The Best Road Trip from Amherst, Nova Scotia to Saint Andrews, New Brunswick
Are you planning a road trip from Amherst, Nova Scotia to Saint Andrews, New Brunswick? This drive covers a distance of approximately 450 km and takes around 5-6 hours. However, with numerous beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and cultural sites to see along the way, this road trip is worth taking a few extra days for.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the top places to see when driving from Amherst, Nova Scotia to Saint Andrews, New Brunswick. So pack your bags, fill up your tank, and get ready for an epic adventure.
Exploring the Bay of Fundy
The Bay of Fundy is a unique and fascinating natural wonder that borders Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. If you want to make the most of your road trip, a visit to the bay is a must.
Hopewell Rocks: Located in New Brunswick, the Hopewell Rocks are a stunning set of flowerpot-shaped rock formations that rise up to 70 feet from the ocean floor. These unique rocks are eroded by the tides of the Bay of Fundy, resulting in stunning natural sculptures. You can walk on the ocean floor at low tide or rent a kayak to get a closer look at the rocks during high tide.
Cape d’Or Lighthouse: Situated about an hour’s drive from the Hopewell Rocks, the Cape d’Or Lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy. From the top of the lighthouse, you can see the tides changing every six hours, which is quite a sight to behold.
Fundy National Park: Home to over 100 kilometers of hiking trails, Fundy National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. This park is famous for its rugged coastline, forested river valleys, and high tides, which are the highest in the world.
Through Coastal Villages and Towns
Driving along the coastline, you’ll come across picturesque villages and towns, each with their own unique charm and culture worth exploring.
Pugwash: Situated in the heart of Nova Scotia’s Sunrise Trail, Pugwash is a small village known for its history of shipbuilding. Pugwash has a few locally-owned shops worth checking out, including Nova Scotia’s oldest general store.
Parrsboro: This small seaside town is home to a range of antique shops and art galleries, making it a popular spot for art enthusiasts. Parrsboro is also famous for its rich geological history and is home to the Fundy Geological Museum.
Shediac: Known as the Lobster Capital of the World, Shediac is a charming coastal town in New Brunswick. The town features an impressive lobster sculpture, a beautiful sandy beach, and a thriving fishing industry.
Experiencing New Brunswick's Unique Attractions
New Brunswick is home to a diverse range of attractions and experiences, making it a must-visit destination for any road tripper.
Magnetic Hill: Located in Moncton, Magnetic Hill is a unique natural phenomenon where your car appears to roll uphill! The hill is a fun stop for families, and visitors can also enjoy mini-golf, a petting zoo, and a water park.
The Reversing Falls: If you’re looking for a natural wonder to explore, the Reversing Falls in Saint John is a spectacle to witness. The Bay of Fundy tides push the Saint John River upstream, causing an impressive reversal of water flow and whirlpools.
Kings Landing: This living museum in Fredericton brings history to life, showcasing what life was like for early settlers in 19th-century New Brunswick. Visitors can see real-life demonstrations, chat with costumed interpreters, and take part in various activities, including baking and blacksmithing.
Conclusion
Driving from Amherst, Nova Scotia to Saint Andrews, New Brunswick is a fantastic road trip with a diverse range of attractions and experiences. From the natural wonders of the Bay of Fundy to the charming coastal towns of New Brunswick and unique attractions like Magnetic Hill, there’s plenty to see and do along the way.
So what are you waiting for? Get in your car and hit the road!