Regions & Cities
of New Brunswick
The laid-back cities, charming towns and peaceful countryside are just right for finding a new favourite spot in any season. Pick a destination and set out for indoor and outdoor fun everyone can enjoy. When you’re not on the trails, on a seaside boardwalk or walking around town, there are galleries, museums, spas and family-friendly attractions of all kinds. Plus, the shopping and restaurants range from the traditional local favourites to distinctive and trendy new offerings that are well worth seeking out. Every part of New Brunswick has its own way of extending a warm welcome.
Fredericton
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Relax with locals over a craft beer on a lively patio; dive into rich history on display throughout the city; catch a show at the theatre; explore gorgeous parks by land or water. In Fredericton, the urban comes with a delightful side of nature. Built along both sides of the meandering Saint John River, Fredericton has a special connection to the water. ‘The Green’ is a long park hugging the banks of the river, and locals value it for the breath of fresh air it provides in the heart of the city. Kayaking, rowing, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are common pastimes. Plus, beaches, golf courses, gardens and trails combine to make Fredericton a very active, outdoor city. History lives loud here. Museums, heritage sites, large old Victorian homes, the historic Garrison District, and the legislative assembly create a connection to bygone days that flavours any explorer’s experience. Enjoy it as you discover new restaurants, city markets, and of course, a few of the city’s microbreweries—the highest concentration of craft breweries and tasting experiences in the Maritimes. Culture is vibrant here, with galleries, festivals and artists’ studios elevating your experience even more. Our province’s capital city might just become your main event.
Bathurst
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Indulge in a good meal at a downtown restaurant; play a round of golf on a beautiful course; relax on the beach and take in the sights, sounds, and scents of a pristine seashore. Bathurst and the Chaleur region is a place to play, refresh and rejuvenate. Situated on the warm waters of Chaleur Bay, the city of Bathurst is an energetic hub of urban adventure. Framed by Youghall Beach, Daly Point Nature Reserve and the Nepisiguit River, this small city is also big on natural discoveries. Delicious eateries, historic buildings, local boutiques, and regional artists make a stroll along La Promenade Waterfront a must-do excursion on your list. And the marina is a fun reminder—this is an authentic seaside town. The 18-hole golf course at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club and the 9-hole at Squire Green Golf & Country Club beg you to test your skills—while still enjoying the nature that New Brunswick is famous for. Pabineau Falls and a long hike along the Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq trail are the perfect way to reconnect with nature. In the winter, the area is a snowmobiler's paradise, with many trails and trailside accommodations. Explore some of the neighbouring communities and you’ll create even more memories. Boat tours, fresh seafood, farmers markets, sandy beaches, seaside trails, golden sunsets, and incredible natural beauty are all waiting for you.
Campbellton
Explore a waterfront city with all of its restaurants and shops. Scale a mountain, whether to bike, ski, or hike it; park your RV or pitch your tent at a provincial park. Campbellton is the vacation gateway to a world of adventures in the Restigouche area: a large, wild, mountainous expanse in Northern New Brunswick. On the shores of Chaleur Bay, Campbellton is base camp for many adventures—so you can always choose a hotel room over a tent if that’s what you’re after. At the mouth of the pristine Restigouche River, known worldwide for its salmon fishing, Campbellton’s backyard is Sugarloaf Provincial Park. It’s your playground for northern adventure – from excellent mountain biking to camping and hiking. The waterfront trail is a great spot for a picnic or to watch the sunset. And Salmon Plaza—with its iconic Restigouche Sam, the 8.5-m (28-ft.) shiny, stainless steel sculpture of an Atlantic salmon—makes it onto everyone’s camera roll. Ready to explore pure, unfiltered nature? From Chaleur Bay to Saint-Quentin and Kedgwick, the Restigouche region is a nature lover’s dreamscape. With two provincial parks—Sugarloaf and Mount Carleton—Restigouche is ideal for camping, canoeing, biking, hiking, ATVing, fishing, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling. And the area’s rivers are beloved for fishing and paddling. Throughout, you’ll discover small, friendly communities where Scottish, English, French, Irish and First Nations create the area’s unique cultural blend.
