Are you contemplating moving from Ontario to New Brunswick? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are drawn to the Maritime province’s natural beauty, affordable cost of living, and friendly people.
If you’re not sure where to start your search for a new home in New Brunswick, here is a comparison of some of the best places in the province, drawing parallels with Ontario’s regions to help you understand the landscape and what to expect better.
Saint John: The Thunder Bay of New Brunswick
Saint John is a port city on the Bay of Fundy. It’s a natural choice for those who appreciate a city life coupled with beautiful natural landscapes. Like Thunder Bay, Saint John has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city has a solid industrial base, and it’s also gaining a reputation for its technology and healthcare industries.
- Differences:
- Saint John is smaller than Thunder Bay.
Moncton: Think London of Ontario, but Smaller
Moncton is the largest city in New Brunswick. It’s a friendly community with a diversified economy. You’ll find a similar balance of city amenities and opportunities with a lower cost of living. Plus, like London, Moncton provides easy access to breathtaking outdoor experiences, including Shediac’s sandy beaches and the famous Hopewell Rocks.
- Differences:
- Moncton is smaller than London.
Fredericton: Waterloo’s Counterpart in New Brunswick
Fredericton is the capital of New Brunswick. It’s a knowledge-based city much like Waterloo in Ontario. With its universities and colleges, the city is teeming with innovation and a vibrant arts scene. It’s a hotbed for tech startups, similar to Waterloo’s tech hub vibe. A meandering river, historic architecture, and a small but cosmopolitan atmosphere make Fredericton an excellent choice for professionals and families.
- Differences:
- Fredericton is the capital of New Brunswick, while Waterloo is a city in Ontario.
- Fredericton is smaller than Waterloo.
Edmundston: Like Thunder Bay’s Rural Counterpart
Much like Elliot Lake in Ontario, Edmundston offers a tranquil life surrounded by nature’s bounty. It is a haven for those who love the outdoors, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, skiing, and more. Edmundston is also a cultural hub, with a significant Acadian population, giving it a unique blend of cultures reminiscent of Elliot Lake’s multicultural environment.
Differences:
- Edmundston is much larger than Elliot Lake.
- Edmundston has a more bilingual culture, with both English and French spoken widely.
Sackville: Stratford of New Brunswick
Sackville is a university town with a cultural focus. It’s quite reminiscent of Stratford, Ontario. Home to the annual Bordertown Festival and the Live Bait Theatre, Sackville nurtures a lively arts and culture scene that rivals the renowned Stratford Festival.
Differences
- Sackville is much smaller than Stratford.
- Sackville has a lower cost of living than Stratford.
- Sackville is more bilingual than Stratford.
Miramichi: New Brunswick’s Equivalent to Cornwall, Ontario
The city of Miramichi is located in the heart of New Brunswick. It’s surrounded by water and offers an impressive array of recreational outdoor activities. This region is ideal for those who enjoy boating, fishing, and golfing. The low cost of living and the presence of well-regarded schools make it a great place to raise a family.
Differences
- Miramichi is a larger city than Cornwall.
- Miramichi is more rural than Cornwall.
Rothesay and Quispamsis: Oakville in the East
Rothesay and Quispamsis are suburbs of Saint John. They’re reminiscent of Ontario’s Oakville. These communities offer a mix of historic and modern homes, and their residents enjoy a high quality of life with safe neighbourhoods, excellent schools, and an array of recreational opportunities.
Differences:
- Rothesay and Quispamsis are much smaller than Oakville.
- Rothesay and Quispamsis have a more relaxed pace of life than Oakville.
Dieppe – The Burlington of New Brunswick
Dieppe, one of the fastest-growing cities in New Brunswick, resembles Burlington, Ontario. Both cities balance urban development with a strong sense of community and outdoor recreational activities. Dieppe offers a unique blend of Acadian heritage, similar to Burlington’s unique mix of heritage and modern living.
- Differences:
- Dieppe is much smaller than Burlington, with a population of around 50,000 compared to Burlington’s population of over 130,000.
Saint Andrews – The Niagara-on-the-Lake of New Brunswick
Charming and historic, Saint Andrews is often compared to Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario. Both towns are renowned for their well-preserved 19th-century charm, beautiful gardens, and fantastic whale watching (or in Niagara’s case, the lake and wine country). It’s an idyllic location for those appreciating a slower pace of life, fine dining, and natural beauty.
