8 Days / 7 Nights
Fundy Coastal Drive - Acadian Coastal Drive
Miramichi River Route - River Valley Scenic Drive
Day 1 : Aulac to Moncton (53 km / 23 mi.)
Fort Beauséjour National Historic Site of Canada – Aulac
Step back in time to an era when England and France were caught up in a tug-of-war for supremacy in Acadia. You will learn about the origins and history of the area's inhabitants. Star-shaped Fort Beauséjour, located high on a hill, has great views overlooking the Tantramar Marshes and Bay of Fundy. Built by the French in 1751 to defend their interests in the isthmus of Chignecto. The fort was taken in 1755 by the British and renamed Fort Cumberland, and repelled American and local rebel attacks in 1776. Reinforced for the War of 1812, it was abandoned in 1835 and declared a national historic site in 1926. Suggested time: 1 hour. TradeSmart.
Sackville Waterfowl Park – Sackville
Located in the heart of town, this beautiful park setting provides excellent birdwatching, Interpretative Centre and modern amenities. Enjoy a guided tour through the edge of Tantramar Marshes where more than 150 species of birds and over 180 species of plants have been identified. Suggested
time: 1 – 1.5 hours. TradeSmart.
Monument Lefebvre National Historic Site of Canada – Memramcook
The Monument Lefebvre National Historic Site commemorates Father Camille Lefebvre, founder of the first French language degree-granting institution in Atlantic Canada. This site also houses the Acadian Odyssey National Historic Site which is interpreted by the new permanent exhibit "Reflections of a Journey: The Odyssey of the Acadian People", which showcases the remembrance and celebrates Acadia from the Great Upheaval to the present day. Suggested time: 1 – 2 hours. TradeSmart.
Bourgeois Farms – Memramcook
A visit to this family-owned New Brunswick winery will have your tastebuds dancing. Located in Pré-d’en-Haut, just outside Moncton, Belliveau Orchards and Bourgeois Farms invite you to discover a variety of fresh produce, juices and wines available at its country-style market. Your visit would not be complete without a tour of the wine cellar to savour unique varieties of fruit wines including apple, pear, and cherry or old-fashioned cider and sparkling apple juice. Suggested time: 1 hour.
Arrive in the city of Moncton late afternoon.
Magnetic Hill – Moncton
Is it magnetic or magic? Drive your vehicle (or motorcoach) to the foot of the hill, put it in neutral, and just sit tight while you coast uphill! Suggested time: 1/2 – 1 hour. TradeSmart.
Evening Activity
McSweeney Co. Dinner Theatre – Moncton
End this great day at Moncton’s only year-round dinner theatre. The troupe will treat you to a memorable evening with an exceptional four-course meal, comedy and a little chaos that features favourite songs from the last three decades. Required time: 3.5 hours.
Overnight in the city of Moncton.
Day 2 : Moncton to Miramichi (166 km / 100 mi.)
Shediac Bay Cruises – Shediac
Savour the ultimate lobster experience with a “Lobster Tales Package” and learn how to haul in a lobster trap, receive cooking instructions, observe a cracking demonstration and savour a complete lobster dinner while at sea. Required time: 2.5 hours. TradeSmart.
Le Pays de la Sagouine – Bouctouche
The island where Acadians celebrate was created from international renowned Acadian novelists, playwright and author, Antonine Maillet, who invented the characters that live in this authentic Acadian village. Enter the fictional world of la Sagouine and leave with a true appreciation of the Acadian joie de vivre (joy of life)! Don't miss the fabulous dinner theatre presented throughout the summer. Interpretation available with advance notice. Rain or shine! Suggested time: 1 – 3 hours. TradeSmart.
The Olivier Soapery (Canada's Soap Economuseum®) - Sainte-Anne-de-Kent
In the heart of the Acadian coast, only minutes from Irving Eco-Centre, La Dune de Bouctouche, you are invited to walk through the doors to learn the history, evolution and the authentic techniques in the art of soap crafting. Discover the Olivier Soap Art Gallery featuring works of local artist in this family country soap shop. Olivier Soapery has earned a fine reputation not only for the high quality of the products, but also as an authentic “experiential” tourist attraction. You’ll want to visit the Soap Boutique which offers over 140 ecological, biodegradable, entirely natural and homeopathic products. Suggested time: 1.5 hours. TradeSmart. Free Admission.
Beach Glass Creations (Hudson Oddities) – Richibucto
Bring your imagination and learn some of the unique history of beach glass while touring a four-storey lighthouse. Enjoy time with an experienced collector and create your own piece of beach glass art during a one-hour workshop. Bring your creation and memories home. Required time: 1 hour.
Approaching the city of Miramichi you have now joined the Miramichi River Route which will be the evening’s destination.
