8 Days / 7 Nights
Fundy Coastal Drive – Acadian Coastal Drive
Miramichi River Route – River Valley Scenic Drive
Day 1 : St. Stephen to St. Andrews by-the-Sea (29 km / 18 mi.)
Enter New Brunswick from Maine via the town of St. Stephen.
The Chocolate Museum – St. Stephen
Devoted to the wonder of chocolate, the Museum offers hands-on exhibits, award-winning interactive computer programs, historic chocolate boxes, antique candy-making equipment and a delicious chocolate boutique for the sweet tooth in you! Suggested time: 1 hour. TradeSmart.
Continue onto St. Andrews by-the-Sea, where you spend your first New Brunswick evening.
Overnight in St. Andrews by-the-Sea.
Day 2 : St. Andrews by-the-Sea
Wake up to a glorious day! Visitors can 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.
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 trees in this artfully designed garden. Home to the highly acclaimed Garden Café, a delicious lunch can be served in this scenic setting. Suggested
time: 2 hours. TradeSmart.
Sea Kayaking!
Make incredible memories in a sea kayak! Discover spectacular coastline, phenomenal eco-systems and incredible wildlife. Experienced guides will teach you the joy of paddling for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. Required time 3.5 hours.
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 seabirds. See and photograph historic lighthouses and fishing villages. Trips are narrated by professional guides. TradeSmart suppliers include: Island Quest Marine Ltd., Quoddy Link Marine Inc., and Retreat Charters and Outfitters. Tours to Roosevelt Campobello International Park are also available through Quoddy Link Marine Ltd. Required time: 2-4 hours.
Overnight in St. Andrews by-the-Sea.
Day 3 : St. Andrews by-the-Sea to Saint John (99 km / 60 mi.)
Bid farewell to St. Andrews as you continue your journey along the famous Fundy Coastal Drive to your next destination – the historic city of Saint John.
City Tour – Saint John
Your experience in Saint John begins on the historic streets of Canada’s oldest incorporated city where the richness of 400 years of history blends with the vibrancy of a modern city. 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. The Reversing Falls is a unique phenomenon with rapids created by the tremendous tides of the Bay of Fundy. When the St. 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.
Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site – Saint John
The only such tower in New Brunswick. Guided tours of a fortification built to defend the city of Saint John during the War of 1812. Required time for guided tour: 1.5 hours. 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 4 : Saint John to St. Martins to Hopewell Cape to Moncton (230 km / 138 mi.)
Depart the city of Saint John for a full day along the world-renowned Bay of Fundy!
The Fundy Trail – St. Martins
One of the last remaining coastal wilderness areas in North America is now accessible to the world via the Fundy Trail. Breathtaking vistas, flora, and fauna abound in this multi-use coastal experience hugging New Brunswick’s majestic Bay of Fundy – One of the Marine Wonders of the World. Visit one of a dozen observation areas and lookouts where you just might catch sight of whales feeding along the coastlines sculptured by the highest tides in the world. With 11 km (seven mi.) of spectacular coastal roadway and a 16 km (10 mi.) network of trails, “It’s Spectacular From Every View!” whether by motorcoach, car, biking, walking, or hiking and leads to the Interpretive Centre at Big Salmon River where you can enjoy refreshments or a light lunch. Suggested time: 1 – 3 hours. TradeSmart.
Fundy National Park of Canada – Alma
This 206-sq.-km (80-sq.-mi.) park protects a significant example of the Maritime Acadian Highlands Natural Region of Canada with its rugged shoreline, inland forests and unique eco-systems. Step-on guide services and customized tours available with advanced bookings. Times vary. TradeSmart.
Great access to the Bay of Fundy enroute to our next spectacular natural wonder, The Hopewell Rocks, Hopewell Cape.
The Hopewell Rocks – Hopewell Cape
New Brunswick’s most famous geological feature – home to the world’s highest tides! On par with the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, you can walk on the Bay of Fundy's ocean floor and learn about the region's natural history at The Hopewell Rocks Interpretive Centre. The gravitational pull of the sun and moon causes tides that rise and fall up to an incredible 14 m (48 ft.) twice a day -- every day! This is the only place where Bay of Fundy tides are interpreted. Exhibits help visitors better understand the unique Fundy ecosystem as well as the culture and history of Albert County. Be sure to check the tide schedule. Suggested time: 1 – 3 hours. TradeSmart.
Broadleaf Guest Ranch – Hopewell Hill
Sprawling saltwater marshes, spectacular ocean views and historic covered bridges. Yours to explore any way you like… by saddle, by paddle or by pedal. This 566-hectare (1,400-acre) ranch is in a magnificent setting, close to The Hopewell Rocks and Cape Enrage. Enjoy a half-hour marshland trail ride or covered wagon ride. Dining at Broadleaf is a feast of delicious taste, nutrition and the season's best produce. Enjoy some of the finest home cooking in the area. Times vary. TradeSmart.
Baymount Outdoor Adventures Inc. – Hillsborough
Join in on two unique New Brunswick adventures with the “White Caves” adventure – a vacation memory exploring underground secrets in the “White Caves” or “Kayak The Rocks” unique sea kayaking adventure exploring the world’s highest tides at The Hopewell Rocks. Fully guided interpretive tours provide learning opportunities while creating fun and life-long memories. Required time for “White Caves”: 3 hours. Required time for ‘Kayak The Rocks”: 1.5 – 2 hours. TradeSmart.
Arrive late afternoon in the city of Moncton.
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 5 : Moncton to Bouctouche to Miramichi (144 km / 86 mi.)
Depart Moncton and head east for the most culturally rich and exquisite Acadian Coastal Drive.
Irving Eco-Centre, La Dune de Bouctouche – Bouctouche
The centre was developed to preserve and restore one of the few remaining great sand dunes on the northeastern coastline of North America. The white sand dune stretches 12 km (7.4 mi.) across Bouctouche Bay and is protected by a two-km (one-mi.) boardwalk that provides access to rare plants and fragile marshes, and home to endangered species such as the Piping Plover. Interpretation available with advance notice. Full washroom facilities and Interpretation Centre. Suggested
time: 1 – 2 hours. Free Admission.
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 the 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. Free Admission. TradeSmart.
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 recreated 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 take part in a Miramichi Kitchen Party. Bring your tap shoes if you have them because toe tapping, handclapping and overall fun is the goal of the evening! Suggested time: 2 hours. TradeSmart.
Overnight in the city of Miramichi.
Day 6 : 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 experience with 16 buildings filled with artifacts pertaining to the culture and heritage of the Miramichi River Valley people. Suggested
time: 1 hour. TradeSmart.
Arrive late afternoon in the city of Fredericton.
Evening Activity
Cruisin’ on the Carleton – Fredericton
Feel the evening breeze in your hair as eagles soar majestically overhead. Watch salmon jump from the waters below as you enjoy a one-hour guided tour of the breathtaking St. John River, and the picturesque capital city of Fredericton, aboard the comfortable two-level Carleton II. Refreshments are available for purchase. Required time: 1 hour.
Overnight in the city of Fredericton.
Day 7 : 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 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. Officers’ Square a beautiful downtown park overlooking the river in the Historic Garrison District, 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, its 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, etc, and enjoy an authentic lunch. This program can be customized to your group’s requirements. Required time: 7 hours.
Overnight in the city of Fredericton.