Nothing can be more exciting than knowing a place’s arts and culture. It’s similar to the phrase, “The best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” The best way to get to know Canada’s Picture Province is by getting to know its arts and culture. From fun festivals to getting to know New Brunswick’s indigenous roots and even the customs and traditions that transformed New Brunswick into what it is today, this article has everything you need to know.

L’Acadie

Source: https://hikebiketravel.com/road-trip-acadian-new-brunswick/

Starting easy, one of the best ways to peek into the lives of New Brunswick residents is to get to know l’Acadie. Acadians are descendants of the French settlers who arrived in New Brunswick during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, Acadians are best known for their joie de vivre. “Joie de vivre” translates to “love of life.” Acadians materialize their love for living through their well-preserved ancestral customs and traditions. 

Experience Acadian culture through the museums, preserved houses, tours, live music, unique cuisine, and even the stories from hospitable locals with distinctive French accents. August 15 is the best date to visit as National Acadian Day is filled with festivities where the culture, color, and love of life of Acadie are celebrated.

New Brunswick’s Artisans 

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Everything that’s made by hand is made from the heart. New Brunswick is composed of people who love making things by hand, whether cuisine, art, or everything else. That tradition has been passed down from generation to generation and is well-preserved by New Brunswick’s artisans, who carefully and intricately tell their stories through quilts, knits, carvings, paintings, and more. 

Some of New Brunswick’s famed artisans are the following: 

• Aitkens Pewter Ltd.
• Albert County Clay Co. 
• Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery 
• Artisan’s Village in Hillsborough 
• AX: The Arts and Culture Center of Sussex 
• Bay Breeze Art Gallery 
• Blacksmith Regis Hache 
• BrettLynn Farms 
• Brigadoon Fiber Farm 
• Briggs and Little Woolen Mills Ltd. 

Art Galleries 

Source: https://beaverbrookartgallery.org/the-beaverbrook-art-gallery-opens-new-gallery-space-dedicated-to-the-rich-history-of-the-fine-arts-program-at-mount-allison-university-with-a-major-new-acquisition-on-permanent-display/

Art serves as the window to many sceneries. That includes nature, the soul, the culture of the collective, and more. New Brunswick is home to several art galleries showcasing the pieces of local artists and artisans from the past and modern day. Some of New Brunswick’s most notable art galleries are the New Brunswick Museum, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, and the Galerie d’art Louise-et-Reuben-Cohen. 

Additionally, smaller art galleries scattered throughout the province can be filled with undiscovered gems worthy of looking into. Art is a part of the fabric of New Brunswick. Although it is quite visible through the places, streets, and even the people of New Brunswick, nothing can beat the art galleries in portraying the culture of the Picture Province of Canada.

New Brunswick’s Indigenous Culture

Source: https://www.itanb.ca/

New Brunswick was first inhabited by the Mi’gmaq, Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet), and the Peskotomuhkatiyik (Passamaquoddy) for thousands of years. The 15 First Nations communities are a vital part of the New Brunswick heritage, with the rivers, towns, landmarks, and others bearing Indigenous names, arts, culture, and traditions. 

To get to know the First Nations more, you can attend the many powwows during the summer. Powwows are composed of songs, dances, and ceremonies that the Indigenous people have celebrated. You’ll also be able to taste authentic Indigenous cuisine through the many vendors in powwows. From hikes to festivals and more, New Brunswick’s Indigenous culture will have you learning about the beautiful province’s extensive history as well as experiencing its culture firsthand. Here are some of the events and places you can plan your trip around for an intensive New Brunswick cultural experience: 

• Elsipogtog Mi’gmaq Cultural Center in Elsipogtog First Nation 
• First Nations Storytellers in Saint John 
• Grey Rock Casino in Saint-Basile 
• Kouchibouguac National Park in Kouchibouguac
• Maliseet Trail in Hay Settlement 
• Metepenagiag Heritage Park in Red Bank

Museums in New Brunswick

Source: https://salutcanada.ca/en/listings/new-brunswick-museum/

New Brunswick is Mother Nature’s gift to us. From the many beautiful landscapes that time has shaped to the people who carry the history of the Picture Province, you will never run out of things to learn, discover, and look forward to in New Brunswick. 

In New Brunswick’s abundance of historic sites and museums, you will find its rich history and the progress it has made along the way. Here are some of the museums and historical sites you should visit in New Brunswick: 

• Kings Landing Historical Settlement 
• Village Historique Acadien
• Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site 
• Metepenagiag Heritage Park 
• Chocolate Museum 
• New Brunswick Potato World Museum 
• Science East 
• Resurgo 
• Jewish Historical Museum 
• Stonehammer Geopark 
• Central New Brunswick Woodmen’s Museum 
• Grand Manan Museum
• Albert County Museum 

New Brunswick’s Historic Sites

Source: https://tourismnewbrunswick.ca/historic-sites

New Brunswick is a melting pot of historical sites and cultural appreciation. Although there are many places such as museums, galleries, and more, New Brunswick’s history lives on in the sites that can be found across the province. 

The French and British rivalries are evident in Fort Beausejour in Aulac, Boishebert National Historic Site in Miramichi, and Place Fort Latour in Saint John. The Loyalists’ struggles are shown in the Loyalist House and Carleton-Martello Tower in Saint John. A jaw-dropping period of innovation can be witnessed in the Van Horne Estate, which is only accessible during the low tide on Ministers Island. At the same time, the McAdam Railway Station, Petit Sault Blockhouse, Sainte-Famille Academy, Free Meeting House, and the Fredericton City Hall show New Brunswick’s extensive and amazing history. 

And finally, New Brunswick’s Music

Source: https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/new-brunswick-music-festivals-cancelled-due-to-covid-19-1.12253650

Festivals are abundant in Canada’s Picture Province. It is where people dance to the tune of the cultures of New Brunswick. Music lovers, festival-goers, and New Brunswick enjoy authentic Picture Province music passed down from generations. There are several playlists online containing classic, inspirational, and patriotic New Brunswick music made and performed by the locals who have an unmatched love for the Picture Province. 

Now that you’ve learned about the places you can go to learn more about Canada’s famed Picture Province, it’s time to start making that itinerary so you can embark on a remarkable journey through New Brunswick’s culture and arts that have been honed through centuries of tradition and progress.