Although Anglophones make up roughly two-thirds of New Brunswick’s population, just over 30% of the population is Francophone. These French communities are found in the north-west and along the northeastern coast. The Francophones of the northeastern coast, centred around Bouctouche, are primarily Acadian, while the northwestern French, around Edmundston, identify as Brayon, a mix of Quebecois, Acadian, English, Scottish, American, and First Nations, founded in the Madawaska region.

Less than 1% of New Brunswicker’s claim one of the First Nations’ languages as their mother tongue and another 1% of immigrants claim their home language, the top three being Chinese, Korean, and German.

Language in New Brunswick is always a hot-button issue, with some Francophones feeling under-represented and some Anglophones believing they give too many concessions. Despite this political animosity, 33.2% of the population claim they are bilingual.

Read more about New Brunswick’s facts and language in this article.

Quote

“Today I left my footprints on the Ocean floor, Tomorrow I’ll open the door to a world of Natural Wonder.”

Our Top 5 Things To Do in New Brunswick

Top 5 Things – Intro

The list of things to do in New Brunswick is only limited by your imagination. There are countless activities and attractions for all tastes and styles of travel; from adventurous outdoor activities to discovering the rich history and cultures of the province. We’ve listed our top 5 Must-See attractions, but dig deeper into our articles for plenty more things to do around the province.

Top 5 Things – Tides

1. Experience the Bay of Fundy Tides – There are so many ways to experience the dramatic tides and coastlines of the Bay of Fundy, it’s difficult to condense them into one listing. You can hike the Fundy Trail; drive the stunning Fundy Parkway; explore the Hopewell Rocks; ride the tidal bore in Moncton; see the power of the Reversing Rapids in Saint John; camp at the stunning Fundy National Park; or stroll on any of the beaches on the Fundy coast at high and low tide to witness the dramatic difference.

Top 5 Things – Kouchibouguac

2. Explore the Diverse Ecosystems of Kouchibouguac National ParkKouchibouguac is the lesser-known of NB’s two National Parks but undeservedly so. It may not have the dramatic rocky coasts of Fundy, but it has warm salt water, sandy beaches, bogs, marshes, and forests brimming with wildlife. The nature trails are some of the best in the Maritimes, and there are plenty of activities for all ages. Read our full article on Kouchibouguac National Park.

Top 5 Things – Covered Bridges

3. Share a kiss on New Brunswick’s Covered Bridges – New Brunswick has around 60 covered bridges, most of which are still used for vehicle traffic and maintained by the Department of Transportation. They were known as ‘Kissing Bridges’ because young men would slow their horses while crossing the bridges to steal a kiss from their lady-loves. The longest covered bridge in the world is in Hartland, NB and is well worth the trip to experience crossing this amazing structure.

Top 5 Things – Kingsbrae

4. Find one of Canada’s Best Gardens in Quaint St. AndrewsKingsbrae Garden is ranked one of Canada’s top Botanical Gardens, and it’s easy to see why. The 27-acre park is jam packed with themed gardens, art installations, adorable animals, and a fantastic seasonal restaurant. It doesn’t hurt that it’s located in St. Andrew’s, one of New Brunswick’s prettiest coastal towns, where other attractions include the Huntsman Aquarium and Marine Sciences Centre, the historic blockhouse, access to Ministers Island National & Provincial Historic Site, and colourful murals painted on buildings around the town.

Kingsbrea Gardens in St. Andrews, NB, is one of the top rated gardens in Canada

Top 5 Things – Saint John

5. Visit Canada’s Oldest Incorporated City – There are plenty of things to see and do in Saint John. Some of the most fascinating are also the oldest in the country: Visiting the Saint John City Market is a must; The New Brunswick Museum gives insight into both the natural and cultural history of the province; and Loyalist House depicts the early days of the ‘Loyalist City,’ of Saint John. Stroll Uptown Saint John to admire the historic architecture and shop in the one-of-a-kind boutiques. Catch a concert at the King’s Square bandstand or revel in the peace of the Loyalist Burial Ground. End your day with a meal at one of the Saint John’s excellent restaurants.

Top 5 Things – Outro

If our top 5 things to do in New Brunswick has whetted your appetite, check out our full listing of 15 Things to do in New Brunswick.

