101 Things to Do in New Brunswick

Oh New Brunswick, with your pristine nature, your celebration of culture, and your love of seafood. Where you can walk on the ocean’s floor, swim in Canada’s warmest salt water, and scale heights at North America’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. Whether you like to explore small towns or dive into an urban core, relax and pamper yourself at a spa or push your limits outdoors, there’s something for you in New Brunswick.

The people are friendly and down to earth. You can practice your French. You can find the most Instagrammable spots around. You can watch the ocean rise 40 feet in six hours. And don’t even get me started on the fall colours.

Narrowing down this list was pretty tough. I’d love to call out by name all the cool shops, restaurants, bands, bars, and breweries, but I think that would be its own 101 list right there. Best thing for you to do, is to get yourself to New Brunswick and start exploring. If you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or bringing the whole family, you’re going to love it here.

1. Hike the FUNDY FOOTPATH
   New Brunswick has some of the best hiking trails around and the crown jewel is the Fundy Footpath in Fundy National Park.
2. Visit HOLY WHALE, a brewery in a former church
   They will even can anything that’s currently on tap while you wait so you can take some to go.
3. Walk the ocean floor at HOPEWELL ROCKS
   I recommend arranging your visit for both high and low tide so that you can experience both extremes of the site.
4. Experience the HIGHEST TIDES in the world
   You can witness the 50′ sea level change all along the Fundy coast from St. Martins too Hillsborough. Look for the boats sitting on the ocean floor at low tide for a cool photo.
5. Try TOURTIERE in Bathurst
   Tourtiere is a meat pie typically made with minced pork and potatoes, but may sometimes also contain chicken, hare, or beef. It’s good any time of year but is especially popular at Christmas.
6. Sample a FIDDLEHEAD
   Fiddlehead ferns are high in iron and fibre and are a popular side dish in southern New Brunswick. Always cook them thoroughly (boil for 15min) to be safe and to reduce the bitter taste.
7. Eat DULSE from the Saint John City Market
   Dulse is a healthy, dried seaweed that some Maritimers love to snack on. I like to toast mine for a few seconds in the broiler to make it crispy.
8. Zipline over REVERSING RAPIDS
   The incoming tide in the Bay of Fundy is so strong that it causes the river to reverse its flow, creating the Reversing Rapids. Get a bird’s eye view of the phenomenon and an adrenaline rush at the same time.
9. Take a selfie with the GIANT LOBSTER in Shediac
   Shediac is known as the lobster capital of the world and so it wouldn’t be right to visit without snapping a pic with the fitting 35′ monument.
10. Swim in Canada’s warmest salt water at PARLEE BEACH
    A beach vacation might not come to mind when thinking about New Brunswick but Parlee Beach is one of the finest beaches in the country. It’s especially magnificent during the annual sand sculpture competition.
11. Get your Celtic on at the NEW BRUNSWICK HIGHLAND GAMES
    Fredericton’s annual Celtic infusion of music, bagpipes, drumming, highland dance, traditional Scottish athletics, Scottish foods, whiskies, genealogy, crafts and more.
12. Rock out at the AREA 506 festival
    Saint John’s newest multi day music festival, celebrating all things New Brunswick for all ages takes place each August. Features music, vendors, food trucks, and more.
13. Look for seals at the IRVING NATURE PARK
    Just minutes outside Saint John sits 600 acres of preserved nature for you to enjoy. Stroll along the trails and boardwalk, go bird watching, or have a picnic.
14. Go back in time at KINGS LANDING
    Before there was Game of Thrones, there was Kings Landing, New Brunswick. It’s a living history museum with original buildings from the period of 1820-1920. Make friends with the “locals” and maybe even try your hand at the forge.
15. Resist the pull of MAGNETIC HILL
    Drive to the bottom of this world-famous hill, take your foot off the brake and be prepared to be amazed.
16. Get wet at MAGIC MOUNTAIN SplashZone
    Get your adrenaline going on the twister tube waterslides, dive-bomb on the Kamikaze, or just chill out in the giant wave pool.
17. Moncton MAGIC vs Saint John RIPTIDE
    Catch a fun, family friendly, basketball game between the NBL Canada rivals.
18. Press your luck at CASINO NEW BRUNSWICK
    This entertainment resort near Moncton also features a concert hall, hotel, and Vegas style buffet.
