20 Questions About New Brunswick Visitors Are Asking: What Visitors Really Want to Know
New Brunswick, Canada is one of those destinations that can surprise you. From the world’s highest tides and dramatic Bay of Fundy coastline to vast forests, wildlife, covered bridges, waterfalls and thousands of kilometres of trails, there is much more to the province than many visitors realize.
But before planning a trip, visitors often have the same questions:
Where should I go? What is New Brunswick famous for? Can I see a moose? What are the best outdoor activities? Where can I ride an ATV? How many days do I need? And what should I do if I only have a few days?
At Mud to Moose Trail Adventures, we spend our days exploring the New Brunswick wilderness by ATV and side-by-side. So we decided to answer some of the questions we hear most often.
1. What is New Brunswick famous for?
New Brunswick is best known for its spectacular natural landscapes, the Bay of Fundy, the world’s highest tides, forests, wildlife, seafood, Acadian culture and outdoor adventures.
The Bay of Fundy is one of the province’s biggest attractions. Tides can rise by approximately 16 metres (52.5 feet), creating an extraordinary natural phenomenon along the coastline.
New Brunswick is also famous for:
- Hopewell Rocks
- Fundy National Park
- Fundy Trail Parkway
- Moose and other wildlife
- Whale watching
- Covered bridges
- Scenic coastal drives
- Hiking and camping
- Fishing
- ATV and side-by-side adventures
- Acadian culture
- Fresh seafood
- Fall colours
For outdoor enthusiasts, New Brunswick is particularly appealing because approximately 80% of the province is forested.
2. What are the best things to do in New Brunswick?
That depends on what type of experience you want.
For first-time visitors, some of the most popular experiences include:
Explore the Bay of Fundy
Visit the Bay of Fundy and experience some of the world’s most dramatic tides.
Visit Hopewell Rocks
Walk along the ocean floor at low tide and see the famous sandstone formations known as the Flowerpot Rocks.
Explore Fundy National Park
Hike through forests, waterfalls and coastal landscapes.
Take a scenic road trip
New Brunswick is made for road trips, with coastal routes, forest roads, small communities and scenic viewpoints.
Go wildlife watching
Moose, deer, black bears, eagles, whales and many other species can be found throughout the province.
Ride an ATV or side-by-side
For those who want something more adventurous, New Brunswick has an extensive trail system. Tourism New Brunswick reports more than 10,000 km of ATV trails across the province.
And that is where Mud to Moose comes in.
3. Can you see moose in New Brunswick?
Yes. In this blog about 20 Questions About New Brunswick Visitors Are Asking we have the answers.
New Brunswick has a healthy population of wild moose, and they can be encountered in many of the province’s forested regions.
However, moose are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed.
That is an important distinction between a wildlife adventure and a zoo or wildlife park.
At Mud to Moose Trail Adventures, our Night Moose Safari is designed around the experience of exploring New Brunswick’s wilderness while looking for wildlife.
We never promise that guests will see a moose.
Instead, we promise an authentic wilderness experience and the opportunity to search for one of New Brunswick’s most iconic animals.
4. What is the best time to see a moose in New Brunswick?
Moose can be encountered throughout the year, but wildlife activity varies with season, weather, food availability and location.
Early morning and evening can be particularly interesting times to explore for wildlife because many animals are more active around dawn and dusk.
That is one reason an evening wildlife adventure can be so exciting.
You are not simply driving down a road hoping to see an animal.
You are entering the forest, listening for wildlife and learning how the landscape changes as daylight disappears.
And sometimes, you get lucky.
5. Where is the best place to see moose in New Brunswick?
There isn’t one single location where you are guaranteed to see a moose.
Moose live throughout large areas of New Brunswick’s forests, particularly in less-developed wilderness areas.
The better strategy is to understand moose habitat and behaviour rather than simply searching for a particular roadside location.
This is one of the advantages of taking a guided wildlife experience.
A knowledgeable local guide can help you understand where wildlife is likely to move and what signs to look for.
Even then, nature makes the final decision.
6. Is New Brunswick good for ATV riding?
Absolutely.
New Brunswick is an excellent destination for ATV and side-by-side enthusiasts.
Tourism New Brunswick describes the province as having more than 10,000 km of ATV trails, crossing forests, mountains, streams and coastal areas.
The province’s extensive trail network gives riders access to landscapes that many visitors never see from the highway.
For visitors who don’t own an ATV, guided tours provide another way to experience the backcountry.
That’s exactly what we offer at Mud to Moose Trail Adventures.
7. Can tourists rent an ATV in New Brunswick?
Yes, ATV rentals and guided ATV experiences are available in New Brunswick.
However, visitors should understand the difference between renting an ATV and taking a guided ATV tour.
