This road trip through New Brunswick, Canada, led me on a memorable journey through breathtaking natural sites, fascinating history, and charming towns. From Fredericton to the iconic Fundy National Park and beyond, each stop along the way revealed unique landscapes and cultural gems that make New Brunswick a must-see destination. Here’s a highlight reel of the adventure.
Starting in Fredericton: New Brunswick’s Capital Charm
The journey began in Fredericton, a city known for its welcoming vibe and colonial heritage. Exploring the local arts scene, boutique shops, and vibrant cafes set the tone for the road trip ahead, creating an inviting introduction to New Brunswick.
Ministers Island and Saint Andrews: A Historic and Scenic Getaway in New Brunswick
After leaving Fredericton, I headed toward Saint Andrews, with Ministers Island as my first destination. This unique tidal island, once the summer retreat of Sir William Van Horne, is a blend of historical intrigue and coastal beauty. Just off Saint Andrews, Ministers Island is accessible only at low tide, when a sand and gravel causeway appears, allowing visitors to cross. Timing the journey is key, as the causeway becomes submerged at high tide, adding a thrilling element of adventure to each visit. Crossing as the tides permit, visitors are greeted by stunning, ever-changing vistas sculpted by the powerful Bay of Fundy tides.
Saint Andrews: Seaside Allure
Driving into Saint Andrews, I was greeted by the quaint charm of this coastal town. Known for its maritime history, Saint Andrews boasts beautiful harbor views, unique shops, and cozy cafes, making it an ideal stop to enjoy the peaceful rhythm of a seaside town. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:
Kingsbrae Garden: This award-winning garden is a peaceful retreat filled with over 50,000 perennials, sculptures, and themed garden areas. Winding pathways lead through flower beds, mature trees, and even a Dutch windmill, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
Saint Andrews Waterfront: Known for its picturesque harbor and coastal charm, the waterfront area is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Cozy cafes, gift shops, and scenic views of the bay create a welcoming atmosphere to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.
Whale Watching and Kayaking: For those seeking a bit of adventure, Saint Andrews is one of the world’s best spots for whale-watching, with the Bay of Fundy drawing humpback, minke, and fin whales. Kayaking along the shoreline provides a unique perspective on the town and the rugged coastal landscape.
Historic Sites and Museums: Saint Andrews is filled with historic charm, with many buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Charlotte County Archives and the Ross Memorial Museum provide a fascinating look into the town’s past for history enthusiasts.
Ministers Island and Saint Andrews together offer a perfect blend of history, scenic beauty, and maritime charm. From the adventure of crossing with the tides to the peaceful garden paths and waterfront views, these destinations provide a memorable escape where every detail—from stone structures to sea breezes—adds to the magic of New Brunswick’s coastline.
Historic Sites in Saint John
Next on my list was Saint John, a city rich with historical sites and natural wonders, was up next. Highlights included:
Saint John City Market: This bustling market had an array of local products, fresh produce, and handmade crafts. It’s one of North America’s oldest continuous markets, offering an authentic look at the local culture.
Reversing Falls: A natural marvel, the Reversing Falls showcases the tidal power of the Bay of Fundy as the river flow reverses. Watching the water ebb and flow was a captivating experience.
Carleton Martello Tower: This historic military site gave insight into Canada’s history while offering panoramic views of Saint John and the bay.
Harbour Passage Trail: This scenic trail along the waterfront provided relaxing views of the port and river, with informational displays detailing the city’s maritime history.
Cape Spencer Lighthouse: Standing on the rugged coastline, Cape Spencer Lighthouse was a peaceful spot to enjoy coastal views and a perfect end to the Saint John leg of the trip.
St. Martins and St. Martins Sea Caves: Coastal Wonders
The village of St. Martins charmed with its iconic covered bridges, but the true highlight was the Sea Caves. At low tide, I explored the caves along the rugged shore, where the dramatic red rock formations were as captivating as they were ancient.
The Fundy Trail Parkway: Stunning Coastal Views and Lookouts
From St. Martins, I continued along the Fundy Trail Parkway, a scenic coastal drive that showcases the natural beauty of New Brunswick. Here are some of the highlights:
Tuft’s Plateau Lookout: The lookout at Tuft’s Plateau marked the start of my journey along the Fundy Trail Parkway, with sweeping views that set the stage for an incredible drive.
Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge: Crossing this suspension bridge was exhilarating, offering views of the river below and the surrounding forest. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Fundy Trail Parkway Interpretive Center: The interpretive center provided fascinating insights into the area’s history and ecology, making it a great stop for those wanting to learn more about the parkway’s unique environment.
Waterfall Lookout: The serene waterfall lookout offered beautiful views of cascading falls, surrounded by the lush landscape of the Bay of Fundy region.
Fox Rock Lookout: My journey along the parkway ended with a stop at Fox Rock Lookout, where I enjoyed sweeping views of the Bay of Fundy coastline—a picture-perfect finale to the scenic route.
The Bay of Fundy National Park: Awe-Inspiring Coastal Beauty
Following the Fundy trail, I made my way to Bay of Fundy National Park, a place famous for the highest tides in the world and stunning coastal landscapes.
Hopewell Rocks: The towering flowerpot rocks, sculpted by the Bay of Fundy’s massive tides, were a sight to behold. At low tide, I walked around these unique formations, a photographer’s dream and one of Canada’s most iconic natural landmarks.
Cape Enrage: Known for its dramatic cliffs and historic lighthouse, Cape Enrage offered breathtaking views over the bay. This rugged, windswept location is perfect for those who enjoy both beauty and adventure.
Waterfalls and Trails: Hiking trails took me through lush forests to hidden waterfalls like Forty-Five River Falls and Dickson Falls. The rushing waters and serene surroundings made for an idyllic nature experience.
The Scenic Route: Priceville Footbridge and McNamee
After the amazing national park, I drove to the Priceville Footbridge, the longest suspension bridge in New Brunswick, offering stunning views over the Miramichi River. The nearby area of McNamee provided a perfect opportunity for a peaceful escape along the riverbanks, capturing the rural charm of this region.
Moncton: Tidal Bore and Magnetic Hill
Moncton was a fascinating next stop with two notable natural attractions:
Tidal Bore: Watching the powerful tidal bore as it surged through the Petitcodiac River was a unique experience.
Magnetic Hill: Defying gravity, I “rolled uphill” at Magnetic Hill, an optical illusion that’s fun for all ages.
Moncton also marked the end of this remarkable road trip through New Brunswick. The journey was a celebration of Canada’s eastern treasures – a blend of coastal views, local history, and natural landmarks. Each stop was more than a destination; it was a story, a sight, and a memory that made this road trip unforgettable.
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