Fundy Coastal Drive of New Brunswick
For those visitors looking to get in touch with nature the Fundy Coastal Drive is just for you.
Full of wildlife, scenic adventures, natural wonders and eco-tourism this is the place you go to see it all.
You’ll find tons of information at the main Visitor Information Centres in St. Stephen and Aulac, at either ends of the driving route, though there are a number of municipal centres in between.
Fundy Coastal Drive
The Fundy Coastal Drive is where dreams come alive.
Whale watching tours take you close to 15 species of whales, including the rare Right Whale. Many species of bird and other coastal life live in abundance here and can be seen throughout many of the parks and from the beaches in this region.
Hiking through national parks and kayaking through amazing natural land formations inspire everyone who takes part. It’s your turn!
But that’s not all, there’s much more hiding in this wondrous part of New Brunswick. The highlights of the Fundy Coastal Drive include:
St. Stephen
One visit to Canada’s Chocolate Town will test your sweet tooth. Visit the Chocolate Museum or the Ganong Chocolatier. Ganong is Canada’s oldest independent candy maker and the first one to invent both the chocolate nut bar and the heart shaped Valentines box. Take a stroll down the St. Croix River trail to walk off that sugar and savour the coastal views while you’re at it.
St. Andrews
Also known as St. Andrews-by-the-Sea this town is one of New Brunswick’s most popular vacation destinations and it’s not hard to see why. Stay at the world famous Fairmont Algonquin hotel and hit a round of golf at the Thomas McBroom designed course or choose another of our great cottages and hotels or Bed and Breakfasts to stay at.
Check out downtown to find that perfect piece of New Brunswick memorabilia and stop by Kingsbrae Garden, one of the Top Ten Public Gardens in Canada. At low tide take a trip across the ocean floor to sir William Van Horne’s historic home on Ministers Island (in the winter you can cross country ski or go tubing there) or head out whale watching New Brunswick-watch for spouts!
Grand Manan, Campobello & Deer islands
Board a ferry from Blacks Harbour and head over to this set of islands. Sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery, wildlife viewing more are available and well worth the boat ride over. Make sure to try some fresh seafood and comb the beaches during low tide.
Grand Manan is home to over 240 bird species and is the best place to whale watch in New Brunswick. Pack your hiking shoes, binoculars and cameras!
Campobello is famous for the Roosevelt Cottage Museum, a favourite of the late U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Campobello also has great camping sites and a 9-hole golf course.
Saint John
Canada’s first official city Saint John has been designated as a Culture Capital of Canada for 2010 and features a host of fun activities and events to honour its 225th birthday this year.
Saint John has it all. View the reversing rapids in the St. John River or better yet do it by jet boat, visit the New Brunswick Museum and its Great Hall of Whales, North America’s oldest market or go for a day trek at the Irving Nature Park along the Bay of Fundy coastline. Jump on a whale watching excursion, or a day trip to one of the nearby communities or take the kids to the Cherry Brook Zoo and Vanished Kingdom Park.
Fundy Trail Parkway
You can’t make a trip to New Brunswick without stopping here. The Fundy Trail Parkway is a mecca for hikers, mountain bikers, cross country skiers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The 11km (7 mi.) trail is just outside of the town of St. Martins and visitors can get a taste of real wilderness here.
Rare Right Whales call the area off the coast of the Fundy Trail home during breeding season and the area is superb for seeing birds and marine life. Tall cliffs hug the coastline as the world’s highest tides wash in and out twice a day. Take a walk on the wild side a cross the suspension bridge and view magnificent waterfalls that cascade over picturesque beaches.
Serious backpackers can take three or four days across the Fundy Footpath from the Big Salmon River to Fundy National Park.
Open from May to October Cape Enrage is a great place to adventure. Day tours include climbing, rappelling and an obstacle course. When the tide is out fossils and seashells dot the beach, while visitors descend down sandstone cliffs. The area surrounds an historic lighthouse and the views were named one of the best by Frommers Canada.
Follow a knowledgeable Park Canada guide to learn all there is to know about the flora and fauna of this awe-inspiring park. Hike over 100 km in trails, swim, fish, mountain bike, bird watch or boat around this area to take in all there is. Picnic areas and camping are available and in the winter cross country skiers or snowshoers can head out to the Point Wolfe Campground for a true outdoor experience. The cabin sleeps four and has a wood stove and firewood but not much else.
Hopewell Rocks
These natural stone “flowerpot” sculptures are best viewed during low tide. The landforms are caused by the powerful waters of the Bay of Fundy tides. Walk down the steps to stand near them and head to the interpretive centre to learn more about them. Stay for a while and experience the tide coming in or going out, it truly is a natural wonder.
Sackville
Few towns are as unique as Sackville. As soon as one steps foot in this peaceful place they start to explore the cultural and artistic roots the town is built on. Live theatre, music and events are always taking place and there are great art galleries such as the Owens Art Gallery (the oldest university art gallery in Canada), that feature pottery, glass, painting, paper and screen printing.
Make sure to stop at the Boultenhouse Heritage Centre to get a view of New Brunswick’s rich history in ship building and take the family to the Sackville Waterfowl Park where over 55 acres of parkland is threaded with boardwalk trails and home to more than 160 bird species and about 200 plant species.
