The Kingston Peninsula is tucked between the Saint John and Kennebecasis Rivers, offering motorcyclists a scenic loop of quiet secondary highways that weave through farmland, forest, and rural towns. The pace is relaxed here as ferries traverse rivers, apple orchards scent the air, and small roadside stops invite you to slow down and explore.
Over three days, we criss-crossed the peninsula by ferry, followed winding roads, and uncovered a mix of hidden gems and local favourites: weathered lighthouses, a family-run cidery overlooking the valley, cozy markets, and even an off-grid cabin spa retreat tucked deep in the woods. The riding itself was a joy — smooth pavement, cruisey turns, and just enough elevation to keep every curve interesting.
This route captures what makes New Brunswick so rewarding to explore on a motorcycle: open roads, reasonable distances, and wonderful stops along the way.
Quick Facts / Trip Summary
| FEATURE: | DETAILS: |
| Start/End Point: | Saint John, NB |
| Distance | 300 km loop, depending on route |
| Best Season | May – October |
| Road Type | Winding paved roads, ferry crossings |
| Fuel & Food | Small town convenience stores, gas stations |
| Accommodation Options | Evandale Resort, La Belle Cabane, Saint John hotels |
| Motorcycle Rentals | Duka Adventures, Saint John |
Getting To the Kingston Peninsula
Whether you’re riding across the country or renting a bike locally, Saint John is a central point that provides quick access to the ferries and highways that lead to the Kingston Peninsula.
This itinerary spans three days, but numerous routes and stops can be added.
When to Go
The best time for motorcycle riding in New Brunswick is from May to October. Shoulder season can still be rewarding if you’re prepared for cool mornings, fog, and occasional rain.
Ferry Routes in New Brunswick
The cable ferries here aren’t just transportation, they’re part of the experience.
Ferries in New Brunswick are free, fast, and frequent as they use cables to cross over the rivers and access the peninsula. Motorcycles are directed to the front and are always the first off — a small but convenient perk. At night, a call button summons the ferry if it’s on the opposite bank.
Ferries to Note:
- Gondola Point Ferry (near Quispamsis): This was our first ferry crossing, offering a quick and scenic ride across the Kennebecasis River.
- Hardings Point Ferry (near Grand Bay-Westfield): If you’re starting your ride later in the day and heading toward Yip Cider, this route across the St. John River positions you closer to the southwestern peninsula sightseeing spots.
- Gagetown Local Ferry: A ferry that doesn’t appear on Google Maps (on the river) connecting Gagetown and Scovil (Lower Gemseg) across the St. John River. We only learned of it from locals, but it saved us time and offered a lovely riverside crossing.
Renting a Motorcycle in New Brunswick
If you don’t have your own bike, Duka Adventures in Saint John is a great rental option. They operate out of an organized storage unit rather than a storefront. Pickup is easy: after a brief orientation and a short test ride, you’re ready to hit the road.
The bikes are well-maintained and come with saddlebags and helmets. You’ll want to bring your own riding gear and a phone mount for navigation.
What stood out to us was the personalized insight. The team at Duka Adventures offered local suggestions and riding tips that shaped our itinerary. This turned our ride into a genuine exploration rather than a simple loop.
Looking for another great motorcycle route in New Brunswick? Check out my complete guide to riding the Fundy Parkway.
Motorcycle Route Overview: Suggested Itinerary (2–3 Days)
The Kingston Peninsula is made for motorcyclists who prefer winding roads and local character over highways and big cities. Over two to three days, this route links ferries, cideries, and riverside villages into one seamless ride. You’ll find smooth pavement, gentle curves, and endless views of farmland and water — plus plenty of stops that bring the province’s charm to life.
Whether you’re riding solo, two-up, or with friends, this itinerary offers a perfect mix of scenery and discovery, all within a short distance of Saint John.
READ MORE: Travelling beyond New Brunswick and through Atlantic Canada? Here is a guide to Planning a Nova Scotia Roadtrip
Map and Itinerary of the Kingston Peninsula
I created a Google map with our route and recommendations of where to stop and what to see. However, this isn’t all there is to do on the peninsula. I recommend adding in any stops and destinations that suit your own preferences.
MAP REFERENCE: Kingston Peninsula Motorcycle Route
Day 1: Saint John to Evansdale Resort
Our first day on the road began just outside Saint John, where the Gondola Point Ferry carried us across the Kennebecasis River. The short crossing was exciting, as it was our first time riding a cable ferry on a motorcycle. The ferry is free to ride, runs year-round, and offers panoramic views of the river valley as you roll on and off the ramps. From here, we started a slow, scenic ride where the journey itself was all part of the adventure.
Once across and heading south on Highway 845, the road narrowed and quieted, winding through a patchwork of farmhouses and tiny villages.
3 Stops on The Kingston Peninsula
1. Bayswater Covered Bridge & Lighthouse
The Bayswater Covered Bridge is one of those spots that captures New Brunswick in a single photo. Built in the 1920s and still in use today, it crosses the Milkish Inlet leading into the Saint John River. The iconic red-painted roof makes it a fantastic stop for a photo or a stretch break. Further south down the road, the Bayswater Lighthouse is another great photo op — it’s a white-and-red beacon overlooking the bay.