Quote

New Brunswick Cities

New Brunswick Cities – Body

New Brunswick has eight communities with city status. Saint John is the largest, by a slight margin. Despite it being the biggest and oldest incorporated city in the province (1785), it is not the capital. The capital city of New Brunswick is Fredericton (home of the main campus of the University of New Brunswick). The cities in order of population (from the 2011 census) are:

  • Saint John (70,063) Primarily Anglophone (Note: writing Saint John, NB as ‘St. John’ is incorrect. Saint is always spelled This is in contrast to the St. John River which runs through the province and St. John’s, Newfoundland. If you really want to annoy a native Saint Johner, abbreviate the word Saint!)
  • Moncton (69,074) Primarily Anglophone (Note: Moncton seems much larger than Saint John because of its proximity to Dieppe. [see below] The Greater Moncton Municipality includes these two cities, plus Riverview and parts of the surrounding counties. The total population is 138,644)
  • Fredericton (56,224) Primarily Anglophone
  • Dieppe (23,310) Primarily Francophone
  • Miramichi (17,811) Primarily Anglophone
  • Edmundston (16,032) Primarily Francophone
  • Bathurst (12,275) Primarily Francophone (however the margin is very close)
  • Campbellton (7,385) Primarily Francophone

National and Provincial Parks in New Brunswick

National and Provincial Parks in New Brunswick – National Parks header

New Brunswick is home to two National Parks:

National and Provincial Parks in New Brunswick – Body

  • Fundy National Park – 207 km2 (80 sq mi) on the Fundy coast, near the village of Alma. Highlights include more than 25 waterfalls, a dramatic, rugged coastline, 25 hiking trails, a covered bridge, a golf course, and a salt water pool.
  • Kouchibouguac National Park – 207 km2 (80 sq mi) on the Northumberland Strait, between Miramichi and Bouctouche. Highlights include the warmest salt water north of Virginia with 25km of sand dunes, 10 hiking trails, 60km of biking trails including one dedicated mountain bike trail, canoeing, clam digging, and world-class bird-watching.

There are 9 Provincial Parks in New Brunswick:

  • De la République Provincial Park – 44-ha (108-acre) park on the shores of the Madawaska River in Edmundston,
  • Herring Cove Provincial Park – A small park on Campobello Island
  • Mactaquac Provincial Park – 525-ha (1,300-acre) park near Fredericton which is a family favourite.
  • Mount Carleton Provincial Park – 17,000 ha (42,000 acres) Home to NB’s largest mountain.
  • Murray Beach Provincial Park – a small park on the Acadian Coastal Drive.
  • New River Beach Provincial Park – a small park with one of NB’s best beaches, near Saint John.
  • Parlee Beach Provincial Park – 0.64 ha (1.6 acres) with another great beach, near Moncton.
  • Sugarloaf Provincial Park – 11.5-square-kilometre (4.4 sq mi) near Campbellton is a winter favourite for downhill skiing.
  • The Anchorage Provincial Park – 1.39 km2 (0.54 sq mi) on Grand Manan Island
Kouchibouguac National Park boasts the warmest salt water north of Virginia

National Historic Sites in New Brunswick

National Historic Sites in New Brunswick – Body

New Brunswick has 9 National Historic Sites administered by Parks Canada:

  • Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Site of Canada – An island famed for its 19th-century shipbuilding – archaeological site, near Miramichi
  • Boishébert National Historic Site of Canada – Also on Beaubears Island, the site of an Acadian refugee camp, under the command of the leader of the Acadian resistance to the expulsion, Charles Deschamps de Boishébert et de Raffetot, during the French and Indian War.
  • Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site of Canada – One of 9 remaining Martello Towers in Canada. This fortification was built to defend Saint John during War of 1812 and is the oldest building in the city.
  • Fort Beauséjour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site of Canada – Near the Nova Scotia border, the remains of this 1750-51 French fort; captured by British and New England troops in 1755, have been restored and house a museum.
  • Fort Gaspareaux National Historic Site of Canada – Military ruins and cemetery of 1751 French fort at the head of Baie Verte near Port Elgin.
  • La Coupe Dry Dock National Historic Site of Canada – Site may represent 18th-century Acadian construction, near Aulac
  • Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site of Canada – A memorial to Father Camille Lefebvre, who established Collège Saint-Joseph in 1864 and symbol of Acadian cultural revival in the 19th century, in Memramcook.
  • St. Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site of Canada – A restored wooden blockhouse from the War of 1812.

