An Introduction to Coastal New Brunswick

Area History

The rocks along the bay of Fundy, shaped by the pounding of the tides, date back millions of years and are some of the oldest formations in the world. The diversity in the history along the shores of the Bay of Fundy is as dramatic as these giant tides.

The region is a tapestry of Aboriginal, English, French, Irish and Loyalists descendants. Each has contributed to the culture, architecture, traditions, arts and even the place names in the county.

Many of the place names in the county reflect these origins. For more than one hundred years, the Charlotte Coastal Region has drawn people from all over the world to revel in the natural beauty of the area, its pleasant summertime weather and its wealth of culinary, historical and cultural offerings.

Arts and Culture

Artists are attracted to beautiful areas and fortunately for us they typically capture–or even enhance–that beauty in their works. Charlotte Coastal Region is blessed with many wonderful artists and artisans who showcase the region’s special features in diverse ways such as in paintings, jewelry, pottery, glass, textiles, sculpture and music.

Not only is the work of many of these local artists outstanding, but the gallery, studio, boutique and music scene here also offers the opportunity to meet many of these creative people and learn more about their work.

Check out Charlotte Coastal Region event listings and other calendar guides to find out about more unique arts and cultural happenings within the area.

Lighthouses, Waterfalls and Covered Bridges

Charlotte Coastal Region is home to at least eighteen lighthouses, two waterfalls and five covered bridges, which makes much of the area a photographer's dream. With few exceptions, all of the lighhouses may be seen from land and many are accessible for visits.

The covered bridges are also worth the drive, particularly since they were often built on less populated roads that cross meandering rivers and streams.

There are two significant waterfalls in Charlotte Coastal Region. St George is home to the Gorge Falls, a dramatic site that can be seen from above (across from the visitor center) or from below where it empties into the Magaguadavic River. Lepreau Falls is close to the covered bridge in Lepreau. Bring a lunch and take a selfie at one of the lighthouses, waterfalls or covered bridges while you’re there.

A Spectacle of Nature

The first glimpse of the world’s largest tides can be seen at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy.

Over two billion gallons of water (about the equivalent of the amount of water in Lake Michigan) flow in and out of the bay twice a day. Tides in excess of seven meters (twenty-five feet) are the norm. These immense ebbs and flows afford dramatic and interesting views of coves, wharfs and various other distinctions along the coast. With all this water, Charlotte Coastal Region is also a haven for many species of birds that inhabit the numerous natural marshes in the area, many of which are key destinations on migratory bird paths.

Sunrises and sunsets are usually awash with awesome gold and red hues as well as spectacular cloud formations. Visit a bird marsh, walk on a wharf or hop on a boat and take a whale/nature tour to enhance your time in this spectacular maritime province of Canada.

Foodies’ Delight

“Where can I get the best lobster roll?"

Visitors to the area also ask about the fish chowder and other delights from the sea. Know that in addition to lobster, you can enjoy all kinds of other memorable food experiences in the region.

St. Stephen boasts Ganong Chocolatier, maker of fine chocolates since 1873.

The St. George region is well known for its blueberries which are used in the making of mouthwatering pies, crumbles and even wine.

Depending on the season, Blacks Harbour, Deer Island, Campobello Island and Grand Manan Island are flush with salmon, herring, haddock, lobster, scallops, mussels and clams to feast on.

If you have a more adventurous palate, you might want to try dulse (a type of seaweed), mackerel and caviar. Best of all, many local and internationally-recognized chefs know how to showcase the region’s bounty in their often innovative cuisine.