New Brunswick is one of Canada's most beautiful provinces and is often referred to as the gateway to Atlantic Canada. It is one of Canada's three Maritime Provinces with features that resemble much of those of its nearest American neighbor, Maine. There are many places to explore such as the never ending rolling meadows with picturesque farms, covered bridges, and a rugged coastline featuring a wide range of sea life.
Saint John
First settled in 1783, Saint John is Canada's oldest incorporated city situated along the magnificent Bay of Fundy. This friendly Maritime community invites visitors to explore their beautiful and dynamic city.
A variety of galleries and shops can be found around Market Square that is surrounded by interesting architecture. Visitors can choose from a variety of excellent restaurants offering local seafood as well as various other fine cuisine while watching cruise ships at the port come and go.
For those who like fresh produce, a visit to the Saint John City Market is not to be overlooked. It is the oldest continuing farmers’ market in North America. A number of the businesses go back more than 100 years.
St. Stephen
Just across the border from Calais, Maine is the charming town of St. Stephen.The townis home to Ganong Bros Limited, Canada's oldest candy company. The company was created in 1873 and was the first to invent the lollipop, candy bar, and chicken bones (chocolate filled cinnamon hard candies).
It also introduced North America to a heart-shaped box of chocolates which eventually became a popular gift used as presents for the Christmas season and Valentine's Day.
Visitors with a sweet tooth will definitely want to arrange a visit to the factory. The town holds its annual Chocolate Festival in August providing individuals with the sweetest heavenly treats on earth.
The Chocolate Museum is definitely worth a visit with exhibits highlighting Ganong's role in building North America's candy industry. Other must-see attractions include the Charlotte County Museum as well as its historic covered bridges.
Fredericton
Situated along the Saint John River is the charming historic city of Fredericton, the Capital of New Brunswick.
Every year, the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival is celebrated in the city drawing thousands of visitors. Some of the major attractions include the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the York-Sunbury Museum and the Playhouse which also provides a platform for local talent and writers.
Outdoor activities
Among the many incredible places to explore are the famous Reversing Falls in which some 100 billion tons of seawater surge into the bay every six hours. This phenomenon is produced as the tide rushes upstream. The best viewpoint of the world's highest tide surge can be seen from the cliffs above Hopewell Rocks. Several excellent restaurants are located in the area offering delicious seafood dinners. The Fundy National Park can be found just a short distance from here providing scenic nature hikes that stretch for approximately 120 kilometers through the Acadian Forest past spectacular waterfalls.
Another location not to be missed is the Fundy Trail Parkway, one of North America's last remaining coastal wilderness areas. This is truly an outdoor paradise providing visitors with spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy. A wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as moose and deer, can be found along the trail. From there, head to the beautiful seaside town of St. Andrews that is located just across from Maine. The town is home to the iconic Fairmont Algonquin Resort, the Province's most elegant hotel, and spa. A short distance from here is the restored residence of Sir William Cornelius Van Horne builder of the Canadian Pacific Railroad.
