New Brunswick holidays
Canada’s largest Maritime province gets overshadowed by its neighbours, rugged Nova Scotia and pastoral Prince Edward Island. But New Brunswick’s warm beaches, nature parks and Acadian culture combine the best of Atlantic Canada into one superlative package. On a holiday to New Brunswick, wander through the country’s oldest city, experience the world’s highest tides and snack on fresh seafood next to the World’s Largest Lobster.
Top destinations in New Brunswick
Saint John
Past and present collide in Canada’s oldest incorporated city. From nature parks and breathtaking coastlines to an expanding arts scene, see why Saint John deserves a spot in your travel plans.
Moncton
This historical railway town is filled with Victorian architecture, heritage museums and important landmarks. It’s also a stepping stone to outdoor adventures in New Brunswick.
Fredericton
Get a glimpse into Canada’s fascinating military history in Fredericton, where original garrisons and 19th-century barracks are surrounded by charming woodland parks.
New Brunswick: fast facts
Language
English, French
Currency
Canadian dollar (C$)
Time zone
Moncton - UTC−4 (AST) and UTC−3 (ADT)
High season
June – September
Low season
December – March
New Brunswick holiday highlights
Ride the tides
Located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the Bay of Fundy experiences some of the world’s largest tidal changes — up to 16 metres. Witnessing this incredible transformation is one of the coolest things to see in New Brunswick. The shifting tides also offer incredible fossil-hunting opportunities. At low tide, drive along the seabed from Saint Andrews to Ministers Island.
Forage for dinner
All of Canada’s Maritime provinces are famous for their fresh seafood. But New Brunswick’s forests and shores are also home to wild delicacies like fiddlehead ferns and dulse seaweed. Restaurants and farmers markets across the province highlight these hyper-local, seasonal ingredients. Take a guided foraging tour and learn how to identify the edible bounty for yourself.
Explore Acadian culture
Descended from the original French settlers of Maritime Canada, many Acadians have made their homes along the province’s eastern coast. Drive from Moncton and Shediac in the south to the Acadian Peninsula. Along the way, explore Acadian culture through traditional villages, performing arts and regional dishes. The Festival Acadien de Caraquet culminates with National Acadian Day on 15 August.
Things to do in New Brunswick
Top attractions
From fossil-lined seabeds to hidden waterfalls, Fundy National Park offers unparalleled access to some of New Brunswick’s most stunning nature. A ferry ride across the Bay of Fundy brings you to Grand Manan Island, home to Swallowtail Lighthouse with its incredible ocean views. Get hands-on with 19th-century crafts and agriculture at Kings Landing living history museum.
Beaches
Shallow waters and warm Atlantic currents come together to make the beaches in New Brunswick some of the most inviting in the region. Parlee Beach Provincial Park is home to one of the province’s most popular beaches, with campgrounds and other amenities. Hike past the dunes at Aboiteau Beach to see butterflies, or head to Murray Beach for swimming, kayaking and first-rate birdwatching.
Nature
With over 5,500 kilometres of coastline paired with dense interior forests, New Brunswick is a perfect destination for nature lovers. Hike, bike or cross-country ski along rugged coastal and forest trails in Fundy National Park. At high tide, kayak through the unique ‘flowerpot’ formations at Hopewell Cape, or explore from the ocean floor when the tide is at its lowest.
Cuisine
Local ingredients and regional dishes are the stars at restaurants in New Brunswick, which range from fine dining to dockside lobster huts. Acadian-style comfort foods include ‘poutine rapée’, potato dumplings stuffed with pork, and ‘cipâte’, a hearty meat pie. Or try a DLT sandwich made with lettuce, tomato and dulse seaweed. When fried, the dulse tastes like bacon.
Culture and museums
The top cultural sites and museums in New Brunswick offer art and history with a scenic backdrop. National historic sites at Fort Beauséjour and Fort Howe commemorate conflicts between British, French and American colonial powers. Wander the labyrinth and forest trails of Kingsbrae Garden, which also features a sculpture garden and live performances.
Nightlife
The province may be known for its history, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about the nightlife in New Brunswick. The ‘Craft Brewing Capital’ of Atlantic Canada, Fredericton is packed with breweries and distilleries. Sip your way along the Taproom Trail to find a favourite. Theatres in Moncton celebrate Acadian culture with Anglophone and Francophone music and performances.
Find the best time to visit New Brunswick
Weather in New Brunswick through the year
March – May: The winter chill can stretch into April, with lingering cold and snow replaced by rain. By May, things warm up, and everything is green and lush.
June – August: Perfectly warm but rarely hot weather draws tourists to beaches and parks. Head to the coast in July and August, when the water is warmest.
September – November: Still warm and sunny, September is one of the best times to visit New Brunswick. It’s also the beginning of leaf-peeping season, with brilliant foliage peaking in early October.
December – February: Icy winds off the Bay of Fundy bring cold and snow. In the south, highs hover just below freezing, but temperatures drop as you head north.
Events in New Brunswick
FROSTival (January to February): Atlantic Canada’s largest winter festival turns Fredericton into a hub of arts and outdoor adventure. Shivering Songs, a festival within a festival, showcases storytellers and musicians in Fredericton’s historic buildings.
World Pond Hockey Championships (February): Ice hockey may be Canada’s national sport, but you’ve never seen it played like this. Roulston Lake in Plaster Rock hosts 20 outdoor rinks, where teams from all over the world compete for pond hockey glory.
Shediac Lobster Festival (July): Head to Shediac, the ‘Lobster Capital of the World’, for this maritime food festival. Eating contests, cooking competitions and live music are all served up fresh at this celebration of the Atlantic lobster.
Know before you go
Getting around New Brunswick
Public transport
Buses: Maritime Bus offers intercity transport to major destinations in New Brunswick, plus connections to other Maritime provinces. Buses run daily — book in advance to get a seat.
Trains: Catch the overnight train from Montreal and arrive on the coast of New Brunswick as the sun rises. The New Brunswick leg of this scenic route runs from Campbellton to Moncton before continuing onwards to Nova Scotia.
Boats: Government-operated ferries provide free service to several islands in the Bay of Fundy, though schedules vary seasonally. Coastal Transport runs year-round ferries to Grand Manan Island (paid) and Deer Island.
Domestic flights
New Brunswick is well connected by air, with domestic flights available to and from the airports in Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton. For a wider range of international routes, opt to fly into Halifax Stanfield International Airport in neighbouring Nova Scotia.
Driving and car hire
New Brunswick’s relatively small size and stunning natural beauty are the perfect recipe for a road trip. The Trans-Canada Highway runs through the entire province, but check out the Acadian and Fundy Coastal Drives for scenic routes along the shore. Watch out for wildlife when driving at night.
FAQs about New Brunswick holidays
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