21 Must-Do Coastal Experiences in New Brunswick

The most magical, dreamy time of year is about to wash ashore in New Brunswick and this summer, I’m inviting you to embark on what will surely be an unforgettable coastal adventure in our beautiful province.

From our warm, sandy beaches to our otherworldly Bay of Fundy tides and islands to the gentle creatures that call our waters home and our world-renowned seafood – coastal New Brunswick has something to offer for everyone.

Whether you’re exploring the picturesque seaside town of St. Andrews by the Sea, looking for seaglass on the shores of Campobello Island, filling your belly with fried clams or fresh lobster in Shediac, island hopping to Deer Island or escaping to the enchanting Grand Manan Island, this guide unveils my must-see gems dotting the province’s coastline.

We’ve got it all and I can’t wait for you to discover our magic.

You know I love a charming seaside town, so of course, the first coastal destination on this list is dreamy St. Andrews by the Sea in Southern New Brunswick. St. Andrews will always hold a special place in my heart as my husband and I got married at the Algonquin Resort, but it’s one of our favourite escapes, any time of year.

Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool, shop till you drop, hit the golf course, or eat your way through the town – there is something for everyone to discover in St. Andrews by the Sea. 

If you love all things ocean, you simply cannot visit St. Andrews by the Sea and not stop by the Huntsman Marine Science Centre (Fundy Discovery Aquarium). An absolute gem located just minutes from downtown St. Andrews, the Huntsman Marine Aquarium has something to offer for the whole family.

A fantastic touch tank features local creatures eager to meet you, two adorable seals—Snorkel and Tyler—and so much more to discover.  Plan your visit around the seal feedings – trust me on this one! 

Every time we visit Saint John, I always ask, “Why don’t we spend more time here?” Saint John has so much to offer, including a beautiful waterfront and bustling Uptown, especially when the cruise ships are in. For all your shopping needs, pop into East Coast Mermaid favourites like In Pursuit—the Uptown Boutique.

And if you’re a foodie, you must make a reservation at Italian by Night for an incredible dining experience or pop into the Saint John Alehouse for an epic feast of fish and chips. It’s one of my go-to restaurants anytime I’m in town! Start planning your mermaid approved Saint John Bay-Cation here.

When in Saint John during the summer months, you can’t miss out on Area 506 Waterfront Container Village. It’s one of my favourite spots to visit in the summer and the perfect destination to listen to live music, shop, or enjoy fabulous eats from one of the many restaurants that call the shipping containers home in the spring and summer months.

And don’t be surprised if there is a massive cruise ship docked alongside you when you visit! The Port of Saint John is set to welcome over 80 cruise ships and 200,000 guests from around the world this summer.

Grand Manan Island is a magical New Brunswick island off the Southern coast — and our home away from home! It is accessible only by a 1.5-hour ferry that departs daily from Blacks Harbour. The island has stunning cliffs, dreamy seascapes, photogenic lighthouses, whales and sea creatures, hiking trails, and fresh seafood. Does it get any better than that?

There is a reason this island is called the Queen of the Fundy Isles, but you’ll just have to visit to find out for yourself by truly experiencing its magic. Catch the 2025 East Coast Mermaid Guide to Grand Manan Island here.

Ministers Island, in St. Andrews by the Sea, is arguably one of our province’s more unique tourism destinations. It is only accessible at low tide by driving across the ocean floor! Yes, you read that right. You will drive your car across the ocean floor.

Ministers Island is home to the beautiful Sir William Van Horne Estate, and you could easily spend a whole day on the island exploring the property grounds alone if it weren’t for the tides dictating when you must come and go. Head down to the beach to see Van Horne’s famous Bathhouse and man-made tidal pool – my favourite spot on the island AND where my husband and I had our first look before our wedding! 

You can’t come to New Brunswick and NOT go whale watching. You can book a cruise out of Grand Manan Island, St. Andrews by the Sea, and Campobello Island, and while no two tours will ever be the same, I promise that no matter where you set sail from, it will be memorable. 

To start planning your whale-watching adventure, check out my East Coast Mermaid Guide to Whale Watching in New Brunswick. 

To be fair, there are plenty of activities on Campobello Island unrelated to seaglass such as the Roosevelt International Park, stunning lighthouses (a hike out to Head Harbour Lighthouse at low tide is a must), whale watching and delightful restaurants, but unless you’re new to these waters, you know I live for beachcombing and finding treasures. Campobello Island delivers on all of this and more. 

While you can seaglass any time of the year on Campobello, if you’re a dedicated beachcomber, you’ll want to experience the annual Campobello Island Seaglass Festival, held every September. I’ll be there Labour Day weekend and cannot wait!

You can’t come to New Brunswick without walking on the ocean floor, and thanks to the Bay of Fundy and our highest tides in the world, this is pretty easy to achieve. One of the best places in the province to experience the sheer magnitude of the tides is the Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park.

Only a 45-minute drive from Moncton, these flowerpot rocks are a must and always take my breath away. Plan your visit around low tide, but try to catch them at high tide if possible. That’s the best way to see the tidal magic. The best part? When you purchase a park pass, tickets are valid for two consecutive days, giving you ample opportunity to see both tide extremes. 

Deer Island is an absolute New Brunswick treasure, yet many people I talk to admit they’ve never been. Accessible by a free 20-minute ferry that leaves on the half-hour daily from L’Etete, Deer Island offers tons to explore, from secluded beaches to lighthouses. It’s also home to some fabulous seasonal restaurants, a stunning campground, and a number of coastal shops like Boatique & Maritime Texture. 

You’ll also get an excellent view of Old Sow, one of the largest whirlpools in the world, from Deer Island Point Park. Want to book an overnight stay? Make a weekend of it, staying at Homeport Suites & Residences and making a dinner reservation at the new Capsill Restaurant. Start planning your trip with the East Coast Mermaid Guide to Deer Island here.

