The Ultimate New Brunswick Road Trip Itinerary

This post is sponsored by Destination New Brunswick but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

There’s no doubt that the best way to really get a feel for many places in Canada is to hop in a car. That’s why taking a New Brunswick road trip was the best way for Daniel and I to get to see some of the amazing sights of the province. With so much to do, there’s only one way to really enjoy the area is by renting a car and hitting the road.

Everything you need to know about your New Brunswick road trip

Here’s a great itinerary so you hit up all the spots you want to on your New Brunswick road trip!

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Flying into New Brunswick

Unless you plan on driving from another area (which you easily can from Maine), you’re going to want to fly into New Brunswick to start your road trip. There are a few airports that you can fly into, but I recommend Moncton as your destination since it is the most trafficked. You’re likely to find slightly lower prices when you travel to New Brunswick and as the province’s largest city, it’s a good starting point.

Renting a car in New Brunswick

Since you’re starting in Moncton, this is also where you are going to want to think about renting a car. Canada’s highway system is well-paved and maintained, so unless you are planning on doing some off-roading, you should be fine with a sedan. There has been a car shortage in many parts of the world, so make sure you book your car several months in advance so you can ensure that you have it on the dates you need it.

Another fun way to explore driving through New Brunswick is to consider looking into an RV rental in Moncton. Depending on the type of RV or van you rent, this can help you save cash on accommodations. New Brunswick has a ton of camping options, so you shouldn’t have to worry about finding a place to park your home on wheels.

Map of New Brunswick

Day 1–Moncton

The largest city in New Brunswick, Moncton has come alive over the past few years as more people start to discover how amazing the province is. I highly recommend checking out downtown where there is active nightlife on the weekends and some delicious dining options.

Take some time to head to Magnetic Hill, which is just as magical as it sounds. An optical illusion, it’s easier to experience than describe–just know that you’ll be blown away.

Also make sure to check out the other main attraction in that area at the Boardwalk. It’s the perfect place to grab a beer and contemplate how Magnetic Hill works. Kids also have access to a zoo, go karts, butterfly garden, and more.

Where to stay in Moncton

As the hub of New Brunswick, there are several hotel options perfect for those who want an easy trip to the main sights on your New Brunswick itinerary.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Beausejour

750 Main St

+1 506 854-4344

You can’t get any more downtown than this hotel with modern rooms, two restaurants, and a spa available. After you are full of good food from one of the local hotspots, head back and go for a swim in the large pool or snuggle into your comfy bed before another day of exploring.

Chateau Moncton Hotel & Suites

100 Main St

+1 506 870 4444

Another spot located on the main drag of Moncton, this modern hotel looks over the Petitcodiac River and is close to Bore Park, where you can see the river rise and fall with the tides during the day. WiFi, breakfast, and parking are all included in a stay here.

Where to eat in Moncton

As Moncton becomes more and more of a popular spot, there have been a number of awesome places to eat crop up. Whether you are looking for international cuisine or something more familiar, you can usually find it in Moncton’s downtown.

Pump House

5 Orange Lane

+1 506 855 2337

Brews on brews on brews await you at the Pump House in the heart of downtown. Among a long list of craft beer available, this laidback pub has comfort food on the menu. You’ll find poutine, burgers, pasta, and pizza that will fill you up as you start out on your New Brunswick road trip.

Gusto Italian Grill & Bar

130 Westmorland St

+1 506 204 7177

Italian food in Canada? This is not what you’re expecting! Rustic decor and unique menu items make this spot on the river ideal for grabbing some delicious bites before you start out on your journey across the province. While the pizza and pasta are amazing, you’re definitely not going to want to skimp out on the dessert options available!

Day 2–Fundy Trail Parkway to St. Martins

Driving time from Moncton to St. Martins (without stops): 1 hour and 36 minutes

After gassing up your car, you’re going to head south toward the coast where you will gain some views of the magnificent Bay of Fundy. Today is all about taking a New Brunswick scenic drive and hitting some of the highlights of the Fundy Trail Parkway. I recommend taking your time today–it’s not about gaining a ton of ground, but also enjoying some of the trails, viewpoints, and waterfalls in the Parkway.

This Fundy coastal drive is the main attraction, and you’re going to want to do a little bit of planning before you hit the road on what you want to make sure not to miss. The top spots? Fuller Falls, Walton Glen Gorge, and the Franklin Suspension Bridge. There’s a lot more to do here, but if you have a limited amount of time, you’re going to want to decide which trails to hit up in advance.