Edmundston
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Surrounded by mountains criss-crossed with trails and nestled along the Saint John (Wolastoq) River, Edmundston fuses natural beauty, cultural richness, and a friendly charm into an experience that’s distinctly its own. Bordering Quebec, Canada and Maine, USA, the Madawaska area (Edmundston, Lac Baker, Rivière-Verte and Haut-Madawaska) is the gateway to the Atlantic provinces. Home to French Brayon culture, it is steeped in history and cultural diversity. Sample the local cuisine, including the traditional ploye, a buckwheat pancake. You’ll also find the region’s history in everything from the names of local craft brews to theatre productions. With its location at the confluence of the Saint John and Madawaska rivers, and surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, there’s plenty for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy, including an extensive mountain biking trail network in the summer, and downhill skiing in the winter at Mont Farlagne. République Provincial Park, a 44-ha (108-acre) recreational park, offers campsites near the river and the nearby New Brunswick Botanical Garden is a true multisensory wonder. Add the many cultural, sporting and artistic activities that take place throughout the year, plus all the action happening downtown or at the Grey Rock Casino, and you’ll never have a dull moment in Edmundston.
Miramichi
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Famous for its world-class salmon fishing and local friendliness, this is one city that lets you experience the best of what the great outdoors has to offer. A trip to the City of Miramichi and its valley is about authentic spirit, nature, and a total sense of renewal. Settle in for some genuinely welcoming hospitality at a pub or eatery; spend a restorative day fly-fishing on the river; dive deep into the region’s history; spend family time at Ritchie Wharf Park kids’ adventure playground, shops and galleries. History is alive in the Miramichi—and is best experienced through its rich storytelling tradition. The ghost stories, lumberjack legends and other local folklore are ingrained in the roots of Miramichi. Learn about Miramichi’s old shipbuilding industry and Acadian history at Beaubears Island; experience the ways of the Mi’gmaq people at Metepenagiag Heritage Park; and get a taste for lumberjack life at the Central New Brunswick Woodmen’s Museum in Boiestown. All the way from the northwest of this region (including Metepenagiag, Red Bank, Sunny Corner, South Esk & Eel Ground) and along the Miramichi River Road Trip (Boiestown, Doaktown, Blackville, Miramichi Bay) you’ll be treated to the classic Miramichi river experience. With bountiful salmon pools, and knowledgeable guides to lead the way, you’ll have a salmon fishing experience like you’ve never imagined possible. But fishing is just the start. You’ll also find hiking routes, paddling, tubing, camping and ATVing all along the valley.
Moncton & Dieppe
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Perfectly positioned between the Fundy and Acadian coasts, Moncton’s got just what you need at all the right times. Fresh off a Bay of Fundy adventure? Recount stories over a 5-star meal. Headed to the beach soon? Stock up on cottage essentials. Give the kids the thrill of their lives; watch the tidal bore; hit the shops and see what you might discover. In this city, kids and parents each get exactly what they want.The Greater Moncton Area, which includes Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview, is a great mix of English and French Acadian cultures in the geographic centre of the Maritimes. It’s also a wonderful mix of outdoor adventure and urban experiences. The tidal bore—when the power of the Bay of Fundy tides reverses the flow of the Petitcodiac River—is just one of the ways you’ll enjoy the outdoors here. Parks, trails, golf courses and cycling are all popular ways to get outside. Kids will have the time of their lives here. Magnetic Hill Zoo puts kids face to face with animals they’ve never met before. Magic Mountain will have them screaming with joy, thanks to the amusement park rides and water features. And Resurgo, the area’s museum and discovery centre, makes learning fun.
And all you adults, get ready for some fun! The region is packed with some of the province’s best restaurants and bistros; you can get your arts and culture fill at the Capitol Theatre, Aberdeen Cultural Centre, and Dieppe Arts Centre; take a chance or two at Casino New Brunswick; and yes, you can shop till you drop—Moncton is the Maritimes’ premier shopping destination.
