Have you ever felt like you needed a vacation after your vacation to achieve the rest and relaxation you actually crave? You might want to consider a "slowcation" next time.
Instead of cramming your itinerary end-to-end with things to do, a slowcation encourages you to take it easier and focus on things that leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
One of the best ways to achieve this is to step out into nature, and Canada's East Coast is brimming with stunning natural beauty that's just waiting for you to kick off your shoes, breathe deep and feel the wind in your hair.
New Brunswick is the perfect destination for your nature-soaked slowcation escape. From swimming in Canada's warmest saltwater beaches to watching the world's highest tides sweep in and out of the Bay of Fundy, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.
Now that you're sold on this Maritime province, here are eight spots to inspire your easygoing outdoor adventure in New Brunswick.
La dune de Bouctouche
An aerial view of the boardwalk along la dune de Bouctouche, New Brunswick.Edgar Bullon | Dreamstime
This great sand dune stretches 12 kilometres across Bouctouche Bay and features an 800-metre-long boardwalk that snakes over the landscape and provides access to the water.
If you're feeling ambitious, you can hike to the end of the dune to visit the remote Bouctouche Bar Lighthouse. Otherwise, you can go for a swim and experience Canada's warmest saltwater beaches — a hallmark of New Brunswick's Acadian Coast.
Miramichi River
Fly fishers looking to hook an Atlantic salmon will want to add the Miramichi River to their itinerary, as will any fan of tubing, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Along the river, you'll find amazing spots to camp or lodges to rent so you can feel nature all around you.
Connect with the area's Indigenous legacy at the nearby Metepenagiag Heritage Park, where you can learn more about the Mi'gmaw culture of the region, which dates back over 3,000 years.
Fall Brook Falls
New Brunswick has some of the country's most beautiful waterfalls, but the 33-metre-high Fall Brook Falls claims the title of the province's tallest. This hidden gem is surrounded by towering cliffs and is accessed via route 625 in Stanley Parish, about an hour north of Fredericton.
There's a $10 entrance fee at the gatehouse, followed by a short hike down to the stream. At the bottom, Fall Brook Falls plunges into a tranquil pool where you can cool off while taking in the majesty above.
St. Martins Sea Caves
The Bay of Fundy is home to the world's highest tides — up to 16 metres! At low tide, St. Martin's Sea Caves can be explored on foot by crossing the sea floor. It's an amazing spot to see the power the tides have had on New Brunswick's iconic coastline over millennia.
Make sure you check the tidal charts before you go. You only have a six-hour window before the tide returns and the caves are submerged again. This spot is also a must for birdwatchers and anyone who's into finding cool rocks.
Sackville Waterfowl Park
Wildlife fans will love Sackville Waterfowl Park. Nestled close to New Brunswick's eastern border, Sackville Waterfowl Park is home to over 160 bird species and 200 species of plants.
Elevated boardwalks wind over water and marshes, letting you get a closer look at mallards, waxwings, kingfishers and more. Entry is free, but for just $6, you can sign up for their 90-minute guided tour, including binoculars, hands-on activities and a locally made snack.
Alma
Perched where the Bay of Fundy meets the Upper Salmon River, Alma is the gateway to Fundy National Park and delivers all the East Coast vibes you could want on your New Brunswick slowcation.
At low tide, the brightly coloured fishing boats rest gently on the seafloor, and you can wander out into the bay. Alma is also where you'll get the freshest lobster of your life at hot spots along the waterfront like Alma Lobster Shop, Fundy Take-Out and Alma Boathouse Restaurant.
Walton Glen Gorge
Walton Glen Gorge has earned the nickname "the Grand Canyon of New Brunswick," with cliff sides reaching over 60 metres into the sky. You can appreciate its scale from above via the Walton Glen Gorge Lookout Trail, accessed via the Fundy Trail Provincial Park.
Experienced hikers can also follow the difficult trail down into the gorge and go through "the eye of the needle," a dramatic section of the gorge where the walls are just a few metres apart and there are up to six feet (1.8 metres) of water to wade through.
Ministers Island
If walking on the sea floor wasn't enough, you can also bike or drive across the gravel route connecting the town of St. Andrews to Ministers Island — only during low tide, of course.
Once there, you can hike the island's 20 kilometres of nature trails, explore the historic 50-room Van Horne Estate, and even attend a concert, festival or exhibition organized by volunteers who are committed to protecting and preserving the island's history.
Friends raise their glasses over a lobster dinner in New Brunswick. Courtesy of Tourism New Brunswick
These eight destinations are just a handful of the stunning spots where you can reconnect with nature in New Brunswick.
When planning your next getaway, consider a slowcation to this East Coast gem, where you can surround yourself with the rugged beauty and enjoy the laid-back culture of this gorgeous province.
To learn more about Tourism New Brunswick, visit their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.