With the popularity and name recognition of British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, few travellers from outside the Great White North venture to the far east to the heart of Atlantic Canada. While it might not have the same historical pull as cities like Montreal or Quebec City or the cosmopolitanism of Vancouver or Toronto, one of Canada’s best destinations is undoubtedly the Atlantic province of New Brunswick.
If you decide to pack your bags and head east, here’s a quick guide to the top must-see New Brunswick attractions…
Bay of Fundy
One of Canada’s most interesting natural attractions, the Bay of Fundy is a must for any New Brunswick getaway. The bay is most well-known for its massive tides (some of the biggest in the world!), unique geological formations, and marine life.
Visitors to the Bay of Fundy will absolutely love the chance to partake in a whale-watching tour where you’ll get to see some of the world’s large mammals in their natural habitat.
Hopewell Rocks
When visiting the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, one of the coolest things to see is the Hopewell Rocks. You’ll find this unique set of flowerpot-shaped coastal rocks either piping up from the bay fully visible or completely submerged, depending on the time of day and the corresponding tide.
Thanks to their handsome appearance and unique features, the Hopewell Rocks have, undoubtedly, become New Brunswick’s most famous tourist attractions. (Just ask nearly any Canadian!)
St. Andrews by-the-Sea
If quaint seaside towns are your thing, then you’ll absolute cherish a stay at St. Andrews by-the-Sea, one of New Brunswick’s loveliest destinations. Besides its stunning sea views, this quaint town has 200 years of history to back up with plenty of historical site scattered about.
Besides wandering through the town’s small artisan shops, St. Andrew’s is a great base to take on the whale-watching tours that the Bay of Fundy is so famous for. The town is also located close to the historical Ministers Island, accessible only by driving across the ocean floor at low tide. (Just be sure to abide by the tide schedules to avoid getting stranded!)
Hartland Covered Bridge
Although covered bridges aren’t overly rare in North America, there’s perhaps none more famous in Canada than New Brunswick’s Hartland Covered Bridge. At 390 metres (1,282 feet), this Canadian National Historic Site sets the record as the world’s longest covered bridge, making it an absolute must-see when visiting this Atlantic province.
Built in 1901, this over-hundred-year-old bridge wasn’t covered until the early 1920s, causing, surprisingly enough, quite a stir at the time. Despite cries from officials, who thought that a covered bridge would provide shelter for dubious acts, the covering project pressed on, unknowingly adding to the province’s historical palette.
Cape Enrage
Don’t let its odd name fool you: Cape Enrage isn’t a place designed to anger you. In fact, quite the opposite. The rugged cliff-lined coast of Cape Enrage is famous in New Brunswick for its stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Fundy and small lighthouse dating back to the early- to mid-19th century.
Besides its vistas, Cape Enrage is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll experience a ton of activities here from ziplining to rock climbing and sea-kayaking to fossil-hunting along Barn Marsh Island Beach during low tide.