Free Things To Do in New Brunswick

Are you a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or an art and history lover? Whatever excites you, New Brunswick has something for travellers within all budgets. With its many cultural attractions, natural scenic places and well-maintained hiking trails, there are numerous free and almost-free things to do in New Brunswick.

With all New Brunswick has to offer, it can be challenging to know the top things to include on your itinerary. Canadian Train Vacations, a group of Canadian insiders, help travellers plan their trips to Canada. The following list includes some amazing things to do in New Brunswick for free. Read on to learn more about the 19 fantastic things to do in New Brunswick without spending a dime.

1. Reversing Falls Rapids

Visit this rare and exciting natural phenomenon at the Reversing Falls Rapid! You will witness the river reversing its direction between tides. There are two opportunities to see this each day with tidal cycles of two alternative high tides and low tides. (The tides change every 12.5 hours.)

The whirlpools, rapids, and small waterfalls flow in opposite directions during the incoming and outgoing tides. The sea level falls four meters below the riverbed during the low tide. Whereas, during the high tide, the sea level rises four meters above the river. Get a perfect view of this phenomenon from the several rooftop observation decks that allow visitors to access it free of charge.

Videos and other interactive displays explain the geology behind this unique phenomenon. The Falls is open throughout the year, at all times of the day, but do check the tidal timings to view this phenomenon. There is free parking at the Fallsview and Wolastoq lots. You can also take the public bus no.1 to the Bridge Road Station.

Tip: Remember to take your binoculars for the best viewing experience.

2. Irving Nature Park

Just 5 miles from Saint John is an amazing natural wonder, Irving Nature Park, which provides excellent views of the Bay of Fundy. See 600 acres of vast bio-diversity from the boardwalk. It crosses salty marshlands, lush green forests and mud flats, ending in the rocky shoreline.

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will have a fantastic day, viewing more than 250 species of migratory and marine birds. In the park, you many be able to see wildlife like whales and harbor seals from the Seal Observation Deck.

Irving Nature Park is also excellent for family picnics, especially during the summer. It offers all the picnic necessities like a barbecue grills and picnic tables. There is also a special children's forest with mazes formed with cedar hedges.

The park is open to the public from early May until mid-October, between 8 am to 8 pm. Free on-site parking facilities are available. With an array of free activities to do, Irving Nature Park is one of the top free things to do in New Brunswick.

[ Read: Natural Wonders in Canada ]

3. St Martins Sea Caves

The Sea Caves are one of the natural wonders created by the repeated high and low tides of the Bay of Fundy. The tides have carved caves into the soft red sandstone cliffs. The multi-colored layers of diagonal stripes along these rocks indicate the 250 million-year-old land formation.

Explore these caverns during high and low tides. They are under the water during high tide and can be explored via kayak from St. Martins village. During low tides, you can walk through a small stream to explore the caves. This is one of the top things to do for free in New Brunswick.

4. Rockwood Park

Enjoy scenic nature and many adventurous activities just one and a half miles from Saint John at Rockwood Park. Visit the park during the warmer season to enjoy water activities like fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Hiking enthusiasts can also trek the 55 well-maintained trails and footpaths. Enjoy adventure activities like ice skating, skiing, sleigh rides, and snowshoeing during the colder season. The pet-friendly park also houses a dog park, where your furry friends can be let off leash.

The park is open to visitors throughout the year, and entry is free 24 hours, seven days a week. That said, certain park amenities, such as the zoo and golf course, do require an entrance fee and operate specific seasonal hours.

Rockwood Park is only a 5 minute drive from Saint John, and the park provides plenty of free parking.

5. Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site

One of the oldest buildings in New Brunswick, the Carleton Martello played a pivotal role in the conflicts leading up to World War II. It is a National Historic Site and an example of the British defense structures in the country. Construction of the round tower started during the War of 1812 but was not completed until 1815, when the war was over.

