With dramatic tides, dreamy beaches, and saltwater adventures around every bend, Southern New Brunswick is a coastal treasure trove just waiting to be explored.
From whale watching on the Bay of Fundy to exploring otherworldly sea caves and of course— searching for seaglass treasures on the Fundy Isles, this mermaid-approved list of attractions and destinations has everything you need to plan your next magical coastal getaway to Southern New Brunswick.
Do you fall in love with every lighthouse you meet? Well, you might be a mermaid and New Brunswick is ready to welcome you with its countless lighthouses. But without a doubt, Swallowtail Lighthouse on Grand Manan Island, the Queen of the Fundy Isles, is arguably our most famous. If you’re visiting Grand Manan this summer, a walk out to Swallowtail is a must. For $2, you can go inside the lighthouse and up to the top—the view is worth it! Start planning your Grand Manan vacation with the 2025 East Coast Mermaid Guide.
I can’t think of a more mermaid-approved activity in New Brunswick than whale watching on the Bay of Fundy. While I’m a little biased and spend most of my time on the ocean off Grand Manan Island with our friends Lambert Family Adventures—there are countless fantastic whale watching companies you can set sail with this summer, including Island Quest Whale and Wildlife Cruises, Quoddy Link Marine, Fundy Tide Runners, and Cruisin’ with the Whales out of St. Andrews by the Sea. If you’re visiting Campobello Island, set sail with our friends at East Quoddy Tours.
If you’re an ocean lover, a visit to St. Andrews by-the-Sea isn’t complete without a stop at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre (Fundy Discovery Aquarium). Just minutes from downtown, this coastal gem is perfect for families and curious mermaids alike, with an interactive touch tank full of friendly local sea creatures, and the crowd-favourite duo: resident seals Snorkel and Tyler. Mermaid tip: Time your visit to coincide with a seal feeding for an extra splash of fun you won’t forget!
One of our province’s most famous beaches is known for having the warmest saltwater North of Virginia and is the perfect destination for a summer beach day. Found in the seaside town of Shediac, the lobster capital of the world, Parlee Beach Provincial Park offers a sandy beach, a beautiful campground, and fantastic seaside restaurants such as Euston Park Parlee Beach. They’ve also made accessibility a priority and offer a Mobi-Mat for visitors! And a bonus— it’s just steps away from the famous Pointe du Chene Wharf, another must-visit while in Shediac.
Head Harbour Lighthouse (also known as East Quoddy Lighthouse) is found on beautiful Campobello Island. It can be viewed from both land and sea, but is best experienced at low tide when those seeking a little tidal adventure can make the trek over via the ocean floor and multiple stairs and ladders. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth it when you’re side-by-side with one of New Brunswick’s most beloved lighthouses. Plan your Campobello Island adventure with the 2025 East Coast Mermaid Guide to Campobello Island.
Did you know that New Brunswick is home to the largest whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere? Nestled off the southern tip of Deer Island in Passamaquoddy Bay, the Old Sow Whirlpool is a must-experience feature of the Bay of Fundy. It’s best viewed two hours before high tide, and the higher the tides, the more gnarly it roars! Old Sow is best viewed from Deer Island Point Park (head to the lighthouse and look out to sea—you may even hear it) or from a boat or the ferry to Campobello Island.
Mermaids are irresistibly drawn to the Hopewell Rocks, those iconic “flower‑pot” sea stacks where the Bay of Fundy’s highest tides in the world roll in and out twice daily, revealing the ocean floor at low tide. Just 35 minutes from Moncton, it’s an otherworldly attraction that must be seen and a place where the tide tables dictate the magical hours of exploration on the sea floor. Make sure to stop by the High Tide Restaurant and its stunning ocean view patio for a lobster roll and a glass of local wines and beers.
