Best Time to Visit New Brunswick

To decide when is the best time to visit New Brunswick, Canada, you must understand the weather in this coastal province. This region has four very distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and autumn. Depending on these seasons, activities and celebrations can vary.

The ideal time of year to visit New Brunswick is spring or fall. The weather in both these seasons is comfortable and conducive for travel. The hotel room rates are low. But New Brunswick has lots to offer in the summer and winter months too. Many festivals and events occur in the summer months, and it is the most popular season for visitors. In winter, the crowds are reduced. It does get very cold, but all the snow makes for great winter sports and activities.

The travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations help visitors plan their trips to Canada. Some of our itineraries include VIA Rail's Ocean Train. It passes through routes overlooking the exotic seascapes and lighthouses across New Brunswick and other Maritime provinces.

Here is our guide to the best time to visit New Brunswick.

About New Brunswick

New Brunswick is an Atlantic province of Canada located on the East Coast. Fredericton is the capital city. Both English and French are the official languages here. Geographically, Quebec lies on the northern border, the Gulf of St. Lawrence lies in the east, and the Bay of Fundy lies in the south. The US state of Maine lies to its west.

New Brunswick is renowned for its natural landscapes. It attracts more than one million visitors annually. The coastal scenery, pristine beaches, and enchanting forests make for breathtaking views. You can indulge in whale-watching, sea kayaking, bird watching, or a warm seawater swim. The place is famous for its numerous lighthouses. Tourists flock here to experience the mesmerizing coastal atmosphere, unique culture, and spectacular architecture.

Best Time of the Year to Visit New Brunswick, Canada

We have compiled a list of the weather conditions and popular events each season has to offer. Explore this list to decide the best time to visit New Brunswick, depending on your preferences.

April to May: Spring

The weather is moderately cold, with temperatures ranging between 40°F to 60°F. The cool breezes from the Bay of Fundy keep the climate relatively chilly. The snow starts melting, and there are chances of slight rainfall.

This season showcases the pleasant transition from winter to summer. It is the second best season for tourism, after summer. Furthermore, you can find some good deals on accommodation at this time. The room rates get considerably higher as the temperatures get warmer and the peak season (summer) approaches.

Major Events

• The St. John Annual Beer Fest happens in April in Saint John city. You can sample more than 150 varieties of beer and cider sourced across the Maritimes and the world. One could try the local cuisine too.
• Loyalist Day is celebrated on May 18 to commemorate the foundation of Saint John or the Port City (a seaport city of New Brunswick). Between 1783 and 1785, almost 15000 loyalists (people who stood by their government/ruler) landed near Saint John river and founded the city.

Packing Tips

The weather is chilly enough for wearing a jacket. Dressing in layers is recommended as the weather change can be drastic. Invest in snow boots to protect yourself from the slush and melting snow when you walk outdoors.

June to August: Summer

Summer is easily the most crowded and busiest season due to the increased number of tourists. Summer is suitable for travel because of its comfortably cool temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F. You may expect moderate precipitation, but only for a few days.

It is a great time to explore the outdoor attractions and natural landscapes. The weather provides better avenues for walking trails and adventure activities. You can participate in a host of local events happening at this time. However, increased crowds cause a hike in lodging rates. Hotel prices tend to shoot up. So if you are okay with spending more than usual and braving the congestion, you can plan a visit at this time of the year.

Major Events

• The locals organize several festivals in the summer months. June and July see people celebrating the Loyalist City RibFest and Buskers on the Bay Festival. Besides, the Fundy Fringe Festival takes place in August.
• Canada Day celebrations happen on July 1, while New Brunswick Day is on August 7.
• June also sees the province gearing up for the East Coast Games. It is Atlantic Canada's largest annual sporting event occurring in Saint John. It is a three-day multi-sport event attracting athletes of all ages. Some sports you get to see here are basketball, badminton, beach volleyball, softball, lacrosse, and ultimate frisbee.
• The Festival des ramȅurs, or the Rowing Boat Festival, takes place in July's first and second weeks.
• You can watch several music festivals in August, such as the Nashwaak Music Fest (specializing in East Coast music).
• The locals observe National Acadian Day to celebrate Acadian (French settlers) culture on August 15 every year.

Packing Tips

The mornings are pleasant. You can dress in tees and trousers. However, the evenings can get colder. So, you will need warm clothing like jeans, light woolen cardigans, long-sleeved shirts, and sweatshirts. Remember to carry your raincoat/waterproof jacket along.

September to October: Fall

In this season, the weather is pleasant, dry, and sunny. The landscape looks marvelous in hues of reds, yellows, and oranges. The foliage around the Bay of Fundy is a sight to behold! The temperatures range from 30°F to 60°F (not exactly beach weather, but not too chilly). It is the best season to spend time outdoors as the rains would have stopped by then.

The crowds usually thin out after the summer festivals. However, the last two weeks of July and the first week of August still teem with tourists, mainly because of the comfortable weather conditions. So, ensure to book your travel and accommodation arrangements well in advance.

