New Brunswick Canada

This list of FAQs is meant to help our potential guests find quick answers to common questions about New Brunswick. If you have a question that’s not on the list, please contact us.

• How can we find Visitor Information Centres in New Brunswick?

  You can access a complete list of Provincial Visitor Information Centres and Municipal Visitor Information Centres right here!

• In case of a police or medical emergency, what number do I dial?

  Dial 9-1-1 for emergency service anywhere in the province.

• What is New Brunswick’s area code? And when must it be used?

  The area code is 506. It must be dialled for long distance calls.

• What do I need to know about driving in New Brunswick?

  Seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and passengers. Children under 9 years of age, under 36 kg (79 Ib.) and 1.5 m (4 ft. 9 in.) must be in an infant carrier or approved child restraint. Speed limits are posted in kilometres. The transporting of radar detectors in vehicles is prohibited whether the device is in use and connected or not.

  Highway signs contain service tabs, with the following three essential services: Gas, within three km (two mi.); food, within four km (2.5 mi.), accommodations, within five km (three mi.). Other services or attractions are found within 10 km (six mi.) of the exit. As well, blue and white standardized signs feature facility names and universal symbols to show you the way to adventures, attractions and services.

  Please note that it is illegal to use cell phones and other hand-held devices while driving in New Brunswick. This includes hand-held cell phones, portable GPS, and entertainment devices.

• I am visiting from another country, where can I have my currency exchanged?

  Foreign currency can be exchanged at any local bank or credit union, at the daily going exchange rate. Please note that the rate of exchange can fluctuate daily.

• I plan to do some cycling while I am visiting. Are helmets mandatory?

  Yes, certified safety helmets are required by law when operating a bicycle or a motorcycle in New Brunswick.

• Where can I find general information pertaining to things like New Brunswick’s population, industry and government?

  General provincial information about topics of that nature can be located online via the Government of New Brunswick.

• Are hospitals well marked?

  Absolutely. On all road signs, hospitals are marked by a white letter “H” on a green background.

• What is the legal drinking age in New Brunswick?

  The legal drinking age is 19 years. Bottled liquor – including spirits, wine and beer – is sold in government stores. There are also various private stores throughout the province that sell liquor as agencies for the NB Liquor Corporation.

• As a coastal province, where is New Brunswick’s main port of call?

  With over 2,000 km (1,243 mi.) of coastline, the province has three ports of call. The main port for large cruise lines is located in Saint John.

• What is the official language of New Brunswick?

  Actually, both English and French are included in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as the province’s two official languages. This makes New Brunswick Canada’s only officially bilingual province. New Brunswick has a constitutional obligation to provide government services in both languages.

• We’ve never been to New Brunswick before, and are unsure of what to pack in terms of weather appropriateness. Any tips?

  You can access today’s weather here. Typically summer requires lightweight clothing such as bathing suit, shorts and sandals. New Brunswick boasts the hottest summers in the country with an average daytime temperature of 23.3˚C (73.9˚F). So pack sunscreen, too! Fall requires items like a lighter jacket or an outdoor sweater, slacks and walking shoes. By far our snowiest season, winter requires a heavy coat, scarf, mittens, toque (warm hat) and boots. Spring requires items such as a lighter jacket or an outdoor sweater and slacks.

• Will my pet feel welcome in New Brunswick?

  Absolutely. In fact, here is a link to veterinarians in case your little friend requires medical attention, and SPCA shelters in case he or she gets lost.

• What kind of sales tax is implemented in New Brunswick?

  The sales tax is called the Harmonized Sales Tax (or, HST) and is applied at a single rate of 13% to a base of goods and services. (This percentage is made up of 5% federal tax and 8% provincial tax.)

• Does the province adhere to specific entry requirements?

  To enter Canada, visitors must provide a passport or visa as per the entry criteria from the Canada Border Services Agency. U.S. citizens need a photo ID and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) or a permanent resident card.

• What are the province’s Statutory Holidays?

  Statutory Holidays in New Brunswick include:
  New Year's Day - January 1
  Good Friday - First Friday after the full moon on or after March 21
  Easter Monday - First Monday after Good Friday
  Victoria Day - Third Monday in May
  Canada Day - July 1
  New Brunswick Day - First Monday in August
  Labour Day - First Monday in September
  Thanksgiving Day - Second Monday in October
  Remembrance Day - November 11
  Christmas Day - December 25
  Boxing Day - December 26

   

• What time is it in New Brunswick? Or, more specifically, what time zone is it in?

  New Brunswick is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone. We also participate in Daylight Savings Time, which means that on the second Saturday in March, the clock goes ahead one hour – until the first Saturday in November when the clock goes back one hour.

• What kind of regulations are there when it comes to customs’ limitations and duty-free purchases?

  For all customs’ inquiries, call 1-800-461-9999 from within Canada or 1-506-636-5064 from outside of Canada.

• What cuisine specialties are found in New Brunswick?

  We have a wide range of cuisine options that that varies from region to region. Depending on where you are in the province, you might find traditional Acadian cuisine, fresh seafood, local wineries or farm-to-plate restaurants. For local recipes and more insight on New Brunswick’s distinct cuisine, visit Food & Wine.

• How can I book a New Brunswick vacation?

  In a word: Easily! In fact, one such way to do so is via our booking partner, Maxxim. Go ahead - book your vacation now!