2020 will be the summer of the New Brunswick staycation. If you’re the type who’s normally chasing adrenaline rushes around the globe, this year you’re going to want to look a little closer to home. Thankfully, there are more than a few options in New Brunswick to get outdoors and get your blood pumping, whether you prefer your adventures in the air, on the ground, or in the sea.
New Brunswick is an outdoor adventure paradise. Much of the province has pristine wilderness just waiting for you to hike, camp, and kayak your way through. Whether you’re looking for your adventure in the air, on the water, cliffside, or in the woods, New Brunswick delivers. Bike challenging trails, make friends with mighty whales, feel the wind rush through your hair as you speed through the air, and explore everything this spectacular Atlantic Canadian destination has to offer.
We’ve rounded up ten outdoor adventures that you need to have in New Brunswick this summer so that you have the greatest staycation of anyone who’s ever staycationed. Which is top of your bucket list?
Explore the World’s Highest Tides
Start your adventure by joining Baymount Outdoor Adventures for a high tide kayak paddle around the world famous flowerpost rock at Hopewell Rocks. See how many, many years of erosion have carved out these unique shapes from the sandstone. Return hours later at low tide and walk the same formations as you trod on the ocean floor.
131 Discovery Rd, Hopewell Cape, NB
$60.25 – $70.25
Climb a Mountain at Mount Carleton
Be the king of the world when you stand on the highest peak in the Maritimes. The summit of Mount Carleton sits at 2,690 feet and gives you views that are unmatched anywhere else. During your ascent, see if you can spot some of the 100 species of birds or 30 animal species that make this park home.
7612 Route 385, Saint-Quentin, NB
$10 park entrance
Mountain Bike at Sugarloaf Bike Park
Did you know that New Brunswick is home to a thriving mountain biking community? Whether you’re a beginner looking for smooth, gentle cruising or an expert looking to push themselves on a black diamond trail, there’s a path for you at the Sugarloaf Bike Park. The trails are jam packed with burms, table tops, drops, step ups and wooden features making a trip a must!
596 Val-d’Amour Rd, Atholville, NB
$25 – $30
Surfski the Waves in the Bay of Fundy
You’ve heard of kayaking. You’ve heard of surfing. But have you ever heard of surfskiing? Think of a 20’ long, slender, tippy kayak that really gets some speed. If you don’t mind a soaking, try something new with a surfksi training session from Fresh Air Adventure on the waves of the Bay of Fundy and expose yourself to the more extreme side of paddle sports.
16 Fundy View Drive, Alma, NB
$60
Tackle Some High Ropes
Outdoor play isn’t just for kids. Make your way through some of the most epic obstacle courses around as you conquer challenge after challenge high up in the treetops.… keep that adrenaline pumping at Timbertop Adventures’s high ropes course. Choose from 11 different courses that will test your physical limits.
730 Dominion Park Rd, Saint John, NB
$22 – $45
Miramichi River Tubing
Whether you prefer a relaxing, lazy, 1-2 hour tidal run or longer 3-4 hour run with some rush of rapids, Gallan’s Miramichi River Tubing has a tube for you. Tubing is one of the great summer pastimes. It combines relaxing on the water and kicking back with a cold beverage. Put on your swimsuit, grab some friends, a waterproof speaker, and a few local canned brews and hit the river this summer to cool off.
48 Kersey Lane Route 118 Hwy, Doyles Brook, NB
$10 – $20
Zodiac Whale Watching Tour
Want to get on the water but prefer to stay dry? Fundy Tide Runners will put you in a warm, dry survival suit and then whisk you away in a zodiac to spot whales, seals, and other wildlife in the Bay of Fundy. You will weave your way among the bays and channels of the West Isles. Rugged beauty and diverse bird and marine life surround you.
16 King St, St. Andrews, NB
$58 – $72
Dive the 2nd Largest Tidal Whirlpool in the World
Did you know that the largest tidal whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere, nicknamed “Old Sow”, is right here in Atlantic Canada and is a top dive spot for advanced divers? COJO Diving runs seasonal dive charters to Deer Island so you can see the amazing sites yourself. Go for a dive at slack tide and look for lobsters, sculpin, pollack, and Montague shrimp.
St. Andrews, NB
$85
Jump From 3000 Meters
Want the ultimate adrenaline rush of jumping from an airplane 3km above the earth? With the latest technical advances, the sport of skydiving is safer and more fun than ever before. Experience the thrill and excitement with a tandem jump at Skydive Moncton. Harnessed to an experience Tandem Master, all you’ll have to do is enjoy the ride.
Opening TBA
780 Falconer Rd, Notre-Dame, NB
$265+
Saddle Up For a Trail Ride
Saddle up at Broadleaf Ranch and have yourself an outdoor adventure of the equine variety. Choose from a variety of options from a short 30min marshland ride all the way up to a 6 hour marsh and woodland adventure on their 800 acre, family-owned ranch. One of the best and most relaxing ways to experience the beauty of nature is on horseback.
5526 NB-114, Hopewell Hill, NB
$30 – $175
Book Your Trip to New Brunswick
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Expedia. It’s one of my favourite search engines because it allows you to search for and compare flights from multiple airlines.
Book Your Accommodations
You can book your hotel with Booking.com as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hotel. If you want to stay in a vacation rental or cottage in New Brunswick, use VRBO to find the perfect place for the whole family.
Book Your Car Rental
New Brunswick has many small towns and it’s best to have a vehicle at your disposal. Be sure to book your car rental with Discover Cars early because they often sell out in summer.
Book Your Travel Insurance
While New Brunswick is generally a safe province, you never know when something could happen. Be prepared with travel insurance from SafetyWing.
