Slow Travel Adventures Through New Brunswick
2021 is set to be the year of slow travel. After months of lockdown and travel restrictions, what better way to reignite a love for exploration than an epic road trip adventure through one of Canada’s most spectacular regions? The beautiful Maritime province of New Brunswick is bursting with dramatic landscapes, idyllic fishing towns, lush National Parks and fascinating Acadian culture. With more time than ever to plan the trip of a lifetime, here is a selection of road trip adventures to add to a 2021 bucket list.
Fundy Coastal Drive – slow travel time: 7-9 days
Combining spectacular tides and marine life with the vibrancy of Canada’s oldest incorporated city, the Fundy Coastal Drive stretches across the entire southern shore of New Brunswick. Departing from St. Stephen and taking visitors all the way to Sackville, the road winds though stunning landscapes passing a number of fishing villages along the way. Explorers can also visit Canada’s oldest city, Saint John boasting a vibrant gastronomic scene with award-winning chefs, locally sourced ingredients, and delicious recipes. Food lovers can connect with New Brunswick’s culinary scene on one of the Uncorked Tours which offer both small-group and private walking tours taking guests off the beaten track to some of New Brunswick’s hidden gem food and drink establishments.
Always a highlight of any trip to the province is the Bay of Fundy. A natural wonder, the Bay of Fundy provides remarkable views featuring the highest tides in the world along with the opportunity to spot more than 12 different species of whales. Nature lovers can explore everything from the pristine forests to the incredible coastlines of Fundy National Park or take advantage of the wide variety of activities on offer including walking and hiking trails, mountain biking routes, kayaking and canoeing.
River Valley Scenic Drive – slow travel time: 8-10 days
The River Valley Scenic Drive follows the mighty Saint John River, Eastern Canada’s longest river running down the western edge of New Brunswick along the border with Quebec to the Bay of Fundy. The scenic drive features some of the provinces most cultural experiences and sites such as the New Brunswick Museum, where guests can discover remarkable stories of New Brunswick’s cultural heritage and natural history. Visitors will travel through quaint villages, towns as well as the capital city Fredericton, known for its incredible craft brewing scene.
On route, guests can discover one of the areas local traditions grown in the River Valley, fiddlehead ferns. The region’s famous spring green is appreciated as much today as it was back in the day and whether it’s at farmers’ markets or roadside stands, travellers can get the real local experience and try the mouth-watering delicacy which is often served with melted butter and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
Acadian Coastal Drive – slow travel time: 5-6 days
Renowned for its spirited Acadian culture that thrives along its shores, the Acadian Coastal Drive offers a combination of beautiful sandy beaches, delicious roadside cuisine and New Brunswick’s rich Acadian heritage. As rich in culture as it is natural beauty, the route highlights the land of lighthouses, fishing villages and vibrant Acadian history growing in the face of adversity since the early 1600’s when early French immigrants established innovative communities they called Acadie.
Travellers can delve into the history of the Acadians and visit the fascinating Village Historique Acadien where they can travel through 200 years of history through interpretive guides who portray the daily lives of the Acadian people from 1770 to 1949.
Book with Trailfinders for 2021
Trailfinders offer a 15 day Bay of Fundy & Acadian Explorer fly drive holiday from £2,020 per person. Price includes 13 days car hire, 14 nights’ accommodation, some meals, Halifax Marine Wildlife Tour, Lobster Tales Tour, Ultimate Bay of Fundy and St Andrews Marine Wildlife Tour.