20 of the Best Things to Do in New Brunswick You Can’t Miss

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

On our most recent trip to Canada, Daniel and I got to explore some of the best things to do in New Brunswick. You might be surprised to learn how many amazing beaches and hiking trails there are to explore! We had a blast enjoying both the options for things to see in the outdoors as well as some of the more cultural options–you have a wide variety of things to choose from.

The absolute best things to do in New Brunswick you can’t miss

This list of the best things to do in New Brunswick has you covered activities for your trip!

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Bay of Fundy

Home to the highest tides in the world, there’s a reason why the Bay of Fundy continues to attract visitors year after year. The bay itself is gigantic and has an estimated 160 billion tons of water flow into the bay during high tide–more than four times the amount of the world’s freshwater sources combined within a six-hour period.

The Bay of Fundy is also home to abundant sea life, stunning, private islands, and miles and miles of coastline worth visiting. Since it shapes the entire area, the Bay of Fundy is one of the can’t-miss attractions in New Brunswick.

Hopewell Rocks

Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park has made a name for itself as an Instagram darling, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit other than getting those pictures of flowerpot rocks! There might not be another spot to see how dramatic the tides are in the Bay of Fundy, and I highly recommend checking out some of the hiking trails there, as well. Hopewell Rocks is the most-visited spot in the province, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best things to do in New Brunswick.

Fundy National Park

New Brunswick has two national parks where you can get outside and get your hiking on. The most famous of the two is Fundy National Park, which offers an extensive trail system, the opportunity to walk on the ocean floor during low tide, and high-quality camping facilities. If you’re also looking to chase some waterfalls, this is a good spot for it!

Whale watching in St. Andrews

While there’s no guarantee that you will get to see whales on any whale watching adventure, the likelihood is pretty high when you take a whale watching tour in the Bay of Fundy. Home to four species of whales (fin whale, humpback whale, northern right whale, and minke whale), as well as countless bird species and porpoises, this is the perfect activity to pull out those binoculars and enjoy one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Brunswick. 

We went with Island Quest Marine and saw several minke whales as well as seals, bald eagles, porpoises, and more.

Reversing Falls

New Brunswick is also home to only one of two reversing falls in the world, which means that you have two bodies of water meeting with currents that cause the falls to, well, reverse. You can visit this phenomenon by heading to Saint John, where there is a great viewing platform to observe the falls and the animals who hang here to take advantage of confused fish. During the summer months, you can also eat at the aptly named Reversing Falls, which overlooks the falls as the tides go in and out.

Kingsbrae Garden

It’s hard to beat this beautiful garden in St. Andrews. Started by a local patron out of her childhood home to give back to the local community, you’ll find thousands of plant species of all kinds from spices you would use in your kitchen to plants from Asia and Europe. What I loved best were the personal touches that the founder added, such as well-chosen statues and areas for children. If that wasn’t enough, there are also goats, peacocks, and baby alpacas!

Kings Landing

If you ever wanted to step back in time, Kings Landing is the perfect place to do so (and no, this has nothing to do with Game of Thrones). This living history museum was created after several historical buildings were moved to a safe haven next to the St. John River. This was one of the most fun things to do in New Brunswick for me, and I loved how all of the people we “visited” remained in character and were so passionate about their jobs.

I recommend heading to the printing shop–the owner there seems to always have something quippy to say, and I learned a lot about some of the idioms we use today that came from the 19th century.

Fundy Trail Parkway

The Fundy Trail Parkway is one of the most perfect places to visit in New Brunswick, and I highly encourage you to spend a full day here if you enjoy nature activities. Whether you are looking for something relaxing to do like sit on a beach with a book or you would like to hit the trail, you have options to do both and more.

Make sure not to miss some of the waterfalls the Parkway has to offer! Many of them can be found a short hike from the main road, and they are absolutely worth checking out if you want to get some great photos.

Kouchibouguac National Park

Kouchibouguac National Park is one of the lesser-known things to do in New Brunswick, but that’s one of the reasons to consider visiting! Famous for its golden sand, New Brunswick beaches and its status as a Dark Sky Preserve, the fact that it is located right on the coast makes it one of the best things to do in NB year-round. The park also has some extensive biking trails if hiking or paddling isn’t your thing. 

