Where you’re sure whale of a time
Dinner in Braxton’s couldn’t be faulted. Local scallops cooked to perfection and served with white wine risotto for me and a medium-rare strip loin steak with fries for the hubby. Needless to say we both cleared our plates.
Sadly, the weather took a turn next morning and the rain poured as we set off to walk to nearby Minister’s Island, which was home to Sir William Van Horne, one of the pioneers of the Trans-canada Railway. The island, accessible only at low tide, was still fascinating despite the wet weather. Coming from Scotland, we’re used to it!
Soon, the sun reappeared as we headed into town to join a whale-watching trip with Island Quest Marine. It was Canada Day, so there was a full itinerary of events, including parades and fireworks.
As we arrived, the local pipe band were playing Bonnie Dundee – a lovely coincidence which brought a tear to my husband’s eye as that’s our home city. On board the MV Island Quest, we headed through the Passamaquoddy Straits towards the Bay of Fundy in search of whales.
We’d spoken to many people who had been on similar trips and hadn’t seen any whales, but we weren’t disappointed. Two biologists gave a commentary on all the wildlife around, including grey seals, porpoise, a bald eagle and of course whales. Our boat sped around the bay, often into US waters, each time there was word of sighting.
Dorsal fins are different shapes and the guides know many of the whales by name, usually to reflect their fin shape – Hook, Sailfin and Batman.
We saw a few minke whales as they surfaced for air. Usually they come up a ▼ The Quartermain B&B, the main plaza and the St John River. few times then take a last dive with their back more curved as they head to the sea bed to feed. Hungry from the fresh, sea air we headed to Rossmount Inn for dinner where locally sourced, seasonal food is a specialty. All our meals in New Brunswick were good, but this was the stand-out. Duck cooked to perfection, followed by black-pepper Pavlova with strawberries – it was almost a shame to tuck in and spoil the presentation.