July is the month of vacations. We all want to go on an adventure. At Blackcircles.ca, we share your love of discovery and the pleasure of riding. That’s why we’re presenting a series of articles this summer to help you discover the most beautiful roads in the country, province by province. Happy driving!
As we are already halfway through the Maritime Provinces, it’s now time to move on to the first mainland province of our Blackcircles pan-Canadian road-trip: New Brunswick! Known for its warm water, unique Acadian culture and impressive tides, the region is a great place to stretch your tires. After spending a few days by the sea, you’ll also discover the green landscapes of the province’s interior, where the capital of Fredericton is hidden.
Visit the Bay of Fundy
At low tide, the cliffs and rock formations of this funnel-shaped bay look like something out of outer space. Come back a few hours later, however, and all you’ll see are a few plant-covered islands in a magically created body of water. You’re in the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world at 19 meters. Nature lovers can also spend some quality time at Fundy National Park or even go whale watching.
Route 114 from Moncton to the Bay Area can be a bit long, especially if you have the whole family with you! Use tires specifically designed to reduce noise and impact, such as Bridgestone Turanza Quiettrack or Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring A/S.
The Acadian Peninsula
Just north of the Fundy region is the cradle of a unique French-speaking culture in America, born of French colonization in the 17th and 18th centuries. They are the Acadians. To learn more about the lives of the region’s inhabitants since the 1700s, stop by the Acadian Historical Village. You can watch craftsmen, visit reconstructed houses and even taste some of the local food. After your visit, continue on to Caraquet, a perfect destination for seafood (there’s even an oyster museum) or an expedition to Miscou Island.
Pass through Fredericton
To continue your historical discoveries, there’s no better place than the city of Fredericton, where neighborhoods like the Garrison District still bear witness to their past. You can also take advantage of this urban stopover to enjoy cultural activities such as the Fredericton Regional Museum or the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. If you visit the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, you may even see a Dali painting!
The Beautiful Route 108
Far from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, in the heart of the province, there is a near pristine forest whose vegetation has long made it difficult to cross from one side of New Brunswick to the other. Before the Trans-Canada Highway was built, one had to use Highway 108, linking the town of Grand Falls in the west to Miramichi. Today, there are few practical reasons to use this route, yet it remains a favorite of road enthusiasts. It is loved for its relaxing effect and for its spectacular forest scenery.
The road is damaged in places, so make sure you have tires that can hold up! We recommend the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, which are tough yet comfortable. Their solid, yet flexible tread protects you by resisting all obstacles and taking the bumps.
We’ve only got one more province to explore before we leave the Maritimes. Be sure to fill up on gas before you leave for Nova Scotia with us!