2. Yip Cider
Looping down the peninsula and up the other side, Yip Cider is an easy place to spend the afternoon. On a hillside overlooking the St. John River Valley, this family-run cidery uses apples from their own local orchards — some of which have been in operation since 1964. The tasting room is bright and welcoming, with large windows framing the view. Staff (and the owners) are happy to share the stories behind each cider.
Flights feature a mix of traditional dry ciders and creative blends infused with berries, hops, or spices. On warm afternoons, the patio is a perfect stop for pizza and a light snack and a break from riding.
*Please ride responsibly. There are both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cider options available.
3. Crystal Beach
Near the Harding Point Landing, Crystal Beach is a quiet place to enjoy the beach or pitch a tent for the night. This is a favourite local hangout and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. The beach itself is small but peaceful, backed by forest and busy with seagulls and ducks. It’s an ideal spot to pull over for a sunset photo, dip your toes in, or simply take in how beautiful it all is before heading toward your evening destination.
Where to Stay: Evandale Resort
Our first overnight stop, Evandale Resort & Marina, felt like a journey back to the Victorian era. Originally built in 1889 to serve travellers arriving by riverboats, the resort still carries that historic sense of charm but with modern comforts.
A wide veranda wraps the house with cozy rooms furnished in antiques, and a dining area that looks out over the water. There’s a private dock for boaters, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and plenty of green space to unwind after a day of riding. The on-site restaurant serves hearty maritime fare like fish and chips, best enjoyed with a view of the setting sun over the river.
Book a night here.
READ MORE: 10 Unique Things to See and Do in Nova Scotia
Day 2: Evandale to La Belle Cabane
We took our time leaving Evandale the next morning as we waited for the fog to burn off as the sun rose over the horizon. The morning air was cool and crisp and the ride was refreshing. We followed Highway 102 north toward Gagetown, a route lined with farmhouses and colourful hints of the oncoming autumn.
As you approach the community, Gagetown announces itself not with a sign, but with a scent. The sweet perfume of apples from Charlotte’s Family Orchard and Cameron’s Orchard & U-Pick drifts through the air long before you reach it. This riverside village is cute and quaint — a mix of historic homes, roadside fruit stands, and several pottery studios. It’s the kind of place where you can spend part of the afternoon, wandering from one shop to the next and meeting a few locals along the way.
Two stops that stand out are Greig Pottery, known for its colourful, functional ceramics, and Jugglers Cove Pottery, a whimsical studio-in-a-house that runs on the honour system if the artist isn’t around.
While there are several restaurants in town, Gulliver’s World Café came highly recommended. It was closed the day we were there but it has great views off the patio.
A bit of local ferry knowledge helped us here: a ferry crossing not marked across the water on GPS took us quickly back toward the Kingston Peninsula near Scovil. It’s one of those small East Coast surprises you’d never find without talking to people along the way.
Photo Opportunities:
- Saint James Anglican Church: A beautiful church and cemetery. A great backdrop for a photo op.
- Robertson Point Lighthouse: Unlike typical lighthouses, this one is small and tucked behind trees, rewarding those who pay attention to the signage and are willing to walk down what looks like an overgrown path.
Fuel & Food Stops:
- Turner’s One Stop: Excellent homemade burgers at the diner. The daily special is always worth a stop. Convenience store and fuel stop.
- Nan’s Country Store: A small convenience store carrying everything from snacks to basic supplies.
Rolling into Hampton, the landscape opens up once again with fields and farmhouses framed by low, forested hills. The town itself feels straight out of a Hallmark movie, with red-brick buildings, tidy storefronts, and a welcoming community market. Kredl’s Market is an ideal place to pause for coffee, grab a snack, or restock with local produce and baked goods for the ride ahead.
Accommodation Highlight: La Belle Cabane
Set on 40 acres in the forest near Kingston, La Belle Cabane truly feels disconnected from the rest of the world. This isn’t just a place to rest your head for a night, it’s a destination you’ll want to arrive to early so you can take in every moment of relaxation La Belle Cabane offers.
Five off-grid cabins are set in the forest. Each 108-square-foot cabin is simple yet cozy. There’s a loft for sleeping, a tiny kitchenette, solar-powered lights, and a small wood stove that crackles to life on cool evenings. The uphill walk to the cabins adds to the sense of seclusion. Bring a headlamp if you arrive after sunset.
But the real highlight here is the private self-guided spa experience. It’s unlike anything else I’ve experienced on my travels. The spa area features both a traditional dry sauna and a steam sauna, a hot tub backing onto the forest, a cold plunge pool, a heated stone floor-bed and a shared infrared salt room glowing with Himalayan salt bricks. The salt provides halotherapy that’s said to boost immunity, ease breathing, and calm the mind. After hours on the road, this place is pure magic: peaceful, rejuvenating, and luxurious.