With a rental, you are responsible for planning your route, understanding trail access, dealing with navigation and managing the experience yourself.
With a guided tour, you have a local guide who can lead the group and help you experience the area safely.
For visitors who are unfamiliar with New Brunswick, a guided tour can be an excellent way to experience the trails without having to figure everything out yourself.
8. Do I need a driver’s licence to ride an ATV in New Brunswick?
This is one of the questions we hear frequently.
The answer can depend on the type of vehicle, rider, age, registration, location and applicable New Brunswick regulations.
Rules can also change, so visitors should always verify the current provincial requirements before riding.
If you are planning an ATV trip to New Brunswick, don’t assume that the rules where you live are the same as the rules here.
Check the current New Brunswick ATV regulations before your trip.
For trail information, permits, safety requirements and trail maps, Tourism New Brunswick directs ATV riders toward QuadNB.
9. Is New Brunswick good for a family vacation?
Yes. You will find the answers in this blog 20 Questions About New Brunswick Visitors Are Asking
New Brunswick offers activities for families with very different interests.
Families can combine:
- Beaches
- Wildlife viewing
- Hiking
- Waterfalls
- Museums
- Scenic drives
- Covered bridges
- Coastal communities
- Bay of Fundy attractions
- Camping
- ATV and outdoor adventures
One of the biggest advantages is that you don’t necessarily have to choose between an outdoor vacation and a sightseeing vacation.
You can combine both.
For example, a family might spend the morning exploring the Bay of Fundy, have lunch in a local community and finish the afternoon on an ATV adventure.
10. How many days do you need to visit New Brunswick?
You can see highlights of New Brunswick in a few days, but five to seven days gives you much more flexibility.
A three-day trip could focus on one region.
A five-day trip could combine several major attractions.
A seven-day road trip allows you to explore more of the province without spending the entire vacation in the vehicle.
If you have longer, even better.
New Brunswick is a province where the journey between attractions can be part of the experience.
11. What is the best road trip in New Brunswick?
There isn’t one single best road trip because New Brunswick has several very different regions.
Popular road-trip areas include:
Fundy Coast
Ideal for dramatic coastline, hiking, seafood and the Bay of Fundy.
Acadian Coast
Great for beaches, Acadian culture, seafood and coastal communities.
Appalachian Region
A good choice for forests, mountains, outdoor recreation and wildlife.
Saint John to Fundy
A great option for visitors wanting to combine Saint John with the Bay of Fundy.
Central New Brunswick
This is where visitors can experience forests, rivers, lakes and backcountry adventures.
And if your idea of a road trip includes getting off the pavement, the central part of the province offers plenty of opportunities to experience New Brunswick’s wilderness from an ATV or side-by-side.
12. Is Hopewell Rocks worth visiting?
Yes.
Hopewell Rocks is one of New Brunswick’s signature attractions.
The famous sandstone formations were shaped by the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy.
At low tide, visitors can walk along the ocean floor and explore the formations. At high tide, the same formations become surrounded by water.
The official park recommends checking tide times before visiting and notes that sturdy footwear is recommended.
If your schedule allows, seeing both high and low tide can provide two completely different experiences.
13. Can you see the highest tides in the world in New Brunswick?
Yes.
The Bay of Fundy experiences some of the highest tides on Earth.
Tourism New Brunswick states that the tides can rise approximately 16 metres (52.5 feet).
The dramatic difference between high and low tide is one of the reasons the Bay of Fundy is such an important New Brunswick attraction.
14. What wildlife can you see in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Depending on where you travel, you may encounter:
- Moose
- White-tailed deer
- Black bears
- Coyotes
- Bobcats
- Lynx
- Porcupines
- Bald eagles
- Ospreys
- Beavers
- Foxes
- Whales
- Seals
Even attractions such as Hopewell Rocks can have wildlife passing through. The provincial park notes that moose, black bears, bobcats, lynx and coyotes can occasionally be spotted in the area.
Of course, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
That’s part of what makes seeing a wild animal in its natural environment so special.
15. Is New Brunswick good for outdoor adventures?
New Brunswick is an excellent destination for outdoor adventures.
You can hike, kayak, camp, fish, bike, paddle, snowmobile, explore the coast and ride ATVs and side-by-sides.
The province’s extensive forests and trail systems provide opportunities for both beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Tourism New Brunswick highlights hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, ATVing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing among the province’s trail activities.
Thank you for reading 20 Questions About New Brunswick Visitors Are Asking.
16. What should I pack for a New Brunswick outdoor adventure?
The weather can change quickly, especially when you are spending several hours outdoors.
For an ATV or side-by-side adventure, consider bringing:
- Waterproof or water-resistant clothing
- Warm layers
- Gloves
- Extra socks
- Sturdy footwear
- Sunglasses
- Bug protection
- Sunscreen
- A small backpack
- Water
- Camera or phone
And remember:
New Brunswick mud is not always interested in keeping your clothes clean.
