A multifaceted cultural fabric.
The culture of New Brunswick—as felt in our music, foods, language, festivals, built environment, and history—is a fascinating mélange influenced by Indigenous, French, British, Irish and Scottish settlers, that is constantly changing with the influx of people from other parts of the world.
Cross over a century of timeGet ready to be whisked away to a simpler time—New Brunswick’s covered bridges are living records of times past. A covered bridge is a timber-truss bridge with a roof and siding. These coverings extend the bridge’s lifespan by shielding it from the worst the Canadian winter can throw at it, and they were once an integral part of life in New Brunswick communities.
Follow the coastline (one lighthouse at a time).
Nothing defines New Brunswick’s coastline more than the lighthouses that still stand tall as sentinels of the sea. Getting close to them is feeling close to the seafaring history that shaped this place.
The lower St. John River has a unique inland system of lighthouses that was designed to safely guide the old paddlewheeler steamers along the river in days gone by. The coastal lighthouses were known as “sea lights,” while the lighthouses on New Brunswick’s inland shorelines were called “beacon lights”.
Do you trust your own perception?
Cars simply don’t roll uphill. It's impossible, right? Well, drive to the bottom of this world-famous hill, shift into neutral, and be prepared to be amazed. Your car will roll uphill in total defiance of natural law, even as your brain is telling you it's simply not possible. Is it magnetic, an illusion, or a gravitational mystery? Stories about Magnetic Hill have been around since the early 1800s, and this wondrous place has been puzzling visitors for decades.
Find yourself above the fray of modern life.
When you escape to New Brunswick’s Appalachian Mountains, you connect more deeply with your own true spirit. But you also discover an intensely meaningful separation. Here, 400-million-year-old mountains invite you to embrace vertical distance from hectic everyday life. The Appalachian Mountain Range—a chain of ancient, eroded mountains that have created river valleys and low, gently rolling hills—is the most mountainous region in New Brunswick. Breathe deeply as you journey along clean waterways and through magnificent woods.
Feel more alive with every step The deeper you venture into the forested wilds, the deeper your sense of being refreshed. Our pure, natural world—its smells, sounds, and sights—has the power to renew you. Embrace it and chase it—with 80% forested land, New Brunswick is rich with opportunity both on and off the beaten path.
Go with the flow—or fight the current.Every river has two sides. Down current and up. And both are worth exploring—it just depends on the kind of mood you're in. Go ahead and amble lazily along with the flow of the water. Take it slow and take it all in. Or, be bold, and challenge yourself to an upriver, whitewater fight. No matter what, like a river cuts through the earth and finds its way through the landscape, it has a way of getting under your skin, and finding its way into your very soul.
Strong enough to reverse a river.A healthy respect for nature is not only responsible, it’s often practical. The Bay of Fundy tides are the highest on the planet—which means they have some punch.
The bore is anything but.Rivers flow in one direction. Right? Not always. Sometimes nature throws us a curveball. And when we witness one, it reminds us—in the most palpable way—that we aren't always in control. Though we are all a part of nature, we are also at its mercy. And that is a powerful realization. Case in point: the tidal bore.
Soothing. Intense. And everything in between.When out hiking a trail, there’s nothing like the sense of discovery when you stumble upon a waterfall. It often starts with hearing it. And as you get closer your curiosity is rewarded. Spying a waterfall is always a refreshing surprise during a long hike.
Discover established and emerging artists—and a deeper understanding.If your dream getaway is as much about inspiration as relaxation, then you’ve found what you’ve been searching for. On display across New Brunswick are countless international works of art, national treasures, and regional art. But you’ll also discover work by local artists and artisans from the past and modern day—each offering insights and ideas on our people and our place in the world.
Made by hand. From the heart.
You learn a lot about a place through the art of its people. The stories told in the quilts, knits, carvings, and paintings give a sense of our community’s culture. Each work is a living memory of the person and place it came from.
A culture shaped by notes and bars.What will be the soundtrack to your New Brunswick explorations? The natural music of the crashing sea and the peaceful forests? Or the instrumental music brought to life by talented people in our province’s concerts, festivals, cafes, bars, streets, and kitchen parties? Because wherever you go, one or the other seems to follow you—and set the mood in a most wonderful way.
