A Dog-Friendly Vacation in New Brunswick

If you are planning a vacation this summer and dread leaving your furry friend at home, we have the perfect itinerary for you! Embark on MV Fundy Rose from Digby to Saint John with a vacation filled with activities keeping your four-legged friends in mind. Taken by award-winning content creators Davey & Sky and their pups Indie and Tovi, you’ll find excellent dog-friendly patios, activities and accommodations.

Make your way to the beautiful township of Digby and check into luxury at Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa. Set up on the green for a round of golf, book a massage at the spa and take a dip in their outdoor heated pool. Stroll the grounds with your pet companion and settle in for a relaxing night. There is truly no better way to get your mind into vacation mode.

Who needs to leave the resort for dinner when there is an excellent option on-site? We highly recommend eating at Churchill’s Restaurant and Lounge or ordering off their room service menu. Try their famous seafood chowder or smoked duck flatbread, but don’t forget to save room for dessert.

Wake up to a fresh cup of coffee with views of the sprawling golf course and gardens. Take the dog for a lovely walk before checking out of Digby Pines and driving to the Digby Ferry Terminal, only three minutes from the resort.

Checking in at the ticket booth is an easy process. Simply give your name and reservation number, and they will direct you to a spot in-line to drive on MV Fundy Rose. Make sure you arrive at the terminal an hour before departure to allow for a seamless boarding process!

Watching the ship sail into the harbour is always an exciting experience! Once you drive on board, grab lunch at Tides & Valleys Eatery and sit at a table on the deck for a spectacular ocean view. Keep an eye on the waves for whales and sea creatures!

After a two-and-a-half-hour ferry voyage, you have arrived in Saint John, voted one of the top 24 destinations to visit in 2024 by CNN. This historical city is glittered with brick buildings, sparkling lights and public art. You will quickly discover this city loves dogs, and many restaurants are dog-friendly or have dog-friendly patios.

Located amid historic Uptown, the Delta Hotel is within walking distance from many popular attractions, including Saint John City Market, New Brunswick Museum and King's Square. With large rooms equipped with plenty of closet space and great views of the city, it’s the perfect spot to call your own during your time in the city centre. After checking in, visit the hotel’s bar and restaurant, Mix - Resto Bar, for a round of handcrafted cocktails before heading out for dinner.

If you and your dog are the adventurous type, you will love hiking with In Step Adventures. Choose from a variety of hiking or paddling trails or build your own adventure. Packages are anywhere from four to seven hours and guarantee a great time in nature. Lunch and drinks are included, so all you need to do is lace up your boots and have your camera ready!

After a day filled with fresh air, natural sights and possibly some swimming, head to Lily’s Lakeside Casual Dining, where you can enjoy a delicious meal on a dock overlooking the lake. We’re sure your furry friend will sleep the evening away by your side, so embrace the quiet and watch the stars begin to shine over the sparkling water with a cold drink in hand.

Rise and Shine for another day in Saint John! While you’re here, you cannot miss the local favourite, Cask & Kettle Irish Gastropub, for brunch. Serving classic breakfast favourites as well as C&K specialties like fried chicken or cod cake benedict, you’re bound to have a delicious start to the day.

This day is dedicated to exploring Uptown Saint John and its history. The first thing you’ll notice about Uptown is that it is Saint John’s version of downtown, just by a different name. One of the best ways to learn about Uptown Saint John is through their free historic walking tour or free art in public places tour. Take in the sights at your own pace and shop at local businesses, maybe even picking up a souvenir or treat for your puppy!

One of your stops for the day must be Saint John City Market. Established in 1876, the Saint John City Market is Canada's oldest continuing farmers market and is still a go-to place for local produce, meats, seafood, crafts and much more. Here, you will find a diverse variety of food from different cultures, as well as quality arts and crafts. Reward yourself with a day of sightseeing by buying freshly squeezed orange juice or a crisp new tote bag to carry all your souvenir shopping in.

An innovative nod to the shipping industry in Saint John, Container Village is a series of food stalls, shops and live performance venues made entirely from recycled shipping containers. This brightly coloured location is the perfect photo-op for you and your pup to grab some pictures to text to friends and family. Grab lunch at one of the many vendors and set up at a picnic table to watch live music. There is always something to do in this colourful corner of Uptown.

It’s time to take the pup for another little walk, and Harbour Passage is the perfect spot! This trail runs along the waterfront from Water Street to Reversing Falls Rapids. Walk for as little or as long as you’d like on this scenic pathway.

If you’ve made it from Digby to Saint John without trying some of the fantastic local fare, you’re missing out! After a long and exciting day of exploration, it’s the perfect way to end the day, and there is no better place than Saint John Ale House. This restaurant is owned by celebrity chef Jesse Vergen (Top Chef and Wall of Chefs), which any foodie will immediately recognize. This restaurant offers “progressive pub fare” with only the freshest ingredients from land and sea.

Grab a coffee to go from any local café and hop in the car to the Town of Hampton for lunch. Take the scenic route and check out any number of walking trails between Saint John and Hampton, including:

Rothesay - East Riverside-Kinghurst Park: 0.5 km
Quispamsis - Hammond River Park Trail: 4.3 km
Hampton - Dutch Point Trails: 2 km

You've made it to the Town of Hampton, and for great reason, Beer Daddy BBQ! Dive into southern-influenced low-and-slow BBQ with all the fixings made with their homemade rub. Order a platter of brisket, sausage, cornbread with cinnamon honey, potato salad and more. Dogs are allowed, and if they're lucky, maybe they will get a taste of to-go ribs!

Following a fantastic BBQ meal, take the Westfield Cable Ferry from the Kingston Peninsula to Grand Bay across the Saint John River. There, you will find Brundage Point Weekly Market, open Thursdays from 2pm—7pm. Spend some time exploring their farmers market, grab some treats from the local vendors and take in the beautiful views of the Saint John River and the pieces of public art located on the grounds.

Take your time on the road back to Saint John and freshen up at the hotel before rounding out the day at the Saint John Night Market. Here, you will find stalls filled with food, drink and gifts beneath a canopy of lights. Browse the locally-produced goods or enjoy a craft beer with friends! If you're not already full from ribs and Brundage Point, grab some takeaway from your favourite vendor and plan to enjoy on the Uncorked Tours patio with a New Brunswick-made craft beer, wine, cider or cocktail.

It’s a choose-your-adventure day, and sometimes that means relaxing in the hotel or finding a patio to people-watch! As a dog-walking option, take the Harbor Passage before the arrival of MV Fundy Rose and wave to the passengers as it makes its way into the harbour. For an even better shot, check out Tin Can Beach, which makes for an excellent ferry photo-op.

It’s time to check you and your pup out of the Delta Hotel and make your way to the Saint John Terminal with a car filled with local products and a sleepy yet happy dog. If you want to make the first crossing of the day, head to the terminal for a 7am check-in and wait to board MV Fundy Rose for breakfast.

The adventure continues aboard the ferry, but first, coffee at Sip@Sea. Here, you’ll find many fresh-baked treats and delicious espresso drinks. Take in the live entertainment before heading to the top deck to learn about sea creatures from Bay of Fundy Information Sessions, led by Stonehammer Geopark. Finally, grab some last-minute souvenirs from the Fundy Treasures Gift Shop before relaxing into watching a film in the movie lounge.

Nothing is more special than taking a trip with all your family members, including your puppy pals! Make the planning even easier with this tried and true itinerary that will provide a memorable experience. Set sail on MV Fundy Rose this summer and make your reservations today at ferries.ca.