New Brunswick Scenic Drives
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

	Scenic Drives Photo Courtesy of the New Brunswick Government

New Brunswick, known as the gateway to Atlantic Canada, is one of Canada's most historic, picturesque and untouched provinces. From its woodlands to its coastal shores, to its rivers, parks and farmlands, New Brunswick offers a diverse ecological landscape in which to enjoy an endless array of outdoor activities. Not only is it a naturalist's dream, it is full of rich history, showcased by its many museums, historical sites, festivals and covered bridges. The pride of New Brunswick comes shining through its residents who are only too happy to offer helpful advice and information to the visitor.

Because New Brunswick has an array of varied terrain, assorted areas of historical interest and distinct preferences for every traveller, the province offers five diverse scenic drives, which take the visitor off the beaten path and deep into the eart of New Brunswick. Many of these drives can be easily driven in a day, but there is such an array of sights to be discovered, it is recommended that travellers take their time; it would be a shame to miss a thing.

RIVER VALLEY SCENIC DRIVE

The River Valley Scenic Drive stretches from Edmundston in the northwest region of New Brunswick, passes through the centrally-located capital city of Fredericton, moves south to the largest city of Saint John and returns inland to the festival town of Sussex. This scenic drive is aptly named as it follows the mighty St. John River and passes through a host of sights on the way, including rolling hills and farmland, a multitude of small ferry ports and covered bridges. In addition to the endless number of attractions and activities available along this drive, it is here where visitors can uncover the mysteries of the St. John River at the Reversing and Grand Falls, and drive through the world's largest covered bridge. Or spend some time exploring the history of New Brunswick and take in a festival or two along the way.

The River Valley Scenic Drive is roughly 466 km (289 mi) from tip-to-tip, a trip that can be easily travelled in approximately six hours by car and seven hours by motorcoach. However, in order to take in all the sights this stretch of road has to offer, a leisurely pace is recommended. There are several accommodation options along this scenic drive, from historic bed & breakfasts to charming inns to large hotels.

Fortin du P'tit Sault Blockhouse - Edmundston
The first major centre on the River Valley Scenic Drive is Edmundston, known as Gateway City due to its close proximity to both the province of Quebec and the U.S. state of Maine. Visit the Fortin du P'tit Sault Blockhouse, a British military fort, and the Madawaska Historical Museum, which offer insight into the Edmundston and area's historical past, including the Aroostook War, a battle over the boundary line between the U.S.A. and Canada, or what was then British North America.

	Grand Falls and Gorge Photo Courtesy of the New Brunswick Government

Grand Falls - Grand Falls
Approximately 53 km (33 mi) south of Edmundston is the town of Grand Falls, and with it, the Grand Falls Gorge and Waterfalls, known as the largest waterfalls east of Niagara. They are located directly in the downtown core and provide a breathtaking natural backdrop for the small town. The gorge stretches over 1.5 km (1 mi) and boasts cliff walls up to 70 m (230 ft) high. Take a guided tour of the falls by pontoon or on foot and learn how the gorge was slowly carved out over millions of years by the cascading waters of the St. John River.

Hartland Covered Bridge - Hartland
Following this scenic drive south, the traveller will encounter many small covered bridges along the way, due to the St. John River, which is never far from sight. However, one covered bridge near the small town of Hartland is sure to stand out. Measuring over 391 m (1,282 ft) in length, the Hartland Covered Bridge was erected in 1901 and stretches across the length of the St. John River. This is the longest covered bridge, or kissing bridge as it is sometimes referred to by locals, in the world.

Reversing Falls - Saint John
South of the Hartland Covered Bridge is the largest city in New Brunswick, Saint John. Not only is it a city filled with cultural charm and a multitude of attractions, it is home to the famous Reversing Falls, a series of rapids located on the St. John River. This reversal of current is due to a narrow portion of the St. John River emptying into the Bay of Fundy. Because the tidal waters of the Bay of Fundy are the highest in the world, the sudden rise of tide causes the current to reverse itself. The Reversing Falls have become a popular tourist spot, and are viewable from the observation deck or up close in a jet boat or bubble ride.

Atlantic Balloon Festival - Sussex
If one is lucky enough to drive through Sussex in the month of September, it is almost impossible to miss dozens of hot-air balloons in the skies. This is the Atlantic Balloon Festival, the largest of its kind in Atlantic Canada. Over 30,000 people flock to Sussex each year to take part in the festivities, which also include a craft fair, car show, local cuisine and musical performances.

