50 Bucket List Ideas For a Summer Trip to New Brunswick

Adventure awaits you in New Brunswick. From the Bay of Fundy to the Quebec border to the Northumberland Strait, there are thousands of adventures you can have.

Home to world-renowned locations and hidden gems that only locals know about, here are 50 ideas to add to your New Brunswick Bucket List.

1. See the Flower Pots Rocks

One of New Brunswick’s most visited attractions, Hopewell Rocks is a ‘must-visit’ place on many people’s bucket lists. See how powerful the Bay of Fundy is at both low and high tides. During low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor and see the unique coastline that has been created over millions of years.

• Hopewell Rocks 131 Discovery Road, Hopewell Cape

2. Zipline across NB’s iconic locations

Enjoy the thrill of ziplining over the churning waters of Grand falls, across a cape or over a cove!

• Cape Enrage, 650 Cape Enrage Road, Waterside
• Zip Zag Zip-lining Adventures, Grand Falls
• Over the Cove Zipline, Miramichi

3. Relax on a Beach

Take a dip in the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada and relax on the sandy beaches. Along the boardwalks, you can spot waterfowl and shorebirds in the marshes that are close to the oceans. There are over 50 saltwater and freshwater beaches for you to explore and splash in the water.

• Escuminac Beach, 301 Escuminac Point Rd, Escuminac
• Youghall Beach 1525 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bathurst
• Parlee Beach Provincial Park, 45 Parlee Beach Rd, Pointe-du-Chêne
• New River Beach Provincial Park, 78 New River Beach Rd, New River Beach
• Murray Beach Provincial Park, 1680 NB-955

4. Walk on the Ocean Floor

Thanks to the highest tides in the world, you can explore and even dine on the ocean floor. Hopewell Rocks and St. Martins Sea Caves offer unique backdrops, but there are other beaches that have very low tides. Before heading out for a picnic (you do need a table), make sure to check the tide times. There is nothing worse than a wet picnic blanket.

• Hopewell Rocks, 131 Discovery Road, Hopewell Cape
• Fundy National Park Beaches, Alma
• St. Martins Sea Caves, St. Martins

5. Drive on the Ocean’s Floor to Ministers Island

The island is only accessible at low tide by foot or car — a one-kilometre walk or drive on the seafloor. Once there, you’ll travel back in time to the 19th and 20th centuries as you visit the summer estate of William Van Horne, a Canadian icon and father of the Canadian Pacific Railway. His stately home has been transformed into a walk-through tourist attraction, and his legacy lives on through Ministers Island.

6. Go on a Road Trip

New Brunswick has lovely coastlines, gorgeous foothills and fantastic mountain ranges waiting for you to explore, so a road trip is an obvious choice. Pack the car and get ready for a scenic drive around the province. There are five scenic drives for you to pick from that take you across New Brunswick.

• Fundy Coast: Moncton, Saint John, St Andrews and Fredericton
• Acadian Coastal Drive
• River Valley Scenic Drive
• Fundy Trail Parkway

7. Go Tubing

Drift down the Miramichi River on a warm summer day, relaxing on a tube. Grab your tube and float around with your friends or family. If you don’t own a tube, you can book tubing outings with the tubing companies below.

• Gallan’s Miramichi River Tubing, 48 Kersey Lane Route 118 Hwy, Doyles Brook

8. Chase Waterfalls

Take a hike, and you may be rewarded with the crashing sounds of water and the lovely views of one of the many waterfalls in New Brunswick. Some are very easy to find, while others will take you on an adventure to reach the breathtaking waterfall.

• Grand Falls Gorge, Grand Falls
• Fall Brook Falls
• Third Vault Falls & Dickson Falls, Fundy National Park
• Hays Falls
• South Branch Oromocto Falls
• Lepreau Falls

9. Rough it with some Camping

Roast marshmallows over an open fire and sleep under the stars, supported by old-growth forests. Set up camp and get ready for an adventure in your own backyard or somewhere new.

• The Anchorage Provincial Park
• Mactaquac Provincial Park
• Murray Beach Provincial Park
• North Head Campground and Park (Previously called Hole in the Wall), Grand Manan
• 15 of the Best Parks to Go Camping in New Brunswick

10. Or Go Glamping

Forgo the hard work of packing and setting up camp to get straight to the fun and adventures. Get away from it all in comfort on a glamping trip. Stay in a cabin, a dome, or even a treehouse while enjoying all the fun camping adventures without the hard work.

