My cross-country EV adventure rolls on, and this time, I’m diving into the beauty of “The Picture Province” with a detailed New Brunswick road trip report. Often overlooked, New Brunswick is a hidden gem with a wealth of natural wonders, charming towns, and unique attractions waiting to be explored.
From coastal drives and high tides to historic sites and vibrant communities, this province offers a diverse and enriching travel experience. In this post, I’ll share my favorite highlights from my journey through New Brunswick, along with essential tips on the best places to visit, where to stay, and how to keep your EV charged and ready for the road.
New Brunswick Charging Infrastructure
While New Brunswick’s EV charging infrastructure is growing, it still lags behind its neighboring province, Quebec, which boasts a more extensive and well-developed network. This means that planning your charging stops in New Brunswick requires a bit more forethought. That said, proper preparation makes it entirely manageable.
The good news is that New Brunswick is a relatively small province, making it easier to cover on a single charge or with fewer stops than larger provinces. Most charging stations are concentrated along major highways, making long-distance travel more convenient. Fast chargers (Level 3) are available in key locations such as Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John, which are excellent bases for exploring the province’s highlights.
However, when venturing off the main routes, such as towards coastal areas or national parks, planning your route carefully and ensuring you have the appropriate adapters is crucial. Popular tourist destinations like Fundy National Park and Hopewell Rocks offer charging stations, but rural areas may have more limited infrastructure. Using apps like PlugShare can be a lifesaver, helping you locate nearby chargers and confidently plan your journey.
New Brunswick EV Road Trip Report
Now that we’ve covered the logistics and charging infrastructure, it’s time to dive into the details of my 4-day New Brunswick EV road trip. This journey takes you through some of the province’s most scenic routes, charming towns, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Along the way, I’ll highlight key charging stops, the best places to recharge, and must-see attractions that make New Brunswick such an underrated gem. Whether exploring the cities or venturing into the rugged wilderness, this itinerary will ensure you’re well-prepared for a smooth and memorable EV adventure.
Day 1: Quebec Maritime to Miramichi
My New Brunswick road trip adventure began after an incredible week exploring Quebec’s Nord Maritime coast. The highlights were spotting beluga whales from the rugged shores and hiking the rocky coastline, which made leaving Quebec a bit bittersweet.
Crossing the Saint Lawrence River at Matane, I ventured across the scenic Gaspé Peninsula, making my way towards New Brunswick. My New Brunswick road trip officially began at the border near Campbellton at the Belvédère des Deux-Rivières. This unique viewing platform near Campbellton offers stunning views of the Restigouche River, which forms the natural divide between Quebec and New Brunswick.
Note that a more direct route into New Brunswick from the west is along the Trans Canada highway or through Maine. I opted to get some Quebec Maritime sights on my trip between Toronto and Halifax and recommend the detour if you have the time.
Optional Detour Around the Gaspé Peninsula
For those with extra time on your New Brunswick road trip, I highly recommend detouring around the Gaspé Peninsula on the way in our out of the province. Although you can technically drive it in a day, I suggest spending 3-5 days to truly enjoy the area. Percé is a stunning highlight, with its iconic rock formation and vibrant arts scene. For a full itinerary and tips, check out my Gaspé EV road trip plan. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more direct route to New Brunswick, you can follow my write-up on the Toronto to Halifax route.
First Charging Stop in New Brunswick
My first charging stop in New Brunswick was just outside of Dalhousie at an NB Power charging station, which proved to be a bit less user-friendly than my seamless experience in Quebec. I may have been spoiled by the extensive charging infrastructure in Quebec, where every stop felt effortless. That said, charging was a breeze at NB stations after setting up my app.
Sunset in Dalhousie
Next, I decided to take a scenic detour into Dalhousie. Here, you can visit Inch Arran Point Lighthouse and take in the beautiful views at Inch Arran Park. This spot offers a panoramic vista of Chaleur Bay and was an ideal place to watch the sunset.
Where to Stay in Miramichi
From there, I headed to Miramichi for the night. I stayed at the Ramada by Wyndham Miramichi, which, unfortunately, did not have EV charging available. However, there’s a ChargePoint station conveniently located across the street at a nearby car dealership.
mirimichi to do While Charging
For those looking to save a bit, there’s a free charging station at City Hall, just a short bike ride from the hotel. While charging, I wondered what there was in Mirimichi to do. I ended up enjoying a nightcap with live music at the New Maritime Beer Company, which capped off the first day of my New Brunswick road trip on a high note.
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Day 2: Miramichi to Moncton
The second day of my New Brunswick road trip took me from Miramichi to Moncton, with stops at some must-see spots along the way.