Dinner can be as easy or elaborate as you want. The “Dunk Box” charcuterie is far more substantial than it sounds, with meats, cheeses, and fresh bread perfect for sharing over a fire or at the spa. Each cabin has a BBQ and firepit. There is no fridge but a cooler is provided and ice can be purchased from La Belle Cabane.
READ MORE: 4 Indigenous Tourism Experiences to have in Nova Scotia
Day 3: La Belle Cabane to Saint John
We lingered at La Belle Cabane until the fog lifted, enjoying the quiet morning in the trees. A detour to Bostwick’s Family Orchard allowed us to pick Douglas apples and enjoy views of the St. John River. This was an unplanned but memorable highlight.
On the ride back, the Westfield Ferry offered another quiet riverside crossing. A stop at Brundage Point River Centre was well-timed with a weekly market where we grabbed lunch and a few more snacks for the final stretch back to Saint John.
Back in the city, a stop at Reversing Falls was the perfect finale. Watching the Bay of Fundy’s tides reverse the Saint John River’s flow, creating whirlpools and standing waves, is a natural spectacle that truly is something you can’t see anywhere else.
Accommodations in Saint John: Delta Hotels by Marriott Saint John offers valet parking for motorcycles, and easy access to Uptown (yes, Uptown. There is no Downtown in the city). This is a great base for exploring the city after your peninsula ride. There is also an on-site pool and hot tub.
Book a night here.
What to See and Do in Saint John, New Brunswick
After looping the Kingston Peninsula, plan to spend at least a full day, ideally two, exploring Saint John before heading home. The city may be compact, but it’s full of surprises: from the drama of the Bay of Fundy tides to vibrant food markets and a hilly uptown that blends historic architecture with lively entertainment.
1. Reversing Falls Rapids
No trip to Saint John is complete without witnessing the Reversing Falls Rapids. This is one of the area’s most fascinating natural phenomena. Here, the Bay of Fundy’s world-famous tides are so powerful that they actually reverse the flow of the Saint John River, twice each day. At low tide, the river rushes seaward through a narrow gorge. As the tide rises, it forces ocean water back upstream, creating standing waves and swirling whirlpools that can tower several feet high.
Head to Fallsview Park or the Reversing Falls Skywalk for the best vantage points, and check local tide tables before you go — the full reversal only lasts a short window. If you want to make a stop of it, there’s a café on-site serving coffee and light bites, and interpretive panels explaining how this rare tidal event works.
It’s worth going to the Reversing Falls twice on your stay – once at high tide and again at low tide to really see the dramatic change in water levels and movement of the river.
Check the tide times here.
2. Area 506 Waterfront Container Village
Down on the waterfront, the Area 506 Container Village is one of Saint John’s newest and most colourful attractions. Nearly 40 brightly painted shipping containers have been transformed into boutique shops, pop-up art galleries, food stalls, and craft beer stands. It feels part street market and part festival, especially in summer when live music spills out across the boardwalk and the area is busy with cruise ship tourists.
It’s open from May through November, and you can often catch sunset views over the harbour while you listen to some music and grab a bite to eat.
3. Saint John City Market
Step inside Saint John City Market and you’re literally walking through history. The market has been in continuous operation since 1876. The building’s arched, wooden ceiling was crafted to resemble the inverted keel of a ship, which is a nod to the city’s maritime roots. Inside, you’ll find everything from local produce and meats to handmade soaps, textiles, and Indigenous art. Stop at Charlotte St Bakery for sourdough or a Reuben from Jeremiah’s Deli. The market is open Monday to Saturday, and mornings are the best time to visit before it fills with cruise passengers.
4. Queen Square Farmers Market
If you’re in town on a Sunday morning from Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving, the Queen Square Farmers Market is a must. It feels like the heart of the community. You’ll find international food stalls serving everything from Indian dosas to Madagascaran shwarma, along with local honey, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
There’s often live music, kids dancing in the grass, and rows of people on picnic blankets under the square’s trees. While you can ride here on your motorcycle, it’s not too far a walk from the hotel.
Dining Recommendations in Saint John
Cask & Kettle Irish Gastropub
A cozy Irish gastropub right in Uptown Saint John, Cask & Kettle was the most popular recommendation we received when asking around. It’s known for its relaxed vibe and hearty fare. Try the Irish L.C Burger and pair it with a pint of local ale.
East Coast Bistro
If you’re after something more refined and upscale, East Coast Bistro delivers farm-to-table dining with a French-inspired Maritime twist. The menu changes with the seasons, but local seafood like salmon, mussels, or oysters is always the star. The setting is intimate and perfect for a slow, rewarding dinner after a long ride. Reservations are recommended, especially in summer.
Saint John City Market
If you’re visiting the City Market around noon, several stalls serve quick and delicious lunches. Grab a Reuben sandwich from Jeremiah’s Deli, a fresh-baked pastry from Charlotte’s, Korean from Kim’s, or fresh seafood from North Market.
This post was created in partnership with Tourism New Brunswick and Destination Saint John. But as always, all thoughts, opinions and storytelling are authentially my own.
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