Canada's only officially bilingual province, New Brunswick is a destination shaped as much by its Acadian heritage as by its geography. Bordered by three provinces and open to the Bay of Fundy, it counts among its assets some of the world's highest tides, a detail that speaks volumes about the province's singular character.

Geographic Location

Located in eastern Canada, New Brunswick is one of the maritime and Atlantic provinces. It shares borders with Quebec to the northwest, Nova Scotia to the southeast, and the American state of Maine to the west. What strikes visitors most is the omnipresence of the sea: no point on the territory lies more than 180 kilometres from the coast.

History of New Brunswick

Long before the arrival of Europeans, the territory was inhabited by three First Nations: the Mi'kmaq, the Wolastoqiyik, and the Passamaquoddy, whose influence remains visible today in numerous place names such as Bouctouche, Memramcook, and Shediac. Founded in 1604 by Samuel de Champlain, Acadia established the foundations of an original French society in North America, before Acadians were massively deported beginning in 1755, an episode known as the Great Expulsion. After the American Revolution, thousands of Loyalist refugees settled in the province, leading to its creation in 1784 and its entry into the Canadian Confederation in 1867. Today, with some 854,000 inhabitants, the province continues to assert a vibrant Acadian identity while facing contemporary challenges, notably an aging population and the integration of rapidly rising immigration.

What to See and Do in New Brunswick?

The province offers a varied range of discoveries, from spectacular natural sites to cities with distinctive character and a unique Acadian culture found nowhere else in Canada.

Essential Natural Sites

The Bay of Fundy is the province's most captivating attraction. At Hopewell Rocks provincial park, you can walk on the seabed at low tide around sandstone monoliths sculpted by erosion, before exploring them by kayak at high tide. Fundy National Park complements the experience with more than 100 kilometres of trails along a dramatic coastline.

Cities to Explore

Fredericton, charming with its historic garrison quarter; Saint John, known for its reversible rapids and waterfront district; and Moncton, dynamic and home to the tidal bore on the Petitcodiac River.

Outdoor Activities

The province is a vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts:

• Hiking and cycling: Kouchibouguac National Park and Mont-Carleton provincial park, the highest peak in the Maritimes, offer trails for all levels.

• Kayaking and water activities: Sea kayaking is particularly popular in the Bay of Fundy, around Hopewell Rocks and the marine caves of St. Martins.

• Wildlife watching: The Bay of Fundy is a recognized location for whale watching, from mid-July through early September.

Acadian Cultural Immersion

Acadian culture is omnipresent in New Brunswick and deserves your attention:

• Acadian Historical Village: Located near Caraquet, this site immerses visitors in Acadian life from 1770 to 1949, with period buildings and costumed interpreters.

• Le Pays de la Sagouine: In Bouctouche, this cultural venue brings to life the world of author Antonine Maillet through theatre and music.

• Festivals: The Caraquet Acadian Festival and the tintamarre on August 15th, Acadian National Day, are authentic and memorable cultural experiences.

Worth Discovering Nearby

• Prince Edward Island: Accessible via the Confederation Bridge, this island province is renowned for its red sand beaches and bucolic landscapes.

• Islands of the Bay of Fundy: Grand Manan, Campobello, and Deer Island are reached by ferry and offer cliffs, historic lighthouses, and fishing villages. Campobello Island is also home to the former summer residence of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

• Nova Scotia: Easily accessible from New Brunswick, the neighbouring province shares the Bay of Fundy and allows you to continue exploring this natural wonder.

When to Visit?

New Brunswick experiences a continental climate with well-defined seasons, summers around 20 to 25°C and rigorous winters that can drop to -30°C.

• Summer (June to September): The ideal period for outdoor activities, festivals, and whale watching.

• Autumn (September to November): Forests display spectacular colours, ideal for hiking and photography.

• Winter (December to February): Skiing, snowmobiling, and winter festivals, including Fredericton's Winter Carnival in February.

• Spring (April to May): A quiet season and advantageous, away from peak periods.

New Brunswick is accessible from major Canadian cities and from the United States by several means of transport.

• By air: The airports in Moncton and Fredericton are the main entry points, served from Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa. No direct flights exist from European capitals.

• By car: From Quebec via major highways, or from the United States via the Maine border, notably at Woodstock and Stephen. A valid passport is required.

• By ferry: Services connect New Brunswick to Maine, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia.

• By bus: Coach services serve the province from major Canadian cities.

The car remains the most convenient way to explore the province, which is vast and poorly served by public transport. Car rental agencies are available at major airports and urban centres.

• By public transit: Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton have urban bus services, limited outside these cities.

• By intercity coach: Maritime Bus operates services between the province's main cities.

• By train: VIA Rail serves Moncton, Miramichi, Bathurst, and Campbellton, three days a week.