From there, you’ll have an easy drive to St. Martins where you will stay for the night. If you’re looking for a lobster dinner, you’ve got it here!

Where to stay in St. Martins

St. Martins is super small, so you only have a few options of where to stay while you’re there. However, where there is to stay is charming and offers easy access to the water-based activities available.

Beach Street Inn

16 Beach St

+1 506 833 4772

This adorable bed and breakfast incorporates the history of the building while also including new renovations. With a view of the Bay of Fundy from the restaurant (if you’re looking for a lobster broil, this is the place for it), this cozy accommodation has delightful touches and a few ghost stories too.

Day 3–St. Martins to Saint John

Drive time from St. Martins to Saint John: 42 minutes

Before you leave the hamlet of St. Martin for the larger city of Saint John, you’re going to want to do a bit of exploring! One of my favorite activities in New Brunswick was to go for a sea kayaking excursion with Red Rock Adventure. If you are looking to explore the Bay of Fundy and spot some wildlife like minke whales, harbor seals, and more, this is the best way to do it.

After paddling hard, it’s time to reward yourself with some homemade cone and scoop at Octopus Ice Cream. Run by a sister team, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the surprisingly warm weather in New Brunswick during the summer months.

From there you have a short drive to Saint John and you have the afternoon free to wander around this industrial city. Saint John has a bunch of fun restaurants, bars, and shops tucked away down narrow alleys and hidden on side streets, so take some time to just stroll around. You’ll also find some murals perfect for photos!

Your wandering will inevitably lead you to the heart of the city, Saint John City Market. This bustling spot is home to stands where artisans and local food producers sell their wares. If you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs or homemade items to display in your home, this is the place to do it.

To end the night, grab a drink at Happinez, where you can find a large selection of wines and cocktail options before you head off to another part of the province.

Where to stay in Saint John

Saint John has a number of hotels downtown due to its popularity as a cruise port. You shouldn’t have trouble finding a spot that is walkable to the main area.

Hilton Saint John

1 Market Square

+1 506 693 8484

Located right on the water, the Hilton Saint John is one of the best options for hotels since it allows you to walk without problem to the Market, restaurants, and eventually the new “Container City” that will be opening on the harbor. For those looking for a little luxury on their New Brunswick trip, this is the hotel you’ll want to stay at.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Saint John

39 King Street

+1 506 648 1981

Having a downtown location makes all the difference when you are staying in Saint John! If you want a great place to crash on your New Brunswick road trip after a busy itinerary, this is a good option to do so. It includes a pool, gym, and modern touches for a pleasant stay.

Where to eat in Saint John

Narrowing down which restaurants to try in Saint John is tough and you can’t really go wrong with any of the options in the harbor. However, there are a few standouts that locals and cruise shippers both love and shouldn’t be missed.

Cask and Kettle

112 Prince William Street

+1 506 214 4391

New Brunswick is big into its maritime traditions, and you can find food that reflects that at the Cask and Kettle, an Irish gastropub that gets home cooking right. Along with local brews, you can find new favorites like the Irish L.C. Burger, the Luke Skywhopper, and more.

Vegolution

26 Germain St

+1 506 643 8401

Who says you can’t find great vegetarian and vegan food up north? Loved by non-meat-eaters and veggies alike, you can find a variety of delicious options at this spot downtown. You won’t want to miss favorites like the Veggie Donair and Vegan Mac and Peas before you head out to explore the rest of the town.

Day 4–Saint John to St. Andrews

Driving time from Saint John to St. Andrews: 1 hour and 4 minutes

Before you leave Saint John proper, you’re going to want to make a stop at the Reversing Falls Rapids–one of only two in the world. This is one of the most unique things you’ll see on your New Brunswick road trip, and with a well-designed viewing platform, you can get a good look at this phenomenon before you jump back in your car.

Along the way, the Irving Nature Park offers seven miles of hiking trails along the coast, as well as places where you can have a picnic with provided tables and grills. Keep an eye out for seals in the region, as well as a number of bird species that like to rest here on their migration.

Once you reach the small town of St. Andrews, you’re going to get an entirely different feel than you had in Saint John. St. Andrews is a seaside town and wants you to know it, but I recommend checking out some of the activities on land before heading to the water.

One attraction you’re not going to want to miss is the Kingsbrae Garden. Started as a way to give back to the local community, Kingsbrae has over 50,000 different types of perennials and personal details that make it unlike any other botanical garden you’ve seen before. With 27 acres, you’re going to want to put aside some time in order to see everything.

