Editor's Note: This article was writeen circa 1999.  Details have no doubt changed.  If anyone has more recent experiences they'd like to share, please post them to the comment blogs below.

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Introduction to New Brunswick
The Canadian province of New Brunswick just might be the eco traveler's best kept secret. The reasons why are almost too numerous to go into in one article, but I'll give it my best (just be aware that I may miss a few things).

Home of the Bay of Fundy, which is in turn, home of the awe-inspiring highest tides in the world, it doesn't take a lot of detective work to figure out why anyone seeking an active, nature filled vacation might come to think of New Brunswick as paradise.

The New Brunswick offices of tourism have made it extra easy for travelers to take advantage of their province's natural bounty, as well. Their Outdoor Network's Day Adventure Program allows visitors to choose from over seventy one exciting adventures, literally something for everyone. The day adventures are pre-planned itineraries, located throughout the province, that cover everything from the pulse accelerating high adventure of rappelling to the gentle calm of candle making -- and everything in between).

The program makes it easy for the entire family to pursue their own interests. Dad may want to go fishing, the kids kayaking or horseback riding, while Mom may want to go whale watching and perhaps the grandparents are more interested in historical and heritage tours. It's all there, and reservations for all activities can be made in one quick stop.

There are numerous spots throughout the province to make reservations and get additional information about the Day Adventures, many of them conveniently located in inns, hotels and visitor's centers.

For more information on this innovative program call 800-561-1112 or write to Day Adventure Communications Centre, Department of Economic Development and Tourism, P.O. Box 6000, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5H1, Canada.

All of the activities outlined in this article are part of the Day Adventures Program, although what is discussed here is merely the tip of the iceberg. I urge you to call or write for a full brochure. Be forewarned, however, choosing just a few of the myriad of activities offered will be extremely difficult.

For those interested in adventures that last more than a day, a good resource is the Canada Outdoor Adventure Company, which runs year round multi-day active trips including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, horsepacking, and even winter Snow Cat touring. For more information on this company call 800-667-2010 or write The Outdoor Adventure Company, 79 Main St., St. George, New Brunswick, Canada, E0G 2Y0 or email havefun@nbnet.nb.ca (they do day adventures as well).

If you need to fly to New Brunswick, Air Canada is a good choice. You can reach them at 800-774-8993 or FAX them at 401-727-4745.

Visit the New Bruswick Tourism Website

New Brunswick has so much to offer the adventure traveler. This feature doesn't even begin to scratch the surface. There is just too much to do to possibly fit it all into one trip, not to mention, the activities change with the seasons. I hope to go back to beautiful New Brunswick someday. Part II of this article could include the following: lobster fishing, deep sea fishing, fly fishing, hunting, cross country skiing, dog-sledding, snow shoeing and more. Aside from all the activities, New Brunswick has a wonderful history that really comes alive at some of its parks and museums.

Canoeing and Kayaking
It stands to reason that a destination which boasts the highest tides in the world would be a great place for kayaking.

Each day a hundred billion tons of sea water are inhaled and exhaled by the 90 mile long bay. The tides are even more impressive during full moons, when at the head of the bay, they are so high they could cover a four story apartment building. Fishing boats stranded high and dry at low tide are a common site around the Bay of Fundy. It's nothing to worry about, however, a few hours time will cure the problem.

The Hopewell Rocks are a good area for kayakers to experience the "Fundy Phenomena" first hand. At high tide, adventurers can paddle their kayaks along the craggy coast, through and around gorgeous rock formations. Return a few hours later, at low tide, and you can easily walk around these very same formations.

Even without the spectacular tides, kayaking in New Brunswick is a very special experience. The coastal scenery is varied and there are an abundance of birds and wildlife, not to mention lots of charming lighthouses dot the coast. Deer calmly grazing along the shoreline, flocks of geese and ducks flying high overhead, herons fishing for their supper and barking seals are all common sites.

Kayakers will also find it easy to paddle past large commercial salmon farms set up in the bay. These giant netted areas, containing thousands of actively jumping fish, contribute to the economy of the area, although not without controversy (but I promise not to make this a political article).

From the tourist perspective, the salmon farms are an interesting industry to observe and a comfortable kayak is a great place to observe them from.

Regardless of which area you choose to kayak, the Day Adventure Program can get you set up with equipment and guides to make the most of the experience. All you need to do is paddle.

In addition to the famous Bay Of Fundy, New Brunswick also has many river areas for canoeing or kayaking, fishing or bird watching.

The scenic Saint John River has as many activities and faces as it is long. Near the river's mouth are the famous Reversing Falls, arguably the best place to observe the incoming high tides. You wouldn't want to be caught here in a canoe or kayak for you couldn't survive the rushing water, but the truly adventurous can experience this thrilling, albeit very wet, phenomena first hand by taking the Reversing Falls Jet Boat Ride. Synchronizing watches is important business in this area, as the sign in the photo illustrates.

