Saint John’s natural history is about to get a lot more attention. A new federal investment is launching the Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor, a network designed to connect the region’s most significant geological and cultural sites to the world.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced a contribution of $309,500 to establish this corridor. Led by the Fundy Biosphere Region, the project connects 13 UNESCO-designated sites across the Atlantic provinces. This includes the Stonehammer Geopark, which encompasses Saint John and stretches from Lepreau Falls to Fundy-St. Martins.

Connecting World-Class Attractions

This initiative marks the first time in Canada that three types of UNESCO sites—Biosphere Regions, Global Geoparks, and World Heritage Sites—are formally connected through a single tourism strategy. The goal is simple: make it easier for visitors to discover the authentic stories rooted in these lands.

Dr. Jennifer Dingman, Executive Director of the Fundy Biosphere Region and Stonehammer Geopark, highlights the global significance of these locations.

“UNESCO Sites… showcase globally significant landscapes, historic places, and human and environmental communities where partners are working together to protect, learn from, and celebrate people and the planet,” says Dingman. “In Atlantic Canada, we’re modelling for the world how strong partnerships and intentional collaboration can help us achieve our shared goals for a sustainable and peaceful future.”

Boosting the Local Economy

Tourism in Canada hit record-breaking numbers in 2025, and Atlantic Canada stood out as a top performer. This new corridor builds on that success by encouraging visitors to stay longer and travel deeper into the region.

Alana Hirtle, Member of Parliament for Cumberland – Colchester, announced the funding on behalf of Minister Sean Fraser. She notes that this collaboration supports local operators and Indigenous communities.

“As Atlantic Canadians, we take great pride in our UNESCO sites — places that reflect the history of this land,” says Hirtle. “By working together across the region, we’re ensuring visitors can experience the best of Atlantic Canada for generations to come.”

A Collaborative Effort

The project puts Destination Canada’s Atlantic UNESCO Tourism Corridor Strategy into action. Beyond the federal contribution, the Government of New Brunswick and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador each invested $21,000, with Destination Canada adding another $21,000.

Isabelle Thériault, New Brunswick’s Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, sees this as a major step for regenerative tourism.

“New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy is home to two extraordinary UNESCO-designated regions,” Thériault explains. “The Atlantic Canada UNESCO Tourism Corridor Strategy presents exciting opportunities for collaboration around advancing regenerative tourism through training, leadership, capacity and communication.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Atlantic UNESCO Tourism Corridor?

It is a tourism route and strategy connecting 13 UNESCO-designated sites across Atlantic Canada, including Biosphere Regions, Global Geoparks, and World Heritage Sites.

Which local sites are included?

For the Saint John region, the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark is a key part of the corridor. The nearby Fundy Biosphere Region is also a central component.

Who is funding this project?

The project is primarily funded by a $309,500 investment from ACOA. Additional funding comes from the provincial governments of New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as Destination Canada.