New Brunswick is steeped in history and something the locals are very proud of, from the Irish culture to the native art it is fasinating to learn about this provinces past. The food and drink on offer in New Brunswick also forms a huge part of their culture, your evening out at a restaurant could take you anywhere from an oyster bar to a French-inspired bistro or a country inn. For immersive culinary experiences that connect you with local cuisine, producers and chefs, explore the food and wine offerings in New Brunswicks restaurants. Let's not forget about the craft beers, fantastic farmers markets and a great array of food & drink events going on throughout the year.
A visit to New Brunswick is like a walk through history. From Irish culture to Native art, you can connect with the fabric of the province in many ways. A cross-cultural adventure story began very early in the land that would become New Brunswick. In fact, 3,000 years ago with the ancestors of our Aboriginal community.
French settlers explored the fertile lands in the early 1600s, led by Samuel de Champlain and other explorers. Their descendants – the Acadians – still call this area home today and their vibrant culture can be experienced up and down the Acadian coast and throughout the province. New Brunswick are proud of their First Nations heritage and the ongoing cultural enrichment provided by the Mi’kmaq (sometimes spelled Mi kmaq or Mikmaq) and Maliseet people in New Brunswick.
You can also connect – authentically – to the aboriginal heritage through experiences at Metepenagiag Heritage Park, and Esgenoôpetitj First Nation, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample traditional food, listen to aboriginal stories and folklore or enjoy the festive activities of a powwow alongside a First Nation guide.
Meanwhile, the music, dance and customs of this province are infused with the English, Irish and Scottish heritage that’s an integral part of their lives.
The British roots are on display at the Historic Garrison District in Fredericton, where the red tunic of the British regiment can be witnessed during Changing of the Guard ceremonies. You can even be a soldier for a day!
Learn about the Irish history at Middle Island Irish Historical Park and experience their contribution to the province during Canada’s Irish Festival on the Miramichi, featuring Irish music, dance and cultural workshops.
According to the New Brunswick Scottish Cultural Association, about one in six New Brunswickers claim direct Scottish ancestry. Their Scottish heritage is proudly on display at the Highland Games in Fredericton.
There are endless ways to experience our colourful heritage, from immersing yourself in local and cuisine to a sightseeing tour of lighthouses and covered bridges.
Food and drink forms a huge part of New Brunswick's culture, from the freshly caught lobsters and crafts beers to the local wineries and chocolate workshop. Below you will find a selection of great experiences you can have in this wonderful province.
A Taste Of The Good Life
See, smell, touch and taste – it's a foodie's dream at the Rosemount inn where you can choose fresh, organic vegetables alongside your chef. Work up an appetite with a walk up Chamcook Mountain to enjoy expansive views of the Fundy Isles. Return to enjoy a gourmet meal created with local, seasonal, organic and wild foods. Crispy salmon fresh from the Bay of Fundy, Chanterelle mushrooms found on the slopes behind the inn, hand-picked fiddleheads, or a fragrant, lavender-gingersnap cookie made with lavender fresh from the back garden may all find their way onto your plate. Fine wines, artisanal cheeses, fruit and nuts are also among the selections.
A Wine Lover's Utopia
Swirl, sniff, sip and savour award-winning grape and fruit wines at Magnetic Hill this artisan winery set in the cellar of an 1867 restored historic site overlooking the city of Moncton. In 2015 the Resurgo Series sparkling wines were created to celebrate the winery’s 10th Anniversary. Come enjoy a complimentary tasting of the antioxidant-rich wines ranging from dry to unique dessert in a glass style. Pick up a picnic basket, select your vintage, pair it with local cheese and crackers and relax on the licensed patio as you enjoy the million-dollar view.
Live the life of a Lobster fisher
Now you don’t have to imagine what the life of a lobster fisher is like. You’ll live it once you step on board a traditional fishing boat at the campground wharf. All the techniques of the fishers will be revealed by your captain. You’ll find out how the lobster is trapped, hauled in and prepared for the return trip. On shore, a feast of flavourful lobster is yours to enjoy. You’ll see how they are prepared and cooked to succulent perfection in an authentic outdoor cauldron. And don’t be afraid to let some juice run down your chin when you dig into seafood that’s as fresh as the ocean breeze!