Biking and Hiking in Kouchibouguac National Park
After a morning stroll along the Miramichi boardwalk, I set off for Kouchibouguac National Park, a serene nature-lover spot. The park offers free Tesla and J1172 charging stations, which was convenient as I took a leisurely bike ride through its extensive boardwalks. Despite the rainy weather, I enjoyed a stroll and sought refuge from the rain at the park’s beach canteen, where I indulged in some decent poutine.
Lobster Rolls in Shediac
From Kouchibouguac, I headed to Shediac, famously known as the lobster capital of North America. Having visited before and enjoyed a fantastic lobster boat tour, I was excited to return. This time, I took advantage of the charging point at the Lobster Museum while exploring the local exhibits. I also had the chance to sample an incredible lobster roll before moving on.
Shediac’s seafood scene is a highlight of any trip through the region. If you have the time, I highly recommend taking the lobster or food tour in Shediac.
Moncton activities
Continuing on, I arrived in Moncton late afternoon, where I spent the evening bike bar hopping and witnessing the impressive tides of the Petitcodiac River, also known as the Chocolate River for its chocolate brown looks, especially at low tide.
Highlights of my tour include biking along the river, the Holy Whale outdoor patio (conveniently located just off the riverside trail), and the Tire Shack brewery for a marshmallow stout nightcap.
Where to Stay and Charge in Moncton
I stayed at the St. James’s Gate Hotel, a personal favorite despite its lack of an EV charger. The hotel’s boutique charm and comfort made it worth the stay. Also, it’s above a great pub, which is great for me.
For those needing a charge, several EV charging stations are available throughout the city, including fast chargers at nearby city hall and L2 chargers at the public library. As of posting this, Tesla Superchargers are also under construction next to the library.
Alternatively, the Crowne Plaza, Residence Inn, and Delta hotels also feature EV chargers on site. I have stayed at the Delta and can vouch for it. Great rooms and an excellent location.
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Day 3: Moncton to Saint John
The journey from Moncton to Saint John offered some of New Brunswick’s most fascinating natural attractions and culinary delights.
Magic at Magnetic Hill
I began the day with a visit to Magnetic Hill, one of the quirkiest of all Moncton activities. It is a mind-bending optical illusion that challenges your perception. Here’s how it works: you drive to the designated spot, put your car in neutral, and release the brake. Against all logic, your vehicle appears to roll uphill. As someone who tends to be skeptical about these kinds of things, I was prepared to be unimpressed. But let me tell you, it’s hard to convey in words or even pictures just how mind-blowing this experience actually is.
As my car seemed to roll uphill, I became genuinely intrigued. The optical illusion at Magnetic Hill is a fascinating phenomenon best experienced in person to fully understand. Despite my initial skepticism, I found myself appreciating the clever trick my mind was playing. It’s a straightforward yet memorable experience that challenges your perception and is definitely worth seeing for yourself.
High Tides at Hopewell Rocks
Next on my journey was Hopewell Rocks, a must-see destination known for its unique rock formations and the world’s highest tides. The tidal range here is truly spectacular, with the water levels fluctuating up to 16 meters (52 feet) between high and low tide. This incredible natural phenomenon transforms the landscape dramatically within just a few hours, making it an essential stop on any New Brunswick road trip.
To fully appreciate Hopewell Rocks, it’s best to time your visit around low tide. This allows you to walk along the ocean floor and marvel at the towering flowerpot rock formations that have been sculpted by the relentless tides over thousands of years. I spent a couple of hours exploring, first from the seafloor and then from above as the tide quickly came in, offering two completely different perspectives of this natural wonder.
A hot tip for visitors: bring rubber boots or shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. There are wash stations at the top of the steps to clean off before heading back. For EV travelers, there’s a J1772 Level 1 ChargePoint charger in the parking lot, which I used to top up while I explored for a couple of hours.
Lobster Rolls and Alma
From Hopewell Rocks, I made my way to Alma for a late lunch. The lobster rolls at Alma Lobster Shop were delicious, and I enjoyed a coffee, this time at the Holy Whale Brewery’s original location. I also utilized the free EV chargers at the Bay of Fundy National Park gates, which are conveniently located for visitors exploring the area.
I planned to camp in Fundy Park as they have powered campsites, but the weather was starting to turn, which wasn’t ideal for my planned golfing and hiking. As such, I drove through the park and headed to Saint John for the night instead, topping up at the lone Tesla Supercharger I visited in the province on the way.
Where to Stay and Charge in Saint John
I stayed at the Crowne Plazza in Saint John. While the hotel does not offer EV charging, some charging options exist in the area, including Market Square downtown and at the Moosehead Brewery and tap room. As of this posting, Saint John hotels with EV charging are limited, with the Chateau Saint John being the best option with both L2 and L3 chargers onsite, albeit they are not free.
