New Brunswick Acadian and Heritage Odyssey

Day 1 - Arrive in Moncton

Your trip begins upon arrival in Moncton where you will collect your rental car and stay the night. Moncton is often referred to as "The Hub of the Maritimes" because all railway lines in and out of the region must pass through it. Moncton boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, sporting competitions, and unique community activities that take place year-round. Discover the many sights and activities the city offers. Be sure to visit the Monument for Recognition in the 21st Century (MR21), an interpretation centre located in the only digital cathedral in Atlantic Canada, where you can learn about Acadian heritage. The city's largest green space, Centennial Park, includes many attractions and activities, from hiking and skiing trails to an artificial beach to an aerial treetop obstacle course and zip line.

Overnight: Moncton

Day 2 - Moncton to Saint John

On the second day of your trip, you will drive from Moncton to Saint John. Walk through the charming streets of Uptown Saint John, and step into a vibrant past—with an intriguing modern edge. Here, hundreds of years of history are alive. Feel it in the architecture, parks, and galleries that have survived to delight today’s visitor. Incredible dining, memorable entertainment, striking sights, as the oldest incorporated city in Canada, no other place in the country offers the experiences of Saint John. Prior to the landing of European settlers in what is now called New Brunswick, thriving cultures existed for thousands of years which lived in harmony with the land and the life that resided on it. Survival on this land depended on ingenuity and knowledge wrought from a sometimes harsh and unforgiving environment. Discover the local history of the Wolastoqi and Mi’kmaq peoples from a unique Indigenous point of view while meandering along the Saint John Harbor and the Beautiful River — Wolastoq.Other attractions to visit in Saint John include Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site, Saint John Old City Market, Place Fort La Tour, Area 506 Waterfront Container Village and Reversing Falls.

Overnight: Saint John, NB

Day 3 - Saint John to St.Andrews by-the-Sea

Travel west along the Fundy Coastal Drive. This dramatically scenic drive introduces you to the Bay of Fundy, one of the Marine Wonder sof the World. Arrive in St. Andrews, one of Canada's most beautiful seaside resorts. Enjoy world-class whale and wildlife sightings, scenic lighthouses and small islands teeming with bird life during this Whale and Wildlife Tour. The captain and crew give expert commentary on the region's culture, history, and wildlife! For the Bird Enthusiast there is the opportunity to spot bald eagles, puffins, guillimonts, kittiwakes, eiders, gulls, cormorants and auks. Whale sightings may include Finback, Minke, Humpback, and the rare North Atlantic Right whales and of course it is not uncommon to see seals, porpoise or dolphins as well.

Overnight: St. Andrews by-the-Sea

Day 4 - St.Andrews by-the-Sea to Fredericton

Continue north on the River Valley Scenic Drive on to Fredericton, New Brunswick's picturesque capital city noted for its heritage and culture. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Fredericton and its attractions. Places to visit include City Hall, Christ Church Cathedral, the Historic Military Compound, Old Government House and the Kings Landing Historical Settlement. Kings Landing is a historical experience that explores how history is told and pushes the boundaries! Visit this 300 acre museum, where you'll discover over 40 interactive exhibits, horseback riding, theatre, workshops, immersive programming and a fully 1st person interpreted village where you can step back in time with over 100 costumed characters in 70 historic buildings. The experience of day-to-day life of 19th century Canadians is best enjoyed when guests roll up their sleeves and immerse themselves int he story; from baking bread on an open hearth to helping the blacksmith forge his wares - there is no shortage of memorable experiences.

Overnight: Fredericton

Day 5 - Fredricton to Miramichi

Famous for its world-class salmon fishing and local friendliness, Miramichi is one city that lets you experience the best of what the great outdoors has to offer. A trip to the City of Miramichi and its valley is about authentic spirit, nature, and a total sense of renewal. French Fort Cove is a stunning historic area, formally known as Mill Cove, and is perfect for those who love birding, hiking, biking, paddling, zip-lining, or maybe just picnicking while taking in the scenic views. Make sure to visit Boishébert and Beaubears Island Ship building National Historic Site of Canada, which offers costumed guides to learn about the Acadians who took refuge there, and the ship building of centuries past.

