MileHacker Logo
Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

New Brunswick, Canada

Nearby Destinations & Travel

Day-trip destinations from Saint John include Fundy Trail Parkway, St. Martins, St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Fredericton, and Moncton.

Car travel provides the most flexibility. Maritime Bus connects Saint John to Fredericton and Moncton. Local tour operators in Saint John offer excursions.

Planning Your Day

  • Start early for low tide cave exploration at St. Martins.
  • Include Kingsbrae Garden and whale watching in St. Andrews by-the-Sea.
  • Explore downtown Fredericton and its art gallery.
  • Focus on Magnetic Hill or Magic Mountain in Moncton if traveling with kids.

Beyond the City

Discover serene natural parks and breathtaking landscapes around Saint John.

Independent Travel

Independent travel (self-drive) offers maximum flexibility. You set your own pace and explore off-the-beaten-path spots. This can be more cost-effective for groups.

Considerations

  • Requires navigation and planning routes.
  • Parking at destinations may take time.
  • Rental car costs are part of the budget.

Organized Tours

Organized tours are convenient, requiring no navigation. They typically include transportation and commentary or guides. Multiple highlights can be covered efficiently.

Considerations

  • Less flexible with time and fixed itineraries.
  • Can be more expensive than self-drive, especially for groups.
  • You rely on the operator's schedule.

Natural Landscapes & Phenomena

Natural Parks

  • New River Beach Provincial Park: Sandy beach, picnic areas, trails.
  • Lepreau Falls Provincial Park: Picturesque waterfall and gorge.
  • Bay of Fundy Coastline: Dramatic cliffs, rock formations.
  • The Bay of Fundy is a critical ecosystem for marine life.

Seasonal Highlights

  • Fall Foliage: Mid-September to mid-October for spectacular colors.
  • Routes inland from Saint John or along the Kingston Peninsula.
  • Bay of Fundy Tides: Extreme daily tides are a natural wonder.
  • Check tide tables for Reversing Falls or St. Martins caves.

Day Trip Time Commitment

  • Fundy Trail Parkway/St. Martins6-8 hours
  • St. Andrews by-the-Sea7-9 hours
  • Fredericton6-8 hours
  • Moncton7-9 hours
  • New River BeachHalf to full day
  • Lepreau Falls1-2 hours
  • Whale Watching3-5 hours (seasonal)
  • Kingston PeninsulaHalf day

Travel Advice

Book day trips to Fundy Trail Parkway or St. Andrews by-the-Sea via GetYourGuide's Day Trip booking section for curated experiences.

Cultural & Multi-Day Journeys

Explore nearby villages with a rich history and consider extending your trip to explore more of New Brunswick or beyond.

Kingston Peninsula

A rural area known for scenic drives, small farms, and historic churches. Take the unique Gondola Point ferry for a charming experience.

Gagetown Village

A historic village on the Saint John River, recognized for its artisan shops and deep Loyalist heritage.

Rural Discoveries

Venture into broader agricultural areas to find local charm and farm-fresh products.

New Brunswick Loops

Consider multi-day extensions to experience more of New Brunswick's unique regions.

Itinerary Ideas

  • Southern New Brunswick Loop (2-3 days): Focus on Bay of Fundy.
  • Southwest New Brunswick Coastal Drive (1-2 days): Grand Manan Island.
  • New Brunswick Capital & River Valley (1-2 days): Fredericton, Gagetown.

Neighboring Provinces & States

Saint John serves as a gateway to other fascinating destinations in the Maritime provinces and beyond.

Next Destinations

  • Nova Scotia: Via Fundy Rose ferry to Digby or by car to Halifax.
  • Prince Edward Island: Via Confederation Bridge near Moncton.
  • Maine, USA: Accessible via the border crossing at St. Stephen/Calais.

Travel Considerations for Extensions

Car TravelMost flexible for Maritimes.
Bus ConnectionsMaritime Bus for major cities.
Ferry OptionsTo Digby, Nova Scotia or Grand Manan Island.
Planning AheadReview schedules for bus and ferry services.
AccommodationBook ahead for multi-day trips.
Border CrossingsPrepare documents for USA entry.

Extended Trip Idea

  • If you have an extra day, a visit to St. Andrews by-the-Sea is a good idea for its charming town and beautiful Kingsbrae Garden.
  • Consider booking unique experiences for your extended travels with GetYourGuide.

Day Trip Summaries

A quick overview of recommended day trips from Saint John, with their main features.

Popular Excursions

Fundy Trail Parkway

Stunning coastal drive, cliffs, beaches, suspension bridges, and access to Fundy Footpath.

St. Andrews by-the-Sea

Charming historic town, Kingsbrae Garden, whale watching tours, relaxed atmosphere.

Fredericton & Moncton

Capital city with historic downtown and art gallery (Fredericton); largest city with Magnetic Hill (Moncton).

Seasonal Considerations

  • Summer is peak for whale watching and outdoor festivals.
  • Mid-September to mid-October for spectacular fall foliage.
  • Bay of Fundy tides are a daily spectacle; check tide tables.
  • Winter offers quieter travel and indoor activities.
  • Some attractions close during the colder months.
  • Confirm operating hours before visiting, especially off-season.

Getting There

  • Maritime Bus connects Saint John to major New Brunswick cities.
  • Local tour operators offer guided day excursions.
  • Ferries connect to Digby, Nova Scotia and Grand Manan Island.
  • Plan routes considering travel time and destination focus.

Why Take a Day Trip?

Expand Your Horizons

Explore the diverse natural beauty and cultural heritage of New Brunswick.

Local Immersion

Visit charming villages and experience authentic Maritime life outside the city.

Unforgettable Views

Witness the dramatic Bay of Fundy coastline and its world-famous tides.

Recommendation

Rent a car for a day trip to St. Martins and the Fundy Trail Parkway. This provides the freedom to explore at your own pace.
← Previous
Activities & Experiences
← Back to Saint John
Next →
Practical Information

Next Up: Practical Information

Continue to Practical Information