FUNDY COASTAL DRIVE

Appropriately named, the Fundy Coastal Drive follows the Bay of Fundy along the south coast of New Brunswick. Beginning in the town of St. Stephen, follow Highway 1 along the coast through Saint John to St. Martins. From there, the drive winds inland to Sussex, back down to the coast through Fundy National Park to Alma and past the famous Hopewell Rocks. Moving inland to Moncton and through Dieppe, it continues along the coast once again, ending in the Town of Sackville. This portion of the coastline boasts many scenic coves, lighthouses and beaches.

The Fundy Coastal Drive measures approximately 391 km (243 mi), a trip that can be travelled in five hours by car and six hours by motorcoach. However, the many attractions along the way will warrant many unplanned stops, overnight stays and jaunts from place-to-place. Along this scenic route, the whale-watching is second to none, the golfing world-class, the accommodations inviting and the views magnificent.

The Chocolate Museum - St. Stephen
The first town in the Fundy Coastal Drive presents a treat for all ages. St. Stephen is affectionately known as Canada's Chocolate Town as it was once the home of the Ganong brothers, who started the famous Ganong Chocolates in the early 19th century. It is in this very town that the first Valentine's Day heart-shaped box and the pink cinnamon chicken bone were invented. St. Stephen is home to both an official Ganong Chocolatier and a Chocolate Museum, which trace this delectable delicacy through the ages, and home to the Chocolate Festival, a week-long celebration.

	Fairmont Algonquin Golf Resort Photo Courtesy of the New Brunswick Government

Fairmont Algonquin Golf Resort - St. Andrews
A mere 29 km (18 mi) down the road from St. Stephen, is St. Andrews-By-The-Sea, Canada's oldest seaside resort town. While St. Andrews has it all when it comes to charming accommodations, ocean activities, shopping, dining, and the famous Kingsbrae Garden, it is perhaps best known as the home of the Fairmont Algonquin Golf Resort. This is a world-class facility, designed by the renowned Thomas McBroom, which attracts thousands of visitors a year. It is the recipient of many awards and has been noted as the top golf course in New Brunswick and one of the top 20 courses in Canada. In addition to the golf course, the resort includes a relaxing spa, deluxe accommodation, shopping and dining — all in one glorious resort overlooking the Bay of Fundy.

Grand Manan Island
Journeying down the Fundy Coastal Drive, several islands can be spotted throughout the Bay of Fundy. If there is a desire to get off the mainland and visit one of these islands, now is the chance. Approximately 30 km (18.6 mi) from St. Andrews is the town of Blacks Harbour, home to the only ferry crossing to Grand Manan Island, the largest island in the Bay of Fundy. With its miles of shoreline, high cliffs and abundance of wildlife, it is a naturalist's dream and the perfect location to whale or bird watch, hike or bike along the cliff trails or visit the sights such as the Swallowtail Lighthouse, the oldest active lighthouse on the island. Although the ferry ride is a mere 1.5 hours, a round-trip one could take in a day, there are a variety of accommodation options available on the island, from small cottages directly on the ocean to larger hotels, if travellers wish to extend their stay.

Fundy National Park - Alma
Past Saint John lies another seaside coastal town, Alma. Here, one can take in Fundy National Park, one of two National Parks in New Brunswick, which encompasses some of the last remaining wilderness in southern New Brunswick. Its 206 km² (80 mi²) size allows for 110 km (68 mi) of hiking trails and 40 km (25 mi) of mountain biking trails. Other features of the park include a nine-hole golf course, camping, lakes, beaches, bird and wildlife watching, as well as an array of water activities.

Magnetic Hill - Moncton
Continuing north, approximately 80 km (50 mi) from Alma, past the famous Hopewell Rocks, brings the traveller to the city of Moncton. Home to a multitude of attractions that range from parks to museums to festivals to golf courses, Magnetic Hill remains one of its top attractions. It is here that a natural phenomenon has been taking place for the last 100 years, best experienced from a motor vehicle. On this strange stretch of road, vehicles put into neutral appear to coast up the hill by themselves. In addition to this mysterious stretch of road, there is now the Magnetic Hill Zoo, Magic Mountain Water Theme Park and an array of dining, shopping and accommodation options nearby.