New Brunswick has more than 50 other designated Historic Sites. A full list can be found here.

Quote

Getting to New Brunswick

Getting to New Brunswick By Air

Getting to New Brunswick By Air

New Brunswick has three main airports and though two of them have the word ‘International’ in their names, take that with a grain of salt. The few international flights there are to speak of are seasonal flights to places like Cancun, Miami, Orlando, and Varadero (i.e., Canadian Snow Birds escaping winter).

If you plan to fly into New Brunswick, you will most likely have to connect in a larger Canadian city like Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, or even Halifax (although renting a car in Halifax and driving to NB is probably a better option.)

The main airports are:

Getting to New Brunswick By Rail

Getting to New Brunswick By Rail

New Brunswick is also accessible by the national rail service, Via Rail. The main train station is in Moncton. Rail Stations in NB include:

Getting to New Brunswick By Road

Getting to New Brunswick By Road

If you are travelling to New Brunswick by car, the Trans-Canada Highway runs diagonally through the centre of the province. It is the easiest way to access NB from Quebec or Nova Scotia.

Prince Edward Island is connected to the southeastern tip of NB by the Confederation Bridge.

From the United States, the main border crossing is the International Avenue Border Crossing at St. Stephen-Calais, but there are more than a dozen smaller border crossings throughout the province.

The ferry from Grand Bay to the Kingston Peninsula

Quote

Getting Around New Brunswick

Getting Around New Brunswick – Intro

For independent travellers, by far the easiest way to get around New Brunswick is by road. NB has a reputation for being boring, largely due to people travelling through the province on the main Trans-Canada Highway. Admittedly, there’s not much to see besides a lot of trees, but take the time to get off the highway, and you’ll be charmed by New Brunswick’s picturesque countryside, small towns, and variety of attractions.

Cautionary note: New Brunswick’s road maintenance, particularly on secondary roads is (how do we put this delicately?) not always optimal. Even on some of the designated scenic routes we’ve been bounced and jostled, (not to mention worried about the state of our shocks) especially when travelling in our motorhome.

Likewise, the signage for the tourist driving routes isn’t always reliable, so it’s a good idea to have additional maps and/or GPS devices for travelling the back roads. The scenic routes driving map published by NB Tourism is not particularly detailed, so if you’re relying on old-fashioned paper, you may want to purchase a better map or atlas. We use a combination of maps and GPS in all of our travels. If you do happen to lose your way, the best thing to do is stop and ask a local. New Brunswickers are friendly and helpful and will get you back on the right path in no time. You may even score a recommendation (or invitation) for lunch!

Scenic Drives in New Brunswick

New Brunswick Tourism has devised 5 main scenic drives through the province and overall they are excellent. We’ve done all of the first three below, and completing the final two is on our Bucket List for spring.

Getting Around New Brunswick – River Valley

1. The River Valley Scenic Drive – [Indicated by a green fiddlehead sign] 512 km (318 mi.) – As the name suggests, this drive follows the St. John River from where it meets the Bay of Fundy in Saint John, all the way north of Edmundston where it meets Quebec. Another short stretch follows the Kennebecasis River from Saint John to Sussex. The River Valley Drive highlights New Brunswick’s agriculture as you drive through the fertile valley that supports everything from dairy cattle to the province’s primary crop – potatoes.

Highlights of the River Valley Scenic Drive include:

  • The lovely town of Sussex with its colourful murals and annual fall Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
  • The Reversing Rapids in Saint John, where the St. John River meets the Bay of Fundy
  • New Brunswick’s capital city, Fredericton, and its rich cultural heritage
  • King’s Landing Historic Settlement, a re-enactment of life in the province’s early days
  • The Potato World Museum dedicated to NB’s number one crop in Florenceville-Bristol
  • The world’s longest covered bridge at Hartland
  • New Brunswick’s largest waterfall at Grand Falls
  • The lovely small city of Edmundston with the spectacular New Brunswick Botanical Garden

Getting Around New Brunswick – Fundy Coastal Drive

2. The Fundy Coastal Drive – [indicated by the blue lighthouse sign] 460 km (286 mi.) – This route follows the Fundy Coast along New Brunswick’s southern edge, from the US border at St. Stephen to the Nova Scotia border at Aulac. Obviously, the main attraction along this route is the dramatic shoreline carved by the crashing waves and enormous tides of the Bay of Fundy.

