So you're thinking about visiting New Brunswick? Good call. I've lived here fifteen years and still find new spots that blow me away. Forget those generic travel lists – I'm giving you the real scoop on things to do in New Brunswick that locals actually love. Yeah, you'll see the Bay of Fundy here because you can't skip that natural wonder, but I'll also tell you about that hidden beach where I take my kids on Sundays and why some "must-see" attractions aren't worth your time.
Last summer, my cousin visited from Toronto expecting to be bored in "quiet little New Brunswick." By day three, he'd changed his flight to stay longer. That's what happens when you experience the real things to do in New Brunswick, not just the tourist traps.
Essential Outdoor Adventures
Look, if you don't get outside here, you're missing the point. New Brunswick's wilderness is why most of us stay. Bring good shoes and be ready to get a little muddy – the best stuff isn't paved.
Bay of Fundy Experiences That Don't Disappoint
Hopewell Rocks Ocean Tidal Exploration
Worth every penny. I've been maybe twenty times since moving here. Go at low tide to walk the ocean floor among those flowerpot rocks, then return hours later to see the same spot under 40 feet of water. Crazy doesn't begin to describe it.
| Info Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 131 Discovery Rd, Hopewell Cape, NB E4H 4Z5 |
| Hours | May-Oct: 9am-5pm daily (last entry 3 hours before close) |
| Admission | Adults $14, Kids $10.50 (Family pass $40 saves you $10) |
| Pro Tip | Check tide tables online before going. Arrive 2 hrs BEFORE low tide for best access. |
Now, Fundy National Park? Massive place. Don't try to see it all unless you've got a week. Here's where to focus:
- Dickson Falls Trail - Easy 1.5km loop I do monthly. Feels like walking through a Tolkien novel with moss-covered everything.
- Point Wolfe Beach - Red sand that feels like walking on velvet. Best at sunset.
- Moose Spotting - Your best shot is along Highway 114 at dawn or dusk. Saw four last Tuesday near Bennett Lake.
Water Adventures That Won't Make You Seasick
Kayaking Reversing Falls? Only with a guide. Tried it solo once – bad idea when tides shift. Saint John Adventures runs great tours ($89 adults, 3 hours).
Whale watching? Go from St. Andrews, not St. John. Fewer boats mean calmer whales. Quoddy Link Marine never disappoints ($85 adults, 4-5 hours). Saw a humpback breech 20 feet from the boat last July.
Local Secret: Prefer calmer waters? Try kayaking the St. Croix River near St. Stephen. Glassy water, bald eagles everywhere, and you can paddle right up to the US border.
City Life and Culture
Thought New Brunswick was all trees and tides? Our cities have serious character once you know where to look.
Saint John's Revitalized Wonders
The Saint John City Market (47 Charlotte St) is my Saturday ritual. Skip the chain coffee and get a maple latte at Java Moose. Must-tries:
- Slocum & Ferris smoked salmon (they smoke it right there)
- Pete's Frootique for weird local jams (dandelion marmalade!)
- Cheese Man's 5-year cheddar will ruin supermarket cheese forever
Now the New Brunswick Museum? Honestly? Exhibits feel dated except for the whale skeleton that fills an entire room – that's worth the $14 admission alone. Go Wednesdays 5-9pm when it's "pay what you wish".
Fredericton's Hidden Arts Scene
Our capital's got charm if you dodge the government buildings. Garrison District on summer nights is magic – outdoor concerts, craft beer gardens, people dancing by the river. Beaverbrook Art Gallery's collection shocks people: Dalí, Turner, even a Warhol. Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, $12 admission.
Confession: I disliked Fredericton for years until I discovered the Wolastoq Park riverfront trail. Now I drive an hour just to bike there. Grab coffee at Chess Piece Patisserie before you go - their cardamom buns are life-changing.
Seasonal Must-Dos
Visiting at the wrong time? Don't sweat it. Here's what rocks year-round:
| Season | Must-Experience Activity | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Skiing at Crabbe Mountain (near Fredericton) | Night skiing Wed & Fri - $40 lift ticket with rentals |
| Spring | Maple syrup festivals (Sugar Moon Farm) | Go March-April for "sugar on snow" treats |
| Summer | Shediac Lobster Festival (July) | Buy tickets EARLY for lobster supper tent |
| Fall | Fundy Parkway drive during foliage peak | Last week Sept-first week Oct = fire colors |
Family Fun That Won't Bore Parents
Traveling with kids? These spots actually entertain all ages without costing a fortune.
