Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, a foodie, a history buff, or love to simply bask in the beauty of nature, New Brunswick has it all. What’s more, many of these attractions won’t cost you a penny!  If you’re looking for free things to do in New Brunswick this summer, you’ve come to the right place.

From cultural attractions to serene scenic spots and well-maintained hiking trails, New Brunswick offers many things to do and explore that have no entrance fee or reservation costs. So long as you can find your way there, fun and fantastic things to see and do can be found at hundreds of locations across the Picture Province. 

The only “problem” is: with so much to offer, how can you choose?

To help you out, I’ve pulled together a list of my twenty favorite things to do in New Brunswick in the summer, including must-see stops like the Grand Falls Gorge and the Petticodiac River Tidal Bore. 

Grand Falls Gorge

The Grand Falls Gorge is a quick 15-minute drive from my home. It’s a favorite spot to visit throughout the year. Furthermore, it’s exceptionally spectacular during the summer after it rains! And it’s one of my favorite free things to do in New Brunswick.

Located in Grand Falls, in northern New Brunswick, the 75-foot St. John River waterfall and gorge are popular destinations. Take a walk along the trail and experience the breathtaking view of the falls and gorge, where water rushes down jagged rocks. There’s also a zipline experience available for thrill seekers—though that part comes at an extra cost.

Irving Nature Park

Irving Nature Park, just 5 miles from Saint John, is a true natural wonder that offers stunning views of the Bay of Fundy. 

Spanning 600 acres, the park showcases vast biodiversity you can explore via a boardwalk that winds through salty marshlands, green forests and mud flats up to the rocky shoreline.

Over 250 species of migratory birds can be found throughout the park. Whales and harbor seals can be spotted from the Seal Observation Deck—an absolute paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is also ideal for a fun family picnic, particularly during summer. Enjoy the barbecue grills, picnic tables, and a children’s forest filled with cedar hedge mazes.

The park is open to the public from early May to mid-October and is completely free. There are on-site parking facilities, so you don’t have to worry about where to leave your car while you’re exploring.

Rockwood Park

Explore more of New Brunswick’s natural beauty just two miles away from Saint John at Rockwood Park. During warmer seasons, you can enjoy water activities like fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy beautiful, 30-miles of well-maintained trails. Winter in the park means time for activities such as ice skating, skiing, sleigh rides, and snowshoeing. The park is pet-friendly and features a dedicated dog park offering plenty of space for the pups to run and romp around.

Rockwood Park welcomes visitors 24/7 with no entry fee. However, certain park amenities, like the zoo and golf course, operate on specific seasonal schedules and require entrance fees. To get to the park, take the No.4 bus to Arrow Walk Road Stop or park for free on-site.

Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site

Carleton Martello Tower, one of Canada’s nine surviving coastal forts, is an ode to the country’s British defense legacy. As one of the oldest buildings in New Brunswick, the round tower’s construction began during the War of 1812 and was completed in 1815 when the war was over.

Carleton Martello Tower boasts a meticulously restored powder magazine, a barracks room, and a collection of fascinating historical exhibits and provides an excellent vantage point for panoramic views of Saint John.

While the museum and gift shops are open from mid-July to early September, the tower is accessible year-round, 24/7, and absolutely free of charge. The site is conveniently reachable via Bus No. 15 or by car, with ample free parking space available.

Saint Martins Sea Caves

The Sea Caves near the village of Fundy-St. Martins are a natural marvel crafted by the ceaseless rhythm of the Bay of Fundy’s tides. Over time, the relentless waves have etched intricate caverns into the soft red sandstone cliffs revealing striking layers of multi-hued diagonal stripes, tracing the area’s 250 million-year-old geography.

Explore these beautiful caverns by kayaking from the quaint old village of St. Martin’s. During low tides, you can walk along a shallow stream to more closely examine the caves. 

Reversing Falls

The iconic Reversing Falls are a must-see, free experience for anyone visiting New Brunswick.

You can see the river changing course with the tides twice daily. (Tidal cycles alternate between high and low tides every 12 hours.)

As the tides ebb and flow, whirlpools, rapids, and waterfalls surge in opposing directions. The sea level falls a staggering four meters during low tides, while high tides raise it four meters. 

