New Brunswick Road Trip: 50 Things to Do Along River Valley Scenic Drive

The River Valley Scenic Drive explores two of New Brunswick’s largest cities and takes you to the western edge of the province along Saint John River. Take in the views of Eastern Canada’s longest river and experience why this drive is one of the best ways to discover New Brunswick.

Find the largest waterfall east of Niagara Falls, taste New Brunswick beers and explore one of the five UNESCO Geoparks in Canada, as you drive from Edmundston to Sussex.

** Make sure you are aware of all health regulations and other travel-related information before travelling. Some places listed in this article might be closed due to various reasons including COVID-19 restrictions**

New Brunswick Botanical Garden

Home to trees, flowers and plants from around the world, the New Brunswick Botanical Garden opened its gates in 1993. The garden is home to the Annual Grande Grouille Fall Festival. The Garden is open seasonally from May until October.
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15 Isidore-Boucher Blvd, Saint-Jacques

Republique Provincial Park

On the shores of the Madawaska River, the Republique Park is a wonderful place to stretch your legs or spend the night. Explore the scenic hiking trails or spend the day relaxing by the pool. In the evenings, the open-air amphitheatre comes alive with live entertainment.
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31 Isidore-Boucher Blvd, Saint-Jacques

Du Reel Au Miniature Interpretation Centre

Choo Choo, take a ride on the mini-train before heading into the 1900’s train shed replica. The 900 square HO 1/87scale layout is constantly changing. Don’t forget to go on the miniature tour of New Brunswick.
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1091 Victoria Street, Edmundston

Brasseurs du Petit-Sault Brewers

If you are looking for a different style of craft beer, check out the Brasseurs du Petit-Sault Brewers. Taste their Belgian-inspired beers in the tasting room, and visit the brewtique to purchase some beer to take home.
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45 De L’Eglise Street, Edmundston

Falls & Gorge

See the largest waterfall east of Niagara Falls. The gorge is over 1.5km in length. Reach the falls is easy as the trails are paved. There are also lookouts around the trail to give you a better view of the Falls and Gorge.
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Laforest Road, Grand Falls

Zip Zag

Zipline across Grand Falls while zooming past steep rocky cliff walls of the gorge. Details

25 Madawaska Road, Grand Falls

Grand Falls Brewing Company

COVID-19 couldn’t stop this brewery from opening. Opening in May 2020, the Grand Falls Brewing Company is the town’s first brewery. Stop by to pick some cans up to take home with you, or enjoy a flight in the taproom.
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651 Main Street, Grand Falls

Acanthus Gallery

The Acanthus Gallery is situated in the downtown area of Grand Falls in a gorgeous historic building that was built in 1927. It is a place where both beginner and accomplished artists are able to take part in a variety of educational opportunities and workshops from various artistic disciplines. The Gallery also holds art exhibitions for both solo and groups throughout the year.
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136A Church Street, Grand Falls

Potato World

Do you love potatoes or french fries? If you said yes, then a visit to Potato World is a must for you. Watch how potatoes go from seeds to hand-cut french fries. There is no better place to learn about potato farming than at the French Fry Capital of the World.
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385 Centreville Road, Florenceville-Bristol

Hunter Brothers Farm

Visit the family-owned Hunter Brothers Farm to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables. During late summer and early fall, you can make your way through their 6-acre corn maze.
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8534 Main Street, Florenceville-Bristol

Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery

If you are an art lover then a visit to the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery is a ‘must’ stop for you. It is a non-profit, community art gallery that opened in 1984, which shows artwork created by regional and provincial artisans and artists. The Gallery is a professional venue that is open year-round featuring exhibitions that change every month with works that range from historical up to contemporary.
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8 McCain Street, Florenceville-Bristol

Bristol Shogomoc Railway Site

Experience what early trains were like and how important trains were to the Village of Bristol. In the first of the three railcars is a restaurant called Fresh. The site is only seconds from Riverside Park, so you can go for a walk after visiting the railway.
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9189 Main Street, Bristol

World’s Longest Covered Bridge

There are lots of covered bridges along the River Valley Scenic Drive, including the World’s Longest Covered Bridge. The bridge was used to connect Hartland to Somerville over the Saint John River. You can still drive across the Hartland Covered Bridge.
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Hartland Hill Bridge Rd, Hartland

