Fundy Coastal Drive: The Most Scenic Road Trip In New Brunswick, Canada (2026)

A comprehensive Fundy Coastal Drive itinerary for anyone wanting to see highlights of this stunning stretch of Atlantic Canada coast. This itinerary for this epic road trip in New Brunswick will provide you with everything you need to help you make the most of your adventure.

View from the top of the edge of the Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park featuring people on the black sandy shore with a view of the waters meeting the orange hues changing to blue of the skies and the edges thin trees can be seen in the foreground nearby the Fundy Coastal Drive.

The Bay of Fundy is a bay between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is famous for having the world’s highest tides, but it is also famous for being an incredible natural treasure.

The Fundy Coastal Drive in New Brunswick is one of the most spectacular stretches of coast in Canada. With this tried and tested itinerary, I’ll take you through the twists and turns of this scenic road trip, highlighting the places you must not miss.

Me crossing a hanging wooden bridge with a view of the trees at the background along the Fundy Coastal Drive.

From the iconic Hopewell Rocks to the serene Fundy National Park, every stop offers a glimpse into the maritime heritage of Atlantic Canada.

So here are my top recommendations for the Fundy Coastal Drive, the most scenic road trip in New Brunswick, to help you plan the perfect adventure in this stunning Canadian province.

IN A HURRY? FUNDY COASTAL DRIVE QUICK LINKS

ACCOMMODATION: Delta Hotels by Marriott Beausejour (Moncton), Hilton Saint John (Saint John), The Algonquin Resort (St Andrews).

NEW BRUNSWICK CAR HIRE: Use Discover Cars to find the best price on a rental car.

NOT DRIVING? Enjoy the Fundy Coastal Drive by bus, or hire a private tour guide if you’re travelling with a group.

5 ESSENTIALS TO PACK FOR NEW BRUNSWICK: A universal travel adapter; a refillable water bottle; a power bank (essential if you use your camera phone a lot); a crossbody/waist bag (to keep your valuables safely close to your body); and a copy of the latest Atlantic Canada Lonely Planet Guide.

TRAVEL INSURANCE IN CANADA: I recommend Heymondo, which includes Covid-19 coverage. And you can get a 5% discount when you buy with my link.

STAY CONNECTED: Buy an eSIM for Canada before you leave home and get connected as soon as you arrive in New Brunswick.

Table of Contents

1 Fundy Coastal Drive Itinerary: A Scenic Odyssey through New Brunswick
2 Fundy Coastal Drive, New Brunswick – FAQs
3 How to Get to New Brunswick

Fundy Coastal Drive Itinerary: A Scenic Odyssey through New Brunswick

Embark on a road trip of a lifetime as you traverse the stunning landscapes of the Fundy Coast in New Brunswick, Canada. From charming towns to awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Fundy Coastal Drive promises an adventure filled with history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

Day 1 – Moncton, Shediac and Hopewell Rocks

Located in the geographical centre of the Canadian Maritime Provinces, Moncton is the largest town in New Brunswick and the perfect place to start this itinerary.

The blue barn house building of the Giant Lobster restaurant under bright blue skies with some clouds with a red, white, and blue boat, a yellow statues sitting, and some chairs in front of the building along the Fundy Coastal Drive.

Spend the first day exploring the city and the surrounding area before setting off on your adventure along the Fundy Coastal Drive.

Here are some of the highlights in Moncton and surroundings you must not miss in this itinerary.

Moncton street art

Take a leisurely stroll through downtown, immersing yourself in the vibrant street art that covers some of the town’s walls.

An office building with the Moncton Mural Rain painted on the wall featuring people walking across the road under night city lights while dark clouds and blue skies can be seen above the building along the Fundy Coastal Drive.

Each mural tells a story, adding an artistic flair to Moncton’s streets. Look out for the work of world-famous street artist Dan Kitchener.

Tidal bore

Watch this unique phenomenon from Bore Park. The tidal bore happens twice a day and it is caused when the extreme tides in the Bay of Fundy begin to make their way up Petitcodiac River.

Tall green grass in the foreground with the view of the waters entering the shore of the Petitcodiac River along the Fundy Coastal Drive. Cloudy skies can be seen at the back.

The best spot to view the tidal bore is on the amphitheatre at 10 Bendview Court in downtown Moncton.

Shediac, Lobster Capital of the World

Drive to Shediac, proudly known as the Lobster Capital of the World and indulge in the freshest seafood by joining a food tour.