Magic Mountain Water Park - Moncton
Better than expected. Their Tornado slide legit made me scream. Pack lunch though - burgers taste like cardboard.
Hours: June-Aug 10am-7pm | Admission: $39 adult/$32 child (Height restrictions apply) | Address: 150 Magic Mountain Rd, Moncton
Insider Move: Go after 3pm for half-price twilight rates. Lines disappear too.
Kings Landing Historical Settlement Hidden Gem
Between Fredericton and Woodstock. Not some cheesy replica village - actual relocated 1800s buildings with costumed interpreters who stay in character. Kids can churn butter, watch blacksmiths, ride ox carts. My teen even enjoyed it.
Cost: Family pass $65 (2 adults + kids) | Hours: June-Oct daily 10am-5pm
Don't Miss: The working mill where you can buy fresh stone-ground flour.
Foodie Experiences Worth the Calories
New Brunswick isn't just lobster rolls (though we do those right). Our food scene punches way above its weight.
Seafood You'll Remember
- Billy's Seafood Co. (Saint John): Get the seafood chowder in a bread bowl. $14 and hearty enough for lunch. 49-51 Charlotte St, open 11am-7pm.
- Chez Léo (Shediac): Unassuming roadside shack. Their fried clams ($16) ruined all other clams for me. Cash only. 290 Main St.
Craft Beer Revolution
We've exploded with breweries. Favorites:
| Brewery | What to Order | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Moosehead (Saint John) | Trad Session Ale (only at brewery) | Historic meets modern taproom |
| Picaroons (Fredericton) | Best Bitter (cask-conditioned) | Riverside patio perfect at sunset |
| Flying Boats (Shediac) | Dune Grass Pale Ale | Industrial space with live music Fri |
Warning: Avoid "lobster pizza" gimmicks in tourist areas. Sounds interesting, tastes like regret. Stick to fresh-boiled lobster with butter.
Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss
These are my personal favorites when I need to escape the crowds:
Grand Manan Island
Take the ferry from Blacks Harbour ($50/car return). Feels like stepping back 50 years. Rent bikes to explore lighthouses and cliffs. Swallowtail Light is breathtaking. Stay at Marathon Inn - creaky floors but ocean views for $140/night.
Covered Bridges Road Trip
Hartland Bridge is famous (world's longest covered bridge), but the real magic is county roads. Route 105 along St. John River has seven photogenic bridges in under 90 minutes drive. Best light? Late afternoon.
Common Questions About Things to Do in New Brunswick
Q: What's the single best thing to do in New Brunswick for first-timers?
A: Hands down, experiencing the Bay of Fundy tides at Hopewell Rocks. No other place on Earth compares. Time your visit to see both high and low tides.
Q: Are there any worthwhile things to do in New Brunswick during winter?
A: Absolutely! Cross-country skiing in Fundy National Park is magical, and Crabbe Mountain offers surprisingly good downhill runs. The Fredericton Ice Wine Festival in February is a delicious indoor option too.
Q: What's overrated that I should skip?
A> Magnetic Hill in Moncton. It's a clever optical illusion but costs $8 per car and you'll be done in 15 minutes. Better to spend that time at nearby Parlee Beach in summer.
Q: Where should I base myself to experience the most things to do in New Brunswick?
A: Stay in Saint John for coastal adventures and city life, or Fredericton for river activities and culture. Both are central to day trips. Trying to cover both the Bay of Fundy and the Acadian Coast? Split your stay.
At the end of the day, finding the best things to do in New Brunswick comes down to embracing slow travel. Drive the coastal routes without rigid plans. Chat with locals at farmer's markets. Sit by a river with a craft beer as the sun sets. That's when this place gets under your skin. I came for a job fifteen years back... and just never found a reason to leave. Maybe you'll understand why after experiencing the real New Brunswick, not just the postcard version.
Last thought: Bring good rain gear even in summer. Our weather changes faster than a toddler's mood. But that mist rolling over the bay? That's when magic happens.