Chasing Sunshine:

The Ultimate New Brunswick Summer Bucket List 2026

The days are getting longer, the coastal breeze is getting warmer, and the ultimate Maritime road trip season is officially upon us. While we might still be shaking off the last of the spring chill, there is no better time to start planning a spectacular summer in New Brunswick.

Whether you are a lifelong local looking to uncover pristine NB hidden gems or a first-time visitor chasing the perfect East Coast vibe, our province is bursting with local businesses ready to make this season unforgettable.

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New Brunswick Summer - Things to do outdoors

While spring is still technically upon us, that doesn't mean we can't look forward to summer and get ready to support the incredible seasonal businesses New Brunswick has to offer. From pristine golf courses to sun-drenched u-picks and vibrant open-air markets, our province is practically built for outdoor exploration. It is time to start planning your ultimate sunshine itinerary.

Featured Local Staples & Hidden Gems:

Fundy National Park - Alma / Fundy Coast
Kouchibouguac National Park - Kent County / Acadian Coast
Mount Carleton Provincial Park - Saint-Quentin / Northwest
The Algonquin Golf Course - St. Andrews / Southwest
Restigouche Golf & Country Club - Campbellton / North
Kingswood Golf Course - Fredericton / Central
French Fort Cove Nature Park (Hidden Gem) - Miramichi – Home to gorgeous walking trails, red-pine canopies, and the Maritimes' longest zipline.
Grand Falls Gorge (Hidden Gem) - Grand Falls / Northwest – Take in the breathtaking views of the massive gorge and waterfall right from the scenic walking paths.
Trueman Blueberry Farms - Aulac / Eastern Shore
Sunset U-Pick - Fredericton / Central 
Les Petits Fruits de Pré-d'en-Haut - Memramcook / East
Kingston Farmers Market - Kingston Peninsula / River Valley
Spinney's Seafood Market - St. Martins / Fundy Coast
St. Andrews Farmers Market - St. Andrews / Fundy Coast

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New Brunswick Summer - Things to taste outdoors

There is something genuinely magical about a summer treat enjoyed in the fresh air. Whether it’s finding the perfect seat on a sun-soaked patio, grabbing a classic scoop of ice cream on a hot afternoon, or discovering an incredible local food truck, these are the flavours that define a New Brunswick summer.

Check out some of our favourite neighbourhood spots that are serving up pure excellence this season:

Ice Cream & Dairy Bars
Sheila Dairy Bar Restaurant et Crème glacée - Tracadie / Acadian Peninsula
La Cabane à Cône - Caraquet / Acadian Peninsula
BON AMI Crèmerie - Dalhousie / Chaleur Region
Frosty Freez - Dieppe / East
Le Shack à Joe - Shippagan / Acadian Peninsula
Maurie's Mini-Putt & Ice Cream (Hidden Gem) - Miramichi – An iconic local landmark offering a staggering 48 flavours of ice cream alongside a custom-built mini-golf course.

Patios & Brews
Picaroons Roundhouse - Fredericton / Central
Terrasse Hibiscus - Shediac / East – A beautifully curated, floral-forward patio perfect for summer sips.
Foghorn Brewing Company - Rothesay / South
Tipsy Tails - Alma / Fundy Coast
Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault - Edmundston / Northwest – Grab a flight of craft beer on their fantastic downtown patio overlooking the Madawaska River.

Food Trucks & Casual Eats
Pirate de la mer - Bouctouche / East – Widely celebrated for serving up some of the freshest, crispiest fried clams and lobster rolls on the coast.
Bangkok Food Truck - Shediac / East
Avatar Food Truck - Moncton / East
KC and SONS Fish and Chips - Miramichi

Reminder: Make sure to tag #excellencenb when you stop by one of these local gems or any other neighbourhood spot you think deserves some love!

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PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS

The Best of New Brunswick

Nominations Starts May 4th

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New Brunswick Summer - Things to experience

Summer is all about the vibe—the warm days and starlit nights that stay with you for years to come. Celebrate the rich culture of New Brunswick by exploring our bustling waterfront container villages, immersive night-light walks, local wellness festivals, and unique accommodations that make you feel like you are sleeping inside a dream.

Unique Stays & Cultural Hotspots:
Akadi Lumina - Bouctouche / East
AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village - Saint John / South
Hope Music and Wellness Festival 2026 - Edgetts Landing / Albert County
Annual Powwow - St. Mary's First Nation / Fredericton
Metepenagiag Tipi Retreats - Metepenagiag Heritage Park / Miramichi River Valley – Sleep under the stars in a traditional tipi while immersing yourself in over 3,000 years of Mi'gmaq history and culture.
Rossmount Inn - St. Andrews / Southwest
Cielo Glamping Maritimes - Shippagan / Acadian Peninsula
The Algonquin Resort - St. Andrews / Southwest

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Fuel Your Summer, Support Local New Brunswick

New Brunswick summers are vibrant, beautiful, and—as we all know—they fly by in a flash. Every time you choose to grab a scoop from a local dairy bar, book a weekend at a hidden-gem glamping site, or spend an afternoon on a neighborhood patio, you aren't just making unforgettable memories. You are directly fueling the dreams of passionate local entrepreneurs who make our communities so unique.

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Did we miss someone great?

Probably — and that’s the beauty of New Brunswick. There are so many local businesses, makers, restaurants, breweries, and experiences to discover that we can’t fit them all into one blog. If you know a spot we should feature in a future post, send us a note.

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