If you’re coming to ride with Mud to Moose, we encourage guests to dress for the adventure.
17. Is fall a good time to visit New Brunswick?
Fall is one of the most spectacular times to visit.
The forests transform into a mixture of red, orange, yellow and green, making road trips and outdoor adventures particularly scenic.
Fall is also an excellent time for hiking, wildlife watching, photography and ATV adventures.
For anyone who loves the outdoors, combining fall colours + ATV riding + wildlife watching can make for an unforgettable New Brunswick experience.
18. Is New Brunswick expensive to visit?
New Brunswick can offer vacation options at a variety of price points.
Visitors can choose from hotels, motels, cottages, campgrounds, cabins and other accommodations.
You can also mix paid attractions with free outdoor experiences such as hiking, scenic drives, beaches and exploring communities.
One of the best ways to control costs is to plan your route carefully so you aren’t constantly driving long distances between activities.
19. What are some hidden gems in New Brunswick?
Some of the best experiences aren’t necessarily the most famous attractions.
Look for:
- Small rural communities
- Covered bridges
- Waterfalls
- Local markets
- Scenic lookouts
- Quiet beaches
- Forest trails
- Local restaurants
- Back roads
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- ATV trails
Sometimes the best New Brunswick experience is the one you didn’t find on the first page of Google. Are you enjoying our article on 20 Questions About New Brunswick Visitors Are Asking ?
20. Why should you get off the highway and explore New Brunswick?
This might be the most important question of all in our blog in our blog “20 Questions About New Brunswick Visitors Are Asking”
New Brunswick is much bigger than the attractions you see from the highway.
The province’s forests, trails, rivers and backcountry contain another side of New Brunswick that many visitors never experience.
You can see the province from a car window.
Or you can get into the wilderness and experience it.
That’s what we believe at Mud to Moose Trail Adventures.
Our guided ATV and side-by-side tours near Ripples, New Brunswick are designed to give visitors a chance to experience the province’s backcountry, explore forest trails and discover the kind of places you can’t reach from the highway.
And if wildlife is your goal, our Night Moose Safari gives you the opportunity to explore after dark while searching for one of New Brunswick’s most iconic animals.
There are no guarantees when you’re looking for wild moose.
But that’s exactly what makes the experience authentic.
Ready to Explore New Brunswick?
Whether you’re planning your first visit to New Brunswick or you’ve lived here for years, there is always another trail, waterfall, coastline, forest road or wildlife experience waiting to be discovered.
From the Bay of Fundy to the backcountry, New Brunswick is a province built for exploration.
And sometimes the best way to explore it is on four wheels.
Ride Wild. Explore More.
Explore Mud to Moose Trail Adventures
Looking for a guided ATV or side-by-side adventure in New Brunswick?
Check out our:
- Little River Mud Run Tour
- Deep Woods Wilderness Tour
- Night Moose Safari
- Guided ATV tours
- Guided side-by-side tours
- Private outdoor adventures
Book your New Brunswick ATV adventure today at MudToMoose.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Brunswick (in our blog “20 Questions About New Brunswick Visitors Are Asking”)
What is New Brunswick best known for?
New Brunswick is best known for the Bay of Fundy, the world’s highest tides, Hopewell Rocks, forests, wildlife, outdoor adventures and Acadian culture.
Where can I see moose in New Brunswick?
Moose live throughout New Brunswick’s forested areas. Sightings are never guaranteed, but guided wildlife experiences can improve your opportunity to explore suitable habitat.
Does New Brunswick have ATV trails?
Yes. New Brunswick has more than 10,000 km of ATV trails according to Tourism New Brunswick.
What are the best outdoor activities in New Brunswick?
Popular outdoor activities include hiking, ATVing, side-by-side riding, kayaking, camping, fishing, wildlife watching, cycling and exploring the Bay of Fundy.
Is New Brunswick good for a road trip?
Yes. New Brunswick has coastal drives, forest routes, scenic communities and major attractions that make it well suited to road trips.
What is the best time to visit New Brunswick?
Summer and fall are particularly popular for outdoor adventures, road trips, hiking, wildlife viewing and coastal attractions. Fall is especially attractive for colourful foliage.
Is Hopewell Rocks worth visiting?
Yes. Hopewell Rocks provides an opportunity to experience the dramatic difference between high and low tides in the Bay of Fundy.
Plan Your New Brunswick Adventure
New Brunswick isn’t just somewhere to drive through.
It’s somewhere to slow down, get outside and explore.
Ride Wild. Explore More.
Mud to Moose Trail Adventures
Ripples, New Brunswick, Canada
Book your adventure at MudToMoose.com