New Brunswick Explorer

Day 1 - Fly UK to Halifax

Arrive in Halifax and pick up your hire car. Take a short drive from the airport to your downtown hotel.

Day 2 - Halifax to Moncton (260km/ 162 mls)

Travel from Halifax to Moncton (just under 3 hours). 

Explore the Bay of Fundy and learn about the world’s highest tides as you meander its colourful coastline to New Brunswick’s bilingual city of Moncton. En route, explore the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See magnificently exposed layers of rock revealing the world’s most complete fossil record of life in the “Coal Age” of 300 million years ago. 

You’ll be amazed by the beauty of Moncton's downtown. Stroll through the brick-covered streets and urban art and visit numerous coffee shops to enjoy delicious pastries. You won’t be disappointed!

It is the hub of the Maritimes as it is situated in great proximity to the two most diverse coastline in NB: the Bay of Fundy with its rocky cliffs and high tides, and the Acadian Coast with its white sand and warm beaches. The English and French cultures merge together providing you with exciting and natural bilingual vibes.

Day 3 - Moncton to Shediac (33km/21 mls)

Explore Hopewell Rocks this morning before taking the short drive to the town of Shediac: The Lobster Capital of the World Cracking open a juicy lobster is just the beginning of your stay in Shediac… a vacation paradise nestled along New Brunswick’s spectacular eastern seashore. Known as The Lobster Capital of the World for lobster fishing, processing plants, live-lobster tanks and the famous Lobster Festival, this is where you’ll find The World’s Largest Lobster – Stop and have your picture taken with it! Take a dip in the finest saltwater beaches in Eastern Canada! With waters peaking at 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit), it’s some of the warmest water north of Virginia. Boating, windsurfing, golf and hiking are just a few of the attractions on or near its pristine, sprawling beaches. About town, there are many fine restaurants serving succulent seafood to tempt your palate, from scallops to Atlantic salmon to lobster, of course! Stroll through the Corridor of Lights… a special touch to downtown Shediac. Stop for a rest at an outdoor café, or search for that special trinket in the many shops, boutiques and art galleries. Why not let us pre-book you the Lobster Tales: Culinary Cruise. Relax on the upper deck of the Ambassador, enjoy a light breeze and take in the views of Shediac Bay. Enjoy the Acadian hospitality served up by our captain and crew, including perfectly chilled local beer and award-winning local wine. Before indulging in a mouth-watering lobster feast, we’ll demystify the star of the meal. Learn to tell the difference between a male and female lobster, hear stories of the local fishery and help a fisherman haul in a trap. Then dive into your meal, learning how to crack and savour freshly cooked lobster right on-board the boat. You’ll remember this special corner of the world wherever you enjoy lobster next! Homarus Eco-Centre; This is a unique opportunity to learn about the life of the lobster in all of its ages and stages. Biologists at the Ecocentre will answer any questions and give you an explanation of the lobster’s lifecycle, from baby larvae to full blown crustacean. Reach into the touch tank, where you can see and feel the lobsters - big, small (even blue) along with other marine life from the bay. Uncover important facts about the Shediac Bay ecosystem and understand how a micro-hatchery works. Wildabout Wampum Studios Owned and operated by Acadian artisan Marcia Poirier and husband Dave Francis, this gem of a workshop and boutique will amaze and inspire you. Through infinite patience and attention to detail, they transform the unremarkable shell of the Quahog clam into miniature works of wearable art. Wampum is an aboriginal term, originally referring to tubular beads carved from the rock-hard shell of the Quahog, centuries ago. These were used as ceremonial symbols and later for trade, as a type of currency. In addition to scouring the boutique for that perfect piece for a gift or for yourself, you can watch the creative process unfold and speak with the artist about how she came to discover an art form which dates back 1,000 years or more. Overnight in Shediac

Day 4 - Shediac to Miramichi (125km/78mls)

Traverse from Shediac along the Acadian Coast to Miramichi. Stop off to learn about Indigenous heritage at Kouchibouguac National Park, this region is the perfect place to immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences. Take a trip through the prohibition era and discover Acadian culture through unique characters, theater, music, comedy, dance and cuisine at Le Pays de la Sagouine before arriving in Miramichi and relaxing for the evening.

Situated along the world-famous salmon fishing river, the city of Miramichi offers cultural experiences that allow you to discover the heritage of the region and its people. The art of storytelling is ingrained in the roots of Miramichi. The city is also known for its variety of popular festivals like Canada's Irish Festival on the Miramichi and Miramichi Folksong Festival. Experience a traditional powwow in one of the neighbouring First Nations communities and be prepared to be captivated by the genuine hospitality.

