Winter Fun In New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a winter wonderland, offering a host of attractions and activities for visitors braving the cold. From snowy adventures to cultural experiences, there's plenty to explore during the chilly season. For outdoor enthusiasts, New Brunswick presents opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing, and even hiking to frozen waterfalls. The province is also home to several charming cities, such as Moncton, with its outdoor skating rinks and winter festivals, and Fredericton, where you can find historic indoor skating rinks and cultural events. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, there are scenic drives, art walks, and cosy cabins nestled in quiet forests. So bundle up, grab your warmest gear, and get ready to discover the beauty of New Brunswick in the winter!

Skiing and snowboarding

New Brunswick is a great destination for skiing and snowboarding, offering wide-open slopes, exhilarating runs, and challenging terrain parks. With the most snow in the Maritimes, it's the perfect place to hit the powder and feel the freedom of the wide-open spaces.

Poley Mountain

Poley Mountain, located about 10 kilometres from Sussex, is a family-friendly destination with 32 developed trails catering to all levels and 5 lifts. It also features a modern ski lodge with a cafe and a bar and grill. Poley Mountain is conveniently located between Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton, making it easily accessible. It's known for its smooth-sailing runs and is a great place to learn the basics with on-site ski schools.

Crabbe Mountain

Crabbe Mountain, situated in Central Hainesville, boasts some of the largest verticals in the Maritimes. It features 21 Alpine Trails, 11 Glades, and 3 lifts. Crabbe Mountain is located halfway between Fredericton and Woodstock, making it easily accessible from multiple cities. It offers challenging runs and is known for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Mont Farlagne

Mont Farlagne is another great option for skiing and snowboarding in New Brunswick. It offers vast and varied terrain, including bunny hills and challenging terrain parks. It's a great place for snow tubing, with cosy lodges for après-ski relaxation.

Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf, one of the four major ski hills in New Brunswick, offers varied terrain for all skill levels, from bunny hills to black diamonds. It's also a great spot for hiking and skiing during the summer and fall months.

Silverwood Winter Park

Silverwood Winter Park is one of the five ski resorts in New Brunswick. It offers slopes and trails for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts to enjoy.

So whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier or snowboarder, New Brunswick has something for everyone. With its abundant snowfall, exciting hills, and wide-open spaces, it's a winter destination that should not be missed.

Skating

Belledune

Belledune offers public skating every Sunday evening from 6 pm to 7 pm for just $2 per person. It's the perfect spot for first-time skaters, as it tends to be less crowded. There is also a fantastic cross-country ski trail, snowshoe trail, and walking trail in Belledune that you can enjoy after your skating session.

Quispamsis Arts & Culture Park

During the month of November, the Quispamsis Arts & Culture Park transforms into a winter wonderland with a stunning display of Christmas lights and an outdoor skating rink. It's a magical experience for the whole family to enjoy.

Mactaquac Provincial Park

Located just outside Fredericton, Mactaquac Provincial Park becomes a winter playground during the Fredericton Frostival, a three-week winter festival from January 18 to February 4. The park offers various winter activities, including skating, sledding, snowshoeing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Arenas in Northern New Brunswick

There are several arenas in northern New Brunswick that offer public skating options. You can enjoy skating at these indoor venues throughout the winter season.

So, whether you're a first-time skater or a seasoned pro, there are plenty of skating opportunities to keep you active during the winter in New Brunswick. Don't forget to bundle up and enjoy the beauty of the season!

Hiking and snowshoeing

New Brunswick is a winter wonderland for hikers and snowshoers, with trails for all skill levels. The silence of the forest after a snowfall is a magical experience, and there are plenty of trails to explore.

Fundy National Park

Fundy National Park has several trails designated as snowshoe trails along Route 114. A set of loop trails has been developed at the Chignecto Recreation Area for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The park also features a challenging 2.4 km looped trail, the Caribou Plain Trail, which is perfect for spotting wildlife and their habitats.

Mount Carleton Provincial Park

Mount Carleton Provincial Park is a great place for winter hiking and snowshoeing enthusiasts, with 11 beautifully groomed trails to explore. The park is also home to Mount Bailey, which offers spectacular views of the Mount Carleton Plateau and the fire tower on Mount Carleton.

Simpson Hill Wilderness Trail Network

The Simpson Hill Wilderness Trail Network offers breathtaking views of the St. Croix River from the Table Top. This trail network is dog-friendly and perfect for those seeking a nature-filled snowshoeing or winter hiking experience.

Midland Ice Caves Trail

The Midland Ice Caves Trail is a 4.5 km trail on private property, offering a fantastic view from the top of the caves and a beautiful cave at the bottom. The ice sheet inside the cave illuminates the interior, creating a magical atmosphere.

Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail

The Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail is a 6.6 km trail that leads to a spectacular view of a lake with beaver homes and dams and a valley with a giant ice wall. It is recommended to wear sturdy boots with ice cleats for this trail.

Mapleton Park, Moncton

Mapleton Park in Moncton offers a variety of trails, with some easy trails that are groomed and sanded for winter walking, while other moderate trails are left natural for snowshoeing. The park features interpretive signage that details the park's ecosystem, including wildlife and vegetation.

Irishtown Nature Park

Irishtown Nature Park is one of the largest urban parks in Canada, with separate trails for hiking, walking, and cycling that are cleared year-round. It also has footpaths of diverse terrain that are used by hikers in the summer and snowshoers in the winter.

