Discover Nature In New Brunswick This Summer
Laverty Falls. Photo c/o Tourism New Brunswick
Although New Brunswick is the largest of Canada’s three Maritime provinces, it is sometimes overlooked by those planning a holiday in Atlantic Canada.
Why should New Brunswick make the cut on your next East Coast adventure? Think picturesque beaches with some of the warmest waters in Canada, lovely coastlines that include the world’s highest tides and breathtaking natural beauty tucked within verdant, moss-laden forests.
Read on below for a few incredible New Brunswick stops to add to your next Maritime itinerary:
Daly Point Nature Reserve
Daly Point Nature Reserve. Photo c/o Tourism New Brunswick
Located near Bathurst, the Daly Point Nature Reserve protects 100 acres of woodlands, fields and salt marshes. The park has a network of trails that make for an excellent day trip, especially if you enjoy birdwatching. The area is easily accessible from Bathurst (it is less than 10 minutes from downtown) and you’ll find parking, washrooms and an interpretive centre at the entrance.
The Daly Point Nature Reserve is also the starting point for the Sentier Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail, which is a wilderness backpacking trail that extends for 150 km from the nature reserve to Mount Carleton Provincial Park. It can be done in sections as day hikes or as a multi-day trip.
Fundy National Park
Dickson Falls Trail in Fundy National Park. Photo c/o Tourism New Brunswick
Moss-covered river valleys, tumbling waterfalls, meandering forest trails and access to the world’s highest tides — what’s not to love about the Fundy National Park? The park is full of trails that range from easy (like the 1-km Shiphaven Trail) to difficult (such as the 13-km Bennett Brook Trail). For a short trail that will give you a taste of the Fundy forest, try the Dickson Falls loop (1.5 km with boardwalk paths and stairs in sections) or the Coppermine Trail (4.4-km loop) for coastal views. The Laverty Falls trail (2.5-km one way) leads to a pretty waterfall and a refreshing spot to swim.
Grand Manan Island
Photo by dji camera c/o Tourism New Brunswick
Grand Manan is the largest island on the Bay of Fundy, situated where the Bay meets the Gulf of Maine. Ferry service is available several times a day to the island from Black’s Harbour (approximately 45 min from Saint John) and takes an hour and a half each way. Once on the island, you’ll have a lot of choice in hiking trails, cycling routes (there’s bicycle rentals on the island) or scenic drives. Although the island can be explore on a day trip, overnight accommodations are available and encouraged (especially if you want to take in the incredible sunsets and sunrises).
Murray Beach
Photo c/o Tourism New Brunswick
Whether you’re looking to camp or just want a day at the beach, Murray Beach Provincial Park is a great pick. Located on the Northumberland Strait, which is famous for its warm salty waters, Murray Beach has golden sand perfect for beach combing, wide ocean vistas and amenities (such as change rooms and picnic areas) that make it easy even for a few hours. Just 10 minutes away from the Confederation Bridge that takes you to Prince Edward Island, the park is a great stop on an East Coast road trip.
Those looking to stretch their legs can walk along the beach or head out on the Perimeter Trail (6 km loop) that circles the park. This trail goes through wooded area, around the campground and along the cliffs that overlook the ocean.
Mount Carleton
Mount Carleton. Photo c/o Tourism New Brunswick
New Brunswick is about more than just coastal beauty — head into the mountainous heart of the province to discover the beauty of Mount Carleton, which at 2,690 ft is the highest peak in the Maritimes. Climb to the top and you’ll be rewarded with a view of 10 million trees.
Mount Carleton Provincial Park has numerous trails from easy to difficult, but if you want to get to the top of the highest mountain in the Maritimes, you’ll want to follow the aptly named Mount Carleton Trail (9.6 km loop that takes about 4 hours to complete).
Looking for an urban adventure? Read our post on the Best Coastal Towns to Visit in New Brunswick.