Day 5 - Miramichi to Caraquet (114km/71mls)

Today, drive from Miramichi to Caraquet taking the coastal route. During this section of your road trip, you’ll be surrounded by joyous Acadian culture, magnificent coastal views. Stop off at the Village Historique Acadien near Caraquet for a full day of activities. We highly recommend booking a meal at Hotel Paulin, who offer farm to table cuisine using fresh-local, wild foods from New Brunswick. Caraquet s where the Acadian heart beats strongest! Located on the coast of one of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, Caraquet is a small, inviting town with undeniable Acadian and Maritime charm, a vibrant cultural and artistic life, and savoury regional cuisine. It is also home to one of the most popular Acadian festivals in North America.

Day 6 - Caraquet to Edmundston (319km/198mls)

This morning make your way to Edmundston, which borders on Quebec, Canada and Maine, USA, the Madawaska area (Edmundston, Lac Baker, Rivière-Verte and HautMadawaska) is the gateway to the Atlantic provinces. Home to French Brayon culture, it is steeped in history and cultural diversity. Sample the local cuisine, including the traditional ploye, a buckwheat pancake. You’ll also find the region’s history in everything from the names of local craft brews to theatre productions. 

Spend your afternoon wandering the downtown streets, punctuated by the distinct pedestrian bridge over the Madawaska River. The area is at its loveliest during dusk when sun begins to set over the city and locals stroll riverfront trails. As you wander, keep your eyes peeled for local art and Brayon culture. 

Alternatively if you want to uncover the region’s history, there are many historical sites to choose from within an hour’s drive of the city centre. Head to the Saint-Basile District and Haut-Madawaska (Baker-Brook, Clair, Saint-François and Saint-Hilaire). A few can’t-miss options include Ledges Pioneers Place and the 150th Anniversary Heritage Room Museum in the Village of Saint-François, and the Museum of the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph in Saint-Basile.

Day 7 - Edmundston to Fredericton (273km/170mls)

Depart this morning for Fredericton. We recommend that you allow time to stop off a Grand Falls. The first thing you'll want to do is visit the Grand Falls Gorge. Located in the centre of town, this is one of New Brunswick’s most spectacular views. Stroll through the walking trail alongside the gorge to take in all its wonder, or enjoy the thrill of ziplining across the rocky gorge and falls.

Everywhere you go in Grand Falls, you’ll be immersed in its rich bilingual culture. While you’re exploring the town, be sure to walk along the widest main street in eastern Canada; Broadway Boulevard! Here, you’ll discover many shops, restaurants, and more. For any art lovers, the Galerie d’Art Acanthus is nearby, and features the work of many local artists and has a tearoom.  Continue on this afternoon to Fredericton for a 2-night stay.

Day 8 - Fredericton

Day at leisure in Fredericton.

Along the majestic Saint John River, in the South West of Miramichi, the capital city of NB, Fredericton. Take in one of the many national historic sites, taste an array of craft brews, bask in the beauty of its nature, and tap your toes at the award-winning Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival or experience the Indigenous Festival. If you are looking for a prestigious art gallery, The Beaverbrook Art Gallery, in Fredericton, features impressive exhibitions and a world-class collection that includes Salvador Dali’s masterpiece, Santiago El Grande.

Also, head downtown on a Saturday morning to fuel up for your adventures just like the locals do - at the beloved Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, a city staple in the heart of downtown.

You are never more than a few blocks away from nature in Fredericton with its plentiful waterways and pristine parks. Hiking, biking, paddling, tubing, and stand-up paddleboarding are all common pastimes. Plus, beaches, golf courses, Botanic gardens and an extensive trail system combine to make Fredericton a very active outdoor city.

Day 9 - Fredericton to Saint Andrews (124km)

Today traverse from Fredericton to the seaside town of of Saint Andrews, or St. Andrews by-the-Sea as it is often called, has long been one of New Brunswick's premier vacation destinations. Located along the Bay of Fundy, this seaside town offers spectacular views, fantastic dining options, incredible whale watching and many other activities. Whale Watching in the Bay of Fundy The Bay of Fundy has been compared in marine biodiversity to the Amazon Rainforest, known globally for its ecology, geology, tidal energy currents, and habitats. It is renowned for having the most extreme tides on the planet at 17 metres (50 feet), five to ten times higher than the rest of the world’s tides. The tides of the Bay of Fundy offer a summer feeding ground for the endangered North Atlantic Right whale, among 12 other species of whales and other marine life and countless birds. There are a few whale watching operators who offer tours from Saint Andrews. Ministers Island Just a short drive across the ocean floor at low tide. Visit the residence of the visionary railway builder in Canada, Sir William Van Horne. The island is named after the Loyalist Anglican minister, Reverend Samuel Andrews, who first settled on the island in 1786. The original stone house where Rev. Andrews lived with his family is still standing. Ministers Island is an enchanting place to experience. This 500-acre island is only a part-time island. You reach it by driving over the seafloor approximately 1 kilometer (1/2 mile). Once there, you are immersed in an experience from the late 19th and early 20th century— the summer estate of Sir William Van Horne, the first president of and the driving force behind the Canadian Pacific Railway. Sir William's vast house, his equally large barn and his bathhouse / artist's hideaway are on view, as are the beautiful carriage lanes through woods and fields Overnight in Saint Andrews.

