Visit the Acadian Coastal Drive in New Brunswick. One of eastern Canada’s Maritime Provinces, it is a relaxing route alongside the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Follow the starfish road signs to be guided through serene beauty and picturesque communities.
New Brunswick is Canada’s only official bilingual province, where citizens speak French and English. The city of Moncton offers a blend of the two related cultures. Begin the coastal drive here. Fool your senses on Magnetic Hill with the illusion that your car is ascending backward. Continue on to Bouctouche, where a winding boardwalk overlooks the sand dunes at the Irving Eco-Centre.
Attend a kitchen party in eastern Canada at Le Pays de la Sagouine. The island is connected with a boardwalk from Bouctouche. A visit to this reproduction of an Acadian fishing village should include time at the fun-filled dinner theater, with the area’s history as its theme.
Look for numerous interesting churches. On Lamèque Island visit Eglise Sainte-Cécile. The pretty structure is locally known as the candy church, with its bright, colorful interior.
Drive to the lighthouse on Miscou Island for scenic photos. The adjoining café offers a perfect excuse to spend more time in this natural habitat. Seafood dishes often include lobster, predominant in the region. Try poutine, the homegrown favorite that is a combination of cheese curds, fried potatoes and gravy. The local oysters in the province are also incredible.
Immerse yourself in the area’s beauty at Kouchibouguac National Park. Waters of the beach here are surprisingly warm because of the Gulf Stream. About an hour south find what is reportedly the warmest salt water in Canada, at Parlee Beach Provincial Park.
Along the coastal route you’ll see the almost 8-mile (13-kilometer) Confederation Bridge, one of Canada’s longest bridges. The span connects the mainland with Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island.
Get to the Acadian Coastal Drive from Moncton, which is served by major Canadian airlines and trains. Travel by car from the west on the Trans Canada Highway or from Nova Scotia to the east. Drive here in 6.5 hours from Portland, Maine.