Evening Activity
Miramichi Kitchen Party – Miramichi
Specializing in East Coast Music, the “Miramichi Kitchen Party” is an exceptional evening experience in Miramichi. Located in the Historic Water Street Business District, Saltwater Sounds has re-created a "down-home" style kitchen within its existing music store. Feel the down-home warmth of a cosy kitchen while enjoying tea/coffee and desserts and actually take part in a Miramichi Kitchen Party. Bring your tap shoes if you have them because toe tapping, hand-clapping and over-all fun is the goal of the evening! Suggested time: 2 hours. TradeSmart.
Overnight in the city of Miramichi.
Day 3 : Miramichi to Fredericton (180 km / 108 mi.)
Today’s journey is along the Miramichi River Route which parallels the world-famous Miramichi River enroute to the capital city of New Brunswick, Fredericton.
Atlantic Salmon Museum – Doaktown
Established to develop, promote and educate visitors on the life and preservation of the Atlantic salmon, this authentic New Brunswick experience unfolds the secrets of the Salmo Salar and the joys of salmon fishing. Suggested time: 1 hour. TradeSmart.
Central New Brunswick Woodmen’s Museum – Boiestown
Discover the unique flavour of local legends and folklore pertaining to the woodmen’s way of life in New Brunswick. This site provides visitors with a lumberjack woodsmen experience with 16 buildings filled with artifacts pertaining to the culture and heritage of the Miramichi River Route people. Suggested time: 1 hour. TradeSmart.
Arrive to the city of Fredericton late afternoon. Bustling with a vibrant cultural life, rich in heritage and close to nature, New Brunswick’s capital is a jewel in the majestic St. John River Valley.
Evening Activity
Beaverbrook Art Gallery “Dinner with Dali”
Enjoy a delicious catered dinner followed by a private guided tour of New Brunswick’s provincial art gallery. Home to a unique permanent collection including one of Salvador Dali’s most famous masterpieces, the huge 4 x 3 m (13 x 10-ft.) “Santiago el Grande” and the extensive collection by Cornelius Krieghoff and works of art by members of Canada’s Group of Seven. Required
time: 2.5 – 3 hours. TradeSmart.
Overnight in the city of Fredericton.
Day 4 : Fredericton
City Tour – Fredericton
Your visit to the Capital City is not complete without a guided tour of Fredericton by a “Calithumpian”. Discover the Historic Garrison District, the city’s premier and cultural centre which recalls the drama, the glory and the often harsh reality of our military past, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery (TradeSmart), the provincial art gallery of New Brunswick and home to one of Salvador Dali’s most famous masterpieces, Christ Church Cathedral National Historic Site built between 1845-53, Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, the seat of government in New Brunswick since 1882, and Old Government House, built between 1826-28 which was once the location of the 17th-century Acadian settlement known as Sainte-Anne. Home to New Brunswick’s Lieutenant-Governor, it is now a national and provincial historic site. Don’t forget to visit Officers’ Square, the beautiful downtown park overlooking the river in the Historic Garrison District, which now has a new washroom and event facility. With the new facility, and free coach parking beside the building, this site makes a great rest stop. In the Square, visitors can watch the ‘Changing of the Guards’ ceremony (daily in summer). There are free concerts on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and daily Fredericton Outdoor Summer Theatre performances. Visit the York Sunbury Museum or take a stroll along the riverfront trails. Suggested time: 2 – 3 hours.
Kings Landing Historical Settlement – Prince William (near Fredericton)
It’s not just history, it’s history well told. Nestled on the banks of the majestic St. John River, Kings Landing stands out as a striking example of 19th-century history brought to life. As the largest living history village in eastern Canada, Kings Landing boasts over 70 historic buildings, 120 costumed interpreters and 75,000 artifacts. Take your turn at churning butter, pitching hay or forging a nail or settle in for a performance at a barn-style theatre, and step back in time and experience the cultural adventure of a lifetime! Suggested time: 2 – 3 hours. TradeSmart.
*Kings Landing Option: Feast & Follies – ‘Off to the Woods!’ or ‘Goin’ to the Chapel’
While tucking into a hearty Loyalist feast in the ambiance of the 1855 King’s Head Inn, guests step into an event from our region’s history and perhaps even take on a character role! Costumed staff greet guests at the door and provide them with a memento that also serves as an introduction to the experience. You may find yourself working hard in a lumber camp, or taking part of a village wedding! Required time: 2 hours.
*Kings Landing Option: Victorian Vacation
This program allows guests the unique opportunity to actually experience life in a 19th-century village, through a day of hands-on workshops, and behind-the-scenes instruction. Beyond a guided tour, guests will spend the day with costumed staff learning about wool processing, cooking over an open hearth, blacksmithing, and enjoy an authentic lunch. This program can be customized to your group requirements. Required time: 7 hours.
Overnight in the city of Fredericton.
Day 5 : Fredericton to Saint John (105 km / 63 mi.)