If I’m not on Grand Manan in the summer, there’s a high probability I’m somewhere along the southeastern New Brunswick coast and more often than not, you’ll find me in Shediac – the Lobster Capital of the World. You’ll definitely want to check out the 2025 Shediac Lobster Festival happening from July 5th to July 13th – it’s quite the shell-a-bration!

From the world-famous Parlee Beach to the buzzing Pointe du Chene Wharf to the many amazing restaurants offering some of the best lobster rolls and fried clams around, a visit to Shediac is a must if you’re spending any time in New Brunswick in the summer. 

Located about 45-50 minutes from Moncton, the Bouctouche Dunes are the perfect destination on a hot summer day when you want to avoid overcrowded beaches. And it’s free to visit—no park pass is required.

The Dune is a beautiful place to watch for rare shorebirds and the occasional seals at sea. It’s also a beachcomber’s dream, but remember—you are not allowed to take any shells from the beach! 

Machias Island is a remote island off the coast of Grand Manan Island and Maine that, during the summer, is home to arguably one of the world’s cutest birds: the puffin.

The only way to see puffins in New Brunswick is with Sea Watch Tours, and the puffin experience sells out early every year.  Reach out to  Sea Watch Tours about getting on a cancellation list for this summer if you plan to be on the island from June 23rd to August 7th, 2025. Trust me, it’s totally, absolutely 100% worth it.

New Brunswick is home to the magnificent St. Martins Sea Caves, accessible by foot at low tide and by kayak at high tide. If you’re open for a little fun, you must book a kayak adventure with Bay of Fundy Adventures, located right in St. Martin’s. They also have a delightful cafe called the Shipyard Cafe that serves amazing coffees, delicious cookies and fresh baked goods. 

St. Martin’s is a fabulous day trip or weekend getaway destination. It’s also where you can access New Brunswick’s hidden gem, the Fundy Trail Provincial Park. Just remember to check the tide tables before you visit to ensure you can properly access and experience the sea caves – they’re incredible. 

Everyone on the East Coast loves to rave about Nova Scotia’s famous Cabot Trail, but let me tell you a little secret – our Fundy Trail Provincial Park, right here in New Brunswick, is pretty darn comparable and equally magical. 

This coastal parkway is 30km, and while driving it, biking it, or hiking it – you will see some of the most gorgeous Bay of Fundy scenic lookouts in the province. The park is full of hikes of all levels, including waterfalls, rivers, and suspension bridges. Want to see New Brunswick’s famous Walton Glen Gorge but don’t want to hike to the Eye of the Needle? You can access the gorge lookout from the end of the Fundy Trail. And I highly recommend you do – it’s quite impressive.

Fundy’s Cape Enrage is located about an hour and 15 minutes from Moncton. If you’re planning a trip to Fundy National Park and have some extra time, popping by Cape Enrage on the way is always a good idea, and it’s near the eastern entrance to the park.

This high-elevation destination offers sweeping views of the Bay of Fundy and is home to a beautiful lighthouse. You can also book a zip-lining or rappelling adventure or have a delicious meal at the Cape House Restaurant. Don’t miss the stairs to the beach. It’s worth experiencing the cliffs from both perspectives.

Fundy National Park is only an hour and fifteen minutes away from Moncton but once inside the park, you’ll immediately feel like you travelled much farther when you take in the sweeping ocean views and incredible hiking trails along coastal cliffs with views for days.

There are waterfalls, beautiful lakes, covered bridges, and a number of camping grounds to choose from should you decide to stay overnight.

If you’re planning to visit Fundy National Park, you’ll likely pass through the sweet little village of Alma on your way into the park. While you don’t need more than a few hours to explore everything Alma offers, I can assure you that you’ll easily fall in love with this village.

Stop by Kelly’s Bake Shop to try their world-famous sticky buns, visit the Holy Whale Brewery for a cold beer, or treat yourself to a fresh lobster dinner at the Alma Lobster Shop. 

The beautiful Kouchibouguac National Park is located about an hour from Moncton, and offers 25 kilometres of beautiful coastline, warm and sandy beaches, lagoons and dunes, and stunning salt marshes. They have a number of beautiful hiking trails for all hiking levels – my favourites are the Bog, the Pines, and Kelly’s Beach Boardwalk, which will take you right to Kelly’s Beach. It’s a gorgeous sandy beach and the perfect place to spend a hot summer day.

Kouchibouguac is a wonderful destination for a day trip and picnic lunch. You can also book a stay at one of their many campgrounds or OTENTiks to extend your visit and truly see all that the park has to offer.

An immersive experience unlike any other, Akadi Lumina at Pays de la Sagouine is a must if you’re going to be in the area this summer. This new attraction opened in August 2023 and welcomed over 40,000 visitors in its first season. This summer, there is a new feature and installation — I can’t wait to check it out!

Located at Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche, Akadi Lumina comes to life after dark as you follow a walking path through nature with lighting effects and sounds unlike anything you’ve ever experienced around these waters. Trust me, you’ll be talking about this attraction for years to come.

Last but certainly not least, one cannot visit New Brunswick in the summer without experience one of nature’s most beautiful displays – the annual flight of the sandpipers as hundreds of thousands of sandpipers flock to the shores of the Bay of Fundy to feed before they continue their migration to South America.

Make a day out of it by going to see the sandpipers and stopping by the beautiful Lady Smith Manor for a drink and bite at the Thirsty Whippet Pub. And don’t forget to mark your calendar to attend the Manor’s Summer Market on July 19th and 20th, 2025.

There has never been a better time to visit New Brunswick, so what are you waiting for? Start planning your New Brunswick adventure today!