For those seeking a unique experience, consider staying at Ridgeback Lodge, located just north of Quispamsis. The high-end yurts with wood-burning hot tubs offer a luxurious glamping experience. Although they don’t have EV chargers on-site, Quispamsis provides both Tesla Superchargers and L2 J1772 options. I didn’t stay at Ridgeback Lodge on this trip, but I highly recommend it based on my past experience. For more details, check out my dedicated review on Ridgeback Lodge.
Saint John to do while Charging
After checking out Saint John reversing falls, a one-of-a-kind natural occurrence where the Bay of Fundy and the Saint John River meet, I made my way to the Moosehead Brewery for a beer and top-up. I toured the brewery a few years ago and had a great time. It was nice to come back and see that they expanded on their craft line and, of course, added an EV charger.
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Day 4: Saint John to Saint Andrews
After a scenic journey from Moncton to Saint John’s, my next destination was Saint Andrews, one of the highlights of my EV road trip through New Brunswick, thanks to the unique opportunity to drive along the ocean floor.
things to do in saint andrews nb
Saint Andrews is a charming and historically rich town known for its picturesque waterfront, well-preserved architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The town, established in 1783, boasts a history as a prominent port and trading post, with buildings and landmarks reflecting its maritime heritage. The historic district is a delightful mix of colonial and Victorian styles, offering a glimpse into the past as you stroll through its streets.
I spent a couple of leisurely days exploring Saint Andrews, a town rich in history and charm. With over 140 heritage buildings, it’s a haven for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike. I strolled through the picturesque downtown, taking in the well-preserved buildings that tell the story of this 18th-century settlement.
One of the highlights was visiting the Saint Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site, a wooden defensive structure built during the War of 1812 to protect against American attacks. Located on the waterfront, it offers a glimpse into the town’s military past while providing stunning views of the bay.
Food was another highlight of my visit. I enjoyed a refreshing pint at the Saint Andrews Brewing Company, a local favorite known for its craft beers. For lunch, I couldn’t resist the lobster sandwich at the quaint Niger Reef Tea House. This charming spot is a must visit. It’s situated next to the Blockhouse, offers delicious food and a perfect vantage point to relax and soak in the town’s historic atmosphere.
Driving on the ocean Floor to Minister’s Island
One of the most memorable experiences in Saint Andrews was driving my EV on the ocean floor to Minister’s Island. This unique adventure is only possible during low tide when the ocean recedes, revealing a natural causeway that connects the island to the mainland. It was surreal to drive across the exposed seabed, knowing that in just a few hours, the road would be completely submerged by the rising tide.
Later that day, I returned to see the water-covered causeway, confirming that Minister’s Island was indeed an island in every sense of the word.
Minister’s Island is steeped in history and was once the summer residence of Sir William Van Horne, the visionary behind Canada’s transcontinental railway. The island is home to Van Horne’s magnificent mansion, a grand estate where you can tour rooms filled with original artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the late 19th century.
As you explore the island, you’ll also discover the estate’s barn, carriage house, and bathhouse, each with its own unique story.
For me, the highlight was the distinctive bathhouse and outdoor pool, cleverly designed to take full advantage of the area’s unusually high tides.
The bathhouse, set against the stunning backdrop of the bay, is a testament to Van Horne’s innovative spirit and adds a special charm to the island’s historical allure. In addition to the historical sites, you can enjoy walking trails, picnic spots, and the serene natural beauty that makes Minister’s Island a must-visit destination in the area.
Where to Stay and Charge in Saint Andrews
For accommodation, I 100% recommend staying at the Algonquin Resort, a historic hotel with a rich legacy dating back to 1889. The resort is renowned for its elegant architecture and beautiful seaside location. It also offers modern amenities, including free Tesla chargers, making it a convenient choice for EV travelers. The Algonquin’s blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort provides a perfect retreat after a day of exploration.
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Wrapping Up This New Brunswick EV Road Trip
Despite being less equipped with EV charging infrastructure than its neighboring provinces like Quebec, New Brunswick offers a rewarding road trip experience. The province’s scenic beauty, historical charm, and unique attractions make it a memorable destination. From the captivating coastal views of Saint Andrews to the dramatic landscapes around Hopewell Rocks, each stop along the route provides its own set of discoveries.
Navigating the charging network in New Brunswick requires a bit of extra planning, but with the right preparation, it’s entirely manageable. The key is to plan your charging stops ahead of time and take advantage of the available charging points, especially in more remote areas.
As I wrapped up my adventure in New Brunswick, I set my sights on the next leg of my journey through Maine and Vermont. Each region brings its own unique charm and opportunities for exploration, so stay tuned for detailed coverage of my travels in these beautiful states.
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