The Top 10 Attractions in New Brunswick
Bay of Fundy Tides, Flowerpot Rocks, Acadian Heritage & Maritime Adventure
Quick Summary
The highest tides anywhere are front and center when it comes to New Brunswick attractions, but history, culture and outdoor fun are all part of a truly east coast experience. From walking the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks to exploring Acadian heritage villages, from fly-fishing the legendary Miramichi River to summiting the Maritimes' highest peak, New Brunswick delivers unforgettable Maritime adventures.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Bay of Fundy | Highest tides in world — 39 ft (12 metres) twice daily |
| Hopewell Rocks | "Flowerpot Rocks" — walk ocean floor at low tide |
| Mount Carleton | Highest peak in Maritimes — 820 metres (2,690 feet) |
| Mount Carleton Miramichi River | Renowned fly-fishing — largest Atlantic salmon runs |
Rappelling side by side down a Bay of Fundy cliff face; New Brunswick's adventure options go well beyond the tidal flats, and this is the one that requires a helmet. Credit: New Brunswick Department of Tourism and Parks
1. Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world, is a true natural wonder. These giant tides, formed by over 100 billion tons of seawater, rise up to 39 feet twice every single day — a phenomenon that has shaped the unique landscape of the coastline and entire region.
- Walk the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks
- Rappel down cliffs into the bay at Cape Enrage
- Board a boat for whale-watching excursions
- Ferry to three unique islands with outdoor adventures
Sea kayakers weave between the Hopewell Rocks at high tide in the Bay of Fundy; the same formations you'll walk beneath at low tide, six hours and 16 vertical metres later. Credit: Tourism New Brunswick
2. Hopewell Rocks
Located on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, the famous Hopewell Rocks are unique rock formations carved by tidal erosion over thousands of years. Dubbed the "Flowerpot Rocks" due to their rounded appearance and vegetation-covered tops, these sandstone formations offer a unique reference point for the highest tides in the world.
- Visit at low tide to walk the ocean floor — rocks tower four storeys above
- Return hours later to kayak among the tops of those same rocks
- Sunbathe on two sandy beaches, explore walking trails, dine with bay views
Two hikers pick their way across moss-covered rocks above a cascade in Fundy National Park; the Bay of Fundy's tidal drama gets all the attention, but the forest trails and waterfalls inland are just as worth the detour. Credit: Tourism New Brunswick
3. Fundy National Park
Yes, Fundy National Park is home to those same high tides, but there's so much more. The park is an outdoor adventurer's paradise with over 75 miles of walking and hiking trails through mountains, valleys, forests, and past waterfalls. Rent a canoe or kayak, swim in beautiful Bennett Lake, or set up your tent for a night in the park. Play golf, tennis, or attend one of several annual festivals.
Kids on a seesaw in the golden-hour lawn of Roosevelt Campobello International Park; the only park jointly managed by the US and Canada sits on a New Brunswick island, and the history here is as easy-going as the setting suggests. Credit: Tourism New Brunswick
4. Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Former U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt spent summers on Campobello Island. Visit his 34-room summer residence, or participate in "Tea with Eleanor" — tea, cookies, and conversation with an expert on Eleanor Roosevelt's life. For outdoors lovers: 2,800 acres of bogs, forests, and shores. Sail, hike, picnic, or check out one of four lighthouses.
Kingsbrae Garden's Dutch windmill rises above a full summer bloom in St. Andrews-by-the-Sea; 27 acres of landscaped grounds that earn their place on any New Brunswick itinerary as the unhurried counterpoint to tidal flats and cliff faces. Credit: Tourism New Brunswick
5. Kingsbrae Garden
The 27-acre Kingsbrae Garden is a collection of over 50,000 perennials in themed gardens — one of Canada's most celebrated public gardens. Take a "floral carpet ride" through the grounds on a golf cart. Beyond flowers: visit the Dutch windmill, lose yourself in the cedar maze, explore the sculpture garden (expanded every year), say hello to roaming alpacas and peacocks, play bocce or croquet, and lunch at the award-winning Savour in the Garden restaurant.
Swallowtail Lightstation crowns a clifftop on Grand Manan Island as two visitors take in the Bay of Fundy below. This is the kind of lighthouse that justifies a ferry ride. Credit: Tourism New Brunswick
6. Swallowtail Lightstation
A historic wooden lighthouse standing tall along rocky shores on Grand Manan Island. One of the most photographed lighthouses in New Brunswick, Swallowtail was built in 1860 and recently restored. An observation area offers picturesque views from a distance, or walk right up via steep stairs. Visit in summer to climb to the top and see the lighthouse museum.
Boyce Farmers Market in Fredericton; where a wheel of local cheese and a conversation with the vendor is the most New Brunswick thing you can do on a Saturday morning.
7. Fredericton Boyce Farmer's Market
One of the top community markets in Canada. Over 250 local suppliers bring fresh produce, meats, cheeses, breads, wines and more. Grab everything for a picnic lunch or enjoy ethnic food on site — samosas, Chinese buns — then browse local art, pottery, jewelry and unique souvenirs. Open year-round; best during fall harvest.
A wagon ride through Village Historique Acadien at golden hour; this isn't a museum you walk through, it's an 1880s Acadian village you actually live in for a few hours. Credit: Tourism New Brunswick
8. Village Historique Acadien
In the 17th century, French settlers made their home in New Brunswick. The Village Historique Acadien makes it feel like yesterday. History comes alive as you walk among costumed interpreters and over 40 historic buildings, each with its own story. Marvel at how families survived tough Canadian winters in 10x10 log homes. Learn the songs and dances that got them through. Sink your teeth into molasses cake at an Acadian table.
Five snowshoers rest on a frozen lake with Mount Carleton's snow-capped summit ahead; New Brunswick's highest peak and its quietest wilderness, for travelers willing to drive past the tidal stops. Credit: Tourism New Brunswick
9. Mount Carleton Provincial Park
More than 42,000 acres of pristine wilderness. Famous for hiking, the park has 11 trails for all skill levels. Challenge yourself to reach the top of Mount Carleton — at 2,690 feet above sea level, it's the highest peak in the Maritimes. Literally see 10 million trees from that peak. Swim or camp along Lake Nictua shores. Mountain biking, stargazing, wildlife viewing, canoeing, and ice fishing also available.
Tubing the Miramichi River on a summer afternoon; life jackets on, cooler in tow, nowhere to be until the current decides otherwise. Credit: Tourism New Brunswick
10. Miramichi River
If you're at all interested in fishing, spend a day on the Miramichi River. The waterway is famous for fly-fishing, having one of the largest Atlantic salmon runs on the east coast. Not into fishing? Canoe or kayak at your own pace, float lazily in a tube, take a riverboat tour, go on shoreline nature walks, or try bear-watching. There's no shortage of ways to experience Miramichi.