New Brunswick, one of the three Maritimes Provinces in Atlantic Canada, may not be the destination you think of when you think of a beach holiday in Canada. But the province boasts an abundance of beaches with something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the countryside or experience the nightlife in the city.
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With miles of sandy coastline and crystal-clear water, the beaches in New Brunswick can certainly compete with some of the best in Canada. Whether you’re looking to surf, sunbathe or just take a stroll, you’ll find plenty of options in New Brunswick.
In addition to its beaches, New Brunswick also offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking. There are also many historical sites to explore and a lively city and arts scene.
It’s a destination that really surprised us on our recent Atlantic Canada road trip and one we hope you’ll be inspired to visit for your next vacation!
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About Beaches in New Brunswick
New Brunswick is known for its iridescent ocean waters, white sand beaches, and towering red cliffs. With so many beautiful coastline views, it’s no wonder the province is a popular tourist destination.
New Brunswick’s 50 saltwater and freshwater beaches offer something for everyone, from sandy coves to rocky shores. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun or take a swim, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Best Beaches in New Brunswick
Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to play in the waves, you’ll find plenty of options in New Brunswick. Here are 15 of the best beaches in the province.
1.Aboiteau Beach (Plage de l’Aboiteau)
Aboiteau Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed family holiday. With a 5 km long shoreline, there’s plenty of room to walk, swim, and play beach volleyball.
The warm saltwater is perfect for swimming. Aboiteau Beach is the first saltwater beach in Canada to receive blue flag certification, so you can be confident in the water quality.
If you get hungry, there are plenty of delicious seafood restaurants overlooking the ocean. With everything you need for a relaxing holiday, Aboiteau Beach is the perfect destination for your next vacation in New Brunswick.
Our Tip: Visit during low tide to explore the tidal pools and admire the shells that have washed up on shore. As a responsible traveler, we hope you will take nothing but photographs and leave footprints.
2. Murray Beach Provincial Park
Murray Beach Provincial Park is located in northeastern New Brunswick on the north shore of the Bay of Chaleur. The park is known for its sandy beaches, dunes, and salt marshes. Murray New Brunswick Beaches are unsupervised saltwater beaches ideal for swimming, relaxing, or reading a good book.
To make the most of your trip, be sure to take in the stunning views of sunrises and sunsets over the Northumberland Strait, visit the world-famous Confederation Bridge, and explore Cape Jourimain Nature Centre. If you love birds, this is the place for you; it’s known as a great spot for birdwatchers. And with many other activities, including hiking, swimming, and fishing, there is lots to keep you busy.
3. Parlee Beach Provincial Park, Shediac
If you’re looking for a fun-filled day at the beach, look no further than Parlee Beach Provincial Park in Shediac, Canada. This gorgeous beach has been named one of North America’s finest, and it’s easy to see why.
Parlee Beach is a favourite among locals and visitors with its warm salt water and blue flag certification. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a variety of activities like swimming, volleyball, football, and more. And if you’re looking to stay overnight, the park’s seaside campground has over 210 campsites.
4. Long Beach – Fundy Trail Parkway
The Fundy Trail Parkway is a scenic stretch of coastline located in New Brunswick, Canada. The parkway spans nearly 27 kilometres, offering gorgeous views of the Bay of Fundy. Along the way, visitors can explore a variety of landscapes, including forests, meadows, and tidal pools.
Long Beach is one of the primary attractions of the parkway and is easily accessible. You can walk on the ocean floor at low tide for half a kilometre into the bay.
Long Beach makes for a great day trip destination from Moncton or Saint John. The 2.5 km beach, with a perfect mixture of sand and rocks, is the ideal place to spend a day in the sun. Plus, picnic shelters and washrooms are on-site for your convenience.
Three other discovery beaches are also located along the parkway: Melvin Beach, Pangburn Beach, and Big Salmon River Beach.
Our Tip: Be sure to check the tide schedule before heading out, as the beaches are only accessible during low tide.
5. Saint John Beaches
Saint John is home to several beautiful beaches, each with its own unique features and attractions. Rockwood Park is a popular choice for families, thanks to its convenient location within the city and easy access to amenities. Irving Nature Park has a couple of nice beaches great for day trips from the city.
Those who want a freshwater beach with a lifeguard, playground, and hiking trails should visit Little River Reservoir.
