Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in New Brunswick? Are you thinking of a trip to North America and wondering what to explore in New Brunswick? We’ve got you covered. New Brunswick boasts incredible natural wonders, including the world’s highest tides and the warmest saltwater swimming north of Virginia. It’s an ideal spot for whale watching and outdoor recreation, such as sea kayaking and miles of hiking trails and campgrounds.
History buffs will find lots to explore, like historic houses and museum villages. No matter your age, interests, budget, or travel style, New Brunswick has something for everyone. So come and experience the amazing beauty and adventure of this wonderful Canadian province. Discover the stunning coastal attractions of New Brunswick, including the province’s three largest cities; Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton, the provincial capital.
Despite the lush forests that cover much of the interior – over three-quarters of the province – most of the best attractions are near the coast. Fredericton, located in the center, is situated along the St. John River and surrounded by lush farmland, which empties into the beautiful Bay of Fundy at Saint John.
Be sure to remember that this city is always spelled out as Saint John, and not confused with St. John’s in Newfoundland. For adults looking for something to do in New Brunswick, this friendly guide provides a comprehensive list of the top tourist attractions.
Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill is one of the best places to visit in New Brunswick. Be amazed by the force of Magnetic Hill, an incredible phenomenon that has been baffling visitors for generations. Take the opportunity to explore the area, which also houses a zoo and a waterpark. The rumors of the mysterious gravitational pull of the hill first appeared in the nineteenth century and have since been captivating tourists.
To experience the gravity-defying sight yourself, park your car at the bottom of the hill, put it in neutral, and take the brake off. Your car will appear to move up the hill as if pulled by some unknown force! While some may believe there is some kind of magical power at play, the truth is simpler—it’s just a clever optical illusion. User-friendly and intriguing, Magnetic Hill is an experience you won’t want to miss! The horizon may be obscured, but it’s hiding an exciting secret – you’re heading downhill! Take a trip back in time and explore Wharf Village, an authentically recreated maritime fishing town with gift shops and a fudge factory.
Experience the thrills of Magic Mountain, a waterpark with pools, body slides, high-speed chutes, mini-golf, and plenty of rides for the little ones. Animal lovers can check out Magnetic Hill Zoo, located just 15 minutes from downtown Moncton, and see over 600 animals, including jaguars, lions, and lemurs. Friendly visitors, why not discover what Magnetic Hill has to offer? From historical attractions to thrilling rides and animal encounters, you’re sure to have a great time!
Fundy National Park
Explore the stunning Fundy National Park in New Brunswick and enjoy thrilling outdoor activities year-round! Established in 1948, this was the province’s first national park, covering an area of 62 miles (100 kilometers) along Chignecto Bay on the northwest coast of the Bay of Fundy. Take a leisurely or vigorous hike through the park to experience the beauty of the forests and valleys, and witness the stunning waterfalls and beaches.
The moderate-level Dickson Falls trail is one of the most popular, featuring the park’s most easily accessible waterfall. Or you can take a dip in the lake, go swimming, skiing, camping, or go wildlife spotting. Friendly and user-friendly in tone, Fundy National Park is a perfect destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and activities throughout the year.
Put it on your to-do list and experience the vast wilderness of New Brunswick! If you’re looking to get fit and have an adventurous workout, then the Black Hole Trail is perfect for you! You’ll be able to get your heart rate up and explore the beautiful Fundy National Park. The trails range from moderate to strenuous, so there’s something for everyone.
If you’re an animal lover, you can try to spot the park’s wildlife, such as the Peregrine falcon, ruffed grouse, salamander, moose, and eastern coyote. And you can also take part in other activities such as kayaking, fishing, tennis, lawn bowling, golf, and more.
Plus, you can camp out or stay in a yurt overnight, making your experience even more special. So why not come and explore the beauty of Fundy National Park? It’s friendly, user-friendly, and a great way to stay in shape.
Fundy National Park welcomes visitors all year round! During the official season from mid-May to mid-October, the Visitor Reception Centre and campgrounds are open from sunrise to sunset. Visit the park’s website for more information about pricing, including early bird discounts for seasonal passes.
Plus, you can also check out a list of ranger-guided programs! Fundy National Park is located just 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) outside the village of Alma. Unfortunately, there is no public transport to the park. We hope you’ll come to visit us soon in a user-friendly and friendly atmosphere!
Hopewell Rocks
The Hopewell Rocks look quite different depending on the tide! At high tide, they appear as lush, tree-covered islands that you can view from various platforms connected by stairs. But at low tide, they become towering sea stacks with deep erosions, and you can descend the stairs to explore the ocean floor.
Our park rangers are here to answer any questions and make sure the beach is clear before the tide comes rushing in. Plus, interpretive signs and visitor center displays provide information on how these rocks were formed.
If you’re at high tide, the best way to appreciate these rocks is to join Bay mount Outdoor Adventures for an unforgettable guided kayak excursion around them! Friendly and user-friendly, the Hopewell Rocks provide an awe-inspiring experience for all visitors!