Saint John
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Walk narrow streets of well-preserved, 19th-century architecture; linger in the historic Saint John City Market and adjacent King’s Square; spend time relaxing in a café or microbrewery. There’s no other place in the Maritimes where the urban charms of a vibrant, historic city nestle up against the grand, natural allure of a world-famous bay. Canada’s oldest incorporated city begs to be explored on foot. Uptown Saint John (read: downtown) is a delightful mélange of narrow, steep streets leading to the bay, beautiful old architecture, and every reason to stop for a rest. These charming old buildings house excellent restaurants, funky cafés, creative galleries and shops, theatres, museums, and more. Make a point of stopping in the famous City Market (with a roof that resembles an inverted ship’s hull), and strolling Prince William Street, recognized as having the most continuous collection of Italianate and 2nd Empire buildings in Canada. Situated where the St. John River meets the Bay of Fundy, the city of Saint John is a haven for nature lovers. Even within the city itself, you’ll fall in love with King’s Square, a charming urban park with a historic bandstand overlooking uptown. The Irving Nature Park is massive, with 11 km (7 mi.) of trails to explore. And Rockwood Park is one of North America’s largest urban parks. Of course, you’ll also want to make a stop at the famous Reversing Falls Rapids, where the tides of the Bay of Fundy actually force the water at the mouth of the St. John River to reverse its flow.
Acadian Peninsula
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Dig into a spread of freshly-caught seafood; get out on the water; explore isles and seaside communities; dive into the richness of Acadian joie de vivre. On the Acadian Peninsula, culture adds a dash of flavour to your trip. Situated in the northeastern corner of New Brunswick, this Francophone region starts in Grande-Anse coming from the west, Neguac coming from the south, and includes the entire peninsula all the way to the tip of Miscou Island. It includes both seaside communities (Neguac, Tracadie, Shippagan, Caraquet, Grande-Anse), and inland (Paquetville) ones. And for many, fishing is a way of life. More than 40 species of fish, mollusks, and crustaceans can be found in the waters, and seafood delights like lobster, clams, and scallops are plentiful. Get to know the region’s sea life at the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre in Shippagan. Hungry? From the ubiquitous lobster roll available for your road trip to the beach, to fine dining or family-style restaurants, seafood is always on the menu. And always, you will be welcomed with the warmth of Acadian culture. While here, get even closer to the sea, and spend a night or more in a seaside cottage. Enjoy days lazily exploring the beach. And discover the Acadian Isles, both Lamèque—a quiet island with sandy beaches, and Miscou, a natural sanctuary of untouched, unspoiled, and uncommon beauty.
Albert County
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Walk on the ocean floor (or paddle on the surface around the flowerpot rocks); cross a covered bridge; crack into a lobster feast. When you’re in Albert County, it’s hard to not focus on the wonders of the Bay of Fundy. But these world-famous tides are just the beginning.
The highest tides on earth. The coastline in Albert County follows the Bay of Fundy, where the tides rise and fall farther than anywhere else on the planet. The low tide reveals towering cliffs, expansive discovery beaches, the ocean floor, and of course, the famous Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. Kayak or canoe the shoreline of the Bay and get a front row seat to all this wonder. Coastal rivers and forests, perfect for hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, horseback riding and, of course, camping, also make Albert County a beautiful spot. If you’re a golfer, you’re also in luck -- bring those clubs.
Here, our history is as interesting as our tides are impressive. Museums, old covered bridges, and countless historic sites keep the past in the present. A strong arts and crafts community will tempt the souvenir hunter with pottery, clay, and paintings that reflect the culture of this region. In Alma, lobster is a must, as it’s an active fishing village, where you can watch lobster boats come and go, then order lobster your favourite way at one of the local restaurants or lobster shops. After a busy day exploring at Fundy National Park, relax with craft beers and good food in a local restaurant.
Fundy Coast & Isles
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In the southwestern corner of New Brunswick, along the Bay of Fundy, you’ll find the Charlotte Coastal Region, which touches the U.S. border. In this area, exploration will take you to wave-swept shores, lighthouses, beaches, coastal trails, and provincial parks. Watch for breaching whales from the comfort of your expertly guided boat; spend a night in Saint Andrews, an iconic seaside escape; island hop from scenic beauty to costal adventures. Saint Andrews by-the-Sea is a charming resort town watched over by the historic and grand Algonquin Hotel and with excellent accommodations and restaurants options. It's perfect for those travelling with family (check out Kingsbrae Garden children's activities, Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium, or safe and comfortable whale-watching boats), and equally fitting as a romantic couple's seaside getaway. Shop in the historic downtown to find that unique treasure made by local artists and artisans. Enjoy whale-watching excursions on the Bay of Fundy, play a round of golf on the signature Algonquin golf course or stroll the 11 ha (27 acres) of Kingsbrae Garden. You can also drive on the ocean floor to Ministers Island at low tide to visit the historic summer home of Sir William Van Horne. No matter your interests, Saint Andrews has attractions and adventures to make your day. Saint Andrews is also a haven of fine dining. If you’re looking for an ultimate foodie experience, the Indulge Festival (Oct 13-17) is a true delight for the food and wine aficionados.
