Every province and territory in Canada has its own unique and exciting attractions, and New Brunswick is no different. From the rugged interior that forms a portion of the famous Appalachian Mountain range to the Acadian culture of the eastern coast and the stunning scenery along the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world, there is no shortage of things to see and do in New Brunswick. One of the best ways to explore this fascinating province is by vehicle, and we have highlighted some of the best points of interest and adventure opportunities below!
Biking, Beaches and Wild Camping
Entering the province from Quebec along the Trans-Canada Highway, the first stop is Edmundston. The area is home to some incredible mountain bike trails, with the Madawaska Trail Network offering over 60 km of routes to explore. Heading further east leads over to Lac Baker, home to a beautiful beach which is the perfect spot on a warm summer day. Those looking for a spot to get well off the beaten path can head right to the camping area at Glassier Lake, which butts up against the Maine border. To the north of the city, backroads lead to Fall Brook Falls, the highest falls in New Brunswick at 30 metres (100 feet).
Overlanding on Scenic Logging Roads
Continuing south on the Trans-Canada, at St. Leonard, the backcountry beckons. Overlanders can head east on Highway 17 to Saint-Quentin. Here, one can head into the Sisson Reservoir area of the Acadian Timberlands. This huge swatch of forest, owned by Acadian Timber, holds a wealth of backroads, lakes, campsites and plenty of wildlife. Heading east from the community on Route 180 provides access to the eastern end of the timberlands as well as Mount Carleton Provincial Park, which offers a campground at Nictau Lake and several challenging hiking trails with spectacular scenery. Travelling south through the timberlands, explorers will meet Route 108 and can follow it through Plaster Rock to Grand Falls, where a staircase with over 400 steps is located at the La Rochelle Centre and leads down to an impressive gorge and seasonal falls.
Hole in the Wall & Birdwatching
Our route continues south, through Perth-Andover, where the International Appalachian Trail enters New Brunswick. From here, our route continues through Hartland, home to the longest covered bridge in the world at 390 metres (1,280 feet), and Woodstock before turning east towards Fredericton, the Craft Brewing Capital of the Maritimes. However, just before Fredericton, turn south on Route 3, then jog east to Fredericton Junction and follow Route 785 south to Blacks Harbour, where you can catch the ferry to Grand Manan Island. The ferry passes the Swallowtail Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. Be sure to keep an eye out for whales and dolphins!
PRO-TIP: ferries book up quickly in the summer months, book your return trip as soon as you make land, then go off and explore.
Grand Manan Island is very popular with birdwatchers as it is home to puffin colonies and several other species of waterfowl and shorebird. North of the ferry terminal is the Hole in the Wall trail which visits a fascinating rock formation jutting out of the cliffside, and Grotto Cove. It is also possible to catch another ferry to White Head Island, where you can walk the ocean floor to several smaller islands during low tide.
Reversing Falls in Saint John
Back on the mainland, pick up Highway 1 enroute to Saint John. There are some nice hiking trails at New River Beach, and it’s possible to detour and follow Route 790 for a scenic route along the coast, rejoining Highway 1 at Musquash. Saint John offers plenty of museums and cultural attractions but outdoor highlights include the Reversing Falls, where the Bay of Fundy tides push through a narrow gorge, the Irving Nature Park and Rockwood Park, home to 55 trails and 10 lakes.
Along the Fundy Coast
Leaving Saint John, one can follow the paved roads east and south to St. Martins, but there are also several backroads scattered throughout the region that lead past Loch Lomond, and on to the Quaco Head Lighthouse before arriving in St. Martins. A cobblestone beach, sea caves and coves await the explorer and at low tide, one can head out on the ocean floor and wander into caves big enough to swallow up multiple tractor-trailers.
