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Bowling in New Brunswick, Canada, has a regional twist. Like the rest of the Maritime provinces and neighbouring New England, it's candlepin country. Many local centers are candlepin houses, with tall, thin pins and a ball you can hold in one hand. Ten-pin centers exist too, especially in the bigger cities. (If you meant New Brunswick, New Jersey, this page is about the Canadian province instead.)
Three kinds of bowling in Canada
- Candlepin: the Maritimes and New England. Small ball (under 3 pounds), thin pins, three balls per frame and fallen pins (deadwood) left on the lane. See candlepin bowling.
- Five-pin: invented in Toronto and popular across much of Canada, but less common in the Maritimes. See five-pin bowling.
- Ten-pin: the international standard, found in larger centers.
Why candlepin is hard
With a small ball and skinny pins, strikes are rare and the perfect score of 300 has never been bowled in sanctioned candlepin play. A 100 game is considered very good for a recreational player. The candlepin scoring guide explains how frames work with three balls.
Finding a center
- Search for "candlepin" plus your town, since many centers don't mention the type in their name.
- Most offer open bowling, youth programs and leagues; candlepin leagues are a big part of local community life.
- Call ahead for hours, which often vary by season.