7 Days - 6 Nights
River Valley Scenic Drive - Acadian Coastal Drive
Miramichi River Route - Appalachian Range Route
Day 1 : Edmundston to Hartland to Fredericton (270 km / 162 mi.)
Dropping into New Brunswick from Quebec, your adventure begins in the lovely border community of Saint Jacques, New Brunswick.
New Brunswick Botanical Garden – Saint-Jacques area
Just eight km (five mi.) from the New Brunswick – Quebec border lays your first stop upon arrival into New Brunswick. Spread out over seven hectares (17 acres), it is both a haven of peace and relaxation and a centre for the study of nature in all its beauty and colours. Over 80,000 plants are represented. A variety of flowers bloom to the accompaniment of classical music, and trails take you along ponds and streams or to resting benches under trees. Suggested time: 1 hour. TradeSmart.
Chandelles artisanales – Saint-Jacques area
Discover the history and symbolism of candles when you enter this workshop and see how the candle maker skillfully blends traditional methods and new techniques. Guided tours for groups with reservations. 1 hour workshop available.
Grand Falls Gorge – Grand Falls/Grand-Sault
The explosion of water at the Gorge must be experienced to truly appreciate this unbelievable transformation of the gentle flow of the St. John River. Be sure to stop at the Interpretive Centre for information on the walking trails or ask about the pontoon boat tours. Then let the awe-inspiring vista of a mile-long rock-sided gorge take your breath away! Suggested time: ½ – 1 hour.
Hartland Covered Bridge – Hartland
This National Historical Site is the Longest Covered Bridge in the World! Built in 1901, its 390 m (1,282 ft.) were an engineering wonder. Your journey along The River Valley Scenic Drive which parallels the St. John River, known as the Rhine of North America, offers you the opportunity to cross the river via the Hartland Covered Bridge, as you enter the town of Hartland. Great photo opportunity! Suggested time: ½ hour.
Continue along the River Valley Scenic Drive with early evening arrival in the city of Fredericton.
Overnight in the city of Fredericton.
Day 2 : 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 a now a National and Provincial Historic Site. Officers’ Square, the 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, 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 3 : Fredericton to Moncton (174 km / 105 mi.)
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: ½ – 1 hour. TradeSmart.
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.
Pumphouse Brewery – Moncton
From brewing to bottling – You will be brewing, kegging and bottling the finest of maritime beers. At the end of this guided tour, it’s “cheers” to you as you get to taste the finished product. Suggested time: 1 – 2 hours.
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 4 : Moncton to Bouctouche to Miramichi (166 km / 100 mi.)
(via Kouchibouguac National Park)
Le Pays de la Sagouine – Bouctouche
The island where Acadians celebrate was created from international renowned Acadian novelist, 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.
KayaBéCano – Bouctouche
Offering safe, educational sea-kayaking adventures during which you will learn all about growing oysters in the natural environment. Required time: 2 hours. TradeSmart.
Beach Glass Creations (Hudson Oddities) – Richibucto
Bring your imagination and learn some of the unique history of beach glass while touring a three-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.
Kouchibouguac National Park of Canada – Kouchibouguac
Kouchibouguac National Park protects a variety of fascinating ecosystems and visitors can connect with nature in a myriad of ways by experiencing the Acadian forest, bogs, salt marshes, tidal rivers, lagoons and 25 km (15 mi.) of fragile white sand dunes. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded here. Times vary. TradeSmart.
Late afternoon arrival in the city of Miramichi.
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 actually 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 5 : Miramichi to Caraquet (103 km / 62 mi.) ( Distance does not include Shippagan)
Les Croisières du Cajun / Cajun Crossing – Tracadie-Sheila
Take part in a unique experience on-board Atlantic Canada's only “Mississippi-riverboat” style craft. Great music, a restaurant and refreshments are awaiting your arrival on-board for this memorable hour cruise joining two rivers. Required time: 2 – 2.5 hours.
New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre – Shippagan
At Atlantic Canada’s largest public aquarium, here's your chance to learn all about Atlantic marine life and its secrets! Discover a variety of fish and invertebrate species, such as the collection of sensational blue lobsters native to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Maritimes’ lakes and rivers. This top-notch research facility and aquarium will entertain and educate all who visit. Suggested
time: 2 hours. TradeSmart.
Ecological Park of the Acadian Peninsula – Lamèque
Stroll along the 0.5-km (0.3-mi.) boardwalk until it meets up with a forested interpretive trail. Accompanied by a qualified guide or on your own, you can observe the Black-Crowned Night Heron… along with osprey nesting in the area. Times vary: 1 – 1.5 hours.
Sainte-Cécile Church – Petite-Rivière-de-lîle
Don’t miss this breathtaking historic site. Built in 1813 and renowned for its architecture and acoustics, the playfully coloured church (on the inside) is a favourite among all visitors. Every July for one week, Sainte-Cécile Church features the haunting 17th-century and 18th-century sounds of the International Baroque Music Festival. Suggested time: ½ hour.
Overnight in Caraquet.
Day 6 : Caraquet to Campbellton (176 km / 106 mi.)
Village Historique Acadien – Caraquet
A remarkably authentic historical site where the story of Acadia comes alive in this self-sufficient village that accurately reflects the ingenuity and tenacity that enabled the ancestors of today's Acadians to survive the expulsion of 1755. Be sure to stay for an Acadian soirée where Acadian culture is brought to life through song, dance and irresistible Acadian cuisine. Suggested
time: 2 – 3 hours. TradeSmart.
Popes Museum – Grande-Anse
This unique museum relates the evolution of Christianity from year one up to present day religious congregations. Suggested time: 1 hour.
City of Bathurst
No matter where you stand in Bathurst, there’s a spectacular view of the harbour just waiting to tempt you to stay a little longer. A popular marina is located within walking distance of downtown, the perfect place to chat with locals with a history flavoured by rich Mi’Kmaq, Acadian, Scottish and Irish roots.
Captain Frank’s Boat Tours – Bathurst
Join Captain Frank Pettigrew and enjoy the peace and tranquility that seafarers have known for years, relax and get away while appreciating the scenic wonders of the Chaleur Bay coastline, and keep your eyes wide open for the magnificent Finback whale! Maximum of 30 persons per trip. Required
time: 3 hours.
Enjoy the view as your motorcoach continues along the Acadian Coastal Drive passing by the picturesque coastal communities of Beresford, Nigadoo, Petit-Rocher, Pointe-Verte, Belledune, and Charlo before joining the Appalachian Range Route, the most northern point of the province at Dalhousie.
Late afternoon arrive in the city of Campbellton. The city of Campbellton is set amid one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, the Appalachian Mountain Range, and is the home of the world’s largest salmon.
Overnight in the city of Campbellton.