Tour the Covered Bridge Chips Factory

See how homegrown dark Russet potatoes turn into a Maritime favorite chip. Creating over 30 flavours of chips, it is hard to pick what flavours to try after touring the Covered Bridge Chip Factory.
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35 Alwright Ct, Waterville

Visit New Brunswick’s First Town

Settled around 1783, Woodstock became a staple in Western New Brunswick trade and travel. Today the town is a relaxing stop for travellers going to the United States since it is close to the Canada-United States border.
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Woodstock

Woodstock Farm & Craft Market

A staple for over 40 years, the Woodstock Farm & Craft Market features a wide variety of local vegetables, fruits, freshly baked treats and fiddleheads. The Market is on the waterfront where the Meduxnekeag River and the Saint John River connect. Friday is the best day to go because all the vendors are onsite.
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King Street, Woodstock

Maliseet Trail

Rewarding hikers with spectacular views of Hay Falls, the Maliseet Trail is an easy to moderate 3.2 kilometre trail. The trail is well-marked and is a good hike for all skill levels. It can be wet in spots, so wearing sturdy footwear is recommended. The best time to hike the trail is from April to October.
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Highway 165, Woodstock Parish

Yogi Bear Jelly Stone Park

Meet Yogi Bear and his friends at Jelly Stone Park. Offering more than just camping, this camping park is a family favorite. Zip down the waterslide into the ‘camper’ pool, play around of mini-golf, or jump on the giant pillow, there is so much to keep the whole family busy.
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174 Hemlock St. Lower Woodstock

Dukeshires Apples Orchard

Opening in September, you can pick your own apples from over 10,000 trees. If you cannot wait for freshly picked apples, stop by the packing house from late August until December.
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4210 Route 105, Northampton

Big Axe Brewery

Starting as a bed & breakfast, the Big Axe Brewery quickly became a brewery in 2013. It is a popular stop for locals and travellers. Overlooking the Saint John River, the tasting room is lively with live music and offers six beers on tap, along with cider and mead from local Fredericton producers.
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537 Otis Drive, Nackawic

World’s Largest Axe

New Brunswick loves holding World Records, and the Nackawic’s Giant Axe is the World’s Largest Axe. Along with just being a roadside oddity, the axe site is home to a time capsule embedded inside and host to musical and theatre performances through the summer.
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Landegger Drive, Nackawic

• 24 Ways to Discover Fredericton in 24 Hours
• Indoor Fun in Fredericton

Kings Landing

Be transported back in time nearly 200 years old and find out what life was like on the banks of the Saint John River in the 19th century. Explore the over 40 exhibits and even watch live demonstrations of ‘smithing’, rug hooking and baking with the ‘New Brunswicker’ wood stove.
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5804 Route 102, Prince William (20 minutes west of Fredericton)

Mactaquac Provincial Park

Mactaquac Provincial Park is a little different from other parks in New Brunswick. Like other provincial parks, there are great hiking trails, a wonderful beach, campsites. However there is also an 18-hole championship golf course right in the park, the TreeGO Mactaquac Aerial Adventure, plus the MOCO Mactaquac restaurant.
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1265 NB 105, Mactaquac

Delish Gourmet Rolled Ice Cream

Hand-rolled ice cream took the internet by storm and it is still amazing to watch cream, fruit, chocolate and more turn from liquid into ice cream. Pick your flavours and toppings to create your own unique ice cream at Delish Gourmet Rolled Ice Cream.

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349 King Street, Fredericton

Fredericton Farmers Market

Looking different due to Covid-19, the Fredericton Farmers Market is still a ‘must visit’ on Saturday morning. Farmers and producers from around Fredericton come together with some of the freshest and best produce. Some vendors are offering pickup and delivery.
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665 George Street, Fredericton

The Cultural Market

The Cultural Market is well-known as a one-stop shop for delicious cuisine from across the globe and locally made products. Open Monday to Saturday, The Cultural Market is ‘must visit’ for foodies and those looking for a unique experience.
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435 King Street, Fredericton

Fredericton Botanic Garden

Stop and smell the gorgeous roses along with many other beautifully fragrant flowers in the heart of Fredericton. The Fredericton Botanic Garden was established in 1990 and has continued to grow over the last 30 years.
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Prospect Street, Fredericton