ACADIAN COASTAL DRIVE

The Acadian Coastal Drive follows the entire east coast of New Brunswick from Sackville in the south to Dalhousie in the north, passing through famed Chaleur Bay. There is much Acadian culture along this route, as well as vast ocean scenery of the Atlantic and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Here, visitors will pass Cape Jourimain, the site of the Confederation Bridge, which links New Brunswick with Prince Edward Island, and parks such as Parlee Beach Provincial Park and Kouchibouguac National Park.

The Acadian Coastal Drive measures approximately 477 km (295 mi), a six-hour drive by car and a seven-hour drive by motorcoach. However, the rich Acadian culture, beaches, cuisine, shopping and accommodations that are available along this route will entice any traveller to stretch out their day trip into a longer journey of Atlantic adventure.

Parlee Beach Provincial Park - Shediac
Located approximately 120 km (75 mi) from Sackville, the first town in the Acadian Coastal Drive, is the town of Shediac. Not only is it known as the lobster capital of the world, it is home to the World's Largest Lobster and the residence of Parlee Beach Provincial Park. The pristine Parlee Beach boasts the warmest waters north of the Carolinas, attracting over a million visitors annually, making Shediac the Summer Capital of New Brunswick. Parlee Beach Provincial Park is a full-service park, complete with restaurants, campgrounds, playgrounds and picnic areas, and is a haven for oceanic and outdoor activities.

	Le Pays de la Sagouine Photo Courtesy of the New Brunswick Government

Le Pays de la Sagouine - Bouctouche
Following the Acadian Coastal Drive north will bring the traveller to the town of Bouctouche, and with it, Le Pays de la Sagouine, a top New Brunswick attraction. Located on Flea Island, accessible from Bouctouche by footbridge, the island is a veritable haven of Acadian culture, complete with music, culture, food and theatre. L'Odyssee: le grand derangement is the main theatrical show, based on the works of Acadian novelist Antonine Maillet.

Kouchibouguac National Park
At the midway point of the Acadian Coastal Drive, lies Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick's second national park, measuring approximately 238 km² (92 mi²). Kouchibouguac is of Mi'kmaq origin, meaning river of the long tides. The park was created in 1971 to protect the 25 km (16 mi) of fragile sand dunes, salt marshes, tidal rivers, lagoons, barrier islands and other natural wonders of the area. Its geological diversity makes it home to a wide range of trees, plants and wildlife, including endangered species such as the piping plover. Other features of the park include 60 km (38 mi) of hiking and cycling paths, warm swimming beaches and various water activities.

Village Historique Acadien - Caraquet
After leaving Kouchibouguac National Park, the Acadian Coastal Drive continues past the city of Miramichi up to the most northeastern tip of New Brunswick. It is here one will find the town of Caraquet and, with it, the Village Historique Acadien, an award-wining attraction, which preserves Acadian life through the years 1770 to 1939. With its pastoral atmosphere, its geographical setting and staff working in period costumes, Village Historique Acadien authentically replicates the early daily life and times of the people of this rich culture. Enjoy period cuisine in the restaurant, stay in the turn of the century hotel and watch live theatre and musical performances.

Chaleur Bay - Bathurst
Continuing on this drive, one will come upon the city of Bathurst, surrounded by scenic Chaleur Bay. Named by Jacques Cartier and named as one of the top bays by The Most Beautiful Bays of the World Club, Chaleur Bay separates New Brunswick from Quebec and is known as a scenic paradise. The bay measures 140 km (87 mi) long and 25-40 km (16-25 mi) wide to provide long stretches of beaches and coastline. Oceanic activities include sea-kayaking, fishing and lobster trapping, swimming, scuba diving and much more. On land, one can enjoy horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking, bird and wildlife watching and photographing.

	Fishing on the Miramichi River Photo Courtesy of the New Brunswick Government

MIRAMICHI RIVER ROUTE

The shortest of the scenic drives, the Miramichi River Route is located inland, stretching from the city of Miramichi to Fredericton, following the Miramichi River along the way. Here, a wealth of history is shared, starting with the Mi'kmaq Indians, who lived along this route, to the woodsmen, who carved their way into the immense forest lands. Today, the Miramichi River continues to be a world-class salmon fishing destination, and there are many tour companies and fishing lodges that can provide an unforgettable experience.

The Miramichi River Route is a mere 185 km (115 mi) from tip-to-tip and can be travelled in a few short hours or stretched out for days to weeks. There is no shortage of accommodation options, cultural experiences or lazy days by the river.

Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre - Miramichi
One of the first stops on the Miramichi River Route is the Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre, located 5 km (3 mi) outside the city. It is the oldest operating salmon fishery in Atlantic Canada, established in 1873. Because the Miramichi River is one of the most famous Atlantic King Salmon fishing destinations, this facility is responsible for stocking the river and maintaining its salmon levels for safety and conservation purposes. The centre offers educational tours and historical information on this important Canadian resource.

Central New Brunswick Woodmen's Museum - Boiestown
As travellers follow the Miramichi River down Highway 8, they will encounter the town of Boiestown, a hub for the logging and lumber industry in New Brunswick. As a result, it is the appropriate location for the Central New Brunswick Woodmen's Museum. The museum is a 6 hectare (15 acre) area dedicated to depicting life of the pioneers and woodsmen who once lived along the Miramichi River. Not only can visitors trace the steps of the early woodsmen, the museum offers exhibits on early tools, as well as botany and geology, areas that go hand-in-hand in the preservation of wild and wooded areas.

Historic Garrison District - Fredericton
At the end of the Miramichi River Route lies the province's capital city of Fredericton. There are many attractions and sights in Fredericton, but one attraction that cannot be missed is the Historic Garrison District. Designated as a National and Provincial Historic Site, the Historic Garrison District consists of a two-block area in downtown Fredericton directly alongside the St. John River. Once the stationed site for British troops and colonial civilization, it is now known as the heart of Fredericton with a mix of historic buildings and modern culture. It is formed by several attractions such as the Justice Building, New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, Soldiers' Barracks and Artisan Studios, Guard House, Militia Arms Store, Fredericton Public Library, New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, York-Sunbury Historical Museum and Officer's Square.

APPALACHIAN RANGE ROUTE

The Appalachian Range Route of New Brunswick is an extension of the Appalachian Mountains, which stretch for almost 3200 km (1990 mi) from Newfoundland and Labrador to Northern Alabama. This scenic drive commences in Charlo, located at the most northerly tip of New Brunswick, and travels inland down to the town of Perth-Andover on the eastern coast, where it joins the River Valley Scenic Drive. This area is rich in terrain, with its mighty peaks and river-flooded valleys, and is known as a preserved and untouched portion of the Appalachian Trail.

Measuring 252 km (160 mi), the drive takes approximately four to five hours by car and six to seven hours by motorcoach due to the vertical terrain. This scenic drive has something for everyone: the coastal waters of Chaleur Bay, parks with a multitude of outdoor activity options, shopping and much more.

	Sugarloaf Mountain Photo Courtesy of the New Brunswick Government

Sugarloaf Provincial Park
Located just outside of Campbellton, the largest city on the Appalachian Range Route, Sugarloaf Provincial Park is home to Sugarloaf Mountain, the second largest mountain in the province, measuring 305 m (1000 ft). There are several trails to the summit, which capture views of Campbellton, Chaleur Bay and even as far as Québec's Gaspé Peninsula. There are over 25 km (16 mi) of hiking trails, including the famous Terry Fox Trail, which measures 4 km (2.5 mi) and winds around the base of the mountain. Other features of this provincial park include a campground and a range of outdoor activities such as biking, tennis and wildlife watching. In winter, Sugarloaf Mountain serves as a downhill ski hill, with 12 lifts on beginner to expert tracks.

Mount Carleton Provincial Park
Mount Carleton Provincial Park is the second and largest provincial park on the Appalachian Range Route, measuring more than 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) of wilderness, mountainous terrain and rare flora and fauna. It is home to the highest peak in the Maritimes, the majestic Mount Carleton, which reaches heights of over 820 m (2690 ft). The mountainous terrain makes for challenging hiking and mountain biking. The three lakes and two rivers in the park also allow for a multitude of activities including fishing, canoeing and swimming.

Perth-Andover Farmer's Market
As the last stop on the Appalachian Range Route, the Farmer's Market in Perth-Andover will allow a weary traveller to relax and stock up on food and souvenirs after a long journey. Make sure to plan it right: the market is only open Saturday mornings in the summer months, but it is not to be missed. Not only are there fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods for sale, there are several food booths offering local cuisine. Crafts such as woodworking, ceramics and stained glass are available, as well as antiques, books and more. Live entertainment is featured each week, as well as a variety of children's activities.