This is a fall adventure for those looking to discover the treasures of the Fredericton Capital Region and beyond: craft breweries, cideries and distilleries, country markets, and riverside discoveries.
4-5 days, 280 km (174 mi.)
From Fredericton to historic riverside communities, you’ll marvel at rich history and culture, indulge in the flavours of harvest season, tunnel through the world’s longest covered bridge, and take in the colourful foliage along the Wolastoq (Saint John River).
Happening this fall on the Hops & Harvest Road Trip
River Bend Balloon Fest, Bath (Aug. 28 - Sept. 1)
Hunter Brothers Farm Fall Festival, Florenceville-Bristol (September-October)
Kings Landing Fall Events, Prince William (September-October)
PARTicipate Arts & Nature Festival, Florenceville-Bristol (Sept. 5-7)
Harvest Music Festival, Fredericton (Sept. 9-14)
Buttermilk Creek Fall Fair, Florenceville-Bristol (Sept. 20)
Fall Festival of Colours, Crabbe Mountain (Oct. 4-12)
Silver Wave Film Festival, Fredericton (Nov. 6-13)
New Brunswick Spirits Festival, Fredericton (Nov. 18-22)
Check out other festivals and events happening in the Greater Fredericton area this fall.
Days 1 - 3:
Fredericton Capital Region
~80 km (50 mi.)
Your Hops & Harvest Road Trip begins in the urban heart of the Saint John River Valley: the Fredericton Capital Region. Here, you’ll relax with locals over a pint on a lively patio, dive into rich history on display throughout the city, catch a show at a local gallery, and enjoy fall colours up and down the river.
If you’re in the city on a Saturday morning, fuel up for your adventures just like the locals do - at the beloved Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market, a city staple in the heart of downtown. It’s recognized as one of Canada’s best farmers markets, and for good reason with its lively atmosphere and overflowing stalls of local goods. In the fall, cooler days and cozy meals go hand in hand, especially when exploring Fredericton’s diverse culinary scene. Strolling around the downtown core will provide you with plenty of options for a bite and a beverage.
History lives loud here, which you’ll notice as you explore the city's neighbourhoods. Museums, heritage sites, large old Victorian homes and the Historic Garrison District create a connection to bygone days that’s very much a part of modern-day Fredericton. A visit to Kings Landing is a must. This 300-acre open-air museum, just 30 minutes upriver from the city, brings a 19th-century village to life with costumed characters, farm animals, and 70 historic buildings, plus special Thanksgiving dinners and festive fall celebrations.
With the New Brunswick College of Art and Design, as well as many exhibitions and art galleries, Fredericton is a hub of artistic expression where creativity and talent flourish. Experience the wonder of visual arts at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, where world-class exhibitions meet local creativity. Its permanent collection includes over 5,000 works, including several large-scale outdoor sculptures installed on the gallery grounds.
Fredericton is a place on the edge of nature, with plentiful waterways and pristine parks. Hiking, biking, paddling, tubing, and stand-up paddleboarding are all common pastimes loved by locals. Golf courses, gardens and an extensive trail system combine to make Fredericton a very active, outdoor city.
Speaking of trails, discover Atlantic Canada's Craft Brewing Capital through the Fredericton Taproom Trail in this region well-known for its craft brewing scene. Many of the local taprooms are right along Fredericton’s trail system so it’s easy to try them all. Be sure to grab a Taproom Trail Passport and collect stamps to win prizes!
Road Trip Eats
- 🥤 Fuel up with coffee from Milltown Roasters or a smoothie from The Squeeze
- 🍻 Enjoy local eats and brews with a river view at Picaroons Roundhouse and 540 North
- 🍽️ Have a date night with delightful small plates at 11th Mile or curated cocktails at The Provincial
Visit Fredericton Capital Region Tourism for even more ideas!
Days 4 - 5:
Mactaquac Provincial Park & Central River Valley
~200 km (124 mi.)
After spending a few days in the capital, it’s time to hit the road! Pack up and travel about 30 minutes west along the river to find Mactaquac Provincial Park. Located on the banks of the wide and winding Wolastoq (Saint John River), the park has fall outdoor activities for every type of nature lover.
From walking and biking paths to a golf course, TreeGo, and even houseboating, there’s an adventure for all types here. For anyone looking to sleep under the stars, Mactaquac Provincial Park is the perfect place to park your RV or pitch your tent, too!