St. Andrews is also famous for its whale watching, and you should absolutely book a tour to head out into the Bay of Fundy for the chance to glimpse humpback whales (depending on the time of year), minke whales, North Atlantic right whales, and eight other species. Island Quest runs daily whale watching tours during the prime season and provides educational information onboard.

After your time on the water, walk downtown and check out some of the charming shops and restaurants. You’ll understand why St. Andrew’s full name is St. Andrews-by-the-Sea!

Where to stay in St. Andrews

Because it is such a popular vacation spot for locals, you’re going to want to book your hotel in advance. Expect super cute bed and breakfasts and locally-owned accommodations.

The Algonquin Resort

184 Adolphus

+1 506 529 8823

This historic resort has a chateau-type feel to it, as well as a restaurant, pool, and spa. For those who want to relax in style, this is the best place to take a moment and rest on your New Brunswick road trip.

The New Brunswick Bed & Breakfast

138 Champlain Avenue

+1 506 404 0100

This adorable bed and breakfast is located right by the beach and offers the perfect location for sightseeing. It’s also budget-friendly for those looking not to break the bank while on their trip to New Brunswick.

Where to eat in St. Andrews

Narrowing down which adorable place to sit down and have a meal in St. Andrews can be a challenge, but you can’t go wrong with almost any restaurant on the water. Can’t beat dinner and a view of the Bay of Fundy!

Char and Chowder

182 Water Street

+1 506 529 3509

Chowder? Yes, please! This restaurant takes its maritime theme to the max with its menu items. With a large outdoor patio and portion sizes, there’s plenty to love here like the Charlie’s Burger with signature pickled onion sauce or the Meatloaf with Mushroom Sauce.

Lumberjacks Cafe

246 Water Street

+1 506 529 6243

Honoring the history of New Brunswick’s lumber heritage, this is the ideal spot for delicious sandwiches and soups. Whether you are looking to sit down and admire some of the lumberjack tools used as decorations or grabbing something to go, you’ve got plenty of sub options and even shepherd’s pie!

Day 5–Fredericton

Driving time from St. Andrews to Fredericton: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Wake up early and hit the road so you can get to this cool college town with plenty of time to see everything. You might want to check out Kings Landing first (and no, it’s not from Game of Thrones) before you head into downtown and check into your hotel.

Featuring over 70,000 artifacts from the 19th century, Kings Landing is a working village with employees dressed in period-accurate costumes. At 300 acres, you could spend an entire day wandering through the farms, restored buildings and workshops, or attending events like Christmas dinner or maple sugar harvesting. If you ever wondered what it might be like during this time period, you can experience it through this living history museum. Personally, this was one of my favorite things to do in New Brunswick!

While you could hang out all day in Kings Landing, there’s a lot more to see in Fredericton. The area is super bike-friendly, and known for its multiple breweries along its Taproom Trail. I highly recommend grabbing an electric scooter from Mint Rentals in order to get to those drinks faster–just make sure to scooter responsibly!

To end the day, you can enjoy something a bit more cultural at Beaverbrook Art Gallery, where renovations will be finished in 2022 and will feature works by Dali, Christopher Pratt, Joshua Reynolds, and more. It also has an extensive collection of works from local Acadian, Maliseet, and Mi’kmaq artists.

Where to stay in Fredericton

As a college town, most of the action is located downtown. You’ll find a number of hotels that offer a short walk from the restaurants and shops, as well as a modern feel and food options right inside the lobbies.

Hilton Garden Inn Fredericton

620 Queen St

+1 506 999 1551

You can’t get any more central than this hotel right on the St. John River! Providing a short walk to the main sights like the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and restaurants, you also have free WiFi, fitness center, and option for a balcony overlooking the water below.

Crowne Plaza Fredericton

659 Queen St

+1 506 455 3371

Named after famous resident Lord Beaverbrook, this hotel boasts a pool, bar, and breakfast. For those who want to spend the night out, you can’t get any better than this location near the pubs and bars that make up this lively college town.

Where to eat in Fredericton

Along with a young population comes some innovative restaurants throughout Fredericton. One of the things I enjoyed the most about spending time here was learning how many former attendees of the colleges here found their way back after living in Toronto or Montreal. As a result, there are plenty of delicious restaurants that you’re going to want to make time for out of your New Brunswick road trip!