Highlights of the Fundy Costal Drive include:

  • The postcard-perfect resort town of Andrew’s with the spectacular Kingbrae Gardens and the Historic Blockhouse.
  • New River Beach Provincial Park with one of the best beaches on the Fundy coast.
  • Saint John with its wealth of natural and cultural attractions
  • Lovely St. Martins, the gateway to the Fundy Trail Parkway and home to legendary seafood chowder.
  • Sussex with its colourful murals and annual fall Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
  • The spectacular Fundy National Park
  • The village of Alma, home to the world’s best sticky buns.
  • Cape Enrage one of the most famous views in New Brunswick
  • The Hopewell Rocks, also called the flower pots, are the most dramatic representation of the power of the Fundy tides.
  • The bustling city of Moncton with its wealth of shops and restaurants
  • Sackville, NB, home to Mount Alison University and the lovely Sackville Waterfowl Park
  • Fort Beauséjour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site of Canada

Getting Around New Brunswick – Acadian Coastal Drive

3. The Acadian Coastal Drive – [indicated by the red starfish sign] 750 km (466 mi.) – There’s no better way to get a taste of authentic Acadian culture than to follow this route along the Northumberland Straight. The Acadian Coastal Route begins in Aulac, where the Fundy Coastal Route ends and follows the water all the way north to the Acadian Isles and on to Dalhousie.

Highlights of the Acadian Coastal Drive include:

  • Learn about Acadian history at La Pays de la Sagouine, in Bouctouche or La Village Historique Acadien in Caraquet
  • Enjoy the nature and fantastic beaches of Kouchibouguac National Park
  • Visit the giant Lobster in Shediac or take in a concert at Parlee Beach
  • Explore Miscou Island at the northeastern tip of the Acadian Peninsula
  • Visit the Monument-Lefebvre in Memramcook to learn the history of the Acadians
  • Walk the incredible boardwalk of La Dune de Bouctouche at the Irving Eco-centre
  • Taste cheese and visit the friendly goats of Fromagerie Au Fond du Bois in Rexton
  • Learn about lobsters at the Homarus Eco-Centre in Pointe-du-Chene
  • Shop for one of a kind souvenirs at the countless artisan workshops along the way

Getting Around New Brunswick – Miramichi River Route

4. The Miramichi River Route – [indicated by the purple salmon sign] 180 km (112 mi.) – At first glance, it may seem like the Miramichi River Route is all about nature and the bounty of the mighty river. The drive itself closely follows the river from Fredericton to the city of Miramichi. While nature and outdoor activities are integral to this part of the province, culture and history abound here as well, and you can discover the history of the Acadians and the First Nations peoples at attractions along the route.

Highlights of the Miramichi River Route include:

  • Spend a day on Beaubears Island to discover two National Historic Sites in one
  • Take a boat tour of the Miramichi River or take part in a guided salmon fly-fishing trip
  • Learn about New Brunswick’s First Nations at the Metepenagiag Heritage Park
  • Float down the river on a relaxing tubing ride
  • Enjoy a world-class seafood meal at one of the provinces top resorts, The Rodd Miramichi
  • Learn how to be a lumberjack at the Woodsmen’s Museum in Boiestown
  • Follow in the footsteps of one of the first English settlers in NB, featured in the book ‘The Nine Lives of Charlotte ‘
  • Learn about the region’s famous fish at the Atlantic Salmon Museum in Doaktown

Getting Around New Brunswick – Appalachian Range Route

5. The Appalachian Range Route – [indicated by the brown mountain sign] – 278 km (172 mi.) Experiencing mountain majesty is the name of the game on the Appalachian Range Route. There is a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy from autumn ‘leaf peeping’ to mountain biking and hiking to the top of Atlantic Canada’s highest peak. This drive follows the mountain range from Perth-Andover to Dalhousie.