- Differences:
- Saint Andrews is much smaller than Niagara-on-the-Lake, with a population of around 3,000 compared to Niagara-on-the-Lake’s population of over 25,000.
Hampton – The Grimsby of New Brunswick
Hampton, situated in the Kennebecasis River Valley, is akin to Grimsby, Ontario. Like Grimsby, Hampton is a small, friendly community with a mix of natural beauty and urban convenience. Hampton’s prime location near Saint John, combined with its outdoor activities, closely mirrors the experience in Grimsby, with its closeness to Hamilton and the scenic beauty of the Niagara Escarpment.
- Differences:
- Hampton is much smaller than Grimsby, with a population of around 6,000 compared to Grimsby’s population of over 30,000.
St. Stephen – The Gananoque of New Brunswick
St. Stephen, sitting right on the U.S. border, bears a similarity to Gananoque in Ontario. Known as ‘Canada’s Chocolate Town,’ it shares the small-town charm, friendly atmosphere, and historic buildings that are characteristic of Gananoque, known as the ‘Gateway to the Thousand Islands.’ Both towns are a haven for those who love scenic beauty and a sense of community.
- Differences:
- St. Stephen is much smaller than Gananoque, with a population of around 10,000 compared to Gananoque’s population of over 5,000.
Dalhousie – The North Bay of New Brunswick
Dalhousie, a picturesque town in Restigouche County, has many parallels with North Bay, Ontario. Both offer stunning panoramic views, Dalhousie with its vistas of the Restigouche River and Chaleur Bay, North Bay with its views over Lake Nipissing. Just like North Bay, Dalhousie is a hub for outdoor activities with its abundance of trails, parks, and water sports opportunities.
- Differences:
- Dalhousie is much smaller than North Bay, with a population of around 5,000 compared to North Bay’s population of over 50,000.
Shediac – The Grand Bend of New Brunswick
Nestled on the Northumberland Strait, Shediac is fondly referred to as the ‘Lobster Capital of the World.’ This seaside town echoes Grand Bend, Ontario, with its beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant summer tourism. While Grand Bend lures you with its stunning sunsets on Lake Huron, Shediac entrances you with its warm water beaches and seafood culinary delights.
- Differences:
- Shediac is known for its lobster, while Grand Bend is known for its sunsets.
Bathurst – The Orillia of New Brunswick
Bathurst, a city located on Chaleur Bay, offers much in the way of Orillia, Ontario. It is a smaller city with a welcoming community spirit, along with beautiful waterfronts, rich local culture, and a love for festivals and community events. Like Orillia, Bathurst provides a blend of city convenience and natural beauty, ideal for families and retirees.
- Differences:
- Bathurst is located on Chaleur Bay, while Orillia is located on Lake Simcoe.
- Bathurst is larger than Orillia.
Grand Falls – Niagara Falls’ Smaller Cousin
Although significantly smaller than the famous Niagara Falls in Ontario, Grand Falls in New Brunswick has its waterfall and gorge that bring in tourists from all corners. This town offers a peaceful lifestyle with its unique charm and natural beauty, from the Grand Falls Gorge to its local agricultural offerings.
- Differences:
- Grand Falls is significantly smaller than Niagara Falls.
Sussex – The Tillsonburg of New Brunswick
The rural town of Sussex, situated in the scenic Kennebecasis River valley, parallels Tillsonburg, Ontario. Sussex boasts a diverse economy based on agriculture, forestry, and mining, much like Tillsonburg. Offering a quiet, laid-back lifestyle, Sussex, like Tillsonburg, is a fantastic place for those seeking to enjoy life at a slower pace amidst the scenic rural landscapes.
- Differences:
- Sussex is larger than Tillsonburg.
Campbellton – The Owen Sound of New Brunswick
Located on the banks of the Restigouche River, Campbellton is akin to Owen Sound in Ontario. It serves as a gateway to the beautiful Appalachian Mountain Range, just as Owen Sound is a gateway to the Bruce Peninsula. Both cities offer stunning natural landscapes, an array of outdoor activities, and a close-knit community feel.
- Differences:
- Campbellton is located on the Restigouche River, while Owen Sound is located on Georgian Bay.
Final Thoughts
Moving to New Brunswick from Ontario offers diverse options, whether you prefer urban living, a quiet rural life, or a seaside town. Comparisons with familiar Ontario locations provide a general idea, but each place in New Brunswick has its unique charm and appeal. As you explore and get to know these regions, you’ll find the one that feels just like home.
