Ultimate New Brunswick Family Road Trip: Travel Guide & Top Highlights

Summer road trips have become a bit of a family tradition ever since my parents’ dog, Togo, came into their lives and this summer was no different! Last year, we drove out to the Canadian Rockies, and this summer, we set our sights on Atlantic Canada. The plan: a two-week road trip around New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island!

Having Togo in our lives has really changed the way we do family travel. Whereas before we did more resort vacations and international trips, we now seek out dog-friendly activities. For us, that means road tripping around Canada, staying in quiet cottages in the countryside, visiting smaller towns and places that have more of a relaxed feel, and hiking in national and provincial parks.

It’s not a travel style that we ever dabbled in before, but it’s something that we have grown to love and we only discovered so thanks to Togo; it’s hard to believe how little of Canada we had seen before he joined our family!

Since our road trip kicked off in New Brunswick, today I’m going to share a few highlights from that part of the trip.

Our New Brunswick Road Trip

Fredericton

We kicked off our road trip with a visit in Fredericton, the city that Sam’s parents call home. I’ve been to Fredericton every year since Sam and I first met and with this visit, we really made an effort to go out and experience it as tourists.

We showed my parents along Waterloo Row, a riverfront street lined with beautiful historic mansions turned B&Bs; we took them on the Railway Bridge across the Saint John River and then had fish and chips on the other side at The Picaroons Roundhouse; we enjoyed a walk through Odell Park, where Togo got a taste of the woods; we visited the Old Burial Ground, where we learned about the Loyalists who settled in the province; and we also toured the downtown core, where we hit up some of the major landmarks like the Soldiers’ Barracks, City Hall and the Legislative Building.

Our visit was short and sweet, but I think we managed to give them a nice taste of Freddy Beach with the time we had.

St. Andrews

Our next destination in New Brunswick was the picturesque seaside town of St. Andrews. We were only visiting on a quick day trip, so we mostly explored the marina and the main street lined with brightly painted shops. That being said, whale watching tours and sailing trips are very popular if you are visiting with a bit more time.

We got some delicious seafood at the Shiretown Pub at the Kennedy Inn: fish and chips, scallops and chips, and a mixed seafood platter with chips (you can view their full summer menu here). The seafood was lightly battered and delicious – one of our favourite meals of the whole road trip!

After lunch, we drove down Water Street over to the beach, where Togo enjoyed a little splash. St Andrews was experiencing a heatwave on the day we visited, so the cool waters were a welcome reprieve from the 35°C temperatures.

Cape Enrage

Our next destination in New Brunswick was Cape Enrage, which we probably would have never discovered had I not booked a pet-friendly cottage there! The cape is located right in between Fundy National Park and the Hopewell Rocks, two major attractions we planned on visiting, so it was an easy decision.

We stayed at the Cape Enrage Cottages a rustic yet comfortable 4-bedroom bungalow that came with a fire pit, picnic benches, an outdoor BBQ and a massive lawn with plenty of room for our dog to run around. We even got to see deer one afternoon, which was a real highlight!

The cottage was only a 5-minute drive from the Cape Enrage Nature Reserve, so we could hear the horn’s deep honking when the fog rolled in. The weather on the cape is very unpredictable, so it was cool getting to experience sunshine and blue skies on the first day and then thick fog on the second day.

We found this cottage through AirBnB and you can view similar listings in the area here.

Fundy National Park

One of our favourite days in New Brunswick was visiting Fundy National Park. We only had one full day there, so we really tried to make the most of it by going on numerous hikes.

We started the morning driving towards Point Wolfe, where we crossed a red covered bridge and then found the Shiphaven Trail. This is a hike along an elevated boardwalk that follows the coast and offers several lookouts along the way. On this walk, we saw the remains of an old timber bridge, learned a bit more about the logging history in this part of the province, and just enjoyed the natural beauty all around us.

When we reached the end of the Shiphaven Trail, we linked up with the Point Wolfe Beach Trail and followed that down towards the beach. Since we were visiting during low tide, we got to walk on what would normally be the seabed. It was a pebbly beach with washed-up driftwood and Togo loved running around sniffing all the smells.

After hiking these two trails, we drove towards Herring Cove, where we followed the boardwalk down to Herring Cove Beach. This was a beautiful spot with more impressive views of the coastline, where we could see as far as Alma and Cape Enrage. The tide was slowly starting to come in, but we could still see part of the exposed seabed and rocks covered in seaweed.

For lunch, Sam and his dad went to pick up some fish and chips in Alma (the little town just outside Fundy National Park), that we then enjoyed on the picnic benches across the Visitor Centre overlooking the Bay of Fundy. Coastal views and a fresh sea breeze – we couldn’t have asked for a better picnic spot.