> Book your food tour of Shediac here

Me in front of the purple barn house building of The Big Lobster Hut with a door and two small white windows with bushes in front under bright blue skies with some clouds along the Fundy Coastal Drive.

You can also join a lobster boat tour for a firsthand look at the lobstering process, and to learn about the local fishing culture.

World’s largest lobster

While in Shediac, don’t miss the opportunity to capture a memory with the world’s largest lobster statue. This colossal crustacean serves as a quirky and fun photo backdrop.

Me in a happy pose in front of the large lobster statues with the flags of Canada and Flag of Acadia waving under bright blue skies with some clouds while a garden with yellow and red flowers can be seen at the back along the Fundy Coastal Drive.

Go to the beach at Parlee Beach Provincial Park

Unwind at Parlee Beach Provincial Park, renowned for its golden sands and warm waters (a lot warmer than I expected!). Whether you choose to swim or simply bask in the sun, the tranquil beauty of Parlee Beach makes for a perfect pitstop.

Portrait view of the sandy shore of the Parlee Beach Provincial Park with people cycling, sunbathing, and walking towards the blue waters under clear blue skies with some clouds in the back along the Fundy Coastal Drive.

TOP TIP: Don’t miss the most delicious lobster roll from Euston Park Social at Parlee Beach.

A lobster roll sandwich served with fries and some red drinks on a wooden table.

Magnetic Hill

Located on the northwestern edge of the Moncton, Magnetic Hill is a gravity hill that produces an optical illusion that makes a slight downhill slope appear like it’s uphill.

Drive up to Magnetic Hill, put the car out of gear, and it will look like it rolls uphill against gravity. Very confusing!

Hopewell Rocks

The tides in the Bay of Fundy can reach a water level of up to 16 metres high, making it the highest tide in the world. Hopewell Rocks, in Hopewell Cape, is the best place to experience this extreme phenomenon.

During low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor around the enormous Hopewell Rocks. The iconic flowerpot formations, sculpted by the relentless tidal forces over centuries are surrounded by fossil-filled mudflats and are an incredible sight.

Me looking at he rock formation with some vegetation growing on top of it on a dirt road while more rock formations can be seen at the right under bright blue skies while some people walk near the beach nearby the Fundy Coastal Drive.

For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, return during high tide to kayak around the towering Hopewell Rocks. Paddle through arches and witness the landscape transform as the tides change. This was probably the highlight of my Fundy Coastal Drive trip.

Me rowing a red kayak on the waters with the view of other people on kayaks in the back nearby the rock formations under bright blue skies with some clouds at the back along the Fundy Coastal Drive.

TOP TIP: Always check the tide timetables. If you are not able to see Hopewell Rocks at both high and low tide on the same day, you can do it over two days. I visited at low tide during sunset on my first day, and kayaked around them the next morning, while en route to Fundy National Park.

> Book your admission ticket to Hopewell Rocks here

Best tours in Moncton

Where to stay in Moncton

Moncton has so many options for accommodation that it would be hard to pick just one. I stayed at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Beausejour, which is conveniently located in the heart of the town and has an ample parking lot.

> Book the Delta Hotel by Marriott Beausejour in Moncton here

A hotel room at Delta Hotels featuring a white double bed with two pairs of white pillows, a wide bed frame, and two lamps attached at the end of the bed. Hanging artwork decorates the wall above the bed frames. There is a window on one side, nearby a small pale orange sofa.

These are other highly recommended places to stay in Moncton.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Moncton Downtown – Located in Downtown Monton, this is an LGTBQ+ friendly hotel with high sustainability credentials. Relax in the large indoor pool, Jacuzzi or Steam Room after a long day of exploring.
Book it here
Jardin Suites Highfield – A stylish one bedroom apartment centrally located and fully equipped with all amenities. It has private parking.
Book it here

Day 2 – Fundy National Park and Fundy Trail Parkway

Day two of this Fundy Coastal Drive itinerary takes you through a coastal paradise filled with pristine Acadian forest, an excellent network of trails, and plenty of stunning viewpoints.

Aerial view of the green waters with some white sandy shores under cloudy skies with tree-covered mountains in the background while trees and lush vegetation can be seen in the foreground along the Fundy Coastal Drive.

Today you will immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, the vast ocean, and the wide-open sky.

