Discovery of New Brunswick

You can fly to Saint John from Montreal. You can rent a car at the airport. Saint John is one of the largest cities in New Brunswick. It has a historic downtown area near the harbour. It is also very hilly. Take the opportunity to visit the downtown area. In the summer, there are free Thursday night shows and performances on the pier.

You can also take a walk in Irving Nature Park, which offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in nature, even though it is located in the middle of the city. Walk along the boardwalk until you reach the seal observation deck. Also, the observation tower offers views over the trees to the land and the St. John River. This is a great place to spend several hours.

Alma is located next to Fundy National Park. However, it is known as the tidal capital of the world, as every six hours the water rises up to 15 metres. Alma is also known as the lobster capital of the world. With these two titles, you know the food and scenery will be fantastic.

You will explore Fundy National Park! On foot, you will follow the small woodland trails through the forest with glimpses of waterfalls and cascades, discovering the carefully preserved nature that is the core area of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO in 2007.

There are hikes for all levels, including advanced hikers. An easier hike is Dickson Falls, with its many steps, while those seeking a challenge may prefer Third Vault Falls, a beautiful waterfall well worth the effort.

Next, you will go to Hopewell Rocks. The rock formations have been shaped by the tides of the Bay of Fundy. The place is very popular. Before you go, check the high and low tides for the days you plan to visit. During low tide you can walk along the shore and during high tide a kayak is required. The cycle occurs every six hours.

At low tide, most of the shoreline is open for walking but is covered by the sea at high tide. The rocks have become the entry point for kayakers into the bay. If you enjoy kayaking, you should consider renting a kayak!

Moncton is the most populous city in the province and, because of its central location in the Maritime provinces, has become an important centre for the surrounding region. There are a number of activities you can do in the city, including strolling the streets and admiring the colourful street art, drinking wines made from fruits other than grapes at the Magnetic Hill Winery, or visiting the various museums and galleries downtown.

End the day with a lobster dinner. Head to Shediac Bay, about 30 minutes east of Moncton, and embark on a lobster-themed cruise with Shediac Bay Cruises. For two and a half hours, you will tour Shediac Bay and learn about the lobster industry in New Brunswick, how lobster traps work, how to perfectly cook a lobster and how to properly shuck a lobster. The best part is the lobster dinner itself, a whole lobster served with maritime style potato salad and cabbage salad.

Grand Manan Island is located in the middle of the Bay of Fundy, between the coasts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is the largest island in the Bay. It has a dark past as a smuggling capital until the 1980s. Today, it is a relaxed island that attracts thousands of North Americans each year.

Getting to Grand Manan Island is easy, as the ferry runs many times daily from Blacks Harbour. The ferry ride alone is worth the trip, as whales and other marine life can be spotted during your 90-minute crossing.

Close to the ferry is the Swallowtail Lighthouse, which is a half hour walk upstream from the ferry. The lighthouse is a must-see for any visitor to Grand Manan Island. It is idyllic, even in the middle of the tourist season.

At the end of the day, take the ferry back to Blacks Harbour. Then drive to Saint John.

Use your last day in New Brunswick to revisit Saint John, Canada’s oldest incorporated city. Once known as an industrial city, Saint John has evolved into a historically vibrant port city with good food, good beer and quaint brick buildings that make you want to explore.

Located on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, you can explore the historic streets of downtown Saint John. Be sure to stroll the aisles of the City Market, Canada’s oldest farmers’ market, and marvel at the Reversing Falls, a natural phenomenon that makes the river appear to flow backwards. After your visit to Saint John, you will go to the airport to pick up your rental car and fly back to Montreal.