My Favourite Coastal Spots For Fall Exploring in New Brunswick

As a passionate nature lover based in Moncton, New Brunswick, I’ve explored quite a bit of the outdoors in this region. Fall brings a special kind of beauty to New Brunswick, especially to coastal areas. Some of my most memorable trips have been during the fall season. 

The first coastal spot that stands out to me is the Fundy Trail Provincial Park, also known as the Fundy Trail Parkway. This 30km parkway offers spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy, stunning lookouts on coastal cliffs and the Big Salmon River, and lush forests. There are tons of hiking trails, waterfalls, and opportunities to see some of the world’s highest tides. The tides roll in twice a day, about every six hours or so. It’s really cool to see in person.

I also love exploring St. Martins, a village nestled in the Bay of Fundy. Locals and tourists have the opportunity to explore sea caves and walk on the beach at low tide hours. There is also a salt marsh on the western edge of the village, as well as the harbour. The Shipyard cafe and Octopus Ice Cream are popular spots for locals. 

St. Andrews by the Sea is a historic resort town in Charlotte County. One popular accommodation in the area is the Algonquin Hotel and Resort (I’ve stayed there a few times on overnight trips with friends, and it’s quite spectacular—about a 2.5-hour drive from home for me). Ministers Island offers hiking trails and coastal views. Kingsbrae Garden is also a beautiful and colourful sight to see during the fall. 

Fundy National Park is another personal favourite. The park has plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, kayaking, fishing, and hunting. There are also campgrounds available for overnight stays. In early fall, the park offers a stunning display of fall foliage against the backdrop of the Bay of Fundy’s dramatic cliffs, covered bridges, and beaches. 

Hopewell Rocks is also an iconic site to visit during the fall, located in the Bay of Fundy. The Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is open from May to October and is an excellent day trip for families. You can walk on the ocean floor at low tide hours and kayak during high tide hours. There are also plenty of gift shops, museums, and cafes nearby. 

Saint John is an absolute must-see destination for travellers in the fall. The city and its surroundings become this gorgeous spectacle of reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves change, making it a super beautiful spot to explore. Aside from the scenery, fall in Saint John has tons of unique experiences. You can wander through the historic uptown, where the Victorian architecture looks perfect with the fall foliage. The Reversing Falls Rapids are stunning this time of year, with the dramatic tides and swirling waters against those vibrant riverbanks.

New Brunswick’s coastal areas in the fall are truly something special. From the dramatic cliffs of Fundy Trail to the charming streets of St. Andrews, there's just so much natural beauty and unique experiences waiting to be discovered. I hope this gives you some inspiration for your next fall adventure – you won't be disappointed!