• Glamp Camp, 6054 Route 105, Waterborough
• Lake View Glamping, 444 Cox Point Road, Cumberland Bay
• Off Grid Ales & Domes, 2180 route 635, Magaguadavic
• Maplebrook Farm & Retreat, 3673 road NB-134, Shediac Bridge
• Places to Go Comfort Camping & Glamping in New Brunswick

11. Zip around the Tree Tops

Challenge yourself and take a leap out of your comfort zone, and go zipping around the tree tops high over the ground below. The aerial adventure courses listed below offer many unique outdoor activities that allow you to progress at your own pace and comfort level.

• Timbertop Adventures, 730 Dominion Park Road, Saint John

12. Tour a Brewery

New Brunswick is home to both small craft breweries and large, nationally recognized breweries. See how your favourite brews are made and sip some new beers. Support the breweries by shopping their products or taking some time to enjoy their patios and sample what they have been brewing.

• Saint John Brewery Tour, Saint John
• Fredericton Taproom Trail, Fredericton
• Moosehead Brewery Tour, 89 Main Street West, Saint John

13. Taste your way along a Cultural Food Tour

Grab some friends and taste what local chefs have been cooking up by hopping on a Food Tour. Go behind the scenes, learn some tips and tricks and taste the unique, favorite dishes of New Brunswick.

• Uncorked NB, 47 Charlotte Street, Saint John

14. Sip some wine at a Winery

Explore the vineyard and sip the fruits of their labour at one of the lovely wineries around New Brunswick. Sip wine while taking in the breathtaking views, and maybe even enjoy a farm-to-table meal. Some wineries also produce ciders, and meads.

• Waterside Winery, 2008 Route 915, Waterside
• Magnetic Hill Winery, 860 Front Mountain Rd, Moncton
• Dunhams Run Estate Winery, 35 Gorhams Bluff Rd. Kingston
• Crow and Vine, 110 Rue Principale, Memramcook

15. Stop to smell the roses

The wet spring gives way to the beautiful, warm summers filled with blooms. Across the province, you can find lovely gardens for you to enjoy. Pack a picnic and spend some time outside, supported by blooms.

• Kingsbrae Garden, 220 King Street, St. Andrews
• New Brunswick Botanical Garden, 15 Isidore-Boucher Blvd, Edmundston
• 9 Gardens You Should Visit in New Brunswick

16. Experience the Strange Phenomenon of Magnetic Hill

Take to the bottom of Magnetic Hill and then take your foot off the gas. Your eyes will deceive you as you roll uphill. That’s right, uphill. Gravity seems suspended for a period of time. The phenomenon draws thousands of visitors to Moncton every year. Try it for yourself!

• Mountain Road, Moncton

17. Explore a Park

New Brunswick is home to many unique natural areas including two national parks. Experience the highest tides in the world or take a dip in the warmest ocean water during your stay. Set up camp to spend a few days exploring the parks. 20 Must Visit Nature Spots in New Brunswick

• Daly Point Nature Reserve, Bathurst
• Belding’s Reef Nature Preserve, Chance Harbour
• Irving Eco-Centre, Bouctouche
• Fundy National Park, Alma
• Kouchibouguac National Park, National 186, NB-117, Kouchibouguac
• Irving Nature Park, Saint John

19. Kings Landing

Pushing the limits of living history museums, visiting King’s Landing truly feels like you travelled back in time 200 years. Be prepared to get your hands dirty because the museum hosts over 40 exhibits, many with hand-on workshops that you can take part in.

• Kings Landing, 5804 NB-102, Prince William

20. Go Whale Watching

Along with having the highest tides in the world, the Bay of Fundy is the habitat choice to some of the world’s rarest whales, including the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. Go aboard a sailboat, catamaran, cruiser or speedy zodiac to head out into the bay to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

• Lambert Family Adventures Whale and Wildlife Tours, N Head Fishermans Wharf, Grand Manan
• Jolly Breeze 4 King St, St. Andrews

21. See the World’s Largest Things

There is something magically about oversized things and breaking a world record. New Brunswick is home to three record-breaking locations, which are excellent places to take selfies and vacation pictures that will astonish your family and friends.

• The World’s Largest Lobster 229 Main St, Shediac
• World’s Largest Axe Landegger Dr, Nackawic
• Hartland Covered Bridge, Hartland Hill Bridge Rd, Hartland

22. Tour a Food Factory

Watch how some of the iconic New Brunswick food is made in a Food Factory. Learn how the iconic Ganong candy and chocolate are made and how they were made over 100 years ago. If you prefer salty foods, the Covered Bridge Potato Chip Factory is definitely the place for you to visit.