Day 10 - Saint Andrews

Option to do a day trip to Deer Island from Saint Andrews or stay in Saint Andrews for the day Deer Island; Saint Andrews to L’Etete to take the ferry across to Deer Island; A short ferry journey will take you to Deer Island, one of the Fundy Isles, where you can truly relax with a kayaking experience.

Day 11 - St Andrews to Saint John (103km)

Take the Bay of Fundry route from St Andrews to Saint John today.

Once you exit Fundy Trail Parkway you’ll be on your way to the village St. Martins, famous for its quaint coastal charm, its two covered bridges, and red sandstone sea caves. If you’re feeling adventurous at low tide, explore the beaches surrounding the caves carved out by the force of the Bay of Fundy over 250-million years. Come high tide, the knowledgeable guides at Red Rock Adventure will immerse you in this unique marine ecosystem via kayak tour or Zodiac adventure.

If you’re looking for top dining and nightlife, Saint John is where you want to be when the sun goes down. Its narrow streets of beautiful and well-preserved 19th-century architecture house a melange of excellent restaurants, breweries, galleries, and local shops. Follow a self-guided historic walking tour or the Art in Public Places Walking Tour to discover many uptown treasures. While in the city, be sure to visit the historic Saint John City Market, see the power of the tides at Reversing Falls Rapids, get the adrenaline pumping at TimberTop Adventures in Dominion Park and get a breath of fresh air at Irving Nature Park as well as Rockwood Park, one of the largest urban parks in Canada.

Day 12 - Explore the Bay of Fundy & Saint John area

Explore the Bay of Fundy and Saint Johns today. The city of Saint John is a vibrant adventure on the edge of nature. Its spectacular architectural beauty is appreciated by many who enjoy the Uptown’s art galleries, museums and cultural vibe. 

Whale Watching in the Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy has been compared in marine biodiversity to the Amazon Rainforest, known globally for its ecology, geology, tidal energy currents, and habitats.  It is renowned for having the most extreme tides on the planet at 17 metres (50 feet), five to ten times higher than the rest of the world’s tides.     The tides of the Bay of Fundy offer a summer feeding ground for the endangered North Atlantic Right whale, among 12 other species of whales and other marine life and countless birds.  There are a few whale watching operators who offer tours from St. Andrews. 

Ministers Island

Just a short drive across the ocean floor at low tide. Visit the residence of the visionary railway builder in Canada, Sir William Van Horne.  The island is named after the Loyalist Anglican minister, Reverend Samuel Andrews, who first settled on the island in 1786. The original stone house where Rev. Andrews lived with his family is still standing.   Ministers Island is an enchanting place to experience. This 500-acre island is only a part-time island. You reach it by driving over the seafloor approximately 1 kilometer (1/2 mile).   Once there, you are immersed in an experience from the late 19th and early 20th century— the summer estate of Sir William Van Horne, the first president of and the driving force behind the Canadian Pacific Railway.   Sir William's vast house, his equally large barn and his bathhouse / artist's hideaway are on view, as are the beautiful carriage lanes through woods and fields.

Kingsbrae Gardens

The garden covers a total of 11 ha (27 acres) and sits on a hill overlooking Passamaquoddy Bay in Canada’s premier seaside resort community and National Historic District, St. Andrews by-the-Sea. Pose by the working windmill, sculptures, "flowerpot people" or peacocks. Over 65 species of birds have been found either nesting in the Garden or stopping off there during yearly migrations.  After your self-directed or guided interpretive tour, visit the delightful, licensed Garden Café, either indoors or on the terrace. 

Day 13 - Saint John to Halifax (412km/257mls)

Traverse along the Fundy Coast from Saint John to Halifax. During your drive we highly recommend stopping off at Cape Enrage which offers some of the most spectacular views over the Bay of Fundy. For the adventurous there is zip lining and an obstacle course, alternative relax, take in the views and enjoy lunch at the Cape House restaurant on site.

Day 14 - Halifax

Day at leisure in Halifax. We highly recommend driving to Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site enroute stop off at picturesque Mahone Bay and Canada's most famous lighthouse - Peggy's Cove. 

Day 15 - Fly Halifax to UK

Check out of hotel and return car to airport in time for flight to the UK