If you're looking for a great Canadian vacation spot that's off the beaten path, consider New Brunswick. This province is filled with amazing places to see and things to do, from exploring picturesque coastal towns to taking in the stunning natural scenery of the Bay of Fundy. Here are some of our top picks for must-see places and activities in New Brunswick!

New Brunswick, Canada is a province with rich history and culture. I’ll bet that it will surprise you how much history is here that you didn’t know if you're not from the area. As locals will say that you’re from away. Starting from the border province of Quebec with the Appalachian Mountains to the city of Saint John, this province has something for everyone. Here are some of the first places and things to do in New Brunswick!

Appalachians

The Appalachian Mountains are a large expansive mountain range that extends well into the U.S.A. which will be your first experience of New Brunswick if you are driving through from Quebec. The Appalachian Mountain range is the oldest in North America and stretches for 2,400 miles or 1,500 miles. These also extend through Quebec and into Newfoundland and Labrador as well.

There are many trails to choose from, and you can find one to fit your skill level. With breathtaking views and clean crisp air it is hard to pass up the chance to take a hike in the Appalachians.

Miramichi

Driving east is less visited by other tourists is the city of Miramichi. This is the largest city in northern New Brunswick. The city was first settled for the fishing of salmon in the Miramichi Bay. If you are an avid angler then this is a place you have to go. The bay is known for its salmon and trout fishing opportunities. Fishing is one of their main economic sources in this area, so it is heavily regulated. Being out of the province you will have to either get an angler licence or get a hold of any of the many fishing trips and guides in the area.

If fishing is not your thing you might be interested in the New Brunswick Aviation Museum in Miramichi. The aviation rich history contains both private and military planes. Private planes like a floatplane that bush pilots use to get to remote locations. The military plane history includes trainer planes that every Canadian pilot would have been instructed on from the 1930s up into the Cold War era. Lesser known bit of Canadian military history is that New Brunswick was the area where parachute training took place as well as Newfoundland.

The Miramichi area is well known for its forestry and if you are interested in this industry there is a Forestry Interpretive Centre. Here you can learn about the many types of trees, how they are harvested and replanted as well as the animals that call this forest home. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about the industry.

Saint John

Saint John, New Brunswick is a beautiful place to visit. There are so many things to see and do in the area, from exploring the amazing nature trails to checking out the interesting historical sites. If you're looking for a fun family vacation spot, or just a relaxing getaway, be sure to add Saint John to your list! There's something for everyone in this charming Canadian city.

Nature lovers will enjoy hiking or biking through one of the many parks and trails in the area. Rockwood Park is a great option, as it features over 100 kilometers of trails to explore. You can also see some amazing wildlife, including deer, moose, and even bears!

If you're interested in history, be sure to check out the Loyalist House. This 18th century home was built by one of the city's founding fathers and has been beautifully preserved. You can also visit the Saint John City Market, which is the oldest continuously operating market in Canada. Unfortunately, the New Brunswick Museum is being relocated away from where it was, connected to the city market.

Unique to Saint John is the Reversing Falls. These falls are unique because they reverse direction twice a day as a result of the tidal bore. Make sure you check the time of day you are planning to see the Reversing Falls. You might have to wait a few hours to see the whole effect of the Reversing Fall but it is well worth the wait.

Now for one of the biggest draws to this city is the whale watching tours offered in the harbour. With the location of Saint John it has quick access to the middle of the Bay of Fundy. This area is teeming with aquatic life with whales being the largest wildlife to sight. 

Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation or a romantic getaway, Saint John is the perfect place to visit. There's something for everyone in this city.

Grand Manan Island

This is also another great place to check out whale watching which is a large island called Grand Manan. This island sits in the middle of the Bay of Fundy. For the aspiring photographer this is a dream come true to see puffins and migrating whales is just a treat to see. 

This is quite the hidden gem of New Brunswick or even Atlantic Canada. Unlike any other places included here, Grand Manan does not have any local wild animals on land. There are no skunks, snakes, or bears to worry about when you are exploring the island. For sight-seeing there are over 400 species of migratory birds that have been counted on the east coast. You really never know what bird or marine life you will see when you are there. It all depends on the time of year and when it aligns with the bird's migration periods.

The western portion of the island is home to higher terrain with steep cliffs looking over the coast. These cliffs were formed over 200 million years ago and some terrain from the last ice-age. These interesting terrain is constantly changing experience as they are exposed with the Bay of Fundy changing water levels. This means that kayaking in rock structures like the hole-in-the-wall only possible when the tide is in. When the tide is out the water level is too low for going over the rocks. For the photographers out there this makes for a wide variety of photos using the same landscape. Photos are so unique as you can compare photos with others and be quite different. Experiences will change based on the time you are planning to do your excursion in relation to the tidal bore. 