• Covered Bridge Potato Chip Factory, 35 Alwright Ct, Waterville
• The Chocolate Museum 73 Milltown Blvd. St. Stephen
• Ganong Chocolatier, Ganong Place, 73 Milltown Blvd (store)

23. Go Fishing

From freshwater to saltwater fishing, New Brunswick has it all. Known for salmon fishing and fly fishing, the Miramichi and the Restigouche River are local favourites for freshwater fishing. Out in the Bay of Fundy, cod, pollock and flounder are popular catches. Anglers Guide/Rules & Restrictions (Free fishing on 1st weekend in June)

• Dave Winchester’s Sporting Camps 381 Becaguimec South Branch Rd, Maplewood
• Adair’s Wilderness Lodge 900 Creek Rd, Shepody
• Cherry On Top Adventures 105 44e Av, Edmundston

24. Take a Cruise

Enjoy the warm summer afternoon and cool nights on the beautiful waters. Relax on a slow cruise or experience the ocean spray on a faster cruise.

• Miramichi River Boat Tours 84 Nortons Ln, Miramichi
• Croisières Shediac Bay Cruises 60 Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf Rd, Pointe-du-Chêne
• Jolly Breeze Tall Ship Tours, 4 King St, Saint Andrews

25. Meet Some Animals

It’s always thrilling to see wild animals and ocean creatures up close. Meet some farm animals and more wild animals across New Brunswick. From huge zoos like Magnetic Hill Zoo to small farms like Brigadoon Fiber Farm, there is an animal experience that the whole family will enjoy.

• Brigadoon Fiber Farm, 6145 NB-101, Hoyt
• Magnetic Hill Zoo 125 Magic Mountain Rd, Moncton,
• Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium, 1 Lower Campus Rd, St. Andrews
• Aquarium NB, 100 Rue de l’Aquarium, Shippagan

26. Take a Hike

From easy under an hour hikes to multi-day hikes, New Brunswick is home to hundreds of trails that are ready for you to explore. Along the way, you can spot local wildlife, including whales and seals,  if you are hiking by the sea.

• New Brunswick International Sculpture Trail, Saint John
• Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail, Gloucester County
• Sussex Bluff Trail, Sussex
• Dobson Trail, Elgin
• Sheldon Point Trail, Irving Nature Park

27. Enjoy Fresh Seafood

Seafood has always been an important part of life in New Brunswick. Restaurants and chefs have been celebrating the local catch by turning it into amazing meals. Traditional seafood delights include lobster rolls, seafood chowder, and fried clams.

• Catch 22, 589 Main Street, Moncton
• Comeau’s Seafood Restaurant, 35 Route 175, Pennfield
• Lobster Deck 312 Main Street, Shediac
• Steamers Lobster Company, 110 Water Street, Saint John
• La Terrasse à Steve, 9650 New Brunswick 113, Miscou

28. Visit a Lighthouse

Dotted along the coastline the iconic sights of the lighthouses watching over the ocean and rivers. The St. John River is one of the few rivers in Canada with “beacon lights” lighthouses. No matter what lighthouse you choose to visit, they are gems of New Brunswick seafaring history.

• Head Harbour Lighthouse, 210 Lighthouse Rd, Wilsons Beach
• Grande-Anse Visitor Information Centre 404 Rue Acadie, Grande-Anse
• Quaco Head Lighthouse, Lighthouse Rd, West Quaco
• Swallowtail Lighthouse, Grand Manan

29. Kayak to see nature’s wonders

Experience the highest tide in the world by heading out on the beautiful Bay of Fundy and other natural areas of New Brunswick. Explore sea caves and see the Hopewell Rocks up close by kayaking on the open waters of the Bay during high tide. Don’t worry if you have never kayaked before because there are local kayaking companies offering beginner-friendly tours.

• Seascape Kayak Tours NW Harbour Branch Rd, Richardson
• Baymount Outdoor Adventures, Rocks Rd, Hopewell Cape
• Red Rock Adventure, 415 Main Street, St. Martins
• Pokeshaw Rock, Pokeshaw – Grande-Anse on the Bay des Chaleurs
• White Water Kayak on the Nepisiguit River

30. Climb a Mountain

Created over 400 million years ago, New Brunswick’s Appalachian Mountain Range welcomes those looking for an adventure. Whether it’s a short hike or a multi-day day trip, the mountains are waiting for you to conquer them.