If the words “sunset cruise” and “lobster feast” get your fins excited, then look no further than Shediac Bay Cruises and their Lobster Tales cruise. I’m humming yacht rock just thinking about it. These cruises depart from the scenic Pointe du Chene Wharf in Shediac and include a 2.5-hour scenic bay tour and lobster dinner. The boat is also licensed, so you can enjoy your favourite beverage while you sail the Shediac Bay. It’s always one shell-of-a-time!
Just under an hour from Moncton, the Bouctouche Dunes are a dreamy summer escape when you’re craving sandy shores without the crowds. This stunning stretch of coastline is free to visit and offers incredible birdwatching, peaceful ocean views, and the occasional seal sighting. It’s a beachcomber’s paradise—just don’t forget: the shells stay on the shore!
Want to experience the power of the Bay of Fundy without leaving the city? Shore you do! Moncton’s Tidal Bore is a dramatic, twice-daily surge of chocolate‑brown water—driven by the Bay of Fundy’s extreme tides which push more than 100 billion tons of water up the Petitcodiac River, rising up to about one metre and traveling at speeds of 5–13 km/h. It’s so powerful, friends of ours surf it! The timing of the Tidal Bore changes every day, so make sure to check out the Tidal Bore arrival times online before you go.
Rest A’Shore—a former lobster fishing boat that’s been transformed into a luxury accommodation at Creekside RNR in Cocagne, New Brunswick, is a truly unique mermaid experience. Nestled by a peaceful pond, with its own deck, hot tub, and fully equipped kitchen, it’s the perfect mermaid escape. There is also an on-site Nordic Spa that is so dreamy. Check out my article about this unique New Brunswick accommodation here.
Mermaids flock to the St. Martins Sea Caves for their dramatic irony – they’re accessible only at low tide by walking the ocean floor, and at high tide by sea kayak. And when exposed, these caves are pretty incredible. Seriously, I think Ariel would totally approve of these caves. Surrounded by towering rock formations carved by the mighty Bay of Fundy tides, these otherworldly caves are a perfect playground for curious mermaids! Want to explore them by sea kayak? Book a tour with our friends at Bay of Fundy Adventures.
Accessible only at low tide by a sandbar road, Minister’s Island is a magical coastal escape just off the shores of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea. Mermaids love it because how cool is it to have our very own tidal island here in New Brunswick? It also offers grand seaside views and the storied Van Horne estate, perfect for daydreaming about bygone summers and shoreline parties in the legendary bathhouse—it’s rumoured Frank Sinatra partied there. Exploring the island feels like stepping into a tide-swept fairytale, and it is a must if visiting St. Andrews this summer. Just make sure to check the tides—it’s a tidal island, after all!
Mermaids can’t resist islands with mystery and lore, so naturally, for most of my life, I was obsessed with the idea of visiting the very mysterious, very ominous Partridge Island in Saint John. In 2024, we had the opportunity to kayak over and explore the island. If you’re unfamiliar, Partridge Island was home to New Brunswick’s first lighthouse (1791) and the first-ever fog horn. Even more notably, it was North America’s first quarantine station (1785). Today, the island is home to a Coast Guard station, the lighthouse, and the foundations of former homes and buildings, as well as bunkers, underground tunnels, and radio towers. It is incredibly gnarly, and we loved exploring it with the crew from River Bay Adventures. If you’re a history buff or just love exploring abandoned places (what mermaid wouldn’t?), this adventure is for you.
Last but certainly not least, if you consider yourself a mermaid and love seaglass, you can’t miss the annual Campobello Island Seaglass Festival held every September on Campobello Island. It’s basically mermaid summer camp—especially if you plan to attend on Labor Day Weekend. I recap the 2024 festival here, and can’t recommend it enough. Make sure to follow the Campobello Island Seaglass Festival Facebook Page for everything you need to know to start planning your visit!
This mermaid only has one question for you—where will you travel first? If you can’t decide, or want to know more about any of these attractions or destinations, you know where to find me. Drop me an email or ping me on my shell phone—I’d love to hear from you! Happy Sails!
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