New Brunswick, discovered by Jacques Cartier in 1535, was one of the first areas in North America to be settled by Europeans. Established as a province in 1784, it was one of the original provinces of the Canadian Confederation established in 1867. New Brunswick is the largest of Canada's three Maritime provinces.

New Brunswick's rich historic past is reflected in major restorations such as the Acadian Historical Village near Caraquet, Kings Landing Historical Settlement near Fredericton, and MacDonald Historic Farm near Miramichi. The Acadian influence is found throughout the province, predominantly along the north and east coasts. Caraquet and Moncton are the major centers of Acadian culture. Despite the number of provinces with French-speaking locals, New Brunswick is Canada's only official bilingual province. About 33 percent of the people speak French.

But there is much more to New Brunswick than history—the Bay of Fundy to the south (featuring some of the highest tides in the world and a great variety of whales), the Reversing Falls in St. John, Magnetic Hill in Moncton, Hopewell Cape Rocks at Hopewell Cape—and always the sea. Some of the finest beaches in Atlantic Canada provide excellent recreational possibilities, exquisite seafood, and the warmest waters north of Virginia. The capital, Fredericton, offers a full range of big-city attractions. The weather is ideal for vacations, June through August being the warmest months. During September and October, the fall foliage is spectacular, while the winter months attract many outdoor enthusiasts to ski over 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) of cross-country trails and snowmobile the 5,400 miles (9,000 kilometers) of groomed trails. Angling enthusiasts are drawn to the world-famous Atlantic salmon river, Miramichi.

Visitor information centers are located throughout the province. Note that reservations are not accepted at national parks and only at some provincial parks.

Safety belts are mandatory for all persons anywhere in a vehicle. Children under 5 years or under 40 pounds in weight must be in approved safety seats anywhere in a vehicle.