Major Events

• The Rockwood Automotive Show takes place in September. The program features the Car Show and Burn-Out Competitions, showcasing a variety of cars, trucks, jeeps, and motorcycles. The cost to enter your vehicle for the program is $20.
• The Harvest Music Festival takes place in mid-September. Experience Atlantic Canada's premiere musical extravaganza. It features around 150 performances by acclaimed and emerging artists across 20 stages in downtown Fredericton.
• In the first week of October, an Acadian Peninsula Book Fair is held in Shippagan, New Brunswick, to encourage the habit of reading. You can find books of various genres here.

Packing Tips

Enjoy the pleasant fall weather in New Brunswick in the appropriate clothing. If you plan your travel this season, pack a light cardigan or fleece jacket, warm leggings and thermals (for late fall), long-sleeved shirts, and hoodies. Carry a pair of hiking shoes as you will spend lots of time outdoors.

November to March: Winter

This season sees a low percentage of tourists. The harsh cold aggravated by the icy winds over the Bay of Fundy does not suit many. The temperatures range between 30°F to 40°F and can even go below 20°F in the peak winters. Snowfall happens at this time. Therefore, this season is not so suitable for fair-weather travelers.

However, if you are a sucker for winter holiday destinations, you can always plan a wintertime visit to New Brunswick. You can use the heated indoor walkways to navigate downtown without venturing outside. The best part is that accommodation at this time of the year is the cheapest. You can avoid the extreme tourist rush and enjoy a quiet vacation.

Major Events

• The Saint John Santa Claus Parade takes place in November. It is the official opening ceremony of the Christmas season. Interestingly, it features themed floats, marching groups, and musical bands.
• The New Brunswick Spirits Festival occurs in the second week of November. The authorities organize special tastings of the world's finest scotch whiskies and spirits.
• The province gears up for a gala New Year's Eve celebration on December 31.
• The Fredericton Frostival takes place in January-February. It hosts a series of events you can enjoy with family and friends.
• In February-March, you get to see the famous Fundy Winterfest. It is a six-week event where people celebrate winters and connect across generations, communities, and cultures.
• The Fredericton Craft Beer Festival takes place in March, where you can sample a collection of the best craft beer from the East Coast.

Packing Tips

You must carry proper winter gear if you plan a trip to New Brunswick at this time of the year. Dress in layers like the locals. Carry thermals, sweaters, and a warm parka or winter coat. Snow pants and ankle-length snow boots will keep you comfortably warm. Accessorize with woolen scarves, gloves, mittens, and caps. Ensure that you keep your head and neck warm at all times.

Reasons to Visit New Brunswick, Canada

Is New Brunswick suitable to visit as a holiday destination? Definitely! Here are some reasons you should plan a trip to this scenic coastal province:

• It is a great road trip destination:
  For once, you can choose a transportation mode other than air travel. New Brunswick is just a few hours'-drive from the northeastern part of the USA. You can also drive down from Quebec City if you are already in Canada. The scenic locales and unending coastline views add to the charm of the road trip.
• It is affordable:
  New Brunswick is a budget-friendly destination. Currency conversion rates will decrease your expenditure considerably if you are from the US. 
• It does not get too crowded:
  Compared to the US holiday destinations, such as National Parks and public viewpoints, the crowd here is lesser. New Brunswick still falls among the most underrated tourist spots.
• It has some of the most scenic views:
  New Brunswick is great for both mountain and sea lovers. It is home to both rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. Furthermore, the Bay of Fundy, St. Andrews-by-the-sea, Hopewell Rocks, and Swallowtail Lightstation are places worth a visit.
• It is a haven for exciting outdoor activities:
  If you are the adventurous sort, New Brunswick offers a host of thrilling activities. Mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, snowmobile riding, and ziplining are a few adventure sports you can try.

Final Thoughts

The busiest month for tourism in New Brunswick is July, with August and June coming a close second. December and January are the most budget-friendly and least expensive months to visit. However, most tourists avoid traveling in the harsh winters.

From a tourism point of view, late July to late September is the ideal time to visit New Brunswick. The temperatures range within a comfortable 60 to 70°F, and you can experience clear, rainless weather conditions. It is the perfect time to travel outdoors.

From a tourism point of view, late July to late September is the ideal time to visit New Brunswick. The temperatures range within a comfortable 60 to 70°F, and you can experience clear, rainless weather conditions. It is the perfect time to travel outdoors.

From an activity point of view, the summer months are ideal for various adventure sports and outdoor events. It usually spans between late June and late August. The temperatures remain above 70°F. This perfect beach weather allows you to spend more time exploring the scenic locales of the Maritime coast.

Every season lends a particular charm to New Brunswick. Each season presents different activities, events, changing weather, and landscapes for a unique travel experience. Therefore, the best time of the year to visit New Brunswick, Canada, is a personal choice and is guided significantly by your preferences.