After lunch, we managed to visit two lakes; first up was Bennet Lake which was really busy with kayakers and swimmers, but since we learned that dogs are not allowed in the designated swimming areas, we then continued a bit further towards Wolfe Lake, where we had the beach to ourselves and Togo was able to splash around and cool down.

Alma

We passed through Alma several times during our stay in Cape Enrage. This is a small seaside town where the Upper Salmon River meets the Bay of Fundy and it’s a great little place to explore on foot.

It had lots of cute cafes, ice cream stands, lobster shops and restaurants serving up fresh seafood – we had the sticky buns from Kelly’s Bake Shop. There were also plenty of cottages, guesthouses and motels seeing as this is a popular stop for anyone visiting Fundy National Park.

Hopewell Rocks

Last but not least, for our final morning in New Brunswick, we visited the Hopewell Rocks. This is an iconic travel destination where you can see how the coming and going of the tide has carved out ‘flower pots’ which appear to rise from the seabed when the tide is low, and which are covered by water and only accessible to kayakers when the tide is high.

I had visited the Hopewell Rocks over 10 years ago when I road-tripped Atlantic Canada with a friend, and it was nice to go back after all these years and see it with fresh eyes.

We made sure to get an early start and arrived at the rocks just as the park was opening for the day and got to experience it almost all to ourselves.

First, we stopped at the two observation points where we could see the tide was slowly going out, and after snapping a few photos, we hiked down to the Flower Pots. We hadn’t looked at the tide schedule but were lucky enough to arrive during low tide, which meant we were able to walk on what would normally be the seabed.

One of the park guides explained that if you were to measure the difference between the lowest point at low tide and the highest point at the Hopewell Rocks during high tide, you’d have a difference of 15 meters! I knew the Bay of Fundy was home to the biggest tides in the world, but I didn’t know they were quite that high!

It was nice seeing my parents witness this natural marvel for the first time, and what can I say about Togo? The guy loved it! He got right in that sticky red clay and experienced his very own spa treatment. Not only were his paws soaked in mud, but his belly, tail and chest too.

It’s a good thing they have washing stations with spray hoses and shoe scrubbers as soon as you climb back up, because we sure needed them.

🚗 How to Plan the Perfect New Brunswick Family Road Trip: Tips, Itineraries & Inspiration

After sharing the highlights of our two-week road trip across New Brunswick, it’s clear that this province is made for slow, scenic exploration. Especially if you’ve got a dog in tow! To help you make the most of your journey you’ll find  asection on planning, logistics, extra stops, and how to craft those special family memories that only a road trip can deliver.

🗺️ Road Trip Planning 101: Essential Tips for New Brunswick

1. Timing Your Trip: When to Visit

• Peak season: Late June through September is when the weather is warm, the lupins are blooming, and nearly every little beach and town is buzzing with activity. If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind cooler temps, consider shoulder season in late spring or early fall. Bonus: fall foliage in New Brunswick is spectacular, especially in the river valleys and along the Fundy coast.

• Tide times matter: For famous sights like Hopewell Rocks or Fundy National Park, always check the tide charts in advance. Low tide lets you walk on the ocean floor; high tide brings the sea back in, making the flowerpot rocks look entirely different (and perfect for kayaking). Plan your visits around the daily tidal swings for the best experience.

2. Packing and Preparation

• Weather gear: New Brunswick’s weather can flip in an instant—think layers, rain jackets, and even a sweater for cool coastal evenings.

• Footwear: Bring proper hiking shoes or boots for muddy trails, rocky beaches, and low-tide explorations.

• Bug spray & sunscreen: Mosquitoes can be relentless, especially near lakes and forests in summer.

• Reusable water bottles & snacks: Small towns and provincial parks often have limited options between meals, so stock up for long drives and hikes.

3. Booking Accommodations

• Dog-friendly stays: As you saw from our own itinerary, many motels, Airbnbs, and cottages across NB now welcome dogs—just be sure to filter for “pet-friendly” and confirm any rules before booking.

• Reserve early: Summer weekends and holidays can book up fast, especially near Fundy, Alma, St. Andrews, and along the coast. Plan several months out for the best spots.

📅 Sample 7-Day New Brunswick Road Trip Itinerary

While our trip stretched across two weeks and included Nova Scotia and PEI, here’s a focused New Brunswick route that balances nature, seaside towns, and family fun:

Day 1: Fredericton – Stroll Odell Park, walk the Pedestrian Railway Bridge, and explore historic downtown.

Day 2: Fredericton to St. Andrews – Stop in Harvey for local cheese, spend the afternoon whale-watching or kayaking in St. Andrews, and enjoy a classic seafood dinner by the water.

Day 3: St. Andrews to Saint John – Visit Ministers Island at low tide, wander through Saint John’s Uptown galleries and historic market, and take an evening stroll at Irving Nature Park.