Highlights of the Appalachian Range Route include:

  • Hike the New Brunswick portion of the International Appalachian Trail from Perth-Andover to Tide Head, near Campbellton
  • Climb Atlantic Canada’s highest peak or simply enjoy a night under the stars at the Designated Dark Sky Preserve of Mount Carleton Provincial Park.
  • Hit the slopes on a mountain biking adventure at Sugarloaf Provincial Park
  • View the mountain range from the water on a Restigouche River canoe trip
  • Enjoy some sweet treats in the Maple Capital of Atlantic Canada, the town of Saint-Quentin
  • Visit Restigouche Sam, the world’s largest salmon
  • Learn about the cultural history of the Mi’kmaq, French, Acadian and Scottish people of the region at the Restigouche Gallery

Quote

Where to Stay in New Brunswick

Where to Stay in New Brunswick – Body

You’ll find a full range of accommodations in New Brunswick from luxurious hotels and resorts with all the amenities to quaint and friendly bed & breakfasts and inns to campgrounds and rustic cabins in the middle of nature.

Depending on the length of your stay in New Brunswick, it’s a good idea to choose several ‘home bases’ and day-trip from there, whether these are in one of the vibrant cities, or you opt to take advantage of the National and Provincial Parks.

We’ve stayed at and reviewed the following accommodations in New Brunswick:

Where to Stay in New Brunswick – Body

Hotels in New Brunswick:

Bed & Breakfasts in New Brunswick:

Campgrounds in New Brunswick:

Cottage Rentals in New Brunswick:

For some unique accommodation ideas, check out NB Tourism’s article, Stay East of Ordinary

Book Accommodations in New Brunswick at the best possible rates on Booking.com



Booking.com

Quote

What to Eat in New Brunswick

What to Eat in New Brunswick – Intro

The cuisine of New Brunswick is as diverse as the cultures who settled here; English, French, Scottish, Irish, and of course our First Nations. While many of the foods eaten across Canada (like poutine) are found here as well, the province has some local delicacies only found here or in the Maritime Provinces. Below you’ll find our top 4 foods which can be found all over NB. To learn about regional specialities (and where to find them) read our article on the Top 13 Things to Eat & Drink in New Brunswick.

What to Eat in New Brunswick – Fiddleheads

1. Fiddleheads – One of the symbols of New Brunswick (and of the River Valley Scenic Drive) is the fiddlehead. This unfurled fern is foraged in the spring, and the greens are a local delicacy. Fiddleheads have a short growing season and are only found in the wild, making them all the more special. You can find fiddleheads on seasonal restaurant menus in the spring, but for the full experience, you need to go foraging for yourself. (Just make sure you go with an experienced forager as some fern species here are poisonous). Read about our Fiddlehead Foraging experience near Fredericton.

What to Eat in New Brunswick – Seafood

2. Seafood – New Brunswick’s Fundy and Northumberland coasts provide the province with a plethora of bounty from the sea. If you try one food in New Brunswick, let it be our local lobster. For a local experience, head to any lobster pound and choose your dinner. (Many pounds also offer cooked lobster if you can’t toss them in the pot yourself.) Beyond lobster, New Brunswick’s shellfish include clams, mussels, periwinkles, oysters (NB’s BeauSoleils have a global reputation), and scallops, and making the best seafood chowder is a competitive sport in NB. The Miramichi River is world famous for its salmon, and some smokehouses have emerged recently, selling local smoked salmon. Fish & Chips are a local staple and fresh seafood features on restaurant menus here at all price brackets; from roadside take outs to fine dining. (Read our full article on what to eat in NB for more about our treasures from the sea.)

What to Eat in New Brunswick – Blueberries

3. Blueberries – New Brunswick’s favourite superfood is the wild blueberry, bursting with antioxidants and vitamins. NB wild blueberry growers harvest more than 30 million pounds of berries to ship around the world. In addition to fresh and frozen berries, you can sample blueberry syrups, jams, jellies, vinaigrettes, and even blueberry wine. Visit in mid-August to mid-September to taste blueberries fresh from the bush.