Cape Enrage

Cape Enrage offers one of the most spectacular views of the high tide phenomenon from the top of the cliffs. It is part of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve and the Fundy Coastal Drive Experience.

A white and red lighthouse at the edge of a land formation nearby the blue waters under clear blue skies along the Fundy Coastal Drive.

It’s the perfect stop for anyone seeking a bit of adventure, with a 183-metre zip line and a 46-metre rappel wall.

Alma Lobster Shop

Before entering the breathtaking Fundy National Park, stop at Alma Lobster Shop, in the village of Alma, and indulge in delicious fresh lobster rolls, a local delicacy.

A red lobster standing statues while i am standing beside it in front of a white barn building on a paved road while potted plants can be seen beside the building

They also have freshly cooked whole lobster, scallops, fried clams and seafood chowder. Much like food in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick food is very seafood based.

Walton Glen Gorge Falls

Within Fundy National Park, marvel at the spectacular view of Walton Glen Gorge Falls. Park at the visitor centre and take a short walk to the observation deck.

The waterfall didn’t have much water when I visited, but the lush greenery and the dramatic view of the coastal river ravine are truly breathtaking.

Fundy Trail Parkway

The Fundy Park Trailway is a 19-mile drive that follows the coastline and surprises you with stunning views at every turn. It’s one of the last stretches of coastal wilderness along North America’s Eastern Seaboard.

Be sure to stop and explore the many trails, waterfalls, beaches, and observation decks along the Fundy Trail Parkway. Here are a few that I recommend:

Cranberry Brook Lookout: Incredible view of Big Salmon River and its delta.
Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge: This wobbly but fun bridge is on the site of the original covered bridge that was washed out by Spring meltwater.
Pangburn Beach Lookout: Great view of Pangburn Beach, the most pristine beach in the park.
Fuller Falls: This was my favourite stop along the Parkway. Walk down the cable ladder to the lookout landing to get close to the waterfall.

Water flowing on a rocky slope with some moss and lush vegetation at the top along the Fundy Coastal Drive.

Sea Caves of St Martins

The small town of St Martins is known for the stunning sea caves that have been carved out by the tides over the years. At low tide you can go inside the caves.

Or you can admire them from the deck of the The Caves Restaurant, while you enjoy a delicious lunch. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes and stunning views over the sea caves.

Vaughan Creek Covered Bridge

Drive through the charming Vaughan Creek Covered Bridge, an iconic wooden structure that adds a touch of nostalgia to your journey.

A road with a car passing through a wooden barn-like structure under cloudy skies nearby the Fundy Coastal Drive.

Once an integral part of life in New Brunswick communities, covered bridges are living records of times past. New Brunswick has 58 covered bridges, but Vaughan Creek Covered Bridge is the only two-lane covered bridge in the province.

Best tours along Fundy National Park and Fundy Trail Parkway

Where to stay in Saint John

You’ll likely end day two of this Fundy Coastal Drive itinerary in Saint John, which has plenty of accommodation options. I stayed at the Hilton Saint John, located on the waterfront with great views over the harbour.

> Book the Hilton Saint John here

A quay with a red boat beside it, while raised lanes surrounded by buildings under cloudy skies with hues of orange can be seen in the background.

These are other highly recommended places to stay in Saint John:

Chipman Hill Suites (Sydney Street) – An elegant hotel housed in a historic building in Downtown Saint John.
Book it here
Chateau Saint John Trademark Collection by Wyndham – A hotel that looks like a faux castle with all the comfort you need.
Book it here

Day 3 – Saint John

Spend day three strolling through streets steeped in history. Saint John is Canada’s oldest incorporated city and the only city in New Brunswick.

A multi-storied red-bricked building on a street in Canada under dark cloudy skies with some thin trees in the front and sides.

It’s the ideal size to be explored on foot or watch the world go by while you relax in a café or a microbrewery.

Saint John’s 19th Century architecture

Discover the charm of Saint John with its well-preserved historic architecture.

A corner of an intersection featuring old multilevel buildings painted in red, while some are made of red bricks with several glass windows and a visible fire exit black stairs, and a footpath below.

Saint John has some of the best examples of 19th century commercial facades in Canada. They were built after the Great Fire of 1877.

Historic walking tour of Saint John

Participate in a historic walking tour of Canada’s first incorporated city to uncover the fascinating history of Saint John.

A street between red-bricked buildings with some business signs, while the road is paved in the middle and the sides are covered with red bricks under dark cloudy skies.

