Money: April–may: New Brunswick, Canada June–october: November–march:

Vital statistics

Capital: Fredericton Population: 761,214 (New Brunswick) Language(s): English, French Time: GMT-4 International dialling code: +1 Visas: Not required by UK nationals, however you do need to apply for an ETA (electronic Travel Authorisation) at least 72 hours before you go for stays of up to 90 days. This can be done online at www.canada.ca/eta and costs C$7 (approx £4) – it lasts for five years or until your passport expires.

Canadian dollar (C$), currently C$1.70 to the UK£1

When to go

Humpbacks, pilot, fin, minke and – if you’re lucky – North Atlantic right whales all arrive in the Bay of Fundy during this period. It’s also a particularly good season for hiking, while trips to swim with salmon take place around September (check in advance).

Snow starts to arrive and temperatures drop. Winter activities are available at this time, including cross-country skiing in Fundy National Park.

Weather improves but wildlife/walking are not at their best.

Health & safety

No specific jabs are required, but be sure that your routine immunisations are up to date. Water is safe to drink. Ensure you have travel insurance that includes Canada, as medical bills here – as in North America in general – are usually very expensive.

WHAT TO PACK

Don’t forget your binoculars – vital for spotting blows on the horizon so you can get the camera ready when out whale watching. Also, do take extra layers as it can get cold on the water when the fog rolls in.

Getting there & around

Daily flights operate between London Heathrow and Saint John (via Halifax or Toronto) with Air Canada (aircanda.com). Flight time is around ten hours, including stopover; prices from £504 return.

Once there, the best way to explore is to hire a car – all the usual suspects are found at Saint John Airport. Campobello Island is best reached by ferry, but if it’s not operational (it wasn’t in 2018), then you have to drive through Maine (USA). Check beforehand because, if needed, you will have to obtain an ESTA (travel authorisation; see esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta) in advance.

A seven-night trip, including three nights on Campobello Island, with

(audleytravel.com) costs from £1,890 per person, including return flights, airport taxes, an intermediate grade hire car and B&b-style accommodation.

Accommodation

The author stayed at Pier Cottages (piercottages.com) on Campobello Island, ideal for whale watching in the daytime (and whale listening come nightfall around an outdoor firepit). Cottages from C$85pn (£50), based on two sharing.

At St Andrews, the Rossmount Inn (rossmountinn.com) is recommended. Ensure you book in for the evening meal at the restaurant, which is rightfully said to be one of the best in the province. Doubles from C$110pn (£64).

In Fundy National Park, the new Goutte d’ô shelter (pc.gc.ca) offers a glamping experience in what resembles a large water droplet wanderlust.co.uk

March 2019

Aquarium and Marine Science Centre (huntsmanmarine.ca) will share their knowledge. Admission is C$14.25pp (£8).

Hike Saint Andrews

This picturesque town has a number of trails to follow, including a jaunt to Ministers Island (tides permitting) and a stroll by Pagan Point Nature Preserve, which take in views of seals at Passamaquoddy Bay and offers the chance to spy red squirrels and deer.