Car Hire New Brunswick - Mini guide to New Brunswick

Nestled on the eastern coast, tucked behind Nova Scotia, New Brunswick is also known as the ‘gateway to Atlantic Canada’. This beautiful and rugged region is an enchanted land with an unrivalled wilderness and diverse geography. It is also blessed with a fascinating history, and warm, friendly people.

Situated 100kms inland from the Bay of Fundy on the banks of the Saint John River, New Brunswick’s capital, Fredericton, is a relaxing place. Among its laid-back distractions are a surprisingly decent Art Gallery, strings of fine old villas and a handsome cathedral. A short trip south to scenic Passamaquoddy Bay will take you to the island-studded inlet of the Bay of Fundy, home to the lovely resort of St Andrews.

The Saint John River snakes southeast from Fredericton to the Bay of Fundy and the busy port of Saint John. With a relatively large population of 130,000, Saint John is the province's big city and, although hard times have left the area frayed at the edges, the city boasts a splendid sample of Victorian architecture.

The harbour and its heritage remain the focal point here. Saint John boasts the world's highest tides; the difference from low to high tide is approximately 8.6m. The tide is so powerful it actually turns back the river twice daily, causing the Reversing Falls.

Surrounded by marshy flatlands, Moncton is a major transport junction and a convenient stop on the journey between Fundy National Park and Prince Edward Island's Confederation Bridge. The town may have limited appeal, but its recently spruced up downtown area has enough good restaurants and hotels to make an overnight stay enjoyable.

Moncton also draws people eager for a glimpse of its tidal bore, a phenomenon that sees a powerful rising tide create a tall wave. Also of interest is Magnetic Hill, where cars set in neutral at just the right spot will roll uphill.