Located between Maine, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick invites you to get lost in unspoiled wilderness. The province is a mix of pristine rivers, coastal islands, and mountain forests. It’s also Canada’s only officially bilingual province, recognizing both English and French as official languages. The biggest attraction is, of course, the Bay of Fundy, featuring the world’s highest tides. Saint John, the province’s largest city and historic port, sits directly on the bay.
Countless land and sea adventures await you in New Brunswick, Canada’s beautiful wild province. Scroll down to learn more!
Close to Main and next to Quebec, New Brunswick is the largest of Canada’s three maritime provinces. The region faces the sea on two sides, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to the east and the Bay of Fundy to the south.
Lying at the heart of Atlantic Canada, New Brunswick enjoys mild summers with occasional hot days. From June to September you’ll get the best weather to enjoy summer activities such as kayaking, hiking, and catching rays. During tourist season the temperature ranges from 8°C (46°F) to 28°C (82°F).
Unlike Canada’s other Atlantic provinces, New Brunswick is not fully surrounded by sea. This means that the winters have heavy snowfall, making it a great skiing destination. From December to March revel in amazing ski hills and excellent snowmobile trails. Winter temperatures range from -19°C (-2°F) to 3°C (37°F).
Are you ready to hit the road? You can reach New Brunswick by air, land, and sea. There are scheduled daily flights from Ottawa, Halifax, Montreal, and Toronto to major New Brunswick airports (Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, and Bathurst).
You can also easily travel to New Brunswick by car or bus. Major access points to the province are Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Maine, USA. Want a professional driver to take you to your destination? Check out Maritime Bus service.
If you’re up for a soothing train journey, catch VIA Rail train from Montreal to Halifax, passing Campbellton, Bathurst, Miramichi, and Moncton. The train whistle will make you dream of the upcoming adventures.
Cruise lovers will want to board Cruise Saint John and moor in the Bay of Fundy.
The province has three major urban areas: Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John. There you’ll find world-class galleries, cute little restaurants, and entertaining events.
The provincial capital of Fredericton will enchant you with itsEnglish atmosphere. Marvel at gorgeous Victorian and Georgian houses. Make sure not to miss out on Beaverbrook Art Gallery displaying works by Dali, Gainsborough, Turner, Reynolds, and the Pre-Raphaelites. Fancy a free theatre performance? Head to Officer’s Square where you can picnic as you watch free performances by Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre.
Where to stay:
If you want to explore French Canadian culture, head to Moncton, one of the largest cities in New Brunswick. Visit the Acadian Museum to learn about the Acadian people and their culture. For recreation, venture out to explore Centennial Park located in the city centre. There you’ll find a swimming pool, lawn bowling, tennis courts, and lots of hiking and cycling trails.
Where to stay:
The port city of Saint John is the place to be if you want to experience New Brunswick nightlife. Sitting on the Bay of Fundy, the port is bustling with lively bars and restaurants offering superb seafood. Look out for Old City Market, a mouth-watering food hall dating back to 1785, and Moosehead Breweries, Canada’s oldest independent brewery.
Where to stay:
Look out for Old City Market, a mouth-watering food hall dating back to 1785, and Moosehead Breweries, Canada’s oldest independent brewery.
New Brunswick events and festivals are the best way to immerse yourself in the province and mingle with locals. From mind-blowing jazz concerts to gourmet lobster dinner parties, the province offers a lot of entertainment for visitors. Let’s take a look!
Looking for the coolest New Brunswick music festival? Discover Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, the can’t-miss event for music addicts and those looking for new music discoveries. The week-long event gathers jazz and blues performers from all over North America. The festival is held each September in historic downtown Fredericton.
The week-long event gathers jazz and blues performers from all over North America.
The Shediac Lobster Festival is held every July in the town of Shediac, also known as the “Lobster Capital of the World.” If you’re hungry for something unique, then you’re welcome to sit at the world’s longest lobster dinner table. Challenge yourself at the daily lobster eating contest if you wish. Bon appétit!
This one is perfect if you’re looking for truly international entertainment. The festival offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Scottish culture in Canada. The event is filled with Celtic music, highland dancing, whisky tastings, and much more. The festival is held annually in Fredericton on the grounds of Government House in July.
Festival Acadien is perhaps the most famous Acadian festival in North America. Each August the small town of Caraquet attracts thousands of visitors and various highly regarded artists from Acadia and other French regions. The colourful event has been celebrating Acadian culture since 1963. It’s your best chance to get an insider’s look at Franco-Canadian culture and, of course, taste traditional Acadian delicacies.