Climb one of the rooftop observation decks, and watch this spectacular event for free.

While there, explore the geological formation behind this unique attraction via custom videos and interactive displays. Offering year-round access, though with varying tidal timings, you’ll also find complimentary parking at Fallsview and Wolastoq lots. Conveniently, public bus No.1 stops at Bridge Road Station. Don’t forget binoculars for the ultimate viewing experience!

King’s Square

King’s Square in Saint John is a stunning destination rich in greenery and history. One of its many notable features is the bandstand, crowned with a beautiful copper roof and metal framework to commemorate King Edward VII. The bandstand hosts free outdoor events on selected days, turning the square into a lively entertainment hub.

Moreover, King’s Square’s Union Flag shape makes it a notable landmark in the city, and it is an excellent spot for picnics and afternoon strolls. With over ten bus lines near the square, it’s very accessible to reach. If you’re driving, free street parking is available around the square.

Saint John City Market

With its ship’s keel-shaped roof, the waterfront’s Saint John City Market is an iconic building that houses boutiques, restaurants, and pubs for window shopping and people-watching. The market is the perfect destination for a casual summer day’s wanderings, and which also offers endless opportunities to shop, eat, drink, and indulge in various activities for those with a bigger budget.

The market’s highlights include a three-story atrium, the New Brunswick Museum, and a library, blending old-world charm with new-world convenience. Entry to the vibrant, bustling market is free from 6 am to 2 am, and parking is free too. Alternatively, hop on one of the many city buses for easy access.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park

Roosevelt Campobello International Park is jointly owned, operated, and maintained by the Governments of the USA and Canada. Situated on Campobello Island in New Brunswick, it was the summer residence of then-US president Franklin D. Roosevelt. With cobble beaches and rocky shores, the park’s ecology is a natural wonder worth experiencing.

This 2800-acre park is home to several cottages, with the 34-room Roosevelt cottage as a major attraction. Symbolizing the international cooperation between the two countries, the park is run with the financial support offered by both.

The park is open from May to October, between 10 am and 6 pm (Atlantic Time). Visitors can take a guided tour of Roosevelt’s and other cottages. And for those who love history, listening over tea to the place’s significance is highly recommended.

Entry to the park, Roosevelt’s cottage, and car parking is free. 

Petitcodiac River Tidal Bore

Experience a natural wonder along the Petitcodiac River in New Brunswick! The rising waters spill into the river during the Bay of Fundy’s changing tides, creating a stunning tidal bore. The waves range from 3 to 60cm in height, with the best view during a full moon. Witness the daily tidal bores and enjoy the river’s transformation. It takes about an hour. You can see the river bottom at low tide, and at high tide, you can watch the bore. Tidal Bore Moncton’s arrival times are online or at the Tourist Information Centre (located at the Chocolate River Factory).

Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market

Located in Fredericton, the Boyce Farmers Market is more than just a community market; it’s a hub of local culture. Showcasing over 350 vendors consisting of farmers, food producers, and artisans, this market is renowned as one of the top ten in Canada.

The sprawling market halls and the surrounding area feature an array of fresh local produce, including veggies, meat, and dairy products.

Shediac’s Giant Lobster

The picturesque town of Shediac, known as the “Lobster Capital of the World,” pays tribute to its thriving industry with an 11-meter-long, 5-meter-tall, and 90-tonne concrete sculpture of a lobster. This masterpiece by Canadian artist Winston Bronnum is the largest lobster sculpture worldwide. Visitors can climb up a staircase on the pedestal to snap memorable pictures.

The Lobster sees a whopping 500,000 visitors annually, earning it a renowned spot among the most-frequented roadside attractions in New Brunswick. 

Centennial Park

Centennial Park, originally the Parkton Nature Park, spans 94 hectares of lush forest and recreational space. It boasts Airforce displays, including the CF-100 Canuck Fighter Jet, M4A3 Sherman Tank, anchor from the HMCS Magnificent, and CNR Locomotive.

The park is open year-round and offers activities specific to each season. Summer visitors can use the children’s splash park, Centennial Dog Park, Artificial Turf Sports field, event zones, and other outdoor activities. Enjoy cross-country skiing, toboggan hills, snowshoeing, and outdoor skating in winter.