• Mount Carleton Provincial Park
• Big Bald Mountain Trail
• Sugarloaf Mountain

31. Splash Around at a Waterpark

Cool off and have fun in the sun with the family at a splash park. Zip down the waterslide and relax when you float along the lazy river.

• Magic Mountain, 150 Magic Mountain Rd, Moncton
• Quilli’s Family Fun WaterPark, 5171 NB-102, Upper Kingsclear

32. Have a Spa Day

Whether you are looking for a relaxing time or specialty services, a day at the spa is never badly spent. From day spas in the middle of cities to resorts on the outskirts of town, New Brunswick is home to wonderful spas where you can spend a day pampering yourself. 12 Spa Getaways in New Brunswick

• The Algonquin Resort, 184 Adolphus Street, St. Andrews
• At The Lake, Spa & Studio, Rockwood Park, Saint John
• Namaste Spa, 31 Botsford Street, Moncton

33. Visit an Art Gallery

From regional art to national treasures to even international works of art, New Brunswick art galleries offer inspiration and relaxation. Stroll through the gallery, there is no rush to check out all the artwork. Along with art galleries, there are many outdoor art installations across the province to find.

• University of New Brunswick Art Centre, 9 Bailey Dr, Fredericton
• Self-guided Gallery Hop, Saint John
• Oromocto Galleria, 291 Restigouche Rd, Oromocto

34. Go Bird-watching

Head out on a relaxing stroll to see if you can spot New Brunswick’s provincial bird, the Black-capped chickadee. Depending on where you go, the birds you can spot change from shorebirds,  the birds of prey, including bald eagles, puffins and more.

• Machias Seal Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, southwestern New Brunswick in the Bay of Fundy.
• Sackville Waterfowl Park, 34 Mallard Dr, Sackville
• Johnson’s Mills Shorebird Interpretive Centre, Johnson’s 3K8, Dorchester Cape Rd, Johnson’s Mills
• Shepody National Wildlife Area, NB-114, Riverside-Albert
• Musquash Estuary

35. Watch the Tidal Bore

Rivers normally only flow one way, but the Tidal Bore in Moncton is a natural curveball. The high tides of the Bay of Fundy cause the river to flow back upstream in one huge wave. The huge wave happens twice a day and the time can vary depending on a number of factors, so plan to be there at least 20 minutes before the scheduled time.

• Tidal Bore Park 11 Bendview Ct, Moncton

36. And the Reversing Rapids

Another area where the Bay of Fundy messes with a river is the Reversing Rapids in Saint John. During low tide, the river empties into the bay causing a series of whirlpools and rapids.

• Watch from the Lookout at 200 Bridge Road and from Fallsview Park, Saint John.

37. Play Golf

Tee off surrounded by nature. New Brunswick is home to many gorgeous golf courses to pick from. There are over 40 golf courses across New Brunswick. The Algonquin Golf Course is world-renowned for its beautiful location next to the sea.

• Herring Cove Provincial Park Golf Course, Welshpool
• Algonquin Golf Course, 465 Brandy Cove Rd, St. Andrews
• Mactaquac Golf Course, 1265 NB-105, Mactaquac

38. Visit Roosevelt Campobello International Park

On the border of New Brunswick and Maine is the only park in the world jointly managed, staffed and owned by people of two countries. Tour the 34 room summer hour, and spend time relaxing in the lovely gardens around the park.

• Roosevelt Campobello International Park, 459 Route 774, Welshpool

39. Experience Acadian Culture

From the North Shore to the Acadian Peninsula, you will be greeted with the unique Acadian Culture. Descendants of 17th and 18th-century French settlers, Acadia life has been shaped by the sea. Along with the unique French accents and the blend of French and English, Acadians are super prideful of their culture.

• Monument-Lefebvre, 480 Rue Centrale, Memramcook
• Pays de la Sagouine, 57 Rue Acadie, Bouctouche
• Village historique acadien, 5 rue du Pont, Bertrand

40. Explore Stonehammer UNESCO Geopark

Located in Southern New Brunswick, Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark explores how our Earth became the way it is. Explore the landscapes created over millions of years of colliding continents, ice ages, volcanoes, earthquakes and the rushing of the oceans.

41. Experience First Nations History and Culture

Many locations in New Brunswick are named using Mi’Kmaq names. Today, there are 15 First Nations communities across the province. There are opportunities to sample traditional food, listen to aboriginal stories, and participate in craft workshops.