19. Tackle the high ropes at TIMBERTOP or TREEGO
    Challenge your comfort zone at these aerial adventure parks. Fun for all ages!
20. Get some culture at BEAVERBROOK ART GALLERY
    Drop in to see the ever changing exhibitions at the officially designated art gallery of New Brunswick.
21. Ski POLEY Mountain, Mount FARLANGE or CRABBE Mountain
    Strap on your skis and go whooshing down one of New Brunswick’s three downhill ski resorts.
22. Visit the GANONG CHOCOLATE MUSEUM in St. Stephen
    Located in what used to be the original Ganong candy factory, The Chocolate Museum offers an interactive way to learn about candy making.
23. Go WHALE WATCHING in St. Andrews-by-the-Sea
    Whether you go out on a zodiac, tour boat, or tall ship, spotting humpbacks and dolphins is sure to make your trip highlight reel.
24. Visit GRAND MANAN Island
    Discover beaches, hiking trails, bird watching, whale-watching – voted by Reader’s Digest as one of the world’s Best Small Islands!
25. Sleep in a geodome at RIDGEBACK LODGE
    Sleep under the stars from the comfort of your bed. Soak in a wood-fired hot tub. Relax and recharge at this unique lodge.
26. Fly high at the BALLOON FIESTA in Sussex
    Join in Atlantic Canada’s most colourful fall festival where up to 30 balloons fly twice daily.
27. FORT BEAUSEJOUR—Fort Cumberland National Historic Site
    Visit this star-shaped fort built in 1751, and re-enforced for the war of 1812, and learn about the story of the tug of war for supremacy in Acadia.
28. Climb MOUNT CARLETON
    Summit the highest peak in New Brunswick and keep an eye out for some of the 100 types of birds and 30 types of mammals who call it home.
29. VILLAGE HISTORIQUE ACADIEN
    Visit this historical reconstruction that portrays the way of life of Acadians between 1770 and 1949, located in Bertrand, in northeastern New Brunswick.
30. Explore the ST. MARTINS SEA CAVES
    The impressive sandstone sea caves – submerged during high tide, and accessible to explorers during low tide – are a treat but keep an eye on the tides!
31. Drive through the world’s longest covered bridge in HARTLAND
    The 390m long bridge was constructed in 1901 and covered in 1921-22, against much objecting from the community. It was thought that a long covered bridge would destroy the morals of the town’s young folk since covered bridges were a known spot to steal a kiss.
32. Catch a football game at MOUNT ALLISON
    The Mount A Mounties play at Alumni Field in Sackville which can seat 2500 and what better way to spend a fall day than with a cup of hot chocolate cheering on the local team.
33. Deck beers on the SAINT JOHN BOARDWALK
    The boardwalk in Saint John is home to a couple beach volleyball courts, a permanent stage, and a handful of great decks where you can grab a meal and sample of local New Brunswick brews.
34. Play 18 holes at FOX CREEK
    Since opening its fairways in Dieppe to the world on July 1, 2005, Fox Creek Golf Club has consistently impressed golfers from around the world – perfect way to spend a summer’s day.
35. Go sailing on the KENNEBECASIS RIVER
    If you’ve got a friend with a sailboat (or maybe you’re good at making friends with locals), spending an after sailing on the Kennebecasis River just outside of Saint John is a great, relaxing way to enjoy some of the province’s natural beauty.
36. Get fresh with the produce at BOYCE FARMER’S MARKET
    Open every Saturday morning, the Boyce Farmer’s Market in Fredericton is a bright and lively spot where you can shop for local produce, crafts, sweets, and maybe catch a band.
37. Rappel down a cliff at CAPE ENRAGE
    Want to get your blood pumping? Strap on a harness and helmet and lower yourself down 142 feet of waterside rock cliffs. Climb the staircase from the beach and do it all over again.
38. Stop and smell the roses at the FREDERICTON BOTANIC GARDEN
    Since 1990 the Fredericton Botanic Garden has been a key place for plant lovers. Take a stroll through the Woodland Fern Trail or pause for quiet reflection in the Memorial Grove.
39. Go apple picking at MACKAY APPLE ORCHARD
    One of the best things to do in the fall in New Brunswick is to go apple picking. Set on the slopes of the Saint John River, McKay Orchard is also home to the Yip Cider distillery. Bonus!