Explore landmarks that tell tales of a bygone era, enriching your understanding of this coastal gem.

> Book your historic walking tour of Saint John here

Reverse Falls

Don’t miss the awe-inspiring natural phenomenon of the Reverse Falls, where the tides create a mesmerising backward flow making it look like they are reversing rapids on the Saint John River. This unique spectacle is a must-see during your visit to Saint John.

Crystal-clear river water, with one path featuring raging currents and the other path with calm waters.

Saint John City Market

Indulge in a shopping spree at Saint John City Market. Support local vendors and discover unique crafts and delicious treats, adding a touch of local flair to your road trip.

From wild blueberries (when in season) to all sorts of locally produced maple syrup products, this is the place to get a true local taste of New Brunswick.

Area 506 Container Village

Extend your shopping experience to Area 506, a marketplace built with more than 60 containers that showcase the best of New Brunswick’s craftsmanship and products. It’s possibly the coolest space in the city, reinforcing Saint John’s identity as a Port City.

Me beside a cargo container turned store painted with colorful murals of shapes and faces based in black paint, while people walk in the back under skies with some turned-off light bulbs.

Here you’ll find handmade souvenirs, food trucks selling local delicacies, an outdoor performance space, a waterfront container lounge, and lots of fun public art.

Two stacks of cargo containers with a UFO mural while I pretend to get lifted towards the spaceship.

Street art

Take an artistic journey through the streets of Saint John and explore the city’s vibrant street art scene. Admire the murals that add a modern and dynamic touch to the city’s historic backdrop.

A portrait view of a red-bricked building, while the middle wall features a mural of sea creatures like the octopus, types of fish, ship anchors, and bottles with a letter in them.

Best tours in Saint John

Where to stay in Saint John

St John has plenty of accommodation options. I stayed at the Hilton Saint John, located on the waterfront with great views over the harbour.

> Book the Hilton Saint John here

A room with a white queen-sized bed between two side tables and lamps. Nearby the window is a rectangular framed artwork beside a lamp, a small two-person orange couch, and a small wooden table on a gray carpeted floor.

These are other highly recommended places to stay in Saint John:

Chipman Hill Suites (Sydney Street) – An elegant hotel housed in a historic building in Downtown Saint John.
Book it here
Chateau Saint John Trademark Collection by Wyndham – A hotel that looks like a faux castle with all the comfort you need.
Book it here

Day 4 – Saint Andrews

Drive along the coast to the historical town of St Andrews, a charming seaside resort typical of an 18th century British Colonial Settlement.

A small outdoor space with brick-tiled flooring of a house, three flags in the foreground, and a view of a blue crystal-clear river with boats in the background under bright blue cloudy skies.

Often referred to as Saint-Andrews-by-the-Sea, it is one of New Brunswick’s top holiday destinations, and was named the best place to visit in Canada by USA Today.

Explore the cute streets of St Andrews

Stroll through the charming streets of St Andrews, known for its picturesque beauty, historic buildings, and quaint shops. Immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of this coastal town.

A white old barn-style house beside a road with some temporary walls under bright blue skies, beside other barn-type buildings in pale yellow and pale gray, while cars are parked in the background.

Don’t miss wandering down historic Water Street, Saint Andrews main road, awarded the prestigious ‘Great Place in Canada’ designation by the Canadian Institute of Planners.

Whale watching

Whale watching is probably one of the top things to do in St Andrews.

Me and another person posing for photos in red and gray jumpsuits on a boardwalk, with a view of the dark skies and crystal waters in the background.

In fact, the Bay of Fundy, together with Husavik in Iceland, is one of the best places in the world to see whales, and St Andrews has plenty of ethical whale watching outfitters to help you realise your dream of seeing these gentle giants in the wild.

View of the back of the whale on the water's surface under dark skies.

Whale-watching excursions are the best way to witness the majestic minke, humpback, and finback whales that visit the Bay of Fundy every year. I went with Jolly Breeze on a jet boat and spotted over 12 (I eventually lost count!) minke whales despite it being a foggy day.

A red and white lighthouse beside buildings in the same colors on a misty day under dark skies, with rippling waters in the foreground.

It was an incredible experience that added a touch of the wild to this road trip. And as a bonus, we sailed around the coastal islands, including Campobello Island, with the stunning Head Harbour Lightstation, the second most photographed lighthouse in Canada.

