An Adventure-Lover's Guide to New Brunswick
Kayaking, Shark Research Trips, Ziplining, Mountain Biking & Winter Thrills
Quick Summary
It was a love of adventure that brought many explorers and settlers to Canada's east coast, and that adventurous spirit is alive and well in New Brunswick. If you like adrenaline rushes, the tug of a fish on your line, mountain-top views, or being first to make your mark in fresh snow — this is your destination. With 2,500+ lakes and rivers, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Bay of Fundy, adventure here usually involves getting a little wet.
Quick Facts
- Lakes & Rivers: 2,500+ lakes and rivers
- Bay of Fundy: World's highest tides
- Mount Carleton: 820 metres (2,690 feet) — highest peak in the Maritimes
- Snowmobile Trails: 1,450 km (900 miles) of trails
Same rocks, completely different world. At high tide, Hopewell's famous flowerpots become sea stacks rising from the water. Return at low tide and you're walking the ocean floor between them.
Adventures on the Water
Whale Watching on Bay of Fundy
Board a speedy Zodiac boat to the feeding grounds of whales — your adrenaline will pump as the big dark shadow rises above the surface.
Kayaking at Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark
Kayak on a river dating back to the last Ice Age, exploring erosion-carved caves with paddle in hand.
Miramichi River Fly-Fishing & SUP
The mighty Miramichi is famous for fly-fishing with one of the largest Atlantic salmon runs on the east coast. Also canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle board, or go bear-watching along its shores.
Not for the faint of heart. Head out on the Bay of Fundy with biologists in search of threshers, makos, and porbeagles — even great white sharks have been spotted. Learn to fish for bait, prepare chum, and hook the story of a lifetime before safely releasing your catch.
When the tide's out, the trails are in. Sugarloaf's lift-accessed runs and built features make it New Brunswick's go-to for mountain biking; the perfect inland contrast to a coast-first itinerary.
Adventures by Land
Mount Carleton Provincial Park — Hiking
A 42,000-acre park with 11 trails for all skill levels. Reach the top of Mount Carleton (820 metres (2,690 feet)) — the highest peak in the Maritimes with views of 10 million trees. Bring a camera!
Over 75 miles of trails through mountains, valleys, forests, and past waterfalls.
Sugarloaf Bike Park — Mountain Biking
Hop on a chairlift and descend onto 16 miles of trails. Beginners enjoy gentle runs; advanced riders tackle black diamond trails with drops, step-ups, and tabletops. Visit during summer for the Adrenaline Bike Festival — pond crossing, downhill racing, and more.
The lighthouse marks the edge; the zipline takes you over it. Cape Enrage pairs one of New Brunswick's most dramatic coastal views with the kind of adrenaline that makes a good story at dinner.
Adventures in the Air
TreeGO Moncton — Aerial Course
Travel through the tree canopy suspended by safety cables. Cross thin wooden bridges, swing through the air, and jump onto rope ladders — all high above the ground.
Cape Enrage — Zipline & Rappelling
Enjoy Bay of Fundy views as you fly through the air on the zipline, then rappel 140 feet down a cliff to the rocky ocean floor below.
And if you enjoy your time flying through the air on a bike, you may just want to ditch the wheels and spend even more time high above the ground.
The trails don't close, they just change. When the Bay of Fundy freezes over in memory, New Brunswick's groomed snowmobile network opens up an entirely different way to cover the province.
Adventures in the Snow
When winter comes, New Brunswickers suit up and head out to play.
- Midland Ice Caves: Storybook snowshoe adventure
- Dog Sledding: Lead a team of dogs through the wilderness
- Snowmobiling: 1,450 km (900 miles) of trails across the snowiest Maritime province
- Mont Farlagne Hill Drag: Exciting uphill snowmobile race event
Unlike what you might believe, when winter comes to Canada, people don't stay inside; they suit up and head out to play. There are, of course, several mountains to enjoy on your skis or snowboard, but that's really just the beginning.