40. Roosevelt Campobello International Park
    The 32nd president’s sprawling cottage sits on an island enclave jointly managed by the U.S. and Canada. You can visit the 34 room cottage during the summer and enjoy the surrounding gardens.
41. Have dinner at ROSSMOUNT INN
    The Rossmount Inn in St. Andrews is an 18-room guesthouse that’s also widely regarded as one of the best culinary destinations in the province. If you’re celebrating a special occaction, and even if you’re not, have a meal at the Rossmount.
42. Tubing on the MIRAMICHI RIVER
    Choose from either a 2 hour tidal run or  spend 4 hours mixing between a lazy river and rushing rapids. Pack your lunch and rent a cooler tube to complete your perfect summer afternoon.
43. Houseboating on the ST. JOHN RIVER
    If you want to experience a New Brunswick in a whole new way, rent a houseboat for a laid back river vacation on the St. John River.
44. Rest your body and mind at FUNDY FLOAT
    Book a float with Fundy Float and discover all the mind and body benefits that come with sensory deprivation. Feel rejuvenated and energized in just an hour.
45. HUNTSMAN FUNDY DISCOVERY AQUARIUM in St. Andrews
    For an extra special visit, book a Behind the Scenes tour and get a chance to feed some of the animals who only live backstage.
46. Relax at KINGSBRAE GARDEN
    When in St. Andrews, stop by the multi-award winning 27 acre horticultural masterpiece that is Kingsbrae Garden, home to dozens of remarkable sculptures, a stunning art studio, and interactive art classes.
47. Get jazzy at the HARVEST JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL
    Visiting Fredericton in the fall? Get funky with some of the world’s best jazz, blues, and world music over six days in historic downtown.
48. Run the MARATHON BY THE SEA
    Take part in one of New Brunswick’s premier road race events and the region’s most challenging Boston qualifier. If you’re not up for a full marathon you can also sign up for the 5k, 10k, or half-marathon.
49. Get your STORM CHIPS from Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company
    If there’s a winter storm a brewin’ there’s one thing you can count on New Brunswickers having in their pantry – storm chips! Should you be in town during a storm be sure to get your own potato chips and fit right in.
50. Get a photo with the WORLD’S LARGEST AXE
    Take seven tonnes of stainless steel and sink them into a giant concrete stump and what have you got? The World’s Largest Axe! Stop for an Instagram worthy photo when you’re in Nackawic.
51. Partridge Island Quarantine Site
    This gateway to the New World predates Ellis Island by almost a century. the site of the first pest house and quarantine station in North America now lies mostly in ruin but is still accessible by private boat for exploring.
52. Try some POUTINE RAPEE
    Poutine râpée is a traditional Acadian dish that in its most common form consists of a boiled potato dumpling with a pork filling; it is usually prepared with a mixture of grated and mashed potato.
53. Drive across the ocean floor on MINISTERS ISLAND
    Go back in time with a visit to the late 19th century summer estate of Sir William Van Horne, the president and driving force behind the Canadian Pacific Railway.
54. LOYALIST BURIAL GROUNDS
    This area was set aside in the original city plan and from 1783 until 1848 acted as a burial ground. Today it’s been revitalized as a city park.
55. Learn the important of the THREE SISTERS LAMP
    The Three Sisters Lamp were used by sea captains to navigate their way safely into Saint John Harbour at night. If the three red lamps appeared individually, sailors would know they were heading straight into the harbour.
56. Look for ghosts at LOYALIST HOUSE
    It was the home of the prosperous Merritt family, who occupied from its completion in 1817 until 1958 and is now the rumoured home of a few ghosts.
57. Sip a smoked apple old fashioned at PORT CITY ROYAL
    The dimly lit basement bar and restaurant with exposed beams and brick is the perfect place for a romantic cocktail.
58. Become a pinball wizard at EIGHTY THREE BAR ARCADE
    Relive the 80s and 90s with a never ending video dance party and arcade games along with a good selection of local beers.
59. Experience First Nations culture at ST. MARY’S POWWOW
    A dynamic Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) cultural program is the focal point of the festivities, along with a traditional craft and artisan marketplace and food vendors. Other highlights include the Grand Entry, Sweat lodge, teepee teachings, feast and hand-held drum competition.
60. Discover BRAYON CULTURE in Edmundston
    Brayons are a francophone people inhabiting the area in and around Edmundston who are descended from Acadians who wanted to start over after the Great Deportation.
