New Brunswick

New Brunswick beckons travelers with flower gardens, antique autos, golf greens, and scenic waterways. Whether you want to visit historic districts, tumbling cascades, grand gorges, gardens, or the longest covered bridge on earth, the province of New Brunswick can fulfill most anyone’s best vacation wishes.
We start things off at the tour in New Brunswick Botanical Garden in the town of Edmundston. Be sure nothing impedes your appreciation of the fragrances around the property. Visitors can stroll alongside the rippling stream through eight separate floral gardens and two arboretums containing more than 80,000 plants. Other city perks include the chance to frolic along the Madawaska River at de la Republique Provincial Park or attend an outdoor theater presentation along its banks. See vintage cars at the city’s Antique Automobile Museum or play 18 green holes at Fraser Edmundston Golf Club.
With Edmundston now in your rearview mirror, drive on Canada Collector Hwy 144 south through Saint-Leonard and into Grand Falls/Grand Sault. It shouldn’t take long before noticing how half the town of Grand Falls is surrounded by exquisite Grand Falls Gorge, a ravine carved by the cascading action of New Brunswick’s biggest waterfall. The best gorge views are found hiking on local trails. Be sure to step down to the “Wells of the Rocks” and treat yourself to a pontoon boat ride through the gorge. Next, learn about local folklore at the Grand Falls Museum and shop for homespun quilts and crafts on Broadway Boulevard.
From Grand Falls/Grand Sault, pick up Canada Collector Hwy 2 south and east. Cross the St. John River at a National Historic Site – Hartland Covered Bridge. The circa 1901 feat of engineering, located in Hartland, is touted as the “Longest Covered Bridge in the World.”
Further south on Hwy 2, the town of Nackawic has two unique attractions. First, take time to see 50+ species of trees and bushes at the town’s waterfront International Garden. Next, ponder the significance of the “World’s Largest Axe,” a seven-ton, 66’ stainless steel curiosity that stands guard nearby.
At the end of our one-fill-up New Brunswick adventure, the Historic Garrison District in the riverfront town of Fredericton enchants guests with professional storytellers, horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts demonstrations, galleries, museums, and a traditional ceremonial “Changing of the Guard.” The mid-1800s-era Christ Church Cathedral is a sacred showplace of both art and architecture that shouldn’t be missed. Beaverbrook Art Gallery presents a four-century span of work by renowned European and British artists, as well as notable present-day Canadians. And Fredericton’s Science East Museum features interactive exhibits that appeal to budding scientists of all ages.
www.TourismNewBrunswick.ca; 800-561-0123