Lower St. John River
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Paddle on the winding Saint John River; take a historic cable ferry across the river; explore the murals in the town of Sussex. The Lower St. John River Valley is both a breath of fresh air, and cosy blanket of historic comfort. The historic St. John River, or Wolastoq as per the original name it was given by this country's first nations, is a defining feature in New Brunswick. The 130 km (80 mi.) stretch from Fredericton to the port city of Saint John—the Lower St. John River Valley—is a uniquely interesting section. Here, the river meanders through rolling hills, along orchards and past wineries, through rural communities like Gagetown, Cambridge-Narrows, Kingston and Hampton, with marinas, historic sites, museums, art galleries, and along pastoral landscapes and cottage country. This is an explorer’s dream, with paddling, boating, and touring being a popular way to explore the sights along the river’s idyllic southern stretch. Got your binoculars? This is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. Of course, be sure to stop for wine tasting and fresh fare along the way—the traditional cable ferries will whisk you to both shores of the river, so you’ll never miss a welcoming community on your way. The Town of Sussex isn’t directly on the St. John River, but on the Kennebecasis River—which flows in through Sussex to connect with the St. John River. This town is the mural capital of Atlantic Canada, with 27 panoramic scenes on town walls, collectively telling the larger-than-life stories of this area. The area is also for its many historic covered bridges. Stay a while as you make way for the coast. After all, it’s also the Gateway to the Bay of Fundy and is perfectly positioned between Fundy National Park and the Fundy Trail Parkway. Follow the Ferries & Farms Road Trip to fully experience this beautiful area.
Southeast
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Jump into the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada; follow the music to the richness of Acadian culture; camp by the sea or explore a provincial park. A seaside treasure, Kent County and the Southeast region is equal parts warm water and friendly people. All along the coastline from Kouchibouguac to Sackville, you’ll experience the rich expression of Acadian culture that keeps visitors coming back for more. From Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche, to the vibrant community of Shediac and Monument Lefebvre in Memramcook, the music, food, heritage, and people invite you to partake with warm hospitality. And yes, the swimming is just as welcoming. Warm saltwater beaches invite you to jump right on in. But you don't have to get wet. From sand dunes and cycling to canoeing and camping, this coastal region is bursting with shoreside activity and seaside escapes. With a national park (Kouchibouguac), two provincial parks (Parlee and Murray Beach) and a waterfowl park (Sackville), you can explore natural New Brunswick your way. It’s all enough to make a traveller hungry! Perfect. Because this region is also known for outstanding seafood. Find fried clams in roadside canteens, and lobster rolls in seaside restaurants. You’ll always be satisfied in this cultural gem of a region.
Upper St. John River
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Enjoy the peaceful beauty of vast farming lands, or the dramatic scenery of a waterfall and gorge; stop in at some of the farmers’ markets that proudly display produce grown here; explore towns where residents are equally proud to display their creativity and culture. In the Upper St. John River Valley, authentic experiences await at every turn. The Upper St. John River Valley is a lush and diverse string of communities that follow the meandering river through rolling hills, rich farmland, and more stunning views than you can possibly capture with your phone. This region includes the communities north of Fredericton, all the way up to Grand Falls: Grand Falls, Perth-Andover, Florenceville-Bristol, Hartland, Woodstock, and Nackawic.
Weekly farmers’ markets and roadside farm stands tempt the wandering traveller with tasty and fresh produce. Potatoes are one of the main crops here. No wonder this area—Florenceville, specifically—is home to famed McCain french fries, and the Potato World museum. Covered Bridge Potato Chips begs you to stop for a snack too! Hartland is also home to the world’s longest covered bridge. Pop into the many towns along the river, treat yourself to a craft beer at Grand Falls Brewing in Grand Falls or Big Axe Brewery in Nackawic, and stroll through galleries, cafés, and fascinating historic sites.
And no visit to this region is over until you experience the spectacular falls and gorge at Grand Falls, the exclamation point for a wonderful river tour.