Daly Point Nature Reserve

Daly Point Nature Reserve, situated at the edge of Chaleur Bay in Bathurst, is an idyllic escape for lovers of nature and wildlife. The reserve is home to various habitats, including marshes, the Acadian Forest, and wooded plots entwined by numerous trails.

This nature reserve offers various activities to delight visitors of all ages, including birdwatching, plant identification, and moonlight snowshoeing. Wildlife enthusiasts, and bird watchers, in particular, flock to the reserve in hopes of rare sighting birds, butterflies and other intriguing creatures. “Blooms, Birds, and Butterflies” is a guided tour that unveils the flora and fauna, enriching your understanding of the area’s rich biodiversity.

Children can explore the reserve via a specially designed wooden stair network at the nature preserve center, surrounded by a forest of trees in Bathurst.

Killarney Lake Park Trail

Killarney Lake Park is a picturesque natural oasis just a 10-minute drive from Fredericton’s downtown area. Here, you’ll discover an expansive 1200-acre landscape of awe-inspiring Acadian forest and a host of recreational facilities.

Walk the park’s 4 km multi-use trails. Taking around 55 minutes to complete, the main trail will lead you on an unforgettable journey around the lake along its stunning beaches. 

During winter, the park’s trails are transformed into cross-country skiing routes, adding an extra layer of excitement and adventure to your experience. 

French Fort Cove

Nestled in the heart of Miramichi, New Brunswick, lies the French Fort Cove Nature Park – a haven for nature enthusiasts. The park boasts picturesque hiking and biking trails that cater to different skill levels, inviting visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the reserve’s natural beauty. In the summer, be sure to check out the canoe, kayak, and paddle boat rentals, while in the winter, enjoy the walking, snowshoeing, and skating trails. For an extra adrenaline rush, don’t miss out on the Maritimes’ longest zipline – a thrilling experience that’s not for the faint of heart!

Pabineau Falls

Experience the transcendence of Pabineau Falls on a memorable 5.6km excursion into the heart of the Chaleur region. While the trail boasts plenty of flat terrain, a suspended bridge and guide rope offer safe passage through a steep section. Along the way, you can’t help but revel in the beauty of the landscape.

As you reach the trail’s end, a breathtaking view of the falls, crystal clear and turquoise, awaits your arrival. 

St. Michael’s Basilica

The grand St. Michael’s Basilica—one of Canada’s most spectacular churches— is located on the top of a hill overlooking the river in Miramichi. With its neo-gothic architecture, it boasts a stunning façade and breathtaking interiors, certain to leave you in awe.

World’s Largest Axe

The world’s largest axe in Nackawic, New Brunswick, rises high above, wedged into a concrete stump. Weighing over 55 tonnes, this imposing 15-meter-tall structure boasts an axe head 7 meters wide – a spectacle to behold. Positioned on the beautiful waterfront of the St. John River, the blade provides endless photo opportunities.

The impressive monument illustrates the forests’ important role in the town’s flourishing economy. From its significance as an iconic landmark to its ability to host outdoor gatherings, the world’s biggest axe is an ideal location to visit and a symbol of Nackawic’s prosperity.

What are the three things New Brunswick is known for?

New Brunswick is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Experience the incredible landscapes and laid-back lifestyle of small-town living. Tucked away on the Eastern coast of Canada, this province boasts breathtaking beaches, succulent seafood, and lush forests brimming with life – all waiting to be explored.

What is the most visited place in New Brunswick?

New Brunswick’s most visited attraction is the Bay of Fundy, boasting the world’s highest tides. Its mesmerizing beauty and mystic allure attract visitors from all four corners of the planet.

Is New Brunswick, Canada, worth visiting?

New Brunswick’s natural beauty is unparalleled, with sprawling green forests, stunning oceanfront views, and picturesque rivers. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone who loves wildlife and sensational landscapes.

What is New Brunswick, Canada, known for?

New Brunswick is well-known worldwide for the highest and wildest tides – a genuinely amazing sight.

[Additional photo credit: James Mann, Chris Toe Pher, Ron Gilbert]

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