Acadian Highlights of New Brunswick

Enjoy complimentary UK airport lounge access before your flight to Halifax, the provincial capital of Nova Scotia. On arrival, make your way to your downtown hotel, where you’ll be based for the first two nights of your trip. You may wish to head out for a leisurely wander to get an initial feel for Halifax, or simply spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel. 

Today is an ideal opportunity to explore Halifax, perhaps beginning with a stroll along the waterfront boardwalk. You might also be tempted to take a cruise through the harbour, explore some of the city’s excellent museums, or perhaps visit nearby Peggy’s Cove – one of Nova Scotia’s most emblematic lighthouses and traditional fishing villages, situated along a beautiful stretch of Atlantic coastline.

Pick up your hire car this morning and drive to Moncton, as you cross over from Nova Scotia to New Brunswick. This historic city is renowned for the tidal bore that rolls up the Petitcodiac River twice a day, with a single wave capable of reaching more than half a metre in height – so be sure to check the forecasted timings of this impressive natural phenomenon. Moncton is also home to plenty of superb restaurants, making this an ideal place for your first taste of New Brunswick’s flourishing culinary scene. You’ll be staying just outside the city at an award-winning, family-owned winery, situated on a restored heritage estate that dates back to 1867. 

Stay: Magnetic Hill Winery, Moncton (Standard)

It’s a wonderfully scenic journey today as you drive along the southern coastline of New Brunswick, where you’ll get your first sight of the Bay of Fundy. This region is famous for having the highest tides in the world, alongside spectacular coastal rock formations and a rich variety of marine wildlife, including whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals. Your destination is St. Andrews, one of Canada’s oldest and most picturesque seaside resorts, founded in 1783. Owing to its array of beautifully preserved heritage buildings, it’s a designated National Historic Site of Canada.

Stay: Rossmount Inn, St. Andrews (Standard)

Begin your day with a tall ship nature cruise departing from St. Andrews, sailing through the narrow passages of the Deer Island archipelago en route to the Bay of Fundy. From June to October in particular, there’s the potential for whale sightings on this voyage – so keep your eyes peeled for the likes of humpbacks, minke whales and fin whales. You may also be fortunate enough to spot dolphins, porpoises, seals and bald eagles. Back in St. Andrews, perhaps pay a visit to the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, enjoy a round or two of golf, or venture out on a horse riding or sea kayaking adventure. Later on, drive north to Fredericton, the provincial capital of New Brunswick, where you’ll be based for the next two nights.

You have the next day free to explore Fredericton at leisure. Be sure to visit the Historic Garrison District – a 19th-century military complex which has been transformed into a hub of culture, creativity and entertainment – stop by the excellent Beaverbrook Art Gallery, and sample the city’s thriving food and craft beer scene. You may also have time to visit the charming rural village of Gagetown on the banks of the St. John River, around a 45-minute drive from Fredericton.

Stay: The Red House, Fredericton (Superior)

Continue your journey north today, setting your sights on the salmon-fishing city of Miramichi, which harbours deep-rooted indigenous Mi'kmaq heritage together with more recent Acadian, Irish and Scottish cultural influences. Enjoy a scenic nature hike at French Fort Cove, admire the Gothic architecture of St. Michael’s Basilica, or visit the Metepenagiag Heritage Park for a fascinating introduction to the history and traditions of the Mi'kmaq people. Later on, why not head to a traditional Irish pub for an evening of drinks and live music?

Stay: Down East Comfort B&B, Miramichi (Superior)

The next leg of your New Brunswick adventure brings you to the Acadian Peninsula and the bustling fishing town of Caraquet on the shore of Chaleur Bay. Here, you’ll enjoy deliciously fresh seafood and learn all about the region’s Acadian heritage with a visit to the Acadian Historic Village – a living history museum that chronicles Acadian life from 1770 – 1949 through storytelling and immersive activities. There’s also the possibility of taking a day trip to Miscou Island, renowned for its vast peat bogs (which turn vibrant crimson in autumn) and octagonal, wooden lighthouse. 

Stay: Auberge de la Baie, Caraquet (Standard)

Heading south along the Acadian Coastal Drive, your next stop is the village of Saint-Louis de Kent, which serves as a gateway to Kouchibouguac National Park. Established in 1969, the park encompasses a stretch of the Canadian Maritime Plain, characterised by barrier islands, sand dunes, remote beaches, coastal forests and salt marshes. When the weather allows, it’s a perfect place to go hiking, cycling, or simply sunbathing on the beach. 

Stay: L'Ancrage B&B and Cottages, St. Louis de Kent (Standard)

Continuing south, make a stop in Bouctouche to explore its impressive sand dunes before making your way to Shediac, the ‘Lobster Capital of the World’. In the afternoon, you’ll set out on a boat tour with an experienced local fisherman who will teach you all about Shediac’s famous lobsters and the techniques for catching them. You’ll then enjoy a full lobster meal, prepared using the fresh catch you’ve helped to secure. Back on land, make sure to stop by the enormous lobster sculpture that lies at the western entrance to the town. 

Stay: Creekside RNR, Shediac (Superior)

The penultimate stretch of your road trip offers the chance to explore some of New Brunswick’s most captivating coastal scenery. First, marvel at the dramatic sea stacks of Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, where it’s possible to walk on the ocean floor during low tide, before moving on to the Fundy Trail Parkway, which encompasses numerous cliff top viewpoints, coastal forests, waterfalls and pristine sandy beaches. The Fundy Trail Parkway is part of two UNESCO designated sites – the Fundy Biosphere Reserve and Stonehammer Global Geopark – and marks the start of the Fundy Footpath, one of the world’s best hiking trails.

Stay: Inisfree B&B, Hopewell Cape (Superior)

Bid farewell to New Brunswick as you round off your self-drive adventure by returning to Halifax for the final night of your trip.

Return to Halifax Airport for your flight home.