Once you’ve relaxed and recharged at the park, find NB-105 N and continue on to Nackawic, which gets its name from the Maliseet word meaning “not in the direction it seems to be,” alluding to the confluence of the Nackawic Stream and the Wolastoq (Saint John River).
As an homage to its roots in the forestry industry, the town features an iconic photo spot: the world’s largest axe! You’ll definitely want to stop here for one of your (surely many) road trip Instagram stories.
Afterwards, hit up the Big Axe Brewery for some great beer and munchies, spectacular views, and warm East Coast hospitality. For a hyper-local terroir, the beer here is brewed onsite using ingredients from local farmers. The brewery has a restaurant on site, as well as events such as live music in their tasting room saloon full of character. With a few accommodations nearby, you can kick back and enjoy a few more cold ones...
Another 30 minutes upriver, you’ll find yourself in Woodstock. Enjoy a break at Fidelio Cafe then go for a walk in town to admire the architecture of local Victorian-era homes as you follow the self-guided heritage walking tour, and stop at Creek Village Gallery & Cafe. Be sure to visit the Woodstock Farmers Market, open every day except Sunday, to pick up some local treats from the lush farmlands that define this region.
In the mood to take in the fall colours and peaceful sounds of nature? Discover the waterfall at the end of the Maliseet Trail, only a 10 minute drive south of Woodstock, or explore the Meduxnekeag Nature Preserve, a great trail system that’s a 10 minute drive West of Woodstock.
Up next on your winding riverside journey is Hartland, home of the famous Hartland Covered Bridge National Historic Site, which is in fact the world’s longest covered bridge! Take a slow drive through this iconic landmark, or to really appreciate its length, park at the East shore end of the bridge and cross it by foot on the pedestrian walkway.
What’s a road trip without snacks? Head up along the East bank of the St. John River, and just before you get to Florenceville-Bristol, take a small detour to Noah's Ark Café, a small eatery located in a building of biblical size. Back on the main road, Hunter Brothers Farm is a must-visit fall destination with its themed corn maze, Adventure Farm games, and wagon rides.
Once in Florenceville-Bristol, stop for a visit at the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery. Another great place to stop and stretch your legs is the Shogomoc Railway Site. Here you'll discover three historic train cars along with an original 1914 CPR train station, a park, train-themed play structures, RV parking and access to walking trails. The site, recognized on Canada’s register of Historic Places, is home to the Shamrock Train Suites, where you can spend the night in one of their fully furnished repurposed train cars.
While you’re in Florenceville-Bristol, also known as the French Fry Capital of the World, you can’t miss a visit to the Potato World Museum. Take a guided tour to learn more about New Brunswick’s agricultural history. Then, treat yourself to a delicious meal and some gourmet fresh fries at their House of Fries. Before you leave the area, stop at Covered Bridge Potato Chips' Pop-Up Gift Shop and stock up on these delicious chips made in the heart of New Brunswick’s “potato belt.”
Finally, head off to the last destination of this road trip, the charming Village of Southern Victoria (Perth-Andover). While you're here, visit the Perth-Andover Farmers Market for even more local goodies to bring home. Get some fresh air on one of the many hiking trails in the area, including the Tomlinson Lake Freedom Trail, which honours the journey of Black families on the Underground Railroad. When the sun sets, head over to the Pathsaala Inn & Restaurant and spend your last night on the Hops & Harvest Road Trip in style.
Road Trip Eats
- 🥗 Grab a vegetarian lunch and pick up some local crafts in Woodstock at Creek Village Gallery & Cafe
- 🍔 Enjoy casual eats on a rooftop patio with a view of the World's Longest Covered Bridge at Twelve82 in Hartland
- 🍽️ Enjoy a lovely meal and cocktails with a river view at On The Boardwalk Café & Wine in Florenceville
- 🍳 Start your day with breakfast at The 878 Waterfront Bistro in Perth-Andover
KEEP EXPLORING: From Perth-Andover, continue on to the Rides & Welcomes Road Trip via NB-105 N if you’re looking for leisurely outdoor adventure and rich culture, or hop onto the Appalachian Outpost Road Trip via Tobique Valley (Plaster Rock) if you want to reconnect with untouched nature in the heart of the mountains.
Plan Your Route
Acadian Shores • Appalachian Outpost • Ferries & Farms • Fundy Coast • Hops & Harvest • Hub City • Miramichi River • Rides & Welcomes