Want some colour in your life? Find it in the autumn colours of New Brunswick!
New Brunswick is predominantly positioned in the Acadian Forest Region, which fosters a blend of the boreal (predominantly softwood) and deciduous (predominantly hardwood) forest regions. It is the province of choice for viewing fall colours because of the diverse mix of trees which provide a brilliant palette of colour.
During the growing season, chlorophyll is continually being produced and synthesized, which causes the leaves remain green. As summer turns to fall, night length increases, which causes chlorophyll production to slow down and eventually stop altogether. The carotenoids and anthocyanins that are present in the leaf are then unmasked and show their colours. This is the process that results in the riot of brilliant colour of the leaves in fall.
Timing is important for viewing fall colours, as there is a north/south variation. Typically the northern areas produce colours one-to-two weeks before the southern areas. Colour is also affected by variations in topography. Typically, softwoods grow in the valleys, mixed hardwood/softwood along mid-slope positions and hardwoods grow on the ridge tops. These are subtle differences that the untrained eye would not notice, but they do make a spectacular rainbow of colour.
Get an idea of the number of tree species that grow in New Brunswick, keeping in mind that the hardwoods are the ones that produce the colours in autumn. Many shrubs and a variety of ground vegetation provide a pleasing range of colour for roadside viewing as well.
Enjoy all this brilliance within close proximity of urban areas - combine leaf-peeping with shopping, lets say. Apple picking, salmon fishing, and hiking and biking are all excellent activities that the entire family is sure to enjoy! Well established routes along the upper and lower St. John River valley, the Miramichi River Route, Route 17 (Saint-Léonard to Saint-Quentin to Campbellton to Bathurst) are all breathtaking examples where you will find endless miles of blazing colour. The southern and eastern areas of the province are also spectacular when mixed with the blue of ocean water sparkling in the autumn sunshine!
Other locations which provide outstanding viewing opportunities are The Fundy Trail, Fundy and Kouchibouguac National parks of Canada, the Provincial Parks and numerous municipal parks and trails. This is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy Mother Nature's final great production before the winter season begins.