• First Nations Tourism, 56 Shore Road, Red Bank
• Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours & Events, 515 Maliseet Fredericton
• Metepenagiag Heritage Park, 2156 Micmac Road, Red Bank

42. Go a Walking Tour

Sometimes the best way to see someplace new is to take a walk. Take a walk on your own or join an organized walking tour. Hear the history of the city and local favourites while getting outside for some exercise. Along the way, you may find hidden gems to go back to and check out on your own.

• Saint John Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour
• Woodstock Heritage Walking Tour
• Fredericton Guided Heritage Walking Tour

43. Go on Bike Ride

From city rides to mountain bike trails, New Brunswick is home to amazing bike trails for all skill levels. Enjoy a short ride, or test your skills on a multi-day wildness ride.

• The Riverside Trail, Moncton
• The Caraquet Loop
• The Tantramar Trail
• Sugar Loaf Bike Park
• 15 Family Bike Routes in New Brunswick

44. Canoe New Brunswick’s Rivers

Explore New Brunswick’s rivers on a canoe.

• Canoe Restigouche River
• Miramichi River
• Rent a canoe and explore St. Croix International Waterway – St. Croix River (Made up of three provincial parks, and the waterway connecting New Brunswick and Maine)

45. Visit a Historical Site

Step back in time and take a peek into ancient traditions and how New Brunswick came about. Experience the history of the Mi’gmaq people, Acadians and the Loyalists at the over 1500 historic sites across the province.

• Fort Beauséjour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site, 11 Fort Beausejour Rd, Aulac
• Christ Church Cathedral, 168 Church St. Fredericton
• Historic Garrison District, Fredericton
• St. Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site, 23 Joe’s Point Rd., Saint Andrews
• Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site, 454 Whipple St, Saint John

46. Take Photos of a Covered Bridge

Used for the longest time to protect roads from the harsh winters, covered bridges were an integral part of daily life over a century ago. Across New Brunswick, there are 58 covered bridges and 4 of them are privately owned. King’s Country is home to 15 of the 58 covered bridges, making it the Covered Bridge Capital of Atlantic Canada.

Or visit the World’s Longest Covered Bridge, the Hartland Covered Bridge in the town of Hartland.

47. Watch Ballet By The Ocean

Allow your senses to guide you in this one-of-a-kind exclusive experience. Come immerse yourself in the scenic backdrop of one of New Brunswick’s most stunning natural habitats, while enjoying the astounding beauty of the award-winning Atlantic Ballet and savouring incredible local food pairings by Chef Emmanuel Charretier.

• Private property on a protected wetland,  Grande-Digue

48. Taste local and find local crafts at the Farmer’s Markets

From farm to your table, checking out a local farmer’s market is one of the best ways of learning about an area. With an abundance of fresh produce and baked goods, it is no wonder that New Brunswick is home to some of the longest-running markets in Atlantic Canada. Don’t skip the smaller markets along the way, as they often are hidden gems.

• Bouctouche Farmers’ Market, 9 Irving Blvd, Bouctouche
• Saint John City Market, 47 Charlotte St, Saint John
• Woodstock Farm and Craft Market 220 King St #1, Woodstock

49. Go Antiquing

Are you an antique hunter? New Brunswick is home to many great antique shops where antique aficionados can check out and find hidden gems. Must-Visit Antique Stores in New Brunswick

• Angel Mist Treasures, 2056 NB 114, Stoney Creek
• Chase Benjamin Antiques, 111 King Street, Fredericton
• Come Bye Chance Antiques, 14139 Highway 10W, Sussex

50. Cross a Bridge on Foot

Cross New Brunswick’s Rivers from above on a suspension or a steel span bridge.

Spanning the Southwest Miramichi River, the McNamee/Priceville Footbridge is the longest suspension footbridge in New Brunswick.

• Priceville Footbridge, McNamee
• Yeoman’s Footbridge, 1582 NB-860, Hampton
• Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge, Fundy Trail Parkway
• Shogomoc Walking Bridge, Canterbury Parish
• Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge, Fredericton

51. Visit a Small Town

From the Quebec border to the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick offers rich adventures. Its small towns enhance exploration with lodging, dining, and attractions, making them perfect bases—and destinations—for discovering the province’s natural beauty and local experiences.

• Saint Andrews
• Caraquet
• Edmundston
• Grand Manan Island

52. Take in a Festival

Enjoy a summer festival.

• Watch Theatre Events at Pays de la Sagouine
• New Brunswick Sunflower Festival, Salisbury
• Bard in the Barracks Theatre Festival, Fredericton
• Shediac Lobster Festival, Shediac
• Festival Acadien de Caraquet, Caraquet
• Fundy Fringe Festival, Saint John

Explore New Brunswick