Walking on the ocean floor, kayaking beside red cliffs, and discovering charming seaside towns—New Brunswick had a few surprises waiting for me! When you think of a vacation in Canada, New Brunswick might not be the first place that comes to mind. After spending a few days there at the end of September, I can tell you it deserves a closer look. We explored historic towns, wandered through beautiful gardens, walked on the ocean floor, and kayaked along the Bay of Fundy. We even squeezed in afternoon tea and a spa visit. That’s my kind of balance!
My biggest takeaway? Give yourself plenty of time. We packed a lot into a few days, but I could easily have stayed longer at every stop.
Our trip began in Fredericton, New Brunswick’s capital. The airport was small and easy to navigate, which is always a nice way to start a vacation.
We spent our first night at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Fredericton, and I would happily recommend it. Between the indoor and outdoor pools, barrel saunas, spa, and bicycle and e-scooter rentals, there were plenty of ways to relax or get out and explore. Here’s a fun detail: Prince Charles and Camilla stayed in the hotel’s Royal Suite during their 2012 visit. A little royal history to go with your hotel stay!
A Little Art and a Step Back in Time
Our first full day started at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, where we saw an impressive collection, including Salvador Dalí’s enormous Santiago El Grande. Even when a trip is focused on the outdoors, I enjoy making room for a little local art and culture.
Then we headed to Kings Landing Historical Settlement, where costumed interpreters show visitors what everyday life was like in 19th-century New Brunswick. You can wander through historic homes, watch traditional cooking, learn about crafts, and even try your hand at a few chores. My favorite stop was the Jones farm. Mrs. Jones was sitting beside the stove making fresh apple jam, and I could have stayed there much longer.
Next, we made our way to the seaside town of St. Andrews and checked into the Algonquin Resort. Welcoming guests since 1889, the resort has the kind of historic charm that makes the stay part of the trip. If you go, make time for afternoon tea. Fresh scones, pastries, savory bites, and a lovely cup of tea were a welcome excuse to sit down and enjoy ourselves between adventures.
Our second day began at Kingsbrae Garden, and there was so much to take in: flowers, sculptures, fruit trees, peaceful paths, and even a few friendly animals. It’s a wonderful place to wander without rushing. Around every corner, something else caught my eye. But my favorite memory? An apple.
I picked one straight from a pesticide-free tree and took a bite. I honestly think it was the sweetest apple I’ve ever tasted. 
Our next stop, Ministers Island, was one of the most unusual experiences of the trip. You reach the island by driving across a road on the ocean floor at low tide. When the tide comes back in, that crossing disappears beneath the water. We had a limited window to explore before we needed to head back. This is definitely a place where you pay attention to the tide schedule!
Standing there, knowing the water would soon cover the very spot where we were walking, was hard to wrap my head around. The island also has a fascinating history and beautiful scenery, so allow time to explore once you’ve made the crossing. Getting there is only part of the experience.
After walking through the gardens and exploring Ministers Island, we were ready to put our feet up. Back at the Algonquin Resort, we visited ASVA Spa for a Nordic-inspired hot-cold-rest hydrotherapy experience. This was my first time trying that kind of circuit, and let me tell you: the cold plunge takes some determination! But after alternating between the warmth, cold water, and quiet rest areas, I felt wonderful. I also had one of the best nights of sleep I can remember, which worked out well because another busy day was ahead.Out Exploring the Bay of Fundy
Our third day took us to the Bay of Fundy, beginning with a hike through Fundy Trail Provincial Park.
Once the tide was high enough, we climbed into our kayaks and headed out on the water. Paddling beside the red rock cliffs and exploring sea caves was a highlight of the trip. From the kayak, we could appreciate the coastline in a way we never could from a lookout. The Bay of Fundy is known for its extraordinary tides, but seeing them in action gave me a whole new appreciation for them. Earlier in the trip, we had driven across the ocean floor. Now we were paddling through a landscape shaped by that same rising and falling water. You can read about it and look at pictures, but being there makes it feel very different.
By the end of our visit, I realized how much we hadn’t seen. There were more trails, coastal towns, museums, and opportunities to learn about the region’s history and First Nations cultures. And, of course, more fresh seafood to try! What I enjoyed most was the variety. We could spend the morning in a garden, explore a historic island in the afternoon, and finish the day relaxing at a spa. The next day brought hiking and kayaking. Along the way, we met warm, welcoming people who made the visit even more memorable.
If you’re planning a visit, my advice is simple: leave a little breathing room in your itinerary. You’ll want time to stop at another lookout, linger over tea, explore a town, or follow a trail just to see where it goes.
Whether you love the outdoors, enjoy history, or simply want a vacation with beautiful scenery and a change of pace, New Brunswick has plenty to offer.
I came home with wonderful memories—and quite a few reasons to return.