Day 4: Fundy Trail Parkway & St. Martins – Drive the stunning Fundy Trail Parkway, hike the Suspension Bridge Trail, and snap pics at the St. Martins sea caves (only walkable at low tide!).

Day 5: Fundy National Park – Settle into Alma or Cape Enrage, hike the Dickson Falls or Laverty Falls trails, and relax with a sunset picnic at Herring Cove.

Day 6: Hopewell Rocks – Arrive early for low tide, walk the ocean floor, then stick around for high tide and consider renting a kayak for a different perspective.

Day 7: Moncton & Beyond – Check out Magnetic Hill (quirky road illusion!), see the wild tides at the Petitcodiac River, and finish with ice cream at a local dairy bar.

🌲 Hidden Gems & Worthwhile Detours

If you’ve got time (and that’s what a road trip is all about), these extra stops are well worth a detour:

• Grand Manan Island: Hop a ferry from Blacks Harbour for a rugged, off-the-beaten-path island adventure. Lighthouse hikes, puffin spotting, and some of the best seafood chowder you’ll ever eat.

• Kouchibouguac National Park: A quiet gem in the province’s north, with sand dunes, salt marshes, and boardwalk trails through the Acadian forest. Ideal for biking, canoeing, and birdwatching.

• Miscou Island: Dramatic landscapes and the famous Miscou Lighthouse at the province’s northern tip.

• Saint John River Valley: Especially in autumn, this region dazzles with red and gold foliage. Stop at King’s Landing Historical Settlement for an immersive step back in time.

🐾 Road Tripping with Dogs: NB’s Best Pet-Friendly Tips

• Beaches: Many public beaches (outside of main swimming areas) are dog-friendly, especially early in the morning or evening. Always pack poop bags and respect local signs.

• Parks & trails: Fundy National Park and Kouchibouguac welcome leashed dogs on nearly all trails. Check in advance for any seasonal wildlife restrictions.

• Restaurants: Some seafood shacks, patios, and cafés (especially in Alma, St. Andrews, and Saint John) are happy to welcome your dog on the deck. Always ask and be ready with water for your pup.

• Accommodations: From cozy cabins to motels and even glamping domes, New Brunswick has stepped up its pet-friendly options—but always call ahead to confirm size and breed rules, and any extra fees.

🍴 Must-Try Foods & Where to Find Them

New Brunswick’s food scene is delightfully local, fresh, and unfussy. Don’t miss:

• Lobster rolls: Soft, buttered buns overflowing with sweet lobster meat. Alma and Shediac are both famous for theirs.

• Fiddleheads: If visiting in late spring, try this classic Maritime delicacy—often steamed or sautéed with garlic and butter.

• Dulse: Snackable dried seaweed, harvested from the Bay of Fundy, available at markets and roadside stands.

• Sticky buns: Alma’s Kelly’s Bake Shop draws a crowd for their gooey, cinnamon-sticky perfection.

• Scallops & fried clams: St. Andrews and the Acadian Coast do these best—go for a mixed seafood platter for the full experience.

🗺️ NB Loop at a Glance

🥾 4 Short Hikes In New Brunswick (All Dog‑Friendly)

Tip: rinse paws & shoes at park taps before they dry like concrete.

🌊 Tide‑Timing Matrix (Our Exact Clock)

🚗 Packing Grid – Human vs German‑Shepherd

🌦️ Weather, Safety & Local Etiquette

• Prepare for fog & rain: Especially along the Fundy coast and Cape Enrage, weather changes fast. Don’t let the forecast ruin your plans—some of the most atmospheric photos come from foggy mornings!
• Driving: Roads are generally well-maintained, but rural areas can see wildlife (moose, deer) especially at dawn and dusk. Drive carefully and keep headlights on.
• Local friendliness: Maritimers are famously warm and welcoming. Don’t hesitate to ask for directions, trail tips, or the best place for pie—the answers often lead to memorable encounters.

🏕️ Final Thoughts: Why New Brunswick Makes for an Unforgettable Family Road Trip

New Brunswick is the kind of place where family traditions are born. From skipping stones on Fundy beaches to late-night bonfires. Whether you’re hiking coastal trails, sharing a platter of fresh-caught seafood, or watching your dog discover red clay for the first time, every day brings simple joys and discoveries.

The best advice? Slow down and savor it all. Let the tides set your schedule. Linger in small towns. Don’t worry about “seeing everything.” The real joy of a New Brunswick road trip is the time spent together—dogs, kids, parents, and friends—all packed in the car.

Already planning your own adventure? Have hidden gems or road trip hacks to share? Drop your best NB tips in the comments below—let’s inspire more families to hit the open roadThat’s it for our New Brunswick road trip.

Next up: Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island!