What to Eat in New Brunswick – Maple

4. Maple Products – Canada is known around the world for its excellent maple syrup and New Brunswick produces 1.8 million kilograms of this liquid gold each year. While we love our syrup, it’s not the only maple product on offer in NB. Maple butter, maple sugar, maple candy, even maple cotton candy are some of the sweet treats you can enjoy in the province. You can buy NB maple products year-round but the best time to get the full ‘maple experience’ is when the sap starts running in early spring. Half a dozen maple producers around the province offer a ‘sugar bush’ experience where you can visit during the harvest and enjoy the maple goodness onsite.

Where to Eat in New Brunswick

Where to Eat in New Brunswick – Body

New Brunswick has an endless variety of restaurants for all tastes and budgets from food-trucks and takeout stands to fine dining and seasonal menus. Sadly, we aren’t able to sample them all – but we’re giving it the best effort we can. We’ve written about some of our favourite restaurant finds so far but watch this space as we have more New Brunswick restaurant reviews to come.

Restaurants in Fredericton:

Restaurants in Saint John:

Restaurants in Edmundston:

Restaurants in Rural New Brunswick:

Quote

What to Buy in New Brunswick

What to Buy in New Brunswick – Body

While typical souvenir shops abound around the province, especially in heavily touristed areas like Uptown Saint John and Downtown Fredericton, we’ve always preferred to ‘shop local’ by supporting artisans and producers when we travel. Luckily there are plenty of options as New Brunswickers are a creative bunch, and you’ll find local galleries and studios all over the province. Here are a few of our personal favourites:

  • Check out the Created Here website and magazine for an in-depth look at NB’s local ‘makers.’
  • The Handworks Gallery in Saint John has been featuring local artists since 1990; the New Brunswick Museum Shop is a treasure trove of NB art, or buy directly from local crafters at the Saint John City Market.
  • Saint John’s In Pursuit Truck is a mobile boutique brimming with fashion and gift items. Although not all of the products are made locally (although many are Canadian made), some are, and the founder, Dominique, is a local gal from Fredericton. (Also, the hot pink truck is awesome.) Because of its small size, the stock changes frequently, but current gift items include YSJ tee-shirts (Saint John’s airport code), a Canadian pin set (with poutine, Tim Horton’s coffee, and ‘Sorry’ pins), and a fantastic greeting card selection.
  • The former soldiers’ barracks in Fredericton’s Garrison District are now home to The Barracks Fine Craft Shops and are brimming with works by local artisans from June-September, or for year-round shopping pop into nearby Botanicals Gift Shop, Studio, and Gallery for works by 11 different artisans.
  • Of course, we always think edible gifts are great. Stock up on NB maple products, craft beer, wines, or any of the other tasty treats New Brunswick is known for and share them with friends and family back home, (or keep them all to yourself. We won’t judge.)

Quote

What to Pack for New Brunswick

What to Pack for New Brunswick – Intro

New Brunswick’s weather can be as changeable as our tides (but a lot less predictable). New Brunswicker’s love to talk about the weather, especially if they can bring up that old chestnut ‘If you don’t like the weather here, wait 5 minutes.’ While NB’s weather isn’t that bad, it does pay to be prepared. Even on sunny summer days, the fog can roll in on the coast and cool temperatures dramatically. Likewise, the temperature can vary widely from the coast to inland. Saint John and Fredericton often have a 10+ degree difference, even though they are only an hour apart.

If you are visiting New Brunswick from spring to autumn, pack plenty of light layers so you can bundle up and strip down as necessary.

What to Pack for New Brunswick – north face jacket

Bring a water and windproof coat with room for a sweater underneath in case the temperature drops.

Buy in Canada

What to Pack for New Brunswick – Speedo Surfwalker shoes

If you plan to swim or explore the ocean floor at low tide, bring waterproof (and mud proof) footwear.

Buy in Canada

What to Pack for New Brunswick – Keen Lace Shoe

You’ll also want a good quality walking shoe that is comfortable but looks good too.

Buy in Canada

What To Pack For New Brunswick – ExOfficio Clothing

If you’re going to be hiking of spending a lot of time in the woods, you may want to consider bug resistant clothing as New Brunswick’s black flies and mosquitoes can be ferocious. ExOfficio has a great line.