Dominion Park Beach is perfect for peace and quiet near the water, while East Point Beach has activities like swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
Mispec Beach is perfect for those who want to enjoy the Bay of Fundy, with its free parking, picnic sites, playground, and more. No matter what you’re looking for in a beach experience, Saint John has it all.
6. St Martins Beach
The beach in St. Martins is gorgeous and unsupervised, with some of the most stunning views around. If you visit during low tide, be sure to explore the sea caves! These natural formations are created by the immense power of tides coming in and out of the Bay of Fundy.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and take in some beautiful scenery, St Martin’s Beach is the perfect spot. Carved into the red sand cliffs, the sea caves can be explored for hours at low tide.
In addition to being a great place to relax, St Martin’s Beach is also ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. One of our favourite memories from our time in New Brunswick was an evening spent on St Martin’s Beach. We grabbed fresh oysters from a shop in town, bought a bottle of wine and enjoyed beautiful fresh local oysters with wine at sunset on one of the picnic tables overlooking the caves. The light was magical!
Whether you’re looking for a place to escape the crowds or just want to enjoy some time in nature, St Martin’s Beach is definitely worth a visit.
7. Beresford Beach
Situated on the east coast of New Brunswick, Beresford Beach is a beautiful spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach is unsupervised but has all the amenities you need for an enjoyable day out, including washrooms, picnic tables, and a canteen.
There’s also a park with toys for children and an outdoor stage where you can enjoy musical entertainment throughout the summer season.
If you’re feeling active, you can explore the hiking trail, wooden boardwalk, and footbridge or climb to the top of the observation tower for stunning views of the coastline. Whether you’re looking to relax or have some fun, Beresford Beach is the perfect place to spend a summer’s day.
8. New River Beach Provincial Park
New River Beach Provincial Park is one of the best spots in the Bay of Fundy to take in all the area has to offer. The unsupervised saltwater beach is perfect for a refreshing swim, and the nearby hiking trails offer stunning views of the bay’s offshore islands.
The park also has a large picnic area with several tables, perfect for a family outing. New River Beach Provincial Park is an excellent place to spend the day if you want to go camping, kayaking, or enjoy the beach.
Our Tip: Remember to pre-book your campsite as they fill up quickly, especially on weekends and in the heat of summer.
9. Irving Eco-centre, la Dune de Bouctouche
The Irving Eco-Centre at la Dune de Bouctouche, located on the Northumberland Strait of New Brunswick, features a 12 km (7.5 miles) sand dune, home to a variety of plant and animal life and is a great spot for hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. The dune is home to a well-maintained saltwater beach, ideal for enjoying nature and the unique ecosystem of the Irving Eco-Centre.
The 800m (1/2 mile) boardwalk provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the dune and learn about its history and ecology. The interpretive displays, public tours, and free educational programs are great resources for families with kids.
10. Indian Point Beach, St Andrews
Indian Point Beach is a great place to explore and discover the sea life in the tidal pools. The low tide exposes the rocks and creatures that hide underwater. The beach offers an opportunity to see different types of fish, crabs, and other marine life up close.
This favourite New Brunswick beach is also a great place to take a leisurely walk, relax in the sun, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. In addition to the beach, the local town offers an impressive amount of recreational activities for the entire family.
The town is charming, with many restaurants, cafes, and shops. There is also a world-class golf course. St Andrews has a unique, friendly and fun vibe thanks to its location on the border with the US. It’s a spot you could visit for just a day or stay all summer long!
11. Anchorage Beach
Tucked away on the east coast of Grand Manan Island, Anchorage Beach is a hidden gem that is well worth a visit. This unsupervised beach is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of some of the busier beaches in New Brunswick.
The sand and saltwater are invigorating, and the Bay of Fundy provides a stunning backdrop. Visitors can enjoy beachcombing, fishing, and wildlife watching. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental, providing a great way to explore the nearby coastline.
Whether you are looking for a place to relax or an adventure, Anchorage Beach is sure to please.
Our Tip: Be sure to pack a lunch, as no food options are available at the beach.
12. Dennis beach
Dennis Beach is the perfect place to spend a summer day. Nestled in the sheltered Bay of Fundy, the beach is close to the town of Waterside and offers stunning views of the Hopewell Rocks.
The sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles, and the nearby forest provides a shady spot to relax when the sun gets too hot. Best of all, Dennis Beach is easily accessible from the 915 highway.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the water or an adventurous hike through the forest, Dennis Beach has something for everyone.