Further upstream, however, there are plenty of calmer areas for canoeing and kayaking that will take visitors floating past small islands in the stream, which served as hiding places for pirate treasure in years gone by, past coves and inlets, where some great fishing goes on, and past miles and miles of gorgeous scenery and wildlife. Those who wish to experience the river, without being as actively involved will be happy to learn that numerous river cruises are also available.

Rapelling
If you have even an inkling of an adventurous soul in you, and you've never tried rappelling before, I urge you to do so.If you have rappelled before, I don't need to sell you on this sport. Personally, I was a first timer, and my experience at New Brunswick's Cape Enrage was the highlight of a trip that was filled with peak experiences. I apologize, I don't have photos of the experience.

Cape Enrage is as rugged as its name implies. Sheer 40 meter cliffs drop off to the spectacular fossil beach of the Bay of Fundy far below.

The Day Adventure Program can, once again, set you up with the proper guides, equipment and instructions. Even if you're a first timer, these knowledgeable professionals will have you bouncing down the sheer cliff wall in no time.

Rappelling is not nearly as intimidating as many people believe. It is incredibly fun! I had a grin a mile wide on my face during the entire experience. Admittedly, the first step off the cliff can be scary for first timers, but once you take that step, you realize how much you really are in control.

The rest is a breeze that, unfortunately, passes all too quickly. One minute you're stepping off the cliff, a few seconds of cliff wall pass before your eyes and the next thing you know, you've safely landed on the rocky shore below. A short rock climb upwards and you're ready to go again!

Like many of the activities in the Bay of Fundy, timing is of utmost importance. You must experience rappelling at Cape Enrage during low tide. Otherwise, when the enormous tide comes in, you will find yourself trapped. There is no way out!

Hiking/Biking
New Brunswick is rich with National Parks, both on the coast and inland. There are thousands of acres for camping, hiking, biking and other outdoor recreation. From fully serviced campground to roughing it in the wilderness, New Brunswick's national parks have something for everyone.

Even non-campers will enjoy the extensive system of hiking trails which run through pristine forests, along rocky coastlines and overlook the incredible Bay of Fundy. The Day Adventure program can, once again, put visitors in touch with companies offering guided nature hikes, tide pool explorations or even heritage tours of New Brunswick's more civilized areas.

Biking is another convenient way to explore the province. Gently winding roads run through the countryside and over charming covered bridges. Side note: New Brunswick has more covered bridges than its more famous American cousin, Vermont!

If you didn't bring your bike with you, no problem, Once again, the Day Adventure program can put you in the saddle.

Wildlife and Whales
Because of the Bay of Fundy's high tides, the area is one big smorgasbord for wildlife. Worms, shrimp and snails (yum, yum) are left behind by the tide's receding waters, making the bay an important fuel stop for migrating birds.

In springtime, the birdlife is so abundant, it becomes one thick huge swarm that appears to have a life of its own. The site is so incredible, it simply has to be seen to be believed. If you can't make it at the right time of year, videos are available.

Ducks, geese, songbirds, sandpipers and plovers all make the Bay of Fundy a regular rest stop on their migration journeys. But all of the action is hardly onshore. From July through September the bay plays host to herds of migrating whales. In fact, the Bay of Fundy is one of the best places in the entire world for whale watching!

Finbacks, minkes, humpbacks and the endangered right whales are all easily observed here -- sometimes even mating, oh my!

The thrill of seeing these majestic creatures up close is one that will stay with you for a lifetime. The bay has as many or more viewing options as there are whales. Inflatable zodiac boats can carry tourists quickly to where the action is. Various motor boat cruises offer the same with additional room and comfort. For the romantics, a cruise on the Tall Ship Cory is a wonderful whale watching option. This gorgeous schooner glides along the rocky coastline past seals, salmon farms, eagles, seagulls, porpoises and old fashioned lighthouses. On board entertainment is provided by the period costumed Maurice Leger AKA "Bear" (see photo above) who regales guests with tales of the sea and of the Acadian life of old, not to mention authentic folk music on a variety of popular as well as rarely seen instruments. Thanks to Bear seeing whales is just a bonus of a cruise on the Cory.

Horseback Riding
There's something about riding along on a horse through a quiet forest - no sounds but the gentle clop of the hooves, nothing in site but the majestic colors of the leaves - that makes one feel they have stepped back in time.

So much of New Brunswick feels like a bygone era anyway, the horseback experience only heightens it.

Equestrian fans will find a lot of choices. Riding the majestic ocean coastlines will provide a completely different experience than the inland forests. Both are wonderful, but I would especially recommend the latter during the fall foliage season, when the blazing hills literally surround you with brilliant color.

Of course, there are equestrian day adventures available, but for those who truly love horses, why not consider staying at the Broadleaf Guest Ranch in Albert County? The ranch has accommodations for every size group and budget, from dorm style rooms to luxury. Call 505 882-2349 for more information.