Your seat is waiting. They say that a great story is immersive. That it surrounds you. That’s exactly the power of a story told through film, theatre, and dance. And in New Brunswick, you can experience that power, and the artistry of our creative people, at theatres across the province.
Discover over 1500 historic sites.History lives in the present. The events, ideas, and peoples of the past have shaped what our lives look like today. When you explore New Brunswick’s historic sites—our town squares, buildings, churches, fortifications, lighthouses, railway stations—you immerse yourself in tales that continue to be told. Through architecture and landscape, the stories of New Brunswick’s people and cultures come alive for you to experience.
Our stories. Yours to discover.
You’ll naturally encounter fascinating New Brunswick stories on your travels, no matter where you venture. Our towns and villages carry history in the people, language, landscape, and buildings. Our shorelines and their natural monuments are shaped by time itself. Even the trees in our forests are grand memories of time past. But when it comes to getting to know New Brunswick, you simply have to visit one of our museums and historic sites.
For necessities. But mostly for fun!If you enjoy shopping, you know very well that it’s not just about the purchase. It’s the thrill of the hunt! A great shopping excursion is an adventure. Most sizeable communities in New Brunswick are home to a shopping centre or mall. Champlain Place, in Dieppe, is the largest mall in the province, and one of the largest in Atlantic Canada with over 140 shops and services.
From farm to table.Farmers’ markets are wonderfully authentic, dynamic, and local experiences. Here, local growers, artisans, performers, and residents unite in a friendly and casual mélange. It’s one of the best ways to feel the authentic energy of a place. Become a part of one of these gatherings, and you’ll enjoy social mingling, discussions with growers and vendors, and of course countless fresh foods, delicious baked goods, and satisfying treats.
Take home some genuine New Brunswick.
New Brunswick’s history is one of resourcefulness. Of making the most of the land, and of using our own ideas, hands, and labour to manufacture the products our people need. Today, that’s as true as ever. New Brunswickers are proud of the products we make, and are even more proud to share them with visitors. So watch for locally-made treasures in your travels, such as art, jewelry, woodwork, pottery, or even soap.
New Brunswick was made for family fun.We all know how it is—the hectic schedule of everyday life makes family less about emotional connection, and more about getting through it all. Where the kids need to be driven; what activity each kid has when; and who made their lunch? Opportunities to connect—to truly enjoy each other's company—are few and far between. It usually takes getting away to get closer again. And New Brunswick makes reconnecting not only a given, but so much fun!
Up close and personal with creatures great and smallIt’s always thrilling for kids to see wild animals and ocean creatures up close and in “person”. It’s more than just the novelty of a living creature that’s not a dog or cat (or squirrel!) It’s a reminder that we are not alone—we are just one of the living beings that call earth home. And New Brunswick is the perfect place for the kids to have that experience.Magnetic Hill Zoo
Timeless scenery along storied waterwaysBoating and sailing in New Brunswick is an experience that’s so much deeper than the immediate pleasure of being on the water. Here, a voyage by sea, lake, or river is also a trip into the past. Because you’re travelling the same waterways—and enjoying the same vistas—that have been used by countless people for centuries before you. With 5,000 km (3,100 mi.) of coastline both rugged and gentle, 2,500 lakes, and a maze of other waterways, New Brunswick is a paradise for boating and sailing.
Don’t forget your binoculars.Many species of birds live in and migrate to New Brunswick's wilds and cities, making birdwatching here fascinating. Take it slow. Wait patiently, and remain in the moment. You will be rewarded with great sightings, and maybe even a “lifer”—a bird you see for the first time.
From rustic to glamping.There are few better ways than camping to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the pleasures of having nothing at all weighing on your mind. New Brunswick has stunningly beautiful places to find your peace and quiet.
Thousands of kilometres of waterways to discover.When you’re just inches from the surface of the water, and gliding silently through it, you and the natural world you’re exploring become one. In New Brunswick, there are swift rivers and calm ones, scenic coastlines, picturesque lakes, and placid bays.
