Discovering New Brunswick: Canada’s Underrated Maritime Gem

Montreal to Bathurst onboard the VIA Rail

My journey began in Montreal with a stay at the fabulous Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, perfectly located in the heart of downtown. From there, I boarded VIA Rail's Ocean train from Montreal to Bathurst, my first experience of rail travel in Canada. Staying in a private Sleeper Plus cabin was a real highlight, with comfortable seating by day, cosy berths by night, large picture windows and freshly prepared meals served in the dining car.

Bathurst and the Acadian Coast

Arriving in Bathurst, we began exploring New Brunswick's Acadian coast. After a relaxing visit to For Rest Spa, surrounded by peaceful woodland, we continued to Daly Point Nature Reserve, known for its salt marshes, walking trails and birdlife. A quick photo stop at Pokeshaw Rock gave us our first glimpse of the rugged coastline, before we ended the day at the Village Historique Acadien, a fascinating open air museum bringing Acadian heritage to life.

The Acadian Peninsula

The Acadian Peninsula was a real highlight of the trip. We visited unique stays including Estrella Glamping and Cielo Glamping Maritime, both offering a stylish way to connect with nature. In Caraquet, Hotel Paulin showcased the warmth, history and character of one of Canada's oldest hotels, while Shippagan offered a lovely coastal stop and a great base for cycling enthusiasts exploring the scenic Véloroute de la Péninsule acadienne. The day ended with an immersive dinner show at Cielo, celebrating Acadian cuisine, live music and culture.

Miramichi

In Miramichi, we explored Beaubears Island National Historic Site, a peaceful riverside location rich in Mi'gmaq, Acadian and shipbuilding history. We then joined Phoca Tours for a marine wildlife safari, spotting seals and enjoying the birdlife of the region. Later, Metepenagiag Heritage Park gave us a meaningful insight into thousands of years of Mi'gmaq culture, before we stayed at the lovely Red Bank Lodge, set above the Miramichi River.

Shediac and Moncton

No visit to New Brunswick would be complete without lobster, and Shediac, known as the lobster capital of the world, did not disappoint. A Lobster Tales cruise with Shediac Bay Cruises was a fun and memorable way to learn about the local lobster industry, enjoy the views and sample a true taste of New Brunswick. We then continued to Moncton, where the evening ended with the magical Akadi Lumina experience, an immersive night time forest walk inspired by Acadian culture.

Bay of Fundy and Hopewell Rocks

Our final day took us to the iconic Bay of Fundy and Hopewell Rocks, home to some of the highest tides in the world. At low tide, we walked on the ocean floor beneath the famous flowerpot rocks, before returning just six hours later to kayak in the very same spot. It was an unforgettable experience and a perfect example of what makes this coastline so special. We also visited Fundy National Park, a beautiful mix of forest trails, waterfalls, rugged coastline and sweeping sea views.

Final Thoughts

New Brunswick truly surprised and impressed me. It offers a wonderful mix of coastal scenery, wildlife, Acadian culture, Indigenous heritage, delicious food and memorable adventures. For anyone looking for a Canada holiday that feels authentic, welcoming and a little different, New Brunswick is absolutely worth considering.