Tide-carved cliffs, quiet forest hiking trails, softly gliding kayaks, friendly campgrounds, and toe-tapping Acadian music make New Brunswick a lively summer destination. Whether for a family vacation or romantic getaway, the province offers urban attractions in Saint John and Moncton, natural wonders in the national parks, and countless sandy shores along the coast.
Visit the eastern Canada province for a summer vacation and enjoy a relaxing summer holiday.
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Bay of Fundy, NB Summer Vacation Ideas
Along the New Brunswick coast of the Bay of Fundy, dramatic cliffs and tidal beaches create an interesting shoreline to explore. From bicycling to kayaking the area is ideal for an active summer vacation. Birdwatch near Alma and Fundy National Park, visit the quaint community of St-Andrews-by-the-Sea and Kingsbrae Garden, or visit a chocolate factory in St. Stephen.
Perhaps the most treasured destination for a Bay of Fundy vacation, however, are the towering Hopewell Rocks – ocean-carved pillars also called Flowerpot Rocks. Admire the shapes of the pilars ranging from aliens to animals when the Fundy tide recedes. Then watch as the tide comes in and the Hopewell Rocks nearly disappear.
Find more outdoor adventure and stunning coastline at Cape Enrage, an outpost on the Fundy shore for activity lovers and those willing to travel off the highway for unbeatable views.
Summer Vacation Ideas for New Brunswick National Parks
With two New Brunswick national parks, outdoors folk will find lots of camping, swimming, bicycling, wildlife watching, and hiking opportunities.
Known for its warm salt waters and calm swimming lagoons, Kouchibouguac National Park rates as a favorite family destination. Campgrounds and canoe and kayak rentals complement the unique sand dune environment.
On the Bay of Fundy coast, Fundy National Park protects an interesting mix of development (swimming pools and a nine-hole golf course), wilderness (hiking trails and beaches), and history (covered bridges).
Both New Brunswick national parks are also a day-trip distance from Moncton and Saint John, the province’s two largest cities. Those looking for budget vacation ideas will enjoy the low-cost of a camping summer vacation. But reserve popular weekends early at both Fundy National Park, (506) 887-6000, and Kouchibouguac National Park, (506) 876-2443.
Things to Do in Moncton and Saint John, NB
The two largest cities in New Brunswick offer an urban mix of markets, restaurants, and quality hotels. But the two cities also feature some unique attractions.
Saint John is home to the oldest farmer’s market in Canada, at City Market. While in the city, a boat ride or walk to view the Reversing Falls is also a must. Check in with the visitor center, (506) 658-2855 or (866) 463-8639, to confirm the tide schedule then watch as the tide rises and reverses the direction of the river.
In Moncton – an excellent central location for New Brunswick day trips – great family vacation activities include visiting Crystal Palace Amusement Park and debating the force of Magnetic Hill.
Acadian Coast, NB Summer Vacation Ideas
For an authentic Acadian experience, travel the Acadian Coastal Drive that winds north from Aulac along the coast to Miramichi and Bathurst. Time a visit with the early August Caraquet Acadian Festival – a celebration of Acadian culture through song, dance, music, and noise (including the uproar of Tintamarre, a loud and boisterous street parade).
Or, plan a holiday on the Acadian Coast to sample seafood and see the world’s largest lobster in Shediac, tour demonstration villages such as the Village Historique Acadien, and photograph historic architecture.
Planning a New Brunswick Summer Vacation
From June through September the New Brunswick weather is ideal for a vacation. Beach and camping summer vacations in New Brunswick are best planned for July and August, while birdwatchers and hikers can enjoy the shoulder season and lower accommodation rates during June, September, and early October.
New Brunswick National Parks
For hiking and camping vacations in New Brunswick, the province’s two national parks make top destinations. New Brunswick’s first national park, Fundy National Park, sits on the Bay of Fundy coast and boasts the drama of the world’s highest tides. Further east on the Acadian Coast, Kouchibouguac National Park features dunes and protected lagoons that are havens for bird life and harbor warm swimming waters.
Whether looking for quiet seclusion or family-style campgrounds, swimming pools or beaches, canoeing or golf, New Brunswick national parks offer a great source of fun activities.
Fundy National Park, NB
Sitting on the Bay of Fundy, this New Brunswick national park highlights the world’s highest tides. Birding beaches near Alma and trails near Pointe Wolfe take advantage of the dramatic coastline crafted by a tidal change of up to 12 m (39 feet). Fundy National Park tops the list as a family destination with beaches, a heated swimming pool, nine-hole golf course, and boat rentals at the inland Bennett Lake.
Throughout the park there are plenty of New Brunswick hiking opportunities with the 45-km (28-mile) Fundy Circuit trail encircling the park. Throughout the national park, shorter hiking trails visit the coastal, lake, and forest areas. Multiple campgrounds offer many facilities to ensure an easy New Brunswick camping vacation.
Although not part of Fundy National Park, an excellent day trip for tide-watchers is a visit to the Hopewell Rocks further east. Here, the immense tides have carved the shoreline into a series of “flowerpot rocks” and interesting pillars and caves.
Kouchibouguac National Park, NB
This New Brunswick national park features calm lagoons, warm swimming waters, protected sand dunes, and large campgrounds. Visit Kouchibouguac National Park to watch for shorebirds, enjoy a beach day, stroll the dune boardwalk, bike the park trails, or rent canoes and kayaks.
The New Brunswick hiking opportunities focus on the coastal regions as well as river trails (along the Kouchibouguac River) and forest trails in the backcountry.
Visiting a New Brunswick National Park
Hiking, camping, and visiting the beach top the list of things to do in New Brunswick national parks. Camping options range from backcountry campsites to full-serviced campgrounds near beaches and family-friendly facilities. Summer is the most popular season to visit, with late spring and early fall also promising good weather and fewer visitors.
Whether hiking or camping in New Brunswick, Kouchibouguac and Fundy national parks both stand out as excellent destinations to begin exploring the province’s outdoors.