City Tour – Saint John
Highlights include Saint John City Market, the oldest continuing market in Canada, dating back to 1875-76, Loyalist Burial Grounds, and the famous Reversing Falls - where the Saint John River and the Bay of Fundy meet at high tide, the bay (which has the highest tides in the world) forces the mighty river to churn, tumble and turn upstream through a rocky gorge. Suggested time: 2 hours.
New Brunswick Museum – Saint John
Canada’s oldest continuing museum features the “Changing Earth Geology Gallery” as well as other natural science areas including “Hall of the Great Whales” and “Birds of New Brunswick”. Hands-on interactive galleries tell the story of New Brunswick and its place in the world. Whether you wander through a lumber camp, examine a 14-m (45-ft.) long Right Whale hanging above your head, or stroll through one of three art galleries, the New Brunswick Museum is a modern museum that takes you through 350 million years of natural history. Suggested time: 2 hours. TradeSmart.
Reversing Falls Jet Boat Rides – Saint John
Unique in New Brunswick – two jet boat tours, exciting thrill rides in the rapids of the famous Reversing Falls, and sightseeing tour in the port alongside the Reversing Falls. At the Reversing Falls Interpretive Centre, discover how the impossible happens. These jet boats are specially designed to navigate in the Reversing Falls and are the only boats authorized to do so. Group packages with light lunch also available. Required time: 1 hour. TradeSmart.
Evening Activity
Water Street Dinner Theatre – Saint John
A local favourite, the Water Street Dinner Theatre has been rolling out performances since 2001 in historical uptown Saint John. Your fun-filled evening will offer lively Maritime talent via a three-act musical comedy and a three-course dinner with the performers also acting as your servers. Required time: 3.5 hours. TradeSmart.
Overnight in the city of Saint John.
Day 6 : Saint John to St. Andrews by-the-Sea ( 99 km / 60 mi.)
Morning departure along the Fundy Coastal Drive to “Canada’s Oldest Seaside Resort Town”, St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea, for a 2-night stay.
Freely explore the National Historic District and stroll along Water Street to admire the many historic buildings full of locally made products such as hand-knit sweaters, natural soaps, or hand-blown glass.
Whale and Wildlife Cruises – Leonardville or St. Andrews
Experience the phenomenal Bay of Fundy in relatively confined waters to view the unpredictable antics of whales, seals, white-sided dolphins, and harbour porpoises. Hear the vocalizations of various sea birds. See and photograph historic lighthouses and fishing villages. Trips narrated by professional guides. TradeSmart suppliers include; Island Quest Marine Ltd., Quoddy Link Marine Inc., and Retreat Charters & Outfitters. Tours to Roosevelt Campobello International Park also available through Quoddy Link Marine Inc. Times vary: 2 – 4 hours.
Roosevelt Campobello International Park – Campobello Island
This is the beloved isle of the late U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The 34-room historic Roosevelt summer home is the focal point of the Roosevelt International Park. Established by an international treaty in 1964 as a memorial to the late President and as a symbol of close and neighbourly relations between Canada and U.S.A.
Evening Activity
Heritage Discovery Tours – St. Andrews
For a change of pace, enjoy the Ceilidh By-The-Sea, an evening of music and stories. Guides are known as “The guides that bring history to life”, and are in costumes from the 1780s to the early 1800s. Times vary. TradeSmart.
Overnight in St. Andrews by-the-Sea.
Day 7 : St. Andrews by-the-Sea
Kingsbrae Garden – St. Andrews
This enchanting 11-hectare (27-acre) horticultural masterpiece is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top Ten Public Gardens and an Attractions Canada National Winner for best developed outdoor attraction. You will want to have your camera ready as you walk through magnificent collections of 50,000 flowering plants, shrubs and tress in this artfully designed garden. Home to the highly acclaimed Garden Café, where a delicious lunch can be served in this scenic setting. Suggested time: 2 hours. TradeSmart.
Atlantic Salmon Interpretative Centre – St. Andrews
Encounter salmon face to face in the in-stream aquarium. Explore the mysteries surrounding the wild Atlantic salmon and its natural habitat via the multi displays and museum. Learn about famous anglers and great conservationists. Enjoy the interpretive nature trail along Chamcook Stream. Suggested time: 1.5 hours. TradeSmart.
Overnight in St. Andrews by-the-Sea.
Day 8 : Departure Day
As you depart New Brunswick drop into the border town of St. Stephen for a delightful chocolate treat!
St. Stephen – “Canada’s Chocolate Town”
St. Stephen is Canada’s “Chocolate Town” for so many sweet reasons. This is where the first Valentine’s Day heart-shaped chocolate box, the very first chocolate nut bar and the pink cinnamon chicken bone were all invented. Here is where you will find the world’s only official Ganong Factory and Chocolatier.
The Chocolate Museum – St. Stephen
Devoted to the wonder of chocolate, the Museum offers hands-on exhibits, interactive computer displays, historic chocolate boxes, antique candy-making equipment and a delicious chocolate boutique for the sweet tooth in you! Suggested time: 1 hour. TradeSmart.