New Brunswick and Gaspe Peninsula Cultural and Heritage Explorer

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.

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 Wonders of 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 Fredricton

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 Rivière-du-Loup

Riviére-du-Loup is a small city on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec. The city is surrounded by two majestic rivers, the Riviére du Loup and the St. Lawrence River. Visit the magnificent Le Bic National Park, which will surprise you with its unique panorama of bays, capes, islands, mountains and a diversified wildlife. The Parc des Chutes has ten kilometers of hiking trails, aswell as the Parc de la Pointe which stands out with its stunning view ofthe mountains of Charlevoix. The city center is also full of restaurant sand stores that you may explore.

Overnight: Rivière-du-Loup

Day 6 - Rivière-du-Loup to Matane

Poised on the St. Lawrence estuary at the gateway to Gaspésie, Matane boasts an outstanding location. Its name originates in Mi’kmaq word for “beaver pond,” so it’s no surprise to learn that Matane is a nature destination par excellence. Discover a vibrant downtown whose array of sites and services make it the most attractive city in the eastern Québec. You'll also be charmed by the legendary hospitality of the people of this region that’s by turns urban, rural, industrial and historic—but above all, maritime.

Overnight: Matane

Day 7 - Matane to Gaspé

Gaspé, or Gespeg in the Mi’gmaq language, means “land’s end” and has so many exciting highlights to visit! Located at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, this town has so many activities to experience that combine nature, culture and history. Outdoor lovers will not be disappointed, as Gaspé is home to a vast bay, world-class salmon rivers, fine sand beaches, a national park and many wildlife species. If history peaks your interest, make sure to visit the many local museums and interpretation sites. The Gaspé area is also home to three fascinating lighthouses; Cap-Gaspé Lighthouse in Forillon National Park stands guard on a cliff that's 95 metres (310 feet) high, the Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse is the tallest in Canada with a 34-metre (112-foot) tower, and the Pointe-a-la-Renommée Lighthouse, is the most travelled in the world! Gaspé will leave you with unforgettable memories that will make you want to come back again and again. Board the Narval Ill for a whale-watching adventure that will help make your visit to Forillon National Park a memorable one! This cruise offers the right combination of adventure and untamed nature coupled with guaranteed personal comfort and safety. Unlike other whale-watching areas, Forillon offers true intimacy with the whales without the hassle of other boats. Accompanied by a professional interpreter guide and a certified experienced captain, you will have the opportunity to discover the fascinating lives of these gentle giants of the sea. Throughout the season, depending on the food available, as many as seven different species can be seen in the waters of Gaspe Bay and the Gulf of St. Lawrence such as the Blue Whale (largestwhale in the world), and the spectacular Humpback whale.

Overnight: Gaspé

Day 8 - Gaspé to Percé

A very popular vacation destination for over a century, highly appreciated by artists and boasting a rich and fascinating history, Percé is a must-see in Gaspésie. A landmark for early explorers and sailors, Percé Rock is the iconic symbol of the whole region and has fascinated people for centuries. Wildlife enthusiasts may be interested in the marine life living the waters off Percé, which include Fin whales, minke whales, humpbacks, blue whales, common porpoises, white-sided dolphins as well several species of seals. A visit to the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark is a must while in the village. Activities at the geopark include hiking (self-guided or guided), a suspended glass viewing platform, zip lining, geocaching, camping and a multimedia experience called Tektonik at the Experiential Pavilion near the entrance where visitors can learn more about the formation of Percé Rock. Bonaventure Island is also home to the great seabird colonies. With 375-million years of history, the largest bird sanctuary in North America and fascinating marine mammals, this promises to be a unique experience! Admire the immense limestone block that is Perce Rock - formed at the bottom of the sea during the Devonian period. The boat will have a stop at Bonaventure Island for those who want to explore this island (self guided), home to over 100,000 gannets.

Overnight: Percé

Day 9 - Percé 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 10 - Village Historique Acadien

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 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 11 - Caraquet to Saint-Louis-de-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 Forme 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, 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. Water and a small snack will be provided.

Day 12 - Saint-Louis-de-Kent to Fundy National Park

Day at leisure to immerse yourself in Mi'kmaq culture on the award-winning Heritage Path Tour. Begin with a traditional greeting and a smudging ceremony in a community-raised teepee. Follow an interpretive guide along the forested Heritage Path to learn about traditional uses of nature’s gifts. Conclude at the cultural center to ask questions and deepen your understanding of Mi’kmaq culture. Experience Acadian culture at Bouctouche's Le Pays de la Sagouine, offering lively shows, music, theatre, and traditional cuisine. Stroll along the footbridge, meet endearing characters, and enjoy daily shows for children. Savor a bowl of fricot and satisfy your sweet tooth with a pet de soeur. Take part in musical evenings on the terrace. Visit Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park to see the world's highest tides and explore the Flowerpot Rocks. Don't miss the interpretive center. If time permits, visit Mary's Point Bird Sanctuary and Cape Enrage Lighthouse. Conclude your day by exploring Fundy National Park, renowned for its hiking trails with over 104 km to choose from, ranging from easy loops to a demanding 50 km circuit. The park is a haven for bird watchers, golfers, cyclists, and canoeists.

Overnight: Fundy National Park

Day 13 - 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 14 - Fundy National Park to Moncton

Your trip ends in Moncton once the rental car is returned.