For intimate encounters with classical music visit the wee fishing town of Lameque, which hosts the Lameque International Baroque Festival, Canada’s oldest baroque music festival. The event features world-famous musicians performing Bach, Handel, and other titans of baroque. The music is played on original baroque instruments and replicas.
You can find a full list of New Brunswick events and festivals on the official New Brunswick Tourism page.
Want to escape the city buzz? Longing for the world’s wild things? Discover the amazing wildlife of New Brunswick. This is the home of whales, Atlantic puffins, bears, moose, white-tailed deer, and rare butterflies like the maritime ringlet.
The Atlantic province holds vast stretches of unspoiled wilderness with perfect wildlife viewing spots. For supreme whale watching, head to the Bay of Fundy. In summer, you can see about 12 species of whales including minke, humpback, finback, and the endangered North Atlantic right whale. While the sea’s mysterious giants are the biggest attraction, seals basking in the sun will also make you smile. Make sure to bring extra camera batteries!
Whether it’s watching the world’s highest tides or enjoying freshly caught lobster, we’ve selected the top 5 things you need to do, eat, and see in New Brunswick.
New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy is one of the most spectacular bodies of water on the planet. Twice each day the bay waters rise and fall as much as 14 m (45 ft), which is higher than a four-story building. These dramatic tides form countless jaw-dropping geological formations. Be awestruck by eroded cliffs, sea caves, and tidal flats teeming with squawking birds.
Twice each day the bay waters rise and fall as much as 14 m (45 ft), which is higher than a four-story building.
If you need some blissful time alone, head to the Fundy Coast. With its miles and miles of unspoiled coastline, the Fundy Coast is the last remaining wilderness on the east coast of North America. Just imagine how many discoveries await you there!
You can’t come to New Brunswick and not taste fresh lobster from the sea. It’s the most important meal of the local cuisine and lobster fishing defines many coastal fishing communities. Along the Fundy and Acadian coastlines, discover trendy restaurants and quaint eateries to satisfy your palate. Enjoy lobster rolls, lobster chowder, lobster sandwiches, lobster poutine … need we go on?
The best place to explore the phenomenal Fundy tides is at Hopewell Rocks, one of the most impressive tidal formations in North America. Also known as “flowerpots,” these sandstone pillars topped with trees rise from the ocean floor. Walk amid bizarre rocks at low tide and feel as if you’re entering a different world. At high tide, gaze upon them in wonder from special platforms or take a thrilling kayaking excursion. Whatever way you choose to explore, the Hopewell Rocks are sure to fill you with awe!
Hopewell Rocks, one of the most impressive tidal formations in North America.
French fries in New Brunswick are so delicious that they alone are worth the trip. The province is home to two of the world’s best French fry spots: Florenceville-Bristol and Gagetown. Also known as the “French Fry Capital of the World,” Florenceville-Bristol has been McCain Foods Headquarters since 1957. The town is home to the Potato World museum and celebrates National French Fry Day every year.
While you can sample classic McCain fries in Florenceville-Bristol, Gagetown is where you can taste NB’s most expensive French fries cooked in goose fat. Look for Gulliver's World Cafe.
For more food ideas, take a look at our 7 Quirky Canadian Dishes You Need to Try.
In the town of Moncton, discover a strange place that appears to defy gravity. Hop in your car and drive up a hill located off Trans Canada Highway 2. On your way uphill, take your car out of gear for a second. Soon you’ll notice that your car seems to be rolling uphill against gravity. Wow, what’s happening here? Well, scientists say that it’s one of the strangest optical illusions they’ve seen. This mind-bending hill has been a major tourist attraction since the 1930s.
Soon you’ll notice that your car seems to be rolling uphill against gravity.
What Do Travelers Ask About New Brunswick?
New Brunswick is located on the east coast of Canada and borders Quebec to the north and the Bay of Fundy to the south. To the east lies the Atlantic Ocean and to the west lies the US state of Maine. The Confederation Bridge connects New Brunswick to the province of Prince Edward Island.
The capital of New Brunswick is Fredericton located in the west-central part of the province along the Saint John River.
The largest of Canada’s three maritime provinces, New Brunswick is known for its huge untouched wilderness, lobsters, and the mighty Bay of Fundy. There you’ll also find salmon-rich rivers, lush forests, and pristine beaches. While the province is best known for its nature, its major cities will beg for your attention too. Make sure to visit the provincial capital of Fredericton, Moncton and its French restaurants, and the port city of Saint John.
With crime rates far below the national average, the province is considered safe both for living and traveling. However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your most essential belongings!
For more travel inspiration, check out our fully guided activity tours in Canada! We’re ready to hit the road when you are.
