Posted on Friday June 19, 2020

Summer vacation: Discover New Brunswick's hidden treasures

The borders are closed, but no worries. When it comes to special features, our own backyard knows no borders. This summer, why not discover our province and its hidden treasures?

Lovers of the outdoors, history, swimming, sports or fine dining can all enjoy Acadia’s unexplored little gems, each more charming and beautiful than the last!

Wilderness Escape: Wild Acadia

After months spent indoors surrounded by the same four walls, between Zoom meetings, children running around and having to wear a mask, every part of your mind and body is screaming, “Give me some air!” The good news is that the great outdoors and nature are just a few steps away from home.

Take an RV road trip

Yearning for adventure and ready to hit the road? You don’t have to crisscross the United States to feel like you’re in the movie On the Road. Our spacious province offers plenty of spectacular drives, contrasting scenery and numerous amenities. Put some mileage on your RV and enjoy the pleasures of independence on wheels this summer!

To inspire your itinerary, find New Brunswick campgrounds on the Go RVing website.

Hike Acadia

Got ants in your pants? Other than your weekly trips to the grocery store, even those ants haven’t been out much. Give them a chance to unwind and discover our many trails! You'll find a complete list of hiking opportunities in the province on the Hiking NB website listed by distance, level of difficulty, type (linear, looped or varied), special attractions (bogs, waterfalls, birds) and region, whether you’re heading east, west, north or south.

Embrace nature... without the aches and pains!

Do you love the outdoors, greenery, the sound of peepers and flowing water but are less excited about the idea of spending the next year at the chiropractor? For the perfect mix of glamour and camping, discover the joys of glamping!

At Cielo, a glamping site in Haut-Shippagan, five luxurious domes that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings invite you to admire the sunset over the water in comfort and serenity. Come and revel in the amazingly fresh seafood at 232 Des Huîtres Road. A truly unique experience!

Aim high… and far

While waiting to climb Mount Everest or travel to South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, check out some local destinations that can make you feel like you’re on the other side of the world.

Miscou Island

A favourite destination of New Brunswickers and travellers from all over the world, Miscou Island and its lighthouse have become a must-see destination. Cross the bridge linking Shippagan to Lamèque Island and then the bridge leading to Miscou, where sand and peat bogs spread out at your feet and before your eyes, all in view of the vast Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Mount Carleton

A little higher, a little farther... If you’re overcome with the irresistible urge to climb, there’s always Mount Carleton. Located near Saint-Quentin in the north of the province, it features the highest mountain in the Maritime provinces. Ten kilometres of pure happiness will take you to the summit, for a breathtaking view of expansive forests, rivers, lakes and the Appalachian Mountains.

History at your fingertips

There’s always the famous giant lobster in Shediac’s Rotary Park that has been photographed thousands of times, but many historical monuments in New Brunswick deserve a few “clicks” too!

Roosevelt Campobello International Park

Campobello Island is a natural gem in the Bay of Fundy and is home to a large natural park filled with trails along the water. It’s no wonder that the Roosevelt family established their summer residence here at the end of the 19th century! A popular destination at the time for many wealthy Americans, the New Brunswick island was the perfect oasis away from the heat of big cities in the northeastern United States. Young Franklin D. Roosevelt, the future American president, spent all his summers there until he was 39 years old. Today, a museum makes it possible to relive this part of history.

Bertrand’s Village historique acadien near Caraquet

It's not just through books that history is told. After several months of doing (or trying to do!) home schooling, it’s time to get moving! For vacationers looking for activities with an educational twist, the Village historique acadien is definitely the place to be.

Costumed interpreters bring this historic complex’s approximately 40 buildings to life before your eyes as they depict the daily life of Acadian families from 1770 to 1949. Come and discover the Godin General Store, the Poirier Tavern, the Leger Blacksmith Shop, the old mills and the very first Acadian credit union, established in Petit-Rocher.

A photo studio, day camp and traditional cooking workshops are also available for young and old alike. And don’t worry! Management has taken great care to establish strict protocols to keep all visitors safe.

Like a fish in water

Want to be able to sing “j’ai vu la mer, j’ai vu la mer” (“I saw the sea, I saw the sea”) like Wilfred LeBouthillier in his song Le vieux loup de mer? Surrounded by ocean waters, bathed in lakes and rivers, our province was born under the sign of water. So put on your sailor suits this summer and head for the endless horizon!

Hidden beaches

Parlee Beach isn’t your only option. Our beautiful province has many other warm saltwater beaches with pearly white sand to enjoy! In today’s world, where closed borders force us to turn to local destinations, sun worshipers armed with folding chairs and sunscreen have nothing to worry about, as CBC reports. So here’s to your parasols, kites and Bermuda shorts!

Aboiteau: An ecologist’s paradise

The first beach in the Maritimes to obtain ecological certification, Aboiteau Beach in Cap-Pelé is a natural and environmentally friendly haven. After three years of hard work to be able to finally hoist the Blue Flag, emblematic of this international certification, the Village of Cap-Pelé is proud to offer vacationers a beach where the water is pristine and the facilities are managed in a green and sustainable manner.

Other beaches to discover this summer:

- Murray Beach on the shores of the Northumberland Strait

- Kellys Beach in Kouchibouguac National Park

- Grande-Anse beach near the Village historique acadien

- Youghall beach between the Bathurst Wharf and the Bay of Chaleur

The highest tides in the world

Forget California’s legendary surf! To witness the real power of water in all its glory, you need to visit the Bay of Fundy. Twice a day, 160 billion tonnes of seawater are drawn into it: a flow rate four times greater than that of all the planet’s freshwater rivers combined! Stroll at low tide along the Long Beach shoreline while observing the wide swath of seabed and forget all about those baby waves on America’s west coast.

A river run on inner tubes!

Increasingly popular, tubing is both fun and relaxing. Talk about a change of scenery! Hop on your tube and take to the province’s waterways by yourself, with your sweetie or with the family. Adventure and beautiful views are sure to be part of the experience on the Miramichi, Restigouche or Nepisiguit rivers.

Taste Acadia: A gourmet getaway

It’s good for the planet, the local economy and, above all, our plates! Why not seek out the countless edible wonders that grow right here? Supporting our local producers has certainly never tasted so good!

Ideas for culinary fun:

- Tour the province’s farmers’ markets

- Pick strawberries and wild blueberries in Kouchibougouac

- Have a picnic with lobster rolls from Le Moque-Tortue in Shediac

- Dine on a terrace in Moncton

- Savour local beers under a sunset at the halte nautique in Caraquet

- Fish for Atlantic salmon at Upper Oxbow Adventures in Miramichi

- Follow Tourism New Brunswick’s wine and cider route

With so many choices of activities to brighten up your vacation this summer, you’re sure to develop a newfound appreciation for our beautiful part of the country. Make the most of it, like so many tourists who’ve already fallen under our spell!