Planning a Trip

Here's a bit of advice: It's important to come to New Brunswick with a strategy already in hand, one that takes into account geography and driving times. That's because the key tourist attractions here aren't close to each other at all, and there are no superspeedways to get you from one to the next quickly. You'd hate to spend most of your vacation looking out the window of a car.

If you're drawn to rugged beauty, plan to focus mostly on the Fundy Coast with its stupendous dropping tides, rocky cliffs, and boreal landscape. This part of the coastline actually feels a lot more remote and northerly than the more densely settled (and tamer-looking) northeastern coast.

Those who want to sip a pint to the strains of traditional music, shop at a great farmer's market, or visit a museum or gourmet restaurant? Swing through Saint John and its lovely associated fishing towns instead. Those interested in Franco history or sandy beaches, on the other hand, should keep moving and drive north to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which brings Acadian heritage, seafood, whale-watches, and a laid-back feel to the table.

Those simply interested in hurrying through the province to get to Prince Edward Island or Nova Scotia? Well, you've come to the wrong section of this guide. Take at least a day to detour through Fundy National Park to see Cape Enrage and Hopewell Rocks -- two of among eastern Canada's most dramatic attractions. If nothing else, you'll be able to tell your friends that New Brunswick should never again be written off on any tour of eastern Canada.