Kingsbrae Garden

Kingsbrae Garden is a multi-award winning horticultural masterpiece that expands 27 acres.

A small garden with hedges forming square and U shapes colored in green, violet, and a mix of both, while white houses can be seen in the back with some trees under clear blue skies.

With over 2,500 species of perennials, as well as a wide variety of trees, and a great collection of rhododendrons, roses, and daylilies, it has been named one of the Top Ten Public Gardens in Canada.

There’s also a labyrinth, a cedar maze, ponds, and a genuine Dutch windmill (1/3-scale).

Ministers Island

Drive across the ocean floor to get to Ministers Island, the historic summer home of Sir William Van Horne, who was responsible for completing the transcontinental railway line in Canada.

The small bathhouse tower made of red stone bricks in St. Andrews Island, New Brunswick, with people walking towards it. The background is filled with trees in hues of orange, yellow, and green under cloudy skies.

It’s a National Historic Site of Canada with a great network of nature trails and stunning ocean views. If you visit on a Sunday you will be able to enjoy a live music concert too.

Stay at The Algonquin Resort

You may think that staying at a hotel doesn’t count as one of the top things to do in St Andrews, but The Algonquin Resort is a Canadian institution and a world-famous resort with a history spanning over 100 years.

The front view of The Algonquin Resort featuring its red roof with two cones. The white walls have multiple glass windows, and cars are parked in front of it. A green grass field can be seen in the foreground under cloudy skies.

Staying at the iconic Algonquin Resort is the perfect way to wrap up the most scenic road trip in New Brunswick. Enjoy the luxurious comfort and historic charm of this renowned establishment.

> Check availability for The Algonquin Resort here

Where to stay in St Andrews

Despite being New Brunswick’s top holiday destination, St. Andrews has limited options for accommodation, and as mentioned above, one hotel stands out in particular. The Algonquin Resort, a historic hotel and Canadian institution, where I was lucky to stay.

> Book The Algonquin Resort here

Hotel room with patterned carpeted floor, white bed, red ottoman, work table with mirror, and a one-person pale orange sofa near glass French windows.

However, here are other highly recommended places to stay in St. Andrews.

St Andrews Inn & Suites – A modern hotel centrally located on historic Water Street, with stunning views over the Bay. The indoor swimming pool is worth trying just for the views.
Book it here
Kennedy House – A charming historic hotel located in a 19th Century building in the heart of St Andrews that’s been welcoming guests since 1881.
Book it here

Fundy Coastal Drive, New Brunswick – FAQs

What is the Fundy Coastal Drive?

The Fundy Coastal Drive is a scenic route along the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, offering breathtaking views, charming towns, and unique natural wonders. It is a stunning drive and it should be on everyone’s road trip bucket list.

Me in front of the muddy and rocky shore of the Bay of Fundy, in front of a rock formation with a small mini entrance at the bottom, under blue skies with hues of yellow and orange in the background.

How long should I spend driving the Fundy Coast in New Brunswick?

The Fundy Coastal Drive has an incredible amount of things to discover, so the longer you have the better.

The absolute minimum would be to spend at least four days on this road trip. This allows you to get a taste of the various attractions along this beautiful stretch of coast, and to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Red kayak bow with muddy waters, kayakers, rock formations, lush vegetation, clear blue skies, and clouds in the background.

What is the best time of the year to do the Fundy Coastal Drive?

Bear in mind that areas like the Fundy Trail Parkway are closed in the winter, so the best time to experience the Fundy Coastal Drive is during the summer and early fall. These months offer pleasant weather, vibrant landscapes, and the opportunity to take part in outdoor activities.

Can I do the Fundy Coastal Drive by public transport?

While public transport options are limited, it is recommended to explore the Fundy Coastal Drive by car for the flexibility to stop at various attractions and viewpoints.

> Compare deals for car hire options here

However, if you don’t want to drive, you can explore the highlights of the Fundy Coast by bus on a tour from Saint John.

> Book your Fundy Coast by bus tour here

Person in front of pale yellow Whale Watching cabin with red roof. Terrace has bottles in various flag colors and a parked white bicycle.

How to Get to New Brunswick

To begin your adventure, you can fly into Greater Moncton International Airport (YQM) or Saint John Airport (YSJ). However, you may have more options for direct flights to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ).

> Compare flight deals and options with Skyscanner here

Do you have any questions about this Fundy Coastal Drive itinerary?
Let me know in the comments!