The 30-foot-tall Carleton Martello Tower showcases a restored powder magazine, barracks room, and other historical displays. Apart from the interactive exhibits and the British architecture, it also offers panoramic views of Saint John.

The tower is open throughout the year, 24 hours, seven days a week. The museum and gift shops are open from mid-July to early September. You can reach the tower by bus No. 15 or by car. While there is a small fee to visit the tower, it is free for youth. Free parking space is provided at the on-site parking lot.

6. King's Square

With greenery and several historical monuments, King's Square, in Saint John, is designed in the shape of the British Union Flag. A bandstand at the center of the square with a copper roof and metal framework was built in memory of King Edward VII. The bandstand hosts several free outdoor events during the summer months. The park is one of the best picnic spots in the city.

Located in the heart of Saint John, there are many bus lines stop near the square. Street parking is available around the square for comfortable access if you are driving a car.

7. Roosevelt Campobello International Park

Owned, operated, and maintained by the Governments of the USA and Canada, this international park is located on Campobello Island in New Brunswick. The park used to be the summer residence of then-US president Franklin D. Roosevelt. With cobble beaches and rocky shores, you will be amazed at the park's ecology.

Symbolizing the international cooperation between Canada and the USA, the park is run with the financial support offered by both countries. The 2,800-acre park is home to numerous cottages. The 34-room Roosevelt's cottage is a major attraction.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park is open from May to October from 9 am to 6 pm Atlantic. You can enjoy a guided tour of Roosevelt's cottage and the other cottages. If you are a history lover, listen to the place's historical significance over tea. Entry to the park and the Roosevelt cottage and car parking is free.

8. Saint John City Market

The Saint John City Market, with its inverted ship's keel-shaped roof, is an iconic building with boutiques, restaurants, and pubs. Located on the waterfront, the market is one of the best places for an casual summer day. You can shop, eat, drink and enjoy numerous activities. Several free events are also organized at the atrium during the winter festive seasons.

Entry into the market is free from 7:30 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday and 7:30 am to 5 pm on Saturdays. Do confirm seasonal operating hours. Parking is free, and you can also take the numerous city buses.

9. Tidal Bore

This astounding natural phenomenon occurs along the Peticodiac River in Moncton and Riverview in New Brunswick. During the changing tides at the Bay of Fundy, the gushing waters from the rising tide run over the otherwise calm Peticodiac River. The height of the waves can vary drastically between 0.5 to 1 metre. The waves are stronger during full moons.

Two tidal bores occur daily, and you can witness the drastic difference at high and low tide times. At low tide, you can see the river bottom, whereas you can see how the river changes within an hour of tidal bore.

Check the Tidal Bore Moncton arrival times online or at the Tourist Information Centre at the Chocolate River Factory.

10. Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market

One of Canada's top 10 community markets, Boyce Farmers Market is home to over 200 local farmers, food producers, and artisans from the local community. With shops spread over two huge market halls and the surrounding open area, you can shop for vegetables, meat, dairy products, and other local produce. The market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm.

11. Shediac's Giant Lobster

The structure is a tribute to the lobster fishing industry in Shediac, the Lobster Capital of the World. It is an 11 m long, 5 m tall, 90-tonne concrete structure of a lobster. Designed by the Canadian artist Winston Bronnum, the giant lobster is the world's biggest lobster scupture. A staircase on the pedestal allows people to climb up to have their pictures taken.

With 300,000 visitors annually, it is one of the most-visited roadside attractions in New Brunswick.

12. Centennial Park

Originally known as the Parkton Nature Park, Centennial Park is a 94-hectare lush forest and open recreational space. It houses various Airforce displays like the CF-100 Canuck Fighter Jet, M4A3 Sherman Tank, the anchor from the HMCS Magnificent, and CN Railways Locomotive.

The park is open throughout the year, offering season-specific activities. If you visit during the summer, you can access the children's splash park, dog park, artificial turf sports field, event zones, and other outdoor activities.

