Are you looking for the perfect gift this holiday season to slip under the tree? Why not explore the idea of an unforgettable experience?
I’ve pulled together a curated list of mermaid-approved experiences you can find in Southeastern and Southern New Brunswick that includes some of my favourites experiences (and splurges) and some that I can’t wait to try for the first time in 2025.
From coastal adventures to spa days to unforgettable dining experiences, these unique ideas will make waves under the tree. I promise!
Dive in to explore experiences that will make your holiday gifting as unforgettable as the tides.
A Weekend at the Algonquin Hotel and Resort
You know how much I love spending time at the Algonquin Hotel. Dan and I look forward to weekend escapes there every year and I can’t think of a better gift than a weekend in St. Andrews by the Sea and a stay at this famous resort. Start planning this gift here.
A Season Membership to the Huntsman Marine and Science Centre | St. Andrews by the Sea
For the ocean lover or mermaid in your life, a Huntsman Marine and Science Centre season membership is the perfect gift to put under the tree and is less than $100. And it includes some perks that are not available to general admission visitors. Catch this gift here.
Experience Akadi Lumina
Akadi Lumina, located in Bouctouche, New Brunswick, is an immersive 1.5 km nighttime walk through the forest, featuring captivating light displays, projections, and original music that celebrate Acadian culture. It is a world-class experience, located right here in New Brunswick! It runs from May until October so consider popping a gift card for a loved one to experience the magic in their stocking or under the tree by clicking here.
A Glamping Experience Unlike Any Other
New Brunswick is home to some incredible glamping accommodations, but I absolutely loved my recent experience at Creekside RNR in Cocagne, New Brunswick. They have domes, mirror cabins, and a fishing boat accomodation to choose from (you can read about my stay in Rest A’Shore here) and they have an on-site nordic spa. Get a gift certificate for all of the above here.
A Night at Hotel Shediac
You don’t need to travel far from home to feel a little bougie. Just 10 minutes from Moncton is beautiful Hotel Shediac. This hotel is great any time of the year and features an indoor pool! Book a stay, have dinner at La Gare and explore Shediac, the lobster capital of the world. Book this gift here.
Experience Mi’kmaq Culture on the Heritage Path Tour
I just heard about this experience recently and it’s high on my list to experience next summer. The award-winning Heritage Path Tour begins in the heart of the Mi’kmaq culture at Elsipogtog, First Nation, New Brunswick. Guests can immerse themselves in an authentic journey through the rich traditions and time-honored practices of the Mi’kmaq culture. Purchase a gift card here.
A Whale Watching Adventure
I can’t think of a better gift for the whale lover in your life than a whale watching adventure. Sure, they’ll have to wait until next summer, but it’ll totally be worth it when they get to see these majestic creatures up close. Slip a gift card from my favourite New Brunswick whale watching company, Lambert Family Adventure, by clicking here.
Tickets to a Show at the Capitol Theatre
Those familiar with Moncton know about our beloved theatre downtown – the Capitol Theatre. They have some amazing programming coming up in 2025, including Addams Family the musical, that would make a great gift to put under the tree! Learn about the 2025 lineup here.
A Dreamy Seaglass Adventure
Do you have. seaglass lover on your list? Then you’ve simply got to treat them to a visit to New Brunswick’s seaglass haven – Campobello Island. Book a stay for summer 2025 at Pollock Cove Resort, located on one of the island’s most popular seaglass beaches. Learn more here. They’ve also JUST released gift certificates for the holidays and you can order one of those here.
A Wine Tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery
I am absolutely positive everyone has a wine lover on their list. Why not treat them to a wine tasting experience at Magnetic Hill Winery in Moncton, including wine and cheese and some of the most stunning views of the city. Purchase your gift card here.
A La Belle Cabane Experience
Located on New Brunswick’s picturesque Kingston Peninsula, La Belle Cabana is a 100% Indigenous and woman-owned healing retreat offering off-grid eco-glamping experiences. There is also an on-site spa, including private spa pods with amenities like saunas, hot tubs, and halotherapy rooms. Yes, please! Purchase a gift certificate here.
A Llama-zing Experience
If you haven’t heard of Llama-zing Adventures, well, get ready for the cutest experience around. Guests get the unique opportunity to experience the benefits of zootherapy with llamas, alpacas, horses, goats, camels, and more. Who doesn’t want the gift of walking or cuddling a llama for Christmas? Learn more here.
A Day at a Nordic Spa
Moncton is home to two incredible Nordic Spas – USVA Spa, located on the mountain by Magnetic Hill, and Evolve Thermal Spa, Moncton’s first indoor nordic spa downtown. Both would make an excellent gift certificate for the spa lover on your list. Learn more about USVA Spa here. Learn more about Evolve Thermal Spa here.
A Weekend at Delta Beausejour Hotel
I know that I call the Greater Moncton area home, but I’m kind of experiencing a major crush on one of Moncton’s oldest and most beloved hotels downtown – the Delta Beausejour by Marriott. And yes, despite living 5 minutes away, I’ve stayed there. This hotel has everything – indoor saltwater pool complete with waterslide, a beautiful new bar, the Bar at the Beau, and it’s home to my current favourite restaurant downtown, The Windjammer. Start booking a weekend away for your special someone here.
An Otherworldly Facial from BARE Beauty
I couldn’t resist including a shameless plug for my go-to beauty salon BARE Beauty. I’m absolutely obsessed with their BARE Beauty Signature Facial and trust me when I say, it is the PERFECT gift! They also have a number of beauty services to choose from so you really can’t go wrong with a gift card from BARE. Learn more here.
A Season Membership to Ministers Island
One of my favourite places to explore in St. Andrews, Ministers Island is a tidal island near Saint Andrews, accessible by a sandbar at low tide. And yes, that’s us on our wedding day by the famous Bath House. Known for its historic significance, it features the summer estate of Sir William Van Horne, a prominent figure in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. All summer long, they have concerts, events, and dining experiences – some available only to season membership holders. Catch your membership here.
A Ski Adventure
For the ski lover on your list, why not surprise them with a gift card from Poley Mountain in Sussex, New Brunswick. I only first learned how to ski five years ago, but I was instantly hooked. I’m really hoping to get out on the slopes this year! You can learn more about how to get a gift card for your special someone here.
An Island Escape to Deer Island
Deer Island is the most charming New Brunswick island, accessible by a free 20-minute ferry ride from L’Etete that leaves every thirty minutes. Super easy to get to year-round. Book an overnight stay at Homeport Suites and dinner at the Cap Sill Restaurant. This is one of Dan and I’s favourite NB escapes when we want to switch things up and Deer Island is beautiful in every season. Start planning this trip here.
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