I’ve travelled to several of the provinces in Canada, but had never visited New Brunswick until this past June on a trip with my family. Aside from it being a coastal province, with great seafood and beaches, I really didn’t know what to expect. Funny enough, our trip barely involved the ocean at all. Instead, we experienced New Brunswick from a fresh perspective- on the Wolastoq, or Saint John River, by houseboat with Lakeway Houseboat Vacations, along with a few other Indigenous-led outdoor adventures. It turned out to be a truly memorable trip, full of family time, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. It also made me realize that New Brunswick offers plenty of unexpected, worthwhile experiences for travellers willing to explore beyond the coast.

Related: Interested in Indigenous culture? Check out our article, Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park: Where Culture and History Flourish

Houseboating on the Wolastoq (Saint John River)

I’ve been house boating before, in Sicamous, British Columbia on Shuswap Lake, and our experience was similar but also different in New Brunswick. Boating on the Wolastoq felt more intimate and serene. The river winds gently through forests and small towns, offering a quieter, slower-paced perspective of the province compared with the wide-open lake of Shuswap. We also had a large group of us, 14 to be precise, and I was impressed with how spacious our houseboat was. Our experience on the houseboat was perfect for our large group including several small children due to the flexibility and slower pace of travelling it provided. 

We docked at a few scenic spots along the river, taking in the peaceful surroundings and enjoying little adventures on shore. On our last night we found a cute little island in the middle of the river and spent the evening barbecuing and fishing. My niece even caught her very first fish, which made the night feel extra special and memorable for the whole family. 

Visiting in June was wonderful since the weather was a bit milder. We did get one really hot day which was nice to enjoy the sunny weather during the day but the boat can get quite hot. The best time to go would be anytime between June to September, but be prepared for lots of river dips to cool off during the hottest months of the year.

Indigenous Outdoor Experiences

Before boarding our houseboat we stopped at a local park in Fredericton for a medicine walk with Cecelia Brooks. Brooks’s tourism business, Wabanaki Tree Spirit offers medicine walks, dream catcher workshops, and culinary experiences to help visitors understand the important culture and history of the Wabanaki people. Brooks shared stories and traditional knowledge of many of the herbs that can be found in New Brunswick and we even got to try some traditional herbal tea and homemade shortbread cookies made with acorn flour that Brooks made herself. It ended up being the perfect start to our time in New Brunswick and gave us a deeper appreciation for the land and the Wolastoq that we were soon to be navigating by houseboat. 

Towards the end of our trip, we experienced the Wolastoq in a different way, this time by kayak with Wolastoq Adventures. Paddling down the river to see a bald eagle’s nest with a couple of chicks in the nest was a real highlight. Sitting in our kayaks and watching the bald eagle leave and return to the nest with food for her babies was such an amazing sight to see. 

Other Not to Miss Spots

There are many beautiful and unique spots to dock along the river. A recent new docking location was added at Kings Landing which was a perfect opportunity for us to spend the day exploring the historical village. Plus it was nice to have some time off the boat and get some steps in exploring the village. The village is a historically accurate depiction of what life was like 200 years ago. All of the staff are in character and it was fun having conversations with them and asking about their roles in the village. After exploring, I recommend visiting the Kings Head Inn for a historical lunch, it was delicious and tasted home cooked.

Another option for unique things to do in New Brunswick is stopping for some seafood at the Wolastoq Wharf. It’s located on and owned by St. Mary’s First Nation, an urban Wolastoqey community that shares the land with Fredericton. We stopped for lunch here and enjoyed some traditional Indigenous cuisine including bannock with molasses (actually delicious!), jambalaya, and a lobster roll.  

Where to Stay in New Brunswick

When you’re finished on the houseboat, it’s definitely worth it to spend a few extra days exploring Fredericton. The city has tons of hotel options right in the heart of downtown, allowing you to explore the local shops and restaurants, vibrant pub scene, and beautiful riverfront trails. We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Fredericton-Lord Beaverbrook Hotel which was in a perfect location along the river and right downtown. Its a luxurious, historic hotel with a lot of character. For a more modern hotel thats also in a great location try the Hilton Garden Inn Fredericton.

Practical Travel Tips for New Brunswick 

If you’re flying in, there are direct flights to Fredericton from Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Calgary throughout the summer, making it easy to get there without connections. While you’re visiting, be mindful of local customs and the environment. Respect private property, follow posted signs, and give wildlife plenty of space. Support local businesses and communities by shopping and dining locally, and always leave natural areas as you found them so everyone can enjoy the province’s beauty.

A Fantastic First Time in new Brunswick

All in all, our family trip to New Brunswick ended up being the perfect time to connect with New Brunswick and each other. The slower pace of travel that the houseboat provided allowed us to make more meaningful memories, enjoy the scenery without rushing, and really savour the simple moments together. I’m not sure where our family will be headed next, but we’ll always remember our time on the Wolastoq.