Travel is a bit different this summer. Hopefully we keep doing well and restrictions continue to loosen. As most of us plan to adventure closer to home this year, I thought I’d share some of my favourite places and hope you find a couple ideas for your summer!

10. Explore beach towns

I’m not the biggest beach bum, but we have sooo many beautiful beaches to enjoy! Even if you don’t like roasting on the beach, they make great places to go for a walk or enjoy a picnic. Or go for a swim at the wharf!

9. Check out (one of) the tallest waterfalls in NB

Fall Brook Falls is the highest continual running waterfall in NB at 100 ft. It’s super cool and you can swim if you’re brave! More info here.

8. Visit Miscou Island 

I went here for the first time last summer and I really liked the vibe. To get the full experience, enjoy the Acadian Coastal Route to get there! Find more info here.

7. Explore Mount Carleton Provincial Park

Mount Carleton feels a bit more untouched than some parts of NB. I really like it here when I get a chance to visit. I’ve hiked Carleton and Bailey, but would love to get back to hike Sagamook this summer, which reportedly has the best views and is the most challenging hike. Find out more here.

6. Visit Grand Manan 

What a wonderful hidden gem. Our very own magical island. Take a time out and enjoy an even slower pace. ;) Here’s my blog post about it from a couple years ago. Just make sure you check and see what’s open this year with Covid.

5. Hike Split Rock Trail 

This is my favourite trail in NB right now. Just so much of it is right along the coast. Last time I went it was pretty muddy so dress accordingly! :) Find out more about it here.

4. Visit St. Andrews By the Sea

I just spent last weekend there again and it was charming. So many cute shops, beautiful gardens, an aquarium, history, and sea air. I also checked out a new hike this time - Chamcook Mountain. Find out what I suggest for a day trip here. PS - I didn’t include Kingsbrae Garden Cafe in the blog and it’s a must go-to!

3. Go for a fresh water swim

We really have a lot of places to swim in our beautiful province! Check out my swimming page here for some ideas. Let me know where I should try next!

2. Fundy Trail and St. Martins 

It seems to always rain when I go to the Fundy Trail, but there are so many options to do if you check it out! In St. Martins you can go sea kayaking, check out the caves, or the restaurant. And then the Fundy Trail has hiking, waterfalls, a coastal drive, beaches, and amazing views. I’ll have to blog about this amazing place soon!

1. Support local businesses!

A lot of our favourite places have struggled in this season. If you’re able, continue to support the places you love and that add value to our province! My friends own this adorable tourist spot and it has one of the best patios in the city to enjoy some takeout - The Magnetic Hill Wharf Village in Moncton. Check it out!

Here are some of my favourite local businesses and a couple I still want to try !

Moncton: Kings Ice Cream, Tire Shack Brewery, Euston Park, Holy Whale Bear Garden

Fredericton: The Muse Cafe, The Shake Shed, Claudine’s Eatery, Picaroons Brewing Company

Saint John: Rogue Coffee, Thandi’s Restaurant, Britt’s, Fit Rocks Climbing Gym

Everywhere else: The Old Well House Cafe, Old Bavarian Restaurant, Gabi’s Pie Shoppe, Buddha Bear Coffee, Quai Aboiteau Seafood Paradise, Sussex Ale Works, Kingsbrae Gardens Cafe, Cornhill Nursery’s Cedar Cafe

So, hey, I know I’m based out of Moncton, so these are a bit South-heavy and I’m just one person. I also left out the classics like Fundy National Park and Hopewell Rocks. But what did I miss? What’s on your list? Make sure to let me know in the comments.

P.S. stay up to date with my adventures here: lauraharris.nb

Have a great staycation!