Photo by: Bigstock/Autumns Memories
Dare to stand on the ocean floor? This could become a reality at the Bay of Fundy – home to the highest tides in the world. Southern New Brunswick, including the Bay of Fundy, is a fantastic area to explore with the family on a road trip. The many outdoor activities, museums, theme parks, and other unique attractions spread throughout the three main cities make this beautiful area full of fun and history without having to drive very far. Take an epic #ExploreNB road trip being sure to include visiting one of the 7 Natural Wonders of North America – the Bay of Fundy.
Exploring Fredericton
Photo by: Laura Snow
The capital city of Fredericton, on the beautiful banks of the St. John River, is a good starting point for exploring Southern New Brunswick. Travel back in time by visiting an 1800’s living history museum, Kings Landing Historical Settlement, where it’s all-in-a-day’s fun to churn butter or watch a blacksmith make a nail. At Science East, you can explore three floors of hands on science activities, and wander through the old jail cells in this historic building. One of the more adventurous activities in Fredericton is the TreeGO Mactaquac Aerial Adventure in Mactaquac Provincial Park. Climb high up in the trees, walk across wiggly wires and wood plank bridges, swing on ropes, and speed down zip-lines. The Delta Fredericton, on the banks of the St. John River, is a good hotel choice for families. It has an indoor and outdoor pool, bike rentals, and kids six and under eat free. Don’t miss the free activities downtown, such as the Changing of the Guard!
Exploring Moncton
Photo by: Laura Snow
The next stop on your #ExploreNB road trip is Moncton. It is a central location with a lot of activities within a half hour drive including Hopewell Rocks, where you can see the highest tides in the world. At Hopewell Rocks the tides rise and fall by up to 46 feet every day. You can walk on the ocean floor at low tide and touch slippery seaweed. Tall towers of reddish rock, called flower pots, tower all around you. Why not come back at high tide to kayak around these same rock towers? Just down the coast from Hopewell Rocks, on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Fundy, is Cape Enrage. Here you can have a wild adventure zip-lining or rappelling down a cliff to the ocean floor. Just don’t look down before you go over the edge!
On one of the hot days, Magic Mountain Waterpark is a must do in Moncton. You can take it easy on the lazy river and in the hot tub or go wild on the tube slide or Kamikaze! There is a wave pool, mini golf, and amusement rides to thrill kids. Don’t miss snacking on a Beavertail pastry. It’s a Canadian tradition! The Delta Beausejour is the perfect hotel for families in Moncton. It has a salt water pool, the biggest hotel water slide in New Brunswick, a games room, spa, and three restaurant choices.
Tip: Be prepared for any weather when you sight see by the Bay of Fundy as there can be a significant temperature change when you go from inland to the ocean.
Exploring Shediac
Photo by: Laura Snow
Next, head to Shediac on the St. Lawrence River, a half hour drive from Moncton. This Acadian town is known as the “lobster capital of the world” so be sure to take a photo next to the largest lobster sculpture in the world. You can have a lot of fun and eat a piece of the world’s longest lobster roll at the Shediac Lobster Festival. Don’t miss the white sand Parlee Beach and the Food Tour by Taste This. The beautiful Hotel Shediac is fabulous for families with a pool, hot tub, games room, complimentary continental breakfast, and free laundry facilities!
Exploring Saint John
Photo by: Flickr/Tony Webster
Moving down the coast of the Bay of Fundy is the foggy city of Saint John. The oldest market in North America, the Saint John City Market, is a great spot for picking up delicious groceries and local specialities. The ceiling of this colorful market is shaped like the hull of a boat and flags hang all around. We recommend Jeremiah’s Deli or Taco Pica for lunch and the Li’l Gelato and Sweet Shoppe for dessert. Walk outside the market and you can see the incredible architecture of Canada’s first incorporated city. When the kids get bored, stroll down the hill to the New Brunswick Museum in Market Square, the first museum in Canada. There are three floors of hands-on activities and exhibits kids will love, including a giant whale skeleton. Don’t miss stopping at Reversing Falls to see the whirlpools and rapids, created by the Bay of Fundy tides.
Exploring Saint Andrews by the Sea
Photo by: Laura Snow
The last stop on your #ExploreNB road trip is Saint Andrews by the Sea. This quaint seaside town was actually established by Loyalists from Maine and is a National Historic District. The historic Algonquin Resort is the perfect spot to relax at the end of your family road trip. The hotel was recently renovated and has a new indoor waterslide, fire pits, board games in the common areas, and even a ghost tour upon request. Turn off the electronics for a day, take a whale watching tour on the Jolly Breeze pirate ship, see the harbor seals at the Fundy Discovery Aquarium, or visit the alpacas at the Kingsbrae Gardens. Enjoy a family meal at Olde Time Pizza on Main Street before you head home.
Featured photo by: Shutterstock
- Exploring Southern New Brunswick and the Bay of Fundy with Kids - September 9, 2016