Magnetic Hill

If you’re the kind of person who loves optical illusions, then you are going to have to check out Magnetic Hill just outside of Moncton. It’s one of the best things to do in New Brunswick with kids–they’re going to be pretty blown away. While explaining how it works is a little complicated, imagine that you feel like the car you’re in is pulled backward by some unexplainable magnetic force. It’s the kind of thing you have to experience for yourself in order to believe!

There are also a number of other attractions in the area like a zoo, gift shops, a patio where you can grab a beer in the summer, and a lot more.

Cape Enrage

Those looking to get an adrenaline rush should head to Cape Enrage, a facility on the coast of the Bay of Fundy where you can go rappelling, zip lining, and enjoy an obstacle course. They also have a program where you can search for fossils within the exposed coastline. For guests who want a slightly chiller experience, there are also some beautiful beaches where you can relax during the summer season.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park

Did you know that FDR had a residence in Canada? It’s one of the best places to visit in New Brunswick for history buffs and those who want to learn about the Canada/USA connection. It is now an international park located on an island right next to the Maine and Canadian border. Visitors can check out the Roosevelt Cottage along with Roosevelt’s office and Eleanor’s writing room.

St. Martins Sea Caves

There are two ways to visit the sea caves near the small village of St. Martins. You can either visit at low tide and walk along the beach, or you can choose to take out a kayak. If you choose the latter, you’ll want to book a tour with Red Rock Adventures–they take you out into the Bay of Fundy where you can explore the caves from the water. Don’t be surprised if you see some wildlife or get a glimpse of a fossil embedded in the cliffs as you paddle by.

Irving Nature Park

Located not far from Saint John, the Irving Nature Park offers a respite from some of the busier parts of the province. It’s a haven for hikers looking to explore a number of different trails that pass near a number of great beaches. Whether you are a beginning hiker looking to start out or you’re more experienced, you can find a hiking trail for you here.

Grand Manan Island

When it comes to things to do in New Brunswick, you can’t be Grand Manan Island in terms of access to wildlife such as puffins, whales, seals, and more. Tucked away from some of the busier areas, locals and tourists alike often rent a cabin right on the Bay of Fundy in order to get away. Out of all the peaceful New Brunswick attractions, this might be the best for you to spend some time relaxing in nature.

Saint John City Market

This historic market was the first of its kind in Canada and has been around since 1785. If you’re looking for some gifts for family and friends, this is the spot to do so! There are also a number of delicious restaurants where you can grab a bite here, as well as goods from local artisans and farms. I would recommend including this on your list of places to see in New Brunswick–it’s almost impossible not to walk away with something to take home!

Visit a covered bridge

New Brunswick has the most covered bridges in the world, and you’re likely to see a number of them along your New Brunswick road trip! Built to keep the snow off the structure, they became known as “kissing bridges” since young men and women would sneak a kiss in private on their carriage rides and no one could see. You might have to head to a backroad or two in order to find them, but they offer a delightful glimpse of the past and make for some awesome photos.

The giant lobster at Shediac

If you are headed through Shediac, you’re not going to miss the giant lobster that reigns supreme over the town. New Brunswick is one of the top exporters of lobster in the world (those from Newfoundland will claim they export more), and the statue pays tribute to the fact that the sea is the mainstay of the local economy. Plus, it makes for a great picture!

Beaverbrook Art Gallery

Did you know that you can experience some high art on your New Brunswick vacation? Once the collection of Lord Beaverbrook, a newspaper mogul and politician, the gallery houses works by prominent artists such as Reynolds, Christopher Pratt, Jack Humphrey, and more. It also includes an extensive collection from Canada’s First Peoples. The gallery is under construction and will be reopened in 2022.

Parlee Beach

Home to the warmest salt water in Canada and housed in a provincial park with a full range of amenities, Parlee Beach is one of the best things to do in New Brunswick in the summer. You’ll also find the perfect place to grab a beer at Euston Park Patio, or you can take a walk on one of the several trails that this provincial park has available. Who knew you could go sunbathing in Canada?

Have you ever visited any of these things to do in New Brunswick?

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