Just a short distance down the highway is the Fundy Trail Parkway. The paved parkway runs along the coast before heading northwest, exiting the park and following roads north towards Highway 1. The park offers a paved 10 kilometre (6.2 mile) path with several connecting side trails, lookouts, attractions such as waterfalls, a suspension bridge, and a pet-friendly visitor centre. Highlights include Fuller Falls, Walton Glen Falls and a challenging hike through the Eye of the Needle. The Fundy Footpath is a difficult 41 kilometre (25 mile) route which extends from the Goose River over to Fundy National Park. While the full route typically takes three to four days, one can head along the trail on an out and back, enjoying a night camped under the stars along the Fundy coast.
Leaving the Fundy Trail Parkway, our route travels north to Highway 1 before picking up Route 114 heading south, entering Fundy National Park. More spectacular scenery including waterfalls and over 100 kilometres (60 miles) of exceptional hiking trails awaits visitors to the park. Be sure to check out the Coppermine Trail, the Dicksons Falls Trail, the Laverty Falls Trail and the Matthews Head Trail.
Sticky Buns & Sea Stacks
Picking up Route 915 as you make your way out of the park, plan to stop into Kelly’s Bakery in Alma for their renowned sticky buns. The bakery is currently up for sale and the asking price includes the recipe! Cape Enrage is another side trip worth taking. Swing down and check out the lighthouse and the tides from the towering cliffs. There is a sandy beach to explore, fossil tours and self-guided trails winding around the property. From here, it is time to head to Hopewell Rocks.
Hopewell Rocks is home to over twenty free-standing sea stacks peppered along two kilometers of shoreline, sculpted over thousands of years by the massive tides of the Bay of Fundy. An admission ticket is good for two days, giving visitors a chance to see the rocks at high tide, and to walk the ocean floor among these giants at low tide. And, like many other attractions in New Brunswick, dogs are welcome.
Sand Dune Hikes & Dark Sky Preserves
Leaving the Bay of Fundy, it’s time to turn north and head up the eastern shores of the province along the Northumberland Strait. Our route passes through Moncton, where it is easy to detour east over to Cape Jourimain, home to over 17 kilometres (10.5 miles) of trails and views of the Confederation Bridge to PEI, before continuing north through Shediac to Bouctouche. The dune trails located within the Irving Eco-Centre are the attraction here, and a 12 kilometre (7.5 mi) trail makes its way along the spit.
Full points if you can correctly pronounce the Kouchibouguac National Park! The park is found just north of Richibucto and features a landscape of lush mixed-wood forests which lead to colorful salt marshes, warm ocean beaches and golden sand dunes. At night, this Dark Sky Preserve is a celestial masterpiece, a destination for star-gazers. Hiking and biking trails abound and the park is just as popular during the winter months for cross-county skiers, snowshoers and fat bike riders.
Acadian Heritage
Route 117 leads through and out the north end of the park, following the coast into Miramichi, home to the world-famous salmon fishing river. Learn all about the Maritime shipbuilding roots at the Boishébert and Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Site of Canada, while Enclosure Park features archeological and historical features relating to Aboriginal, Acadian and Scottish groups.
While one could head straight north on Highway 8 to Bathurst from here, pick up Highway 11 and continue northeast through Tracadie, connecting with Route 113 which leads through Shippagan and up onto Miscou Island. Acadian heritage is on full display throughout this region. Check out the Acadian Historic Village in Bertrand as you continue through Bathurst and up to Campbellton. At Bathurst, take the time to detour west on Route 180 to visit Tetagouche Falls.
The International Appalachian Trail exits the province at Campbellton, making its way into Quebec. Plan to visit Sugarloaf Provincial Park which offers 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) of hiking and biking trails including the 305 metre (1,000 foot) climb up Sugarloaf Mountain.
Shortly west of Campbellton, our road trip ends as Highway 11 crosses the Restigouche River and becomes Route 132 as it enters Quebec, offering a trip north to Rimouski or east and up to Gaspe.
Itching to get out and explore all New Brunswick has to offer? If so, pick up our new 4th Edition of the New Brunswick Mapbook, grab one of our Atlantic Canada GPS maps, or log into the BRMB Maps App & Web Map, available for both IOS and Android to start planning your adventure.