You can look forward to cross-country skiing, tobaggan hills, snowshoeing, and outdoor skating during winter.

13. Grand Falls Gorge

The Grand Falls Gorge is a 75-foot waterfall situated on the St John River and is a popular attraction for visitors. A 1.6 km walking trail along the gorge offers various lookout points, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the falls. You can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the gorge from a zipline, but there is a charge for that.

14. Daly Point Nature Reserve

At the edge of Chaleur Bay in Bathurst, the Daly Point Nature Reserve is a bliss for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. It is a haven for biodiversity, with marshes, an Acadian Forest, and wooded plots. Numerous trails link all these varied habitats.

The park offers exciting activities like birdwatching and plant identification. Wildlife enthusiasts, especially bird watchers, swarm this natural reserve to spot birds and rare butterfly species. In the fall, thousands of Canada Geese arrive from their migratory voyage. Visitors are encouraged to bring their binoculars and cameras capture the pristine beauty of this nature park.

15. Killarney Lake Park Trail

Located a 10-minute drive from the Fredericton city center, the Killarney Lake Park features 645 hectares of natural landscape and Acadian forest. It offers 30 km of multi-use trails and many more recreational facilities.

The main trail takes you around the lake, crossing its beaches, taking around 55 minutes to complete. You can also extend your hike and explore the woods. In winter, these trails are converted to use for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

16. French Fort Cove

This Nature reserve is located in Miramichi, New Brunswick, and is home to numerous hiking and biking trails. These trails are a great way to explore the beautiful scenery throughout the park. Many of the trails range from easy to challenging, and you can choose which ones to do, depending on your level of expertise.

While the park is free to explore, there are activities you can do for a fee. Summer in French Fort Cove Nature Reserve offers canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals, while the winter has activities such as snowshoeing and skating.

17. Pabineau Falls

This series of huge rapids is only accessible through a 5.6 km in-and-out trail. Not just Pabineau Falls, but the hike itself makes for a memorable excursion, due to the area's scenic beauty.

Much of the hike is considered easy, as it is primarily flat, but you will cross a suspended bridge and use a guide rope for hiking a steep section. Most consider the view rewarding.

18. St. Michael's Basilica

One of Canada's largest churches, St. Michael's Basilica, is located on a hill in Miramichi in New Brunswick, overlooking the Miramichi River. Designed in a neo-gothic style, the facade and the interiors are breathtakingly beautiful. When crossing the Centennial Bridge on the Miramichi river, you get a fantastic view of the church.

The highlights here are its green copper roof, Bishop's Palace, and its great bells. You'll also find elements in the church such as marble faced columns and stained glass windows. Visit St. Michael's Basilica to take in its grand architecture.

19. World's Largest Axe

Standing majestically tall in Nackawic, New Brunswick, the 15 m tall axe is the world's largest axe, and stands embedded in a concrete stump. It weighs over 55 tonnes, and the axe head is 7 m wide. Located on the St. John River waterfront, it offers perfect picture opportunities.

The structure was constructed to represent the importance of forests and their contribution to the town's livelihood. It also serves as a great place for outdoor gatherings and events.

Where to Stay in New Brunswick, Canada?

People visiting New Brunswick have great accomodation options for all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay and enjoy in New Brunswick.

• Inn at Whale Cove Cottages, Grand Manan
  Stay at the traditional, rustic, wooden bungalows at Grand Manan. Explore numerous activities like hiking, kayaking, whale-watching, and beach-combing nearby.
• Oasis accommodations in Fundy National Park
  Stay at Fundy National Park's reserved site in an unusually structured teardrop dwelling. The water-droplet-shaped room is unique and will make your trip memorable.
• Treehouse Camping, Miramichi
  Sleep in a treehouse on River Black and enjoy the aerial views. This sustainable option conserves electricity and other resources.