Adventure fans, if you've been sleeping on New Brunswick for your next getaway, it's time to get up to speed with this absolute gem of a destination tucked away in Canada's Maritime provinces.
New Brunswick is Canada's third-smallest province by area. Yet, it boasts a jaw-dropping 12 provincial and two national parks, making it a paradise for anyone looking to get away from it all and reconnect with nature, themselves and their loved ones.
Between these 14 parks, you can swim at Canada's warmest saltwater beach, witness the world's highest tides in the Bay of Fundy, go kayaking along charming rivers, practice yoga on sandy beaches or bike around coastal towns so pretty they'd make an oil painting jealous.
The most challenging part is picking which ones to visit first! Think of this as your go-to guide for these 14 stunning parks, which will help you plan your epic escape to New Brunswick this summer.
Sugarloaf Provincial Park
Price: General access to the park is free. $36 per adult (plus tax) for all-day access to the bike park.
Address: 596 Val-d'Amour Rd., Atholville, NB
Why You Need To Go: Situated in New Brunswick’s Appalachian Mountain region, Sugarloaf Provincial Park is a stunning destination for hiking and camping — but it's arguably best known in summer for its world-class mountain biking trails.
Home to Atlantic Canada’s only bike lift service, Sugarloaf has trails suitable for beginners and experts, completely decked out to suit any off-road cyclist's dreams.
Whether you spend the day tearing down the slopes or hiking the 25 kilometres of trail in the park, don't forget to kick back for a bite to eat at the aptly named TBar Restaurant.
Accessibility: The Terry Fox Trail is accessible for wheelchair users.
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park
Tourists at Hopewell Rocks.
Courtesy of Tourism New Brunswick
Price: $15.85 per person, valid for two consecutive days
Address: 131 Discovery Rd., Hopewell Cape, NB
Why You Need To Go: A jewel in New Brunswick's crown, Hopewell Rocks is a not-to-miss destination on your next visit. It's one of the best spots to appreciate the natural wonder of the Bay of Fundy tides, which cover the beach with 16 metres of water twice a day — that's 160 billion tonnes!
If you want that iconic shot of walking on the ocean floor surrounded by towering rock stacks, double-check the tide tables for when the tide is out. You'll descend 99 stairs to the ocean floor, where you can roam as far as you dare before braving the 101 steps back to the top.
Accessibility: There is a wheelchair and stroller-accessible 60-metre ramp, but the uneven surface of the beach itself makes it unsuitable for most wheels. A shuttle service is available to the shoreline for an additional fee.
Parlee Beach Provincial Park
Price: $17.39 daily parking fee
Address: 45 Parlee Beach Rd., Pointe-du-Chêne, NB
Why You Need To Go: Parlee Beach Provincial Park is where you'll find the warmest salt water in Canada, making this famous beach a must-see on a summer vacation. And the best part? It's only a 20-minute drive from the nearby Moncton airport, making it one of the most convenient beachside escapes for folks flying into the province.
If you're into wellness, you can join a yoga class on the sand for a sun salutation like no other. There are 210 campsites in the park for anyone craving an extended stay, along with charming boutiques, cafés and restaurants where you can chat with the super friendly locals.
Accessibility: The beach is wheelchair and stroller accessible via a platform on the sand and a mobi-mat down to the water. Service animals wearing a service animal vest are welcome.
Mount Carleton Provincial Park
The peak of Mount Carleton, New Brunswick.
Courtesy of Tourism New Brunswick
Price: $13.04 daily fee per vehicle
Address: 7612 Route 385, Saint-Quentin, NB
Why You Need To Go: In New Brunswick's northern region, you'll find peak wilderness escapism — not just because Mount Carleton is the tallest mountain in the Maritimes. You'll also have over 17,000 hectares of forest to explore, bustling with more than 100 bird species and 30 kinds of mammals.
Camping is available, but there are no serviced sites, and the rugged terrain makes it best for those ready for adventure. It's well worth the effort, though, especially once the sun goes down.
Mount Carleton Provincial Park's status as a designated Dark Sky Preserve makes it one of the best places in the country to gaze at the stars.
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible trail to Williams Falls.
New River Beach Provincial Park
Price: $13.04 daily fee per vehicle
Address: 78 New River Beach Rd., New River Beach, NB
Why You Need To Go: Nestled on New Brunswick's southern coast, New River Beach Provincial Park is a hidden gem among the province's many park options.
While the massive swathe of sandy beach coastline is an obvious summer draw, the park also has cliffside hikes and bountiful wildlife to make you feel at one with nature. Barnaby Head Trail is a must-see too, as it takes you over the historic bogs and ancient trees via a picturesque boardwalk.
Mactaquac Provincial Park
Mactaquac Provincial Park
Courtesy of Tourism New Brunswick
Price: Free
Address: 1256 Hwy 105, Mactaquac, NB
Why You Need To Go: Roughly 30 kilometres from Fredericton, Mactaquac Provincial Park is nestled among woodland along the picturesque Saint John River. It offers an extensive network of hiking trails and the cutest beaver pond nature reserve.
This spot is also known for its 18-hole golf course, where you can tee off against stunning waterfront views as a visiting player, starting at $41.74 per person. If your idea of a dream vacation involves cruising on the water, you can also take advantage of the park's marina.
Accessibility: There are two campsites and one trail accessible to wheelchairs.
