We asked an AI questions about New Brunswick. Some of the answers may surprise you
The program can write a limerick and create a story, but does it know everything about the picture province?
How accurately can an artificial intelligence describe New Brunswick?
ChatGPT, owned by San Francisco-based firm OpenAI, is a sophisticated artificial intelligence that answers questions or completes tasks.
Its responses are designed to mimic humans, and although the AI is easy to use, the program itself warns users when they sign up that not everything ChatGPT says is accurate.
We decided to ask ChatGPT a series of questions about New Brunswick to test its accuracy.
What are 3 interesting facts about New Brunswick?
- New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in Canada, with both English and French being recognized as the official languages of the province. This is a result of the province's history as a French colony, and today, French is spoken by about a third of the population.
- New Brunswick is home to the highest tides in the world, which occur in the Bay of Fundy. The tides can reach heights of up to 16 metres (52 feet), and they are a major tourist attraction in the province.
- New Brunswick is home to the longest covered bridge in the world, the Hartland Covered Bridge. The bridge is 1,282 feet long and was completed in 1901. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the province's history and culture.
Where are the coolest places to go in New Brunswick?*
- Fundy National Park: Located on the Bay of Fundy, this national park is known for its dramatic coastline, forests and hiking trails. It is also home to some of the highest tides in the world.
- Saint John: Saint John is known for its historic neighbourhoods, vibrant arts scene and beautiful harbour. It is home to many interesting landmarks and attractions, including the Saint John City Market, the New Brunswick Museum and the Loyalist Burial Ground.
- Fundy Trail Parkway: This scenic drive along the Bay of Fundy offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including whales and dolphins. The parkway includes several hiking trails, lookouts and interpretive centers.
- Hopewell Rocks: Located on the Bay of Fundy, the Hopewell Rocks are a series of unusual rock formations that are shaped by the tides. Visitors can explore the rocks at low tide and see the flowerpot formations up close, or take a guided kayaking tour.
- Miramichi: A historic city located on the Miramichi River, Miramichi is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor activities, such as fishing and birdwatching. It is also home to many cultural attractions, including the Miramichi Folklore and Heritage Museum.*
*The AI program doesn't seem to be familiar with many areas of the province. And it must be thinking of the Miramichi Folkore Park in Renous.
Tell me a joke about New Brunswick.
Why did the moose cross the road in New Brunswick? To get to the other side of the forest!
Who are 3 famous people from New Brunswick?
- Donald Sutherland: An actor with a long and varied career in film, television and stage, Sutherland was born in Saint John and has appeared in many popular movies and TV shows. Some of his notable roles include his portrayal of the title character in MASH and his performance as the president of the United States in Designated Survivor.*
- Samantha Bee: A comedian, writer, and television host, Bee was born in Toronto but grew up in Fredericton. She is best known for her work as a correspondent on The Daily Show and as the host of her own late-night talk show, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.*
- David Alward: A politician and lawyer, Alward served as the premier of New Brunswick from 2010 to 2014. He was a member of the Progressive Conservative Party and focused on issues such as economic development and job creation during his time in office.
*As the AI says, not all answers are accurate. Donald Sutherland's son, Kiefer Sutherland, starred in Designated Survivor. And CBC could not verify Samantha Bee's connection to New Brunswick.
What are some good songs about New Brunswick?
- New Brunswick and Me, Stompin' Tom Connors: This song is a tribute to the province of New Brunswick, and it celebrates the people, culture and natural beauty of the province.
- Shipyard Town, David Myles: This song is a tribute to the city of Saint John, New Brunswick, and it celebrates the city's history and its place as a major port in the Maritimes.*
- The Ketchup Song, Las Ketchup: This song is a global hit that was originally recorded in Spanish, but it has been translated into many languages, including English. The song was inspired by a trip that the band took to New Brunswick, and it features references to the province and its culture.*
*CBC could not find any evidence Las Ketchup's The Ketchup Song had anything to do with New Brunswick. However, there is a song called The Ketchup Song by Stompin' Tom. And the AI seems to be confusing David Myles with the Scottish singer-songer Gerry Rafferty, who did, indeed, write a song called Shipyard Town.
What is poutine râpée?
Poutine râpée is a traditional dish from the Acadian region of eastern Canada, which includes parts of the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. It is made with a mixture of grated potatoes, flour and salt that is shaped into small balls and then fried until they are crisp and golden brown. Poutine râpée is typically served with a variety of accompaniments, such as sausage, ham, or other meats, as well as gravy or other sauces.*
*The Ai is off on this one. It is made with grated potatoes but is often filled with salt pork and it's usually boiled. And the mixture is shaped into large balls, not small ones.
What are some other good foods in New Brunswick?
- Lobster: New Brunswick is home to a thriving lobster industry, and the province is known for its delicious lobster dishes.
- Seafood chowder: New Brunswick is located on the Atlantic coast, so it's no surprise that seafood is a staple of the province's cuisine.
- Fiddleheads: These curly, young fern shoots are a popular springtime delicacy in New Brunswick and are often served as a side dish or in salads.
- Blueberries: New Brunswick is known for its abundant wild blueberry crops, and blueberries are often used in a variety of dishes, including pies, muffins and jams.
- Maple syrup: New Brunswick is home to a number of maple syrup producers, and maple syrup is often used as a sweetener in local dishes and desserts.
Pick your favourite food from the list you just gave me.
As an artificial intelligence, I do not have personal preferences or the ability to taste food. However, I can tell you that all of the foods on the list are popular and well-loved by many people in New Brunswick and beyond.
Write me a limerick about New Brunswick.
There once was a place called New Brunswick
Where the people were friendly and fun
They loved to explore
The great outdoors, and more
The beauty of nature never done
With a climate that's cool and quite humid
They enjoy the outdoors and never feel glum
From hiking and camping
To fishing and rambling
New Brunswick's a great place to succumb
Tell me a funny story about New Brunswick.
One summer, a group of friends decided to go on a camping trip in New Brunswick. They packed their tents, sleeping bags, and supplies and set off into the wilderness. After a few days of hiking and exploring, they decided to set up camp near a small lake.
As they were setting up their tents, they noticed that there was a strange smell in the air. They couldn't quite place it, but it seemed to be getting stronger as the evening went on. Eventually, they realized that the smell was coming from their campsite.
They searched around and eventually found the source of the smell: a pile of moose droppings that had been left behind by a passing moose. They were horrified and quickly moved their campsite to a different location.
The next morning, they woke up to find that their campsite had been visited by a group of curious beavers, who had built a dam around their tents. The friends laughed and shook their heads at the absurdity of it all, and they decided to pack up and head back home, vowing to never return to New Brunswick again.
If you were a human being, would you ever visit New Brunswick?
As an artificial intelligence, I do not have physical form and cannot travel. However, I can tell you that New Brunswick is a beautiful and interesting place with a lot to offer visitors. It has a diverse landscape, including forests, rolling hills and coastline, and is home to many parks and natural areas, including Fundy National Park and Kouchibouguac National Park. The province is also home to a thriving forestry and agricultural industry, as well as a growing technology sector.
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