What to Pack for New Brunswick – Exofficio Bugs Away Sleeve

ExOfficio Bugs Away Halo Long Sleeve Shirt

Buy in Canada

What to Pack for New Brunswick – Exofficio Bugs Away Akamai Pants

ExOfficio Women’s Bugsaway Akamai Pants

Buy in Canada

What to Pack for New Brunswick – Exofficio Bugs Away Chas’r

Exofficio Women’s Bugs Away Chas’r Long Sleeve Crew Shirt

Buy in Canada

What To Pack For New Brunswick – Winter Clothing

If you are visiting New Brunswick in winter, be prepared for cold weather. A warm parka, mitts, hat, scarves, and boots are needed in case of snow.

What to Pack for New Brunswick – Canada Goose Parka

Canada Goose Parka

Buy in Canada

What to Pack for New Brunswick – Heat Holders Thermal Socks

Heat Holders Thermal Socks

Buy in Canada

What to Pack for New Brunswick – Sorel Winter Boot

Sorel Winter Boot

Buy in Canada

Quote

Books About New Brunswick

Books About New Brunswick – Intro

If like us, you enjoy books as much as online resources, the following are great resources and sources of inspiration to get you in the New Brunswick spirit.

Books About New Brunswick – Guide Books

New Brunswick Guide Books:

New Brunswick Books – Hiking Trails of New Brunswick, 3rd Edition

Hiking Trails of New Brunswick
3rd Edition

Buy in Canada

New Brunswick Book – Waterfalls of New Brunswick

Waterfalls of New Brunswick: A Guide

Buy in Canada

New Brunswick Books – New Brunswick Book of Everything

New Brunswick Book of Everything

Buy in Canada

Books About New Brunswick – Field Guides

New Brunswick Field Guides:

New Brunswick Field Guides – Formac Pocketguide to Nature

Formac Pocketguide to Nature: Animals, plants and birds in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

Buy in Canada

New Brunswick Field Guides – Canada’s Atlantic Seashore

Formac Pocketguide to Canada’s Atlantic Seashore

Buy in Canada

New Brunswick Field Guides – Edible Plants of Atlantic Canada

Edible Plants of Atlantic Canada: Field Guide

Buy in Canada

New Brunswick Field Guides – Birding in New Brunswick

Birding in New Brunswick

Buy in Canada

Books About New Brunswick – Inspiration

New Brunswick Inspiration:

New Brunswick Inspiration – Covered Bridges

A Photo Tour of the Covered Bridges of New Brunswick

Buy in Canada

New Brunswick Inspiration – It Happened In New Brunswick

It Happened In New Brunswick

Buy in Canada

New Brunswick Inspiration – Little Book of New Brunswick

Little Book of New Brunswick

Buy in Canada

New Brunswick Inspiration – Scenic Driving Atlantic Canada

Scenic Driving Atlantic Canada: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador

Buy in Canada

Books About New Brunswick – Fiction

Fiction Set in New Brunswick:

New Brunswick Fiction – The Nine Lives of Charlotte Taylor

The Nine Lives of Charlotte Taylor by Sally Armstrong (based on real events)

Buy in Canada

New Brunswick Fiction – Mercy Among the Children

Mercy Among the Children by David Adams Richards (Giller Prize Winner)

Buy in Canada

New Brunswick Fiction – The Town That Drowned

The Town That Drowned by Riel Nason

Buy in Canada

New Brunswick Fiction – Imaginary Line: Life on an Unfinished Border

Imaginary Line: Life on an Unfinished Border by Jacques Poitras

Buy in Canada

New Brunswick Fiction – Pélagie: The Return to Acadie

Pélagie: The Return to Acadie by Antonine Maillet

Quote

Latest Articles About New Brunswick

Quote

Slow Travel Guide to Edmundston, New Brunswick

Free Slow Travel Guide to Edmundston

Did you enjoy learning about New Brunswick and want to go deeper? We’ve assembled a free 63-page Slow Travel Guide to Edmundston and surrounding Madawaska County.

This guide covers what to do, where to stay, and most importantly, what to eat when visiting Edmundston. Get more out of your visit by downloading our free guide.

Click below and enter your email address to access the Slow Travel Guide to Edmundston.

Go top
Pin4.7K
Share72
Tweet21
Flip
Email