Roosevelt Campobello International Park
From mid-June to September, visitors can explore Campobello Island by ferry from mainland New Brunswick to Deer Island and then onto Campobello, or by bridge from Lubec, Maine all year round. Be it part of Canada, or its strong ties to the United States, Campobello Island is the home of the historic Roosevelt summer estate, the centerpiece of the Roosevelt Campobello International Park.
Come and get to know the 34-room cottage, a family home of the Roosevelts from 1905 to 1921. Many of the furniture pieces are original, and helpful guides will be on hand to share the stories of the family and the rooms. Come and explore Campobello Island, a friendly destination with lots to experience, year-round or seasonally! Visitors are often amazed by the size and comfort of the servants’ rooms – which are situated on the second floor alongside the family rooms – and Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt’s commitment to providing them with a comfortable living environment.
Explore the grounds surrounding the Roosevelt Cottage and other summer homes, or attend ‘Eleanor’s Tea’ to learn more about the former First Lady’s initiatives and activities. Additional activities in the area include a self-guided bog tour, a geological walking tour, and trails through various ecosystems.
For those looking for additional recreation, Herring Cove Provincial Park provides opportunities for camping, golfing, and beach-going, while those seeking a lighthouse experience should head to the East Quoddy Lighthouse at the island’s northernmost tip. Friendly visitors, pick up the guide to wildflowers and plants to get the most out of your visit and be sure to bring a user-friendly attitude and an open mind so you can enjoy the full experience.
Reversing Falls, Skywalk, and Stone hammer Geopark
Reversing Falls, Skywalk, and Stone hammer Geopark is one of the best places to visit in New Brunswick. The Bay of Fundy has an awe-inspiring tidal range, with a sea level of four meters below the river during low tide and four meters above during high tide. The powerful tide causes water to flow back into the St. John River, creating a stunning reversal of the river’s natural flow.
At the head of the harbor, the rushing water is forced over a ridge of rock, creating a waterfall that flows upstream – an incredible sight to behold. The rising and ebbing tide continues over 12 hours, with the river resuming its normal flow and pushing water over the ridge to create a downstream waterfall. The most spectacular views of this phenomenon can be experienced at Reversing Falls Bridge and the Skywalk Saint John at the end of the bridge.
Come and take in the magic of the Bay of Fundy – a friendly and user-friendly experience for all! Experience the incredible power of the Reversing Falls from the viewing platform extending 8 meters over the edge of the cliff above the falls. You can take in the majestic sight of the falls, whirlpools, and cliffs from the glass floor panels in the stainless-steel structure.
Learn more from the video and interactive displays about the falls and the geology of the surrounding cliffs. Take advantage of the nearby Falls view Park, home to the Stone hammer Geopark – the only UNESCO-listed global geopark in North America.
Discover more things to explore and enjoy at the Reversing Falls from the walls of the gorge, where you can witness a collision of 1.2-billion-year-old Precambrian marble from South America and 500-million-year-old igneous rocks from the African plate, as well as the work of glaciers that carved the river’s path. Your visit will be a user-friendly experience with plenty of insight and appreciation for the incredible power of the Reversing Falls.
Magnetic Hill Zoo
Discover a world of wildlife right here in Atlantic Canada! At Magnetic Hill Zoo, come experience over 600 animals representing 80 species, such as lions, Burmese pythons, lemurs from Madagascar, Siberian tigers, Andean condors, Amur tigers, white-handed gibbons, arctic wolves, jaguars, bearded dragons, box turtles, and boa constrictors.
Established in 1953 to care for native, injured, and orphaned animals, the 40-acre park offers a friendly and user-friendly atmosphere to learn about and interact with animals from near and far. Put yourself face to face with exotic and endangered species and make memories to last a lifetime! Discover the role of the zoo in the Frog Watch program, which collects data on frog and toad species in Canada. Visit the aquarium and marvel at the red-bellied piranhas.
Look out for ostriches, blue and gold macaws, and East African crowned cranes, and get close to invertebrates such as the Chilean rose tarantula and the Madagascar hissing cockroach. Experience a special day at Magnetic Hill Zoo, located a 15-minute drive from downtown Moncton. Witness animals being fed at three daily feeding times for lions, primates, and otters.
For the children in your group, the zoo offers a fun-filled day camp with activities like a zoo tour, games, themed lessons, and feeding the animals. Plus, on-site parking is free and summertime transit buses from Moncton make it easy to get to the zoo.
For more information and prices, check out the zoo’s official website today! Be sure to check out Wharf Village and the Magic Mountain Waterpark, located nearby on the hill. The zoo is open from April to December, with different operating hours depending on the season. Kids 3 and under can enter for free, and seniors and children between 4-11 can get discounted admission. Give yourself at least 90 minutes for the whole experience!
Mount Carleton Provincial Park
Explore Mount Carleton Provincial Park and its 42,000 acres of the pristine wilderness! From Mount Carleton, the highest peak in the Maritimes at 820 meters above sea level, to 10 million trees, you’ll have plenty of incredible views and activities to choose from. Hiking, mountain biking, stargazing, wildlife viewing, canoeing, and ice fishing are just some of the ways you can experience the park.