Don’t worry though local guides and New Brunswick park advisors know that days tide in and out hours. 

Camping at the Anchorage Provincial Park is a great option when you're on the island. A nature lover's dream, especially for bird watching. There are six hiking trails within the park which total just shy of three hours of estimated time. Just don’t forget to bring your binoculars not just for Grand Manan but also for the park’s hiking trails.

Country-Side

While making your way south on the Trans-Canada highway it is worth taking a little detour to check out the Hartland Covered Bridge. Photos do not do it justice, as this is something to see when you're in a car. This is the longest covered bridge in the entire world. This was created in the first decade of the 19th century with wooden trusses and covered to help prevent them from rotting. In total it is 390 metres long, or 1,282 feet. The posted speed limit is 20 kilometers per hour which means it will take just over a minute to drive on the bridge.

Drive along the Fundy Coastline Scenic Byway for some beautiful views of the ocean. There are beautiful scenic views all along the coast, with the road changing from coastal to forest.

Go wine tasting at one of the many wineries in the province. Most wineries are located just north of Saint John and east toward Moncton, with some located a short drive north of Moncton. There are 19 wineries to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that fits your taste preference!

Moncton

If you're looking for a new and exciting place to explore, look no further than Moncton, New Brunswick! This vibrant city is home to plenty of amazing sights and sounds, making it the perfect destination for any traveler.

One of the most well-known things to do is the magnetic hill. This natural attraction is definitely worth checking out! Magnetic Hill can be found just outside of Moncton and is known for its strange gravitational properties. Be prepared to be amazed! There is also a Magnetic Hill Zoo and playground right next to it as well.

Check out the theatre schedule at Magnetic Hill Concert Theatre. The Magnetic Hill Concert Theatre features some of Canada's biggest stars in music, theatre, and comedy. If you're lucky enough to be in town when an event is happening, don't miss it!

Take in the history at Fort Beausejour - Fort Beausejour is a National Historic Site that offers visitors a glimpse into Canada's past. Tour this impressive fort and learn all about its fascinating history. Acadian culture is now again present in Moncton and eastern New Brunswick, these people were deported from the area during the war between France and Great Britain. Fort Beausejour was a French fort that they later renamed to Fort-Cumberland which is what it is called today.

Moncton is the largest city in New Brunswick and has amalgamated surrounding cities Dieppe and Riverview. Dieppe and eastward are predominantly French or Acadian speaking with English as their second language.

Shediac

If you're looking for a beach getaway with a difference, Shediac in New Brunswick is the perfect destination just east of Moncton. This small town is located on the Bay of Shediac and is famous for its lobster festival, which takes place every July. This charming town is known as the "Lobster Capital of the World," and it's easy to see why!

The beach is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious lobster dinner. The beach itself is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing and exploring, and there are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing. Whatever you do, you're sure to have a memorable time in Shediac. If you're looking for some retail therapy, be sure to check out the many art galleries, boutiques, and lobster-themed shops.

Of course, no visit to Shediac would be complete without taking a picture with the world's largest lobster! So whether you're looking for a beach vacation or a chance to learn about lobster fishing, Shediac is the perfect destination.

Hopewell Rocks

If you're looking for a place to visit in Canada that is full of natural beauty and activities, Hopewell Rocks is the perfect spot! This park is about a half an hour drive south of Moncton New Brunswick and is home to some of the most amazing rock formations on the East Coast.  There's something for everyone to enjoy here. Hikers and climbers will love the rugged trails and cliffs, while families with kids can enjoy playing on the beach and exploring the different areas of the park.

Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is a unique park which is home to the world's highest tides, as well as an amazing variety of plant and animal life. Visitors can explore the rocks at low tide, when the water recedes up to 16 meters (52 feet), exposing the ancient fossils that are embedded in the rock. Just make sure you are wearing hiking shoes or boots with good tread as the rocks are quite slippery. To get to the bottom of this bay, or ocean floor on metal stairs can be quite challenging for some people. So if that's someone in your group don't hesitate to tell them to take their time because there are many hours between tides.

When the tide is in you can rent a kayak and paddle out to see the rocks from the water! No matter how you choose to explore, the Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is sure to provide an unforgettable adventure. Don't miss out on this incredible hidden gem – add Hopewell Rocks to your list of places to see in Canada!