New Brunswick: Little-Known Facts About the Province

By Editorial Staff 18 May, 2024 Geography & Landscapes

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New Brunswick, a captivating province nestled on Canada’s east coast, is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage. While its natural beauty and friendly locals are well-known, there are hidden gems and intriguing stories that even long-time residents might not be aware of.

Let’s delve into 15 lesser-known facts that offer a fresh perspective on this beloved province.

15 Little-Known Facts:

1. Magnetic Hill Mystery: Magnetic Hill, located near Moncton, is a gravity-defying optical illusion where cars appear to roll uphill. The true cause of this phenomenon remains a mystery.
2. The World’s Largest Lobster: Shediac, the “Lobster Capital of the World,” is home to the world’s largest lobster statue, a towering tribute to the region’s iconic crustacean.
3. Covered Bridges Galore: New Brunswick boasts over 58 covered bridges, the most of any province in Canada, each with its own unique charm and history.
4. The Bay of Fundy’s Tidal Wonders: The Bay of Fundy experiences the highest tides in the world, creating dramatic landscapes and unique natural phenomena like the reversing falls in Saint John.
5. Home to the World’s Longest Covered Bridge: Hartland Covered Bridge, spanning the Saint John River, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest covered bridge, stretching 1,282 feet.
6. The “Chocolate River”: The Petitcodiac River, known as the “Chocolate River” due to its muddy brown color, is a tidal bore river that experiences a unique wave phenomenon twice a day.
7. Acadian Culture and History: New Brunswick is home to a vibrant Acadian community, with a rich history, distinct culture, and lively festivals like the Tintamarre.
8. The Hopewell Rocks Tidal Sculptures: The Hopewell Rocks, also known as the “Flowerpot Rocks,” are unique rock formations sculpted by the Bay of Fundy’s tides, resembling giant flowerpots.
9. The World’s First Tidal Energy Project: The Bay of Fundy’s powerful tides have led to the development of the world’s first tidal energy project, generating electricity from the natural movement of the tides.
10. The “Irving” Empire: The Irving family, a prominent business dynasty, has a significant presence in New Brunswick, with interests in oil refining, forestry, shipbuilding, and media.
11. The Kingsbrae Garden Oasis: Kingsbrae Garden in Saint Andrews is a 27-acre horticultural masterpiece, featuring over 50,000 perennials, an award-winning children’s garden, and a sculpture garden.
12. The Fundy Footpath Hiking Challenge: The Fundy Footpath, a rugged 41-kilometer coastal trail, is a challenging but rewarding hiking experience that offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy.
13. The “Potato World” Museum: The Potato World museum in Florenceville-Bristol celebrates the province’s potato industry, showcasing its history, cultivation techniques, and culinary uses.
14. The Roosevelt Campobello International Park: This unique park on Campobello Island commemorates the summer home of former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, fostering cross-border friendship and understanding.
15. A Bilingual Province: New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in Canada, with both English and French recognized as official languages.

Conclusion:

New Brunswick is a province of natural wonders, cultural treasures, and intriguing stories. From gravity-defying hills to the world’s highest tides, its unique landscapes and rich history offer a captivating experience for visitors and residents alike. Whether you’re exploring its charming towns, hiking its rugged trails, or savoring its fresh seafood, New Brunswick is sure to leave a lasting impression.