Mactaquac Provincial Park

Mactaquac Provincial Park offers complimentary snowshoes on a first-come, first-served basis, making it a great place to try out snowshoeing. There are several snowshoeing trails throughout the park, as well as a winter walking trail starting at the park's main gate.

Sugarloaf Park

Sugarloaf Park features dedicated snowshoeing and winter hiking trails, with over 25 km of scenic hiking trails that can be challenging depending on the weather. The park offers on-site snowshoe rentals for visitors who don't have their own equipment.

Ganong Nature Park

Ganong Nature Park, located near St. Stephen, has several different trails to explore, including beach access and views of Back Bay. The park spans 350 acres and is open year-round, free for public use.

Caughey-Taylor Nature Preserve

The Caughey-Taylor Nature Preserve in Bocabec offers 9.6 km of hiking trails that showcase the diverse landscapes of Charlotte County, including ponds, mixed Acadian forests, and rocky bluffs.

Killarney Lake Park

Killarney Lake Park features 20 km of groomed trails for winter hiking and snowshoeing, as well as a scenic 2.5 km trail around the lake for those who prefer a shorter stroll or a dog-walking route.

Daly Point Nature Reserve

The Daly Point Nature Reserve in Bathurst is a popular place for snowshoeing, with well-packed trails that are easily accessible. It is also a great spot to see chickadees, with higher chances of spotting them on the inland trails.

Other Notable Mentions

• The Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail: More than 100 km of this trail is accessible in the winter, offering a remote snowshoeing experience.
• The Sussex Bluffs Trail: A 3.5 km out-and-back trail that offers gorgeous views and is suitable for all skill levels.
• Fall Brook Falls Trail: A 2.4 km trail to see a magnificent frozen waterfall.
• Riverfront Trail: A 5.2 km trail along the Petitcodiac River, featuring a lighthouse, gazebo, covered bridge, and playground.
• Winter Wonderland Park: A park with a pathway connecting it to the Dobson Trail, offering both winter hikes and snowshoe treks.
• Fredericton's UNB Woodlot: Popular with cross-country skiers, with trails for snowshoeing next to the groomed trails.
• Kouchibouguac National Park: Explore over 30 km of trails with warming shelters along the way.
• Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preserve: Trails suitable for all skill levels, featuring rocky outcrops, ravines, cliffs, and waterfalls.
• Atlas Park: Six short trails to choose from, including the 600m Hummingbird trail, which provides access to most other trails in the park.
• Inside Out Nature Centre in Rockwood Park: Offers equipment rental and the chance to experience the park's fields, trails, and frozen lakes.
• Elmhurst Outdoors: Features 10 km of snowshoe trails outside Saint John and offers equipment rentals, moonlight hikes, and bonfires.

Sleigh rides

Country Sleigh Rides

Located just 5 minutes from the Irishtown community center at 3294 Rt 490 Dundas, Country Sleigh Rides offers a 40-minute ride with a maximum capacity of 16 people. You can also visit their barn and see some animals. Daytime and evening rides are available. Contact Andrea or Nick Flanagan via Facebook or call 506-874-4090 for bookings.

Broadleaf Ranch

Broadleaf Ranch is an 800-acre, family-owned adventure business located in Albert County, at 5526 Rte. 114, Hopewell Hill. They offer one-hour sleigh rides through the Albert County Woodland and Shepody Marshland, with a maximum capacity of 20 people. You can also enjoy other winter activities and homemade country cuisine at their on-site restaurant. Booking is required, and you can call 506-882-2349 or email [email protected] to make a reservation.

Snider Mountain Sleigh Rides

Gather the family and head to Snider Mountain Sleigh Rides at 461 Snider Mountain Road, Snider Mountain. Their sleigh can accommodate up to 6 adults and 3 children and takes you on a 30-minute ride through the ranch trails.

Sandwith’s Sleigh Rides

Just a 10-minute drive from Fredericton, Sandwith’s Sleigh Rides offers fun wagon rides even if there's no snow. After the ride, warm up in their cabin with chilli or baked beans. They are located at 2031 Route 620, Douglas Parish.

Sunny Side Sleigh Rides

Located at 1428 Archibald Road Jacquet River, Sunny Side Sleigh Rides offers horse-drawn sleigh rides through the picturesque forest of Northern New Brunswick. The ride lasts about 45 minutes, after which you can warm up with hot chocolate or apple cider around a campfire. All rides are by appointment only.

Deer Country Adventures

Deer Country Adventures, located at 3800 Cape Road, Bathurst, offers tractor-drawn sleigh rides through their privately groomed trails. Their sled can accommodate a large group of 22-24 adults. Rides are by appointment only and are available during the day or in the evening. After the ride, you can warm up in their cozy rustic cabin.

Sealy Sleigh Rides

Just outside of Bathurst, Sealy Sleigh Rides offers sleigh rides that last about 45 minutes to an hour. You can contact them at Salmon Beach; +1 506-544-5602.

Ice fishing

Safety is a top priority when ice fishing. It's important to remember that ice is never 100% safe, and it is your responsibility to check local ice conditions before venturing out. Let someone know where you plan to fish and when you expect to return, and be sure to wear appropriate clothing and carry the necessary safety equipment.

New Brunswick offers a variety of ice fishing opportunities, from cozy shack villages to adventurous treks out on the frozen lakes. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, ice fishing is a fun and unique way to enjoy the winter season in New Brunswick.

Frequently asked questions