Entertaining

5 hidden vacation gems in New Brunswick

Murray

When visiting New Brunswick, many vacationers tend to choose some of the more popular attractions, such as The Hopewell Rocks or the historic city of Saint John, but if you’re looking for an authentic New Brunswick experience, there are a few areas you might not know about, and they’re worth considering when you’re planning your next trip to the province.

1. Lost Brook Cave: 
Located near Albert Mines, the Lost Brook Cave is perfect for the adventurer in your group. The cave is near the old Albert Mines quarry, and it’s about kilometre off the main road. Although visitors might need detailed directions on how to find it, the search is worth it. At 79 metres long, this limestone cave has silver-coloured walls, natural skylights, and a waterfall at its centre.  There’s also a variety of other caves and resurgence springs in the area, which make the Lost Brook Cave and its surrounding area an ideal choice for a day-long hike.

2. The Charlie Lake Road Falls
: While there are few famous lakes and rivers in New Brunswick, some of the province’s most pristine water destinations are hidden, like the falls near Charlie Lake Road. Located a few kilometers off of the Trans-Canada, it isn’t something you notice if you’re just driving along. After turning onto Charlie Lake Road and driving about 400 meters, visitors have to walk through about 10 meters of woods, but they eventually see a view that only nature can create: a group of small waterfalls blended together due to the sloping hills of a brook.

3. Deer Island Point Park: 
Located on the Bay of Fundy, Deer Island (and its park) can be reached by ferry, but it’s well worth the trip. In addition to campsites, the 40 acre park has bird watching, beach combing, kayak and whale watching tours, day-use picnic areas, and walking and hiking paths. There are also many other attractions on the island, such as the Old Sow Whirlpool, which is best seen from Deer Island Point three hours before high tide.

4. Murray Beach: 
Once in a while during a vacation, all you need is a trip to the beach, which is why there are spots like Murray Beach. Located in Little Shemogue, this salt-water beach is along the Acadian Coastal Drive and part of the Murray Beach Provincial Park. Vacationers can also visit other areas, such as a seaside campground and picnic areas. No matter how long you stay at Murray Beach or its surrounding area, it’s well worth the view.

5. Ecological Park of the Acadian Peninsula
: Nestled on the North Eastern tip of the province, the Ecological Park showcases the natural beauty of New Brunswick. At the park visitors can nature by taking their own walking and hiking tour through the park, which includes an arboretum with 27 different trees that are native Acadian Peninsula or take daily guided tours. There’s also an interpretation centre that explains the Acadian Peninsula’s ecosystem, which includes salt marshes and peat bogs.