No Escape

Test your problem solving skills in one of three unique themed rooms. Test your skills against the clock and see if you can escape. You can also challenge your friends to some board games in the Unplugged Board Game Cafe after making your way out of the escape room.
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418 Queen Street Fredericton

Atlantic Archery Centre and Capital City Paintball

Take aim and test your paintball and archery skills at one location. Offering both outdoor and indoor fields and ranges, weather doesn’t stop the fun at Atlantic Archery Centre and Capital City Paintball. Rent your equipment or head to the pro shop to buy your own kit.
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16 Dorcas St, Fredericton

Wolastoq Boat Tour

Take in the view of city and enjoy a relaxing on the Saint John River. Spend two hours cruising up and down the river on with the staff of the Wolastoq Boat Tour. The tours are now licensed, so you can enjoy a cold drink on the river.
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Regent Street Wharf, Fredericton

Hartt Island Campground

Right on the banks of the Saint John River, there is a lot for visitors to do at Hartt Island Campground. Relax by the heated leisure pool, zip down the water slides and play some mini golf. Second Nature Outdoors is close by offering river adventures including kayak, canoe and paddle board rentals.
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2475 Woodstock Road, Fredericton

The Drome by Trailway

Bowling and beer is a wonderful combo and The Drome offers both under one roof. It is also the only place you can try Candlepin Kolsh, the beer brewed specifically for The Drome. If The Drome wasn’t the perfect place for a night out, there is also an on-site restaurant and lounge where you can relax and have a bite to eat.
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301 Main Street, Fredericton

William’s Seafood Restaurant

Open for almost 50 years, William’s Seafood Restaurant is a staple in Fredericton. The hand cut homemade fries are made daily from the best local potatoes and the seafood is fresh from the local fishing boats. They also have special days for members of the military and seniors.
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397 Smythes Street, Fredericton

Everett Family Orchard

Just minutes from Fredericton, you can pick your own apples at the Everett Family Orchard. Pick from over 15 apple varieties throughout apple season. You can also take in the breathtaking views of horses on the farm, the Saint John River Valley and Keswick Island.
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34 Everett Lane, Fredericton

Kingswood Entertainment Centre

Get ready for a jammed packed day of family fun at Atlantic Canada’s largest family entertainment centre. Run around the 45-foot long inflatable obstacle course, test your skills in the arcade, and candle-pin bowling. They also offer lazer tag and a golf course. If this sounds like too much to do in one day, they just opened an on-site hotel, so you can book a room and stay overnight.
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1700 Kingswood Way, Hanwell

• Indoor Fun in Saint John

NB Military History Museum

Explore the history of New Brunswick’s military forces from 1600s to the present.
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1 Walnut Street
Building A-5, Oromocto

Fort Hughes Military Blockhouse

Visit Oromocto’s historic riverfront and see a replica of Fort Hughes, a American Revolutionary War blockhouse. The replica building is loacted near its original location beside the Oromocto River in the Sir Douglas Hazen Park.
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13, 15 Wharf Rd, Oromocto

Westfield Beach

Relax on the banks of the Saint John River, where the Maliseet people trapped and gathered every summer. Explore the Heritage Trail to learn more about traders and how the railway changed the town forever.
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4 Ferry Road, Grand Bay-Westfield

Irving Nature Park

A short drive outside of Saint John is the lovely Irving Nature Park. This 600 acre park features amazing views of the Bay of Fundy, a beach, a bog, a salt marsh and a forest. There are approximately 250 different species of birds that stay in the park, so it is a great spot for birdwatchers.

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1790 Sand Cove Rd, Saint John

Stonehammer UNESCO Global GeoPark

Formed by the last ice age, this natural playground offers something for everyone. Watch the highest tides in the world, climb 554 million year lava rocks, paddle over future fossils and much more around this huge GeoPark.
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Various locations around Saint John

TimberTop Adventures

Take a walk on the wild side, high up in the air at TimberTop Adventures. You have 3 full hours to go wild exploring 11 courses, 25 zip challenges, and 110 other obstacles. TimberTop Adventures makes treetop adventures an exciting, unique climbing experience for everyone.
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730 Dominion Park Road, Saint John

New Brunswick Museum

Pay a visit to the New Brunswick Museum, which is Canada’s oldest continuing museum since it was built in 1842. Over the years, the museum has moved 4 times and been renamed 3 times. Today, the museum has an amazing natural sciences’ collection and one of the largest collections of 19th-century decorative arts and Canadiana in the Atlantic provinces.
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Market Square, Saint John

Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site

Get a birds eye view of Saint John when you visit British-built Carleton Martello Tower that dates from the War of 1812. Enjoy spectacular city and harbour views and explore award-winning interactive exhibits in the Visitor Centre. Details

454 Whipple St, Saint John

Moosehead Brewery Tour

Book a tour of Canada’s oldest major brewery in Canada that is still owned by Canadians. It was started by Susannah Oland in 1867 as a small craft brewery and has survived many setbacks over the years. Today, Moosehead Breweries Limited brews 15 kinds of beer that you can enjoy in their taproom after the tour and purchase some to take home with you.
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89 Main Street West, Saint John

Zipline over the Reversing Rapids

Watch the Reversing Rapids’ whirlpools and waves below as you zip along at the Saint John Adventure Zipline. There are five lines to pick from to travel across at around 40km/hr. The Signature Zip is 670 feet across the water. Details

50 Fallsview Avenue, Saint John

Saint John City Market

Go shopping at the oldest continuing market in North America, which is open six days a week. Make sure to take time to visit all the vendors in the market, so you can find the best bargains. There are cafes, crafts, fresh produce, and meat along with many more items for you to look at on-site.
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37 Charlotte Street, Saint John

Uncorked Saint John

Take the 3-hour long tour with Saint John Uncorked. Your experience will include great local wine, craft beer, cider, spirits, charcuterie, and seafood from fantastic food and drink establishments in the city. This tour is an experience not to be missed when visiting Saint John.
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Skywalk Saint John

Walk 28 ft past the cliff edge on stainless steel rooftop observation platform constructed with sections of glass floor. Witness where 1.2 billion year old Precambrian age marble from South America collided with 515 million-year-old igneous rock of the Caledonia terrain from Africa.

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200 Bridge Road, Saint John

Gondola Point Beach

Spend the day, relaxing on the banks on the Kennebecasis River. Gondola Point Beach is a freshwater beach with a sandbar where you can walk and look for shells. You can also spot the Gondola Point Cable Ferry from the beach.
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Quispamsis

Quilt Barn Tour

Tour Kings County in a unique way. There are 19 locations around Kings County that are home to a quilt block. The stops on this patchwork path highlight local artisans, churches, historic sites, and other important locations in Kings County.
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Various Venues, Kings County

Firefly Forest Campground

Home to Atlantic Canada’s largest miniature golf course, along with a swimming pool and golf driving range, Firefly Forest is a wonderful place to camp out without roughing it in the woods. Close by to Hampton and Highway #1, it is the perfect base camp for starting out on the Southern part of the River Valley Scenic Drive.
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64 Robertson Rd, Hampton

Zelda’s Kennebecasis River Adventures

Relax as you float down  aboard an eco-friendly 260 sq. ft. pontoon boat along the twisting Kennebecasis River and see parts of Stonehammer GeoPark. You can choose from the three tours that Zelda’s Kennebecasis River Adventures offer or create your own custom tour to explore this beautiful river.
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1075 Main Street, Hampton

McGregor Brook Blueberries U-Pick

Grab a bucket and pick your own fresh blueberries from the patch surrounded by the evergreen forest. McGregor Brook farm grows nine varieties of blueberries. Berries are ripe from early August to September.
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325 McGregor Brook Road, Mount Herbon

Sussex Murals

Explore 27 panoramic scenes telling the larger-than-life stories at the Mural Capital of Atlantic Canada.
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Sussex

Sussex Craft Distillery

Using simple molasses and sugar cane to make a premium rum, the Sussex Craft Distillery opened its door in 2017 to make small batch spirits using high quality local ingredients. They also serve Maple Rum liqueur made from local molasses and maple syrup. Stop in during your trip and taste the history of the area in every drink.
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119 Cougle Rd, Sussex Corner

Agricultural Museum of New Brunswick

Farming was and still is a staple of New Brunswick’s economy, so the Agricultural Museum of New Brunswick celebrates farmers and the farming communities in the province. The museum features pieces from before the 1970’s. If you visit at the end of September, the Museum holds a Harvest Days demonstration that showcases how the tools were used on working farms.
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28 Perry Street, Sussex

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