61. Explore the diverse ecosystems of KOUCHIBOUGUAC NATIONAL PARK
    This national park includes barrier islands, sand dunes, lagoons, salt marshes and forests and is home to the second largest tern colony in North America.
62. See a show at the IMPERIAL THEATRE
    The Imperial Theatre was designed and built in 1912 and is one of the grandest places to see a live show. It has even been called the most beautifully restored theatre in Canada. When you visit be sure to pay extra attention to the impressive chandelier.
63. Do a BREWERY BIKE-CRAWL in Fredericton
    Hop on a bike and hit up half a dozen local breweries including Grimross, Trailway, and Maybee Brewing.
64. Walk the boardwalk at LA DUNE DE BOUCTOUCHE
    Created to protect one of the last great dunes on the northeastern coast of North America, you can stroll the boardwalk and learn about the wide variety of aquatic plans and animals that call it home.
65. Celebrate National Acadian Day at LE PAYS DE LA SAGOUINE
    Experience the warm welcome and the Acadian joie de vivre surrounded by unique characters, theatre, music and comedy at this unique immersive experience.
66. Try the chicken strips at BIG D drive-in diner
    Enjoy a meal at the last classic drive-in diner in New Brunswick, located in Bathurst.
67. Visit an authentic BLACKSMITH SHOP in Saint-François
    The Joseph B. Michaud Blacksmith Museum displays antique tools and equipment used by the blacksmith himself and show the changes brought by the transition from horse power to engines..
68. Go ICE FISHING on the Kennebecasis River
    When the ice gets thick, erect your own shack off the Renforth Wharf and have a go at catching some rainbow smelt.
69. Have a SLED DOG ADVENTURE in Allardville
    Step in one of the Snow Dog Adventures sleds and speed through their forest trails filled with wild animals while enjoying majestic landscapes..and make make some new four-legged friends!
70. Compete for the WORLD POND HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP in Plaster Rock
    Cheer on one of the 120 teams from around the world who take part every February to see who will be king or queen of the pond.
71. Adrenaline rush at SKYWALK SAINT JOHN
    Think glass floors are just for the big cities? Think again. At Skywalk Saint John you can step out over the largest whirlpool of the Reversing Rapids. Have no fear, it can hold the weight of at least 200 people.
72. Explore the shops at RITCHIE WHARF
73. Experience thermal therapy at CHANCE HARBOUR NATURE SPA
74. Get caffeinated at ROGUE COFFEE in the most Instagrammable alley
75. Wonder at ODELL PARK, Eastern Canada’s best old growth forest
76. Be amazed at SCIENCE EAST
77. Be a big kid at KINGSWOOD PARK
78. Go SALMON FISHING on the Miramichi River
79. Zip New Brunswick’s LONGEST ZIPLINE over French Fort Cove
80. Throw some axes at the LUMBERJACK FESTIVAL
81. Do a Bay of Fundy SEAFOOD TASTING with Uncorked
82. Photograph the AUTUMN LEAVES in Hampton
83. Learn how to make a LOBSTER ROLL in Shediac
84. Pamper yourself at the ALGONQUIN RESORT
85. Indulge your sweet tooth at UPTOWN DONUTS
86. Stay in a TREEHOUSE
87. Put on a plaid shirt and down an ALPINE
88. Snap the perfect pic at ST. GEORGE GORGE
89. Go horseback riding at BROADLEAF RANCH
    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.
90. Shop for souvenirs at the ARTISAN VILLAGE in Hillsborough
91. Get the blood pumping with PAINTBALL at Atlantica
92. Sample some brews at the MOOSEHEAD SMALL BATCH BREWERY
93. SNOWMOBILE the Acadian Peninsula
94. Get a sugar rush at the RIVERVIEW MAPLE SUGAR FESTIVAL
95. Indulge your book loving heart at Moncton’s FRYE FESTIVAL
96. Go rock climbing at North America’s first UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK
    The Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark incorporates more than 60 significant geological and fossil locales, with more than 12 publicly accessible sites.
97. Grab your cowboy hat for the rodeo at FESTIVAL WESTERN DE SAINT-QUENTIN
98. Find your new favourite book at the ARM BOOK NOOK
99. Go chase waterfalls at FALLS BROOK FALLS
100. Visit the waterfowl and songbirds that live on the TANTRAMAR MARSHES
101. Make new friends at Pivot

What’s the first thing you’re going to check off your New Brunswick bucket list?