Herring Cove Provincial Park
Herring Cove Provincial Park
Courtesy of Tourism New Brunswick
Price: Free
Address: 136 Herring Cove Rd., Welshpool, NB
Why You Need To Go: Herring Cove is a paradise located on Campobello Island in New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy. The smooth and sandy 1.6-kilometre-long beach offers panoramic views across the water to Eastport, Maine — the perfect photo-op.
Breathe in the scent of ancient spruce trees while hiking one of the seven trails, or enjoy a round of golf at the 9-hole course for $26.09 per person. The serviced campgrounds also offer Ch-A-lets and rustic shelters for a comfy stay away from the hustle and bustle.
Accessibility: Select trails are wheelchair accessible, there's a boardwalk to the beach and a mobi-mat down to the water.
Fundy Trail Provincial Park
A lookout in Fundy Trail Provincial Park.
Courtesy of Tourism New Brunswick
Price: $12.17 per adult
Address: 3 Fundy Trail Pkwy, Salmon River, NB
Why You Need To Go: Fundy Trail Provincial Park offers stunning views of the Bay of Fundy from the road that snakes along the cliffs and shoreline.
Visitors are welcome to tackle the coastal route by car, bike or on foot, and there are 20 trails for hikers crisscross the 6,323-acre park. Highlights include the Low Tide Loop, a 2-kilometre hike that leads you onto the sea floor of the Bay of Fundy when the tide is out, and the Suspension Bridge Trail.
Fundy National Park
Kayakers in the Bay of Fundy.
Courtesy of Tourism New Brunswick
Price: $9 per adult per day
Address: 8642 Rte. 114, Alma, NB
Why You Need To Go: Not to be confused with Fundy Trail Provincial Park, 40 kilometres to the south, Fundy National Park is known for its plentiful hiking routes (over 30) and bubbling forest streams, pooling down into 25 beautiful waterfalls.
Like many spots along the Bay of Fundy, you can visit the sea floor when the tide goes out. You can also go kayaking among the stunning Hopewell Rocks. Paddlers are also welcome to explore Bennett Lake and Wolfe Lake, which are located in the park.
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible facilities can be found at specific locations.
Kouchibouguac National Park
A camper relaxes at one of Kouchibouguac's teardrop campsites.
Courtesy of Tourism New Brunswick
Price: $9 per adult per day
Address: 186 Rte. 11, Kouchibouguac, NB
Why You Need To Go: Situated on unceded Mi’gmaq territory, Kouchibouguac National Park is an important Indigenous site where you can join a weekly wigwam gathering, go on a medicine walk and try your hand at cedar weaving.
It's also this list's second Dark Sky Preserve, offering you the chance to sleep under the stars in one of the darkest places in North America.
There are over 60 kilometres of biking trails in Kouchibouguac. Plus, Kelly's Beach and Callanders Beach both offer soft sand and warm water for swimming, paddling, and more.
Accessibility: All-terrain wheelchairs are available at no charge.
North Lake Provincial Park
Price: Free
Address: 3884 Rte.122, North Lake Parish, NB
Why You Need To Go: Located in York County, this quaint spot is best suited for peaceful summer activities. Pack your shades, a nice floatie and plenty of SPF because once you're out on the serene water, you won't want to leave.
The lake is a paddler's paradise with calm tides ideal for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. The park is ideal for off-grid camping, so nights here are best spent cozied up by the fire with some s'mores, letting the good times roll.
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, but easy walking
République Provincial Park
A family at a campsite in République Provincial Park.
Courtesy of Tourism New Brunswick
Price: Free
Address: 35 Isidore-Boucher Blvd., Saint-Jacques, NB
Why You Need To Go: This unique recreational campground is located in a beautiful provincial park on the shores of the Madawaska River. Upon arrival, you'll see two tennis courts, two volleyball courts and a heated swimming pool.
Sit back and tap your feet to the local Acadian music at the amphitheatre, or take in the sweet perfume scents of the New Brunswick Botanical Garden, covering more than 20 acres of the park's land.
Accessibility: Wheelchairs & strollers are accessible along the main park grounds.
The Anchorage Provincial Park
Price: Free
Address: 136 Anchorage Rd., Grand Manan, NB
Why You Need To Go: If you're seeking breathtaking scenery and making lifelong memories, The Anchorage Provincial Park is the place for you. There are over 100 campsites, each featuring an activity centre, shower and laundry services, and a nearby beach.
Bring your binoculars and stroll along the Red Point Trail boardwalk for prime whale-watching views. Have your camera ready to capture the whales breaching the pristine water.
Accessibility: The park is not wheelchair accessible.
Murray Beach Provincial Park
Price: $13.04 daily fee per vehicle
Address: 1679 Hwy 955, Little Shemogue, NB
Why You Need To Go: Located east of Moncton, this smaller park with sandy beaches allows visitors to cool off while enjoying the sights of the Northumberland Strait. You can even catch sights of the famous Confederation Bridge connecting New Brunswick with Prince Edward Island.
With 111 serviced campsites and plenty of family picnic areas, there's nothing left to do but enjoy the sunset as you unwind in this idyllic Canadian spot.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
New Brunswick is the perfect destination for creating unforgettable memories and connecting with nature, yourself and your loved ones.
Whether you're looking to challenge yourself on world-class mountain biking trails, relax on Canada's warmest saltwater beaches or gaze at the stars from a Dark Sky Preserve, New Brunswick has something for everyone.
So rally your friends, pack your bags and go on an adventure that'll leave you enchanted and rejuvenated.
To learn more about New Brunswick, visit Tourism New Brunswick's website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.