11th Mile

79 York St

+1 506 443 1187

The husband and wife team behind this restaurant has made it the spot to sit down after a long day of exploring by sharing a unique meal. Delivering shareable plates with local ingredients, the names of the dishes might provoke thoughts of a five-star dining establishment, but the interior and vibe is all hometown chic.

Isaac’s Way

649 Queen St

+1 506 474 7222

Farm-to-table is the name of the game here, and with items on the menu like Smoked Tofu Carbonara and Bacon Scallop Penne, you have a taste of both familiar and unfamiliar flavors–all delicious! They also sell local artwork within the restaurant to donate the proceeds to charity, so you’ll be eating there for a good cause.

Day 6–Cape Enrage, Hopewell Rocks, and back to Moncton

Drive time from Fredericton to Cape Enrage: 2 hours and 20 minutes

Drive time from Cape Enrage to Hopewell Rocks: 34 minutes

Drive time from Hopewell Rocks to Moncton: 30 minutes

Today, you are going to get up early so you can hit up some more of New Brunswick’s highlights before you fly home. You’ll head back east to Cape Enrage (grabbing a bite along the way). Open from June to September, you’ll have plenty of activities here to fill your morning and early afternoon. From ziplining to rappelling down the ever-changing cliffs to the beach, you’re offered a chance to experience the dynamic geology of the Bay of Fundy.

After some adventure, it’s time to head to New Brunswick’s most-visited attraction, Hopewell Rocks. There might be no better place in the Bay of Fundy to see the daily drama of the tides coming in and out. Before you go, I recommend checking out their tide table online so you know when to go. For this itinerary, you will probably be visiting in the evening when the tides are on their second way out.

Hopewell Rocks is home to amazing geological formations formed by the sea, and the park gives you the option to walk on the ocean floor when it’s safe to do so. While this is what attracts Instagrammers and photographers, there are a number of other wheelchair-accessible hiking trails worth exploring and you’ll want to keep a lookout for wildlife such as peregrine falcons during their nesting season.

A shuttle service is available, as well as a restaurant during the main summer season, and rangers are ready and available to answer any of your questions while exploring the park. If you have a little extra time, you might also want to stop by the interpretive center featuring a life-size replica of a juvenile Atlantic right whale.

After a long day, it’s time to head back to Moncton where you’ll catch your flight out or continue on your New Brunswick road trip to another locale.

Have extra time?

Of course, this itinerary doesn’t cover everything when it comes to what there is to see in New Brunswick. You would need a lot more time than six days, and there are a ton of sights that are located north and away from the coast. If you do have a bit of time before you have to return home, here are some of the places I would recommend adding to your New Brunswick road trip itinerary,

Fundy National Park and Alma

One of two national parks in the province, Fundy National Park has some of the best New Brunswick hiking trails that shouldn’t be missed if you can help it. Home to gorgeous waterfalls, camping, and coastal views, this 80-square-mile park is an outdoor lover’s paradise.

Many visitors choose to stay in the gateway to the park at Alma. Along with a number of quaint restaurants and shops, this spot is also famous for its sticky buns at Kelly’s Bake Shop. I recommend checking it out during the afternoon because it will be swamped in the morning!

Kouchibouguac National Park

The lesser-known but equally beautiful national park in New Brunswick has eight hiking trails within its 92 square miles of area. This is a spot where marshes meet forest while also offering some protected beaches to boot. You’ll find a number of wildlife species here including black bear, bobcat, moose, timber wolf, and more.

Shediac

This charming beach town located only 20 minutes away from Moncton is well-worth the stop if you have the time. Known for hosting one of the best New Brunswick beaches, this lively village has the ideal restaurants to grab a craft beer and enjoy those ocean vibes. I recommend eating at Le Moque-Tortue, which features an inconceivable number of board games to play and an Alice in Wonderland theme. Along with live music, you have a scrumptious menu based on the book.

Shediac is also famous for its giant lobster. New Brunswick is famous for its lobster harvesting, and the town honors that with this statue. Take a quick break from your trip and grab a photo with this big guy!

Campobello Island

As the largest and only inhabited island in the parish of Campobello, this spot is also the location of former United States’ president Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s summer cottage. Now an International Park looked after by both the National Park Service and Parks Canada, you can visit from either country. Just make sure to bring your passport so you can see the cottage itself.

Campobello is also a tourist haven where you can take pictures of a number of lighthouses, go whale watching, and hiking as a day trip. Grab the ferry from Deer Island for an extra adventure!

Do you have any places you would add to your New Brunswick road trip itinerary? Let me know in the comments!

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