The Heritage Chocolate Walk
Come to St. Stephen, where the Ganong brothers began their famous candy company more than 140 years ago, and discover the wonder of chocolate! Explore a museum with the power to enchant both children and adults and look into the Ganong hand-crafted chocolate workshop and watch exquisite samples being made before your eyes. Your walking tour will introduce you to the stories behind the historic homes and leafy streets of a town made famous by the Ganong family and their candy business. Architecture and ambience salute the favourite sweet treat of this region. Of course, no visit would be complete without stopping at the Chocolatier for a few treats to take home!
Savour in the Garden
New Brunswick is home to some amazing chefs and Chef Alex Haun is no exception. For him, success is all about sourcing local and utilising the freshest of New Brunswick’s products for gourmets travelling along New Brunswick’s Fundy coast. The culinary dream of Alex Haun, Savour opened in 2009 after Chef Alex returned home following time in Atlantic Canada’s top kitchens and an award-winning stint competing in international culinary competitions. At Savour, Chef Haun’s menus were recommended by Fodor’s, New York Magazine and TripAdvisor. Now, beautifully located at the award-winning Kingsbrae Garden, Chef Alex continues to create artistically-inspired plates with the freshest local ingredients that are brought to the restaurant's door on a regular basis. He serves light, healthful fare throughout the day to garden visitors and full-tasting menu selections in a fine-dining, intimate atmosphere in the evening, a visit to Savour is a must.
Whatever time of year you visit New Brunswick there is also something going on, take a look at our list of events not to be missed.
Les Folies Du Palais (The Palate's Whims) - When: Apr Where: Saint-Quentin
The Saint-Quentin Chamber of Commerce is delighted to present “Les Folies du Palais,” a fantastic culinary fair taking place at Polyvalente A.-J.-Savoie High School in Saint-Quentin. Over 30 first-rate exhibitors will be on site to give you a delicious taste of some of the area’s best products. Experience a unique culinary experience while savouring the region’s impressive diversity! The event’s highlights include a demonstration by a famous chef, a session with a reputable sommelier and a talk on the virtues of maple syrup. You’ll be wowed by the delicious gastronomic concoctions, mouth-watering menu items and many exciting activities and cultural programs taking place at the fair!
Flavours New Brunswick Food Festival - When: May Where: Saint Andrews
Flavours New Brunswick is a celebration of creations using the unique products available from land and sea in New Brunswick. Chefs, producers and hospitality students are coming together to showcase what New Brunswick has to offer. Join the Flavours New Brunswick Food Festival to enjoy the flavours and sounds of their community. Proceeds from the event in support of New Brunswick Food Banks.
Shediac Lobster Festival - When: July Where Shediac
The Lobster Festival has become a great success over the years, and is alot of fun. A humongous table measuring 305 m (1,000 ft.) long, a 26-m (85-ft) long lobster roll and top-notch performances by various Buskers are just some of the highlights at the festival. If you missed out on the 66-year-old Festival so far, it’s time to make plans to attend! It promises to be a colourful event with all-you-can-eat lobster, of course. This is an event not to be missed.
Festival of Flavour - When: August - Where Florenceville-Bristol
Create your own experience with 4 days of flavourful hospitality; extraordinary food, spirits, wine, arts, entertainment and more in Florenceville-Bristol. Numerous events are held throughout the week for all to enjoy! Expand your horizons with a flavourful week of wine seminars, beer tastings, cooking demonstrations, delicious foods and so much more! A not-to-be-missed experience in the Town of Florenceville-Bristol, nestled in the beautiful St. John River Valley.
World Wine & Food Expo - When: Oct/Nov Where: Moncton
Discover the very best in wine and gourmet food at the World Wine & Food Expo. Sample more than 350 different wines as part of this event’s Grand Wine Tasting at the Moncton Coliseum-Agrena complex. The week-long Wine Expo offers many opportunities to enjoy wine, including several food and wine seminars and tastings. And don't forget the food. The World Wine & Food Expo offers a delightful bistro on-site. You’ll also find many restaurants around the region participate in this popular event.