Enjoy a swim or camp along the shores of Lake Noctua. With 11 trails ranging from easy to difficult, there’s something for everyone! So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Fredericton’s Garrison District
Fredericton’s Garrison District is one of the best places to visit in New Brunswick. At the Garrison District, located alongside the St. John River, British soldiers were stationed from 1784 to 1869. Now, we invite you to come to explore the heritage buildings, and grassy lawns and discover a variety of engaging activities. During the summer months, witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony with drums and bagpipes, or join in ‘A Day in a Soldier’s Life’ activities.
Play croquet on the lawn, attend the world-renowned Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, and explore the Guard House, prisoner cell block, and restored Barracks room. Museums and art galleries are also part of the Garrison District experience. We welcome you to learn more about this fascinating part of history in a user-friendly and enjoyable way.
Join us in the Garrison District and discover a unique part of Canadian culture! The Fredericton Region Museum offers a comprehensive look into the history of the area, with its most famous resident being the famous giant frog. The School Days Museum displays period classrooms, clothing, and artifacts such as toys and lunchboxes. NB Sports Hall of Fame displays the many sports heroes that come from the region.
The New Brunswick College of Craft and Design features a gallery of works by its students and graduates. Just down the main street is the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, NB’s premier art museum, which recently opened its new wing in 2017. A highlight of this new wing is the monumental painting, Santiago el Grande, by Salvador Dali. All of these attractions are user-friendly and designed for a great visitor experience.
Parlee Beach Provincial Park
Relaxation and fun await you at Parlee Beach Provincial Park. With its warm, calm waters and clean sand, this is a popular spot for families to spend a day at the seaside. Being located at a latitude north of Virginia, Parlee Beach enjoys some of the best weather in Canada, and claims to have the warmest saltwater! In summer, the long stretch of sand offers plenty of activities like beach volleyball, football, Frisbee, and sandcastle competitions, so you can get competitive or just settle in with your picnic blanket and soak up some sun.
Lifeguards are on duty to give you peace of mind if you have young children, and when the tide is low, you can take a walk along the sandbar to the Pointe-du-Chêne Marina. Come and enjoy a day of fun and relaxation at Parlee Beach Provincial Park! Book tickets to attend a concert at the amphitheater and explore New Brunswick’s official tourism website to see what performances will be taking place during your visit.
Don’t forget to include nearby Shediac in your schedule. The coastal town is a short distance away and is known as the Lobster Capital of the World. Sample some fresh catches at a local restaurant and take a photo next to the impressive 16-foot (5 meters) tall and 35-foot (11 meters) long lobster statue. Parlee Beach Provincial Park, located in Pointe-du-Chêne in southeast New Brunswick, is open daily in the summer and has an array of facilities for visitors to enjoy.
There are more than 190 campsites, a canteen, restaurants, showers, a washroom, a picnic area, and a playground. Admission fees apply. Plan your visit today and take advantage of this user-friendly destination!
Historic Saint John
Historic Saint John is one of the best places to visit in New Brunswick. The early settlers of Saint John were predominantly supporters of the British Crown, who had come onboard two fleets of ships from Massachusetts to escape the American Revolution. These Loyalists and later arrivals had a huge impact on the character of the city and many parts of New Brunswick.
The uptown commercial and residential district of Saint John was drastically changed after the Great Fire of 1877, which destroyed more than 21 streets. After the fire, the city was rebuilt with some of the most impressive Victorian architecture that Canada has to offer. Prince William Street is now a National Historic Site of Canada, acknowledged for its exceptional collection of impressive buildings and decorations from one period.
Travel up the hill to find townhouses just like Boston’s well-known Back Bay and Beacon Hill. These stunning structures were built with the help of renowned architects from Boston. Enhance your visit by downloading maps and apps that provide information on the Loyalist Trail, the Victorian Stroll, and the Prince William Walk. St. John’s Anglican Church, built in 1825, was one of the few buildings to survive the devastating fire of 1877 and is now designated as a National Historic Site.
The City Market, Canada’s oldest farmers’ market, was also saved from the fire and is a must-see attraction. Take a stroll through the block-long building to explore the fresh produce, seafood, and other edibles, as well as the amazing crafts and art for sale. Saint John prizes its crafts and art, and you’ll find plenty of galleries and studios dotted throughout the city. Make sure to take your time and appreciate the city’s rich culture, history, and art.
Conclusion
New Brunswick is a province full of natural beauty and vibrant culture. Home to its unique dialect and delicious seafood, this Maritime province offers so much to its visitors. From the scenic Bay of Fundy to the bustling city of Saint John, there is something for everyone to explore in New Brunswick.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, historical sites, or a night out on the town, New Brunswick has it all. So, pack your bags and come explore the Bay of Fundy, the Acadian Coast, and all that New Brunswick has to offer!
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