Overnight: Miramichi

Day 6 - Miramichi to Caraquet

Caraquet is charming for all who visit with its magnificent beauty of the sea, sandy beaches, welcoming communities, and fresh, local seafood. Caraquet really has it all; music, folklore, food and even the language is a little different from the French spoken in neighbouring Québec. Caraquet is a small, inviting town with undeniable Acadian and Maritime charm, and is also known for the famous Village Historique Acadien, the Festivin wine festival, the Acadie Love event, and the prestigious Acadian Festival.

Day 7 - Village Historique Acadian

Witness to the birth of New Brunswick’s Acadie by travelling through 200 years of history! More than a simple open-air museum, the Village historique Acadien is a tourism complex built around a 2.2 km circuit bordered with historic buildings, all inhabited by fully bilingual (French -and English) interpretive guides who portray the daily lives of the Acadian people from 1770 to 1949. Created as an interactive journey through the history and day-to-day life of the Acadians, the Acadian Historical Village lets you relive the pastoral charm of days gone by. Surrounded by nature, you will discover within this tourism complex the birth and first steps of Acadie, and the wholehearted hospitality that defines the Acadian people.

Day 8 - Caraquet to Saint-Louis-Kent

Often simply called Saint-Louis, the village lies on the Kouchibouguacis River near the main entrance to Kouchibouguac National Park. Saint-Louis is Known as the “Cradle of the Acadian Flag”, and from mid-May to mid-October, the village's giant Acadian flag floats proudly in the sky. A notable historic attraction is the Former Railway Station, which was built around 1885, and served Saint-Louis-de-Kent from 1885 to 1900, with the Kent Northern Railway connecting the village to Richibucto. Many of the building’s original indoor and outdoor features have been preserved. Saint Louis de Kent will allow you to experience a typical New Brunswick Acadian village that is in tune with nature and with people. Admire the animal life in and around Kouchibouguacis River and Kouchibouguac coastal waters, from the safety and comfort of the pontoon boat Phoca. Hear impressive local history and learn about the events that made this area what it is today. See bald eagles hunt, and stare at the second largest common tern colony in North America and see hundreds of grey seals enjoying the sunshine on sandbars. The tour follows the channel in the Kouchibouguacis River and Saint-Louis Lagoon. Spend an hour traveling down river through the national park, enjoying the scenery and stories, then you will spend half an hour in the gulley where the Gray Seals can be found before traveling back up the river.

Day 9 - Bouctouche - Le Pays de la Sagouine

The Pays de la Sagouine offers the ultimate Acadian cultural experience, with a warm welcome, effervescent joy of living, and a touch of fantasy. This cultural destination keeps Acadian traditions alive, with contagious joie-de-vivre. Breathe in the salty air of Bouctouche Bay while strolling on the footbridge to Île-aux-Puces. Discover a world buzzing with endearing characters, shows, music, and theatre. Enjoy daily children's shows featuring Nounours the Bear. Savor a bowl of fricot, a comforting chicken stew, and indulge in a pet de sœur. Celebrate with famous musical evenings on the terrace. Experience a full immersion into Mi'kmaq culture with the award-winning "Heritage Path Tour." After a traditional greeting and smudging ceremony, guests learn about Mi'kmaq customs and traditions. A guided walk on the Heritage Path teaches the use of natural medicines. The tour concludes in the cultural center, where guests can ask questions about Mi'kmaq culture, leaving enriched with a deeper understanding. Afterward, drive two hours from Saint-Louis-de-Kent to Fundy National Park.

Overnight: Fundy National Park

Day 10 - Kayak the Hopewell Rocks High Tide Tour

A unique, guided sea-kayaking tour where visitors discover, first hand, the awesome might and beauty of the Bay of Fundy's giant tides as they paddle near the spectacular sea stacks at "The Flowerpot Rocks" of Hopewell Cape. To fully appreciate the magnitude of Fundy's tides, participants are encouraged to walk on the ocean floor just before or after their kayaking adventure to record on film "a before and after shot" of their favorite formations. Guests are free to explore the beach on their own or to join a park interpreter.

Overnight: Fundy National Park

Day 11 - Fundy National Park to Moncton

Your trip ends in Moncton as you return your rental car.