Best things to do in New Brunswick

Packed full of hiking trails, thick forests, and rugged coastal stretches, Fundy National Park also boasts the highest tides anywhere on the planet. Situated along a namesake bay, the park features a 12 km (7.5 mi) long shoreline with tree-lined cliffs. Go for a wander and discover more than 25 waterfalls within the park, or journey along the 120 km (75 mi) of walking and hiking paths. At low tide, the water level can drop by more than 12 m (40 ft), allowing you to explore vast stretches of exposed seafloor. Be sure to check the tide tables to avoid danger from the returning water.

See the summertime retreat of the Roosevelt family, and discover the charms of the place FDR referred to as the 'beloved island' at Roosevelt Campobello International Park. Now a park administered jointly by Canada and the United States, the retreat's focal point remains the summer cottage where Franklin D Roosevelt and his family spent their holidays before he became the 32nd President of the United States. The cottage now contains a museum dedicated to the President, First Lady, and their family, with many rooms remodeled to look as they did in the early 20th century. The surrounding 1,134 ha (2,800 acre) park offers a wealth of walking routes, forestland, headlands, and beaches.

Adventure along Fundy Trail Parkway, a multiuse route through a national park. Opening up previously inaccessible areas of the coastline, the 19 km (11.8 mi) stretch can be traversed by car, bike, foot, or (in season) ski. Explore the coastal wilderness of clifftops and dense, lush forest, making sure to visit the right whale breeding areas. Many of the main viewing platforms and lookouts can accommodate wheelchairs; and, thanks to points of connection between the cycling-walking trails and the road, you can build your own itinerary of driving, walking, and riding.

Explore rock formations sculpted by the highest daily tides in the world at Hopewell Rocks. With tides as high as 16 m (52 ft), the site showcases two different types of shoreline. It reveals rocky outcrops at low tide, making the area akin to an exposed ocean floor. When the tide is in, you can explore the bay by kayak and hike through dense woods. Be sure to take the time to observe the tide coming in and out to see how the environment changes with this natural event.

Explore 243 hectares (600 acres) of diverse scenery at Irving Nature Park. Located just a few minutes from the city, the reserve protects the native landscape and wildlife of the area, with forest, marsh, and beach ecosystems managed throughout the year. Choose from eight walking trails of different lengths, taking in the diverse scenery of the Bay of Fundy coastline and inland areas. From the observation deck, spot seals diving and relaxing on the rocks, and bring your binoculars to observe the abundant avian life found here.

The 27 acre Kingsbrae Garden features over 2500 species of perennials, as well as a wide variety of trees and shrubs. Recognized with a number of major awards, the center includes notable collections of roses, day-lilies, and rhododendrons. Around the site, adorned with numerous sculptures and ponds, you will find alpacas, pygmy goats, and peacocks roaming the grounds. Enjoy a number of themed gardens, take a relaxing walk through a rare old-growth forest, or view the Wollemi pine famous for being Canada's first "Jurassic living fossil". Afterwards, you can visit the on-site cafe for lunch or a refreshment, as well as browse the gift shop.

Witness the phenomenon of Reversing Falls Rapids on the Saint John River. Caused by the highest tides in the world in the Bay of Fundy, the river flow reverses and causes the "rapids." You can view the falls twice a day at low and high tide from the Fallsview Park viewpoint, on the Reversing Falls Bridge, or another vantage point that offers a bird's-eye view of the river gorge. Visit the information center near the viewpoint for a presentation about the phenomenon.

Visit the oldest continuously operating farmers market in Canada at Saint John City Market. The market's first charter dates back to 1785, and the site continues to thrive today with loyal farmers and customers. The building itself is said to have been built by unemployed sailors and is in the Second Empire style of architecture. Farmers, butchers, and fish merchants all have stalls throughout the market; look for tasty local snack foods and drinks as you shop.

Head to New Brunswick Museum, Canada's oldest continuously functioning museum, which has been open since 1842. The museum provides a remarkable insight into New Brunswick’s rich cultural history and diverse natural environment. In the “Hall of Great Whales,” marvel at skeletons and a life-sized model of a North Atlantic Right whale, and learn about the wonderful marine life in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Understand the rich history of fossils at the exhibit named “Our Changing Earth,” followed by a display of shipbuilding from the 19th century in the New Brunswick Industry Gallery. On the top floor, see a permanent gallery of historical and contemporary New Brunswick fine art. The gift shop sells quality crafts, jewellery, books and toys.