Best Time To Hike New Brunswick

New Brunswick is a hiker's paradise, offering a diverse range of trails suitable for all levels of experience. The province is comprised of 80% forest, with rolling hills, valleys, and winding rivers to explore. The best times to hike in New Brunswick are during spring, summer, and autumn, with many trails closed during winter due to snow and ice.

Spring and summer are ideal for tackling the more challenging hikes, such as the famous Fundy Footpath, a 64km multi-day trek across steep valleys, beaches, ancient forests, and tidal crossings. The Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail is another epic adventure, spanning 150km of wilderness along the Nepisiguit River. These trails offer spectacular views and a chance to immerse yourself in nature, but they are not for the faint of heart.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible options. The Sackville Waterfowl Park and the Ecological Park of the Acadian Peninsula offer short, scenic walks. The Third Vault Falls Trail is another great option, leading through flat woodlands to a beautiful waterfall.

No matter the season or your level of experience, New Brunswick has a hike for you. So, get out there and explore the infinite sights, sounds, and emotions that this province has to offer!

Best time to hike the Fundy Footpath

The best time to hike the Fundy Footpath in New Brunswick is between June and September, preferably when it's not raining. The footpath is a rigorous multi-day hike along the Bay of Fundy, with pretty, mixed forests, stunning headland views from atop 100-metre sea cliffs, and exceptional beachfront campsites.

The full footpath is 64 kilometres (40 miles) long, although most people don't hike the entire trail, opting for a day outing or a one-night overnight trip. The trail is challenging, with steep ups and downs, and long stretches of less interesting forest. It is not recommended for inexperienced hikers.

The Fundy Footpath is best hiked in late August, as there will be fewer bugs, and the weather will be drier. It is important to be aware of the tides when hiking the Fundy Footpath, as there are two tidal rivers to cross. Additionally, the trail can be slippery, so it is essential to wear well-broken-in hiking boots.

Best trails for wildlife spotting

New Brunswick is a haven for hikers, with 80% of the province covered in forest. The best time to hike in New Brunswick is between May and October, when the weather is warmer, and there is less chance of snow.

Mount Carleton Trail

Mount Carleton Provincial Park is home to over 100 types of birds and 30 species of mammals. The trail itself is 9.9km long and takes 3-4 hours to complete. It involves a climb to the highest peak in the Maritimes, at 820m above sea level.

Kouchibouguac River Trail

This trail is located in Kouchibouguac National Park, where great blue herons and ospreys are more common than humans. It is the longest trail in the park at 11.3km and takes 4-5 hours to complete. The trail follows the 72km Kouchibouguac River as it empties into the Northumberland Strait.

Fundy Footpath

This multi-day trek is considered one of the best hikes in the world. The trail offers spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy and Big Salmon River, as well as the chance to spot whales. It is a challenging hike that should only be attempted by experienced backcountry hikers, and tide charts are required.

Frost Woods Loop

This 2.4-mile loop is located near the Spotswood borough and is ideal for those seeking a serene outing. It is a popular spot for birdwatching, with various bird species, including raptors. Assorted small wildlife can also be spotted, such as squirrels, raccoons, red foxes, and coyotes.

Helyar Woods Trail

This 1.7-mile loop is located at Rutgers Gardens and is perfect for those looking for an easy hike. The trail is quiet and colourful, taking about 30 minutes to traverse. It is open all year, and dogs are welcome.

International Appalachian Trail

This is an epic, multi-day trail where hikers tend to choose a slice of the trail to follow for a few days. It offers unparalleled freedom and scenic beauty. Water filtration is a must, as the primary water source is the rivers.

Best hikes for families

New Brunswick offers a range of family-friendly hikes, from short strolls in urban parks to challenging long-distance trails. Here are some of the best hikes for families:

Ocean Floor Walk, Alma

The Bay of Fundy is known for its vast tides that recede twice daily, exposing mud flats stretching about a kilometre from the high water mark. On this hike, children can explore the tiny ocean creatures left behind, such as rock crabs, barnacles, and sea snails. It's a great opportunity for budding marine biologists to discover the diverse wildlife of the Bay of Fundy. Don't forget to wear water shoes or rubber boots for this adventure!

Irving Nature Park, Saint John

Located just outside Saint John, Irving Nature Park offers eight wood chip trails of varying lengths, catering to hikers of all ages and experience levels. The park features a long peninsula with a sandy cobblestone beach and mud flats, as well as a salt marsh. It is home to six distinct ecosystems and an array of wildlife. A highlight of this hike is the seal observation deck, where you can watch wild seals in their natural habitat. The Children's Forest, with its playground and cedar hedge mazes, is another attraction that will delight younger hikers.

Rockwood Park, Saint John

Rockwood Park, nestled in the heart of Saint John, boasts 55 well-maintained trails and footpaths that meander through trees, parkland, and freshwater lakes. The park offers a diverse range of experiences, from the Interpretation Centre, where you can learn about turtle species, to the Cliff Trail, which leads to a breathtaking lookout point over Lily Lake and the beach. With a playground and horse stable area, Rockwood Park has something for everyone in the family.

Maliseet Trail, near Meductic

The Maliseet Trail, located west of Fredericton, is a relatively easy hike through hardwood and softwood forests. This trail was once a travel route used by the Maliseet First Nations people. The trail is about two kilometres one way and leads to the majestic Hays Falls. The trail branches out to offer two different views of the falls—from the top and the bottom. It's a great spot to unwind, enjoy the rushing water, and take in the beauty of the mossy shores.

Sackville Waterfowl Park and Ecological Park of the Acadian Peninsula

For those seeking shorter family nature walks, the Sackville Waterfowl Park and the Ecological Park of the Acadian Peninsula are excellent choices. These parks offer a chance to connect with nature, spot wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Best hikes for experienced backpackers

New Brunswick is a hiker's paradise, with 80% of the province covered in forest. The province offers rolling, climbable hills, low-lying valleys, and large, winding rivers. Experienced backpackers will find plenty of challenging trails to explore, ranging from multi-day treks through rugged wilderness to steep mountain climbs with rewarding views. Here are some of the best hikes for experienced backpackers in New Brunswick:

Fundy Footpath

This 64-kilometre (40-mile) trek is considered one of the best hikes in the world. It takes hikers across steep valleys, sandy beaches, ancient moss-covered forests, coastal mist, and tidal crossings. The trail offers spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy and Big Salmon River. It is a challenging hike that should only be attempted by experienced backcountry hikers, and tide charts are required.

Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail

The Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail is an epic 150-kilometre (93-mile) wilderness hike along the Nepisiguit River between Bathurst and Mount Carleton Park. It is the longest through-hiking trail on the East Coast, offering three different zones: Mountain, River Valley, and River Delta, each providing unique hiking experiences. This trail is perfect for those seeking a remote and challenging adventure.

Salmon River Trail

The Salmon River Trail is a strenuous multi-day hike that takes you through steep and remote terrain. It offers rewarding views of the Bay of Fundy and untouched wilderness. This trail is approximately 29 miles long and can be completed in both directions, but it is recommended to start in Alma and end in St. Martin's to tackle the most challenging portion first.

Turtle Mountain

Turtle Mountain, located in the Loch Alva Nature Preserve, is one of the most challenging and rewarding mountain hikes in New Brunswick. The trail involves a steep climb over massive rocks, leading to breathtaking views of five lakes: Turtle, West, Elizabeth, Labrador, and Little Sherwood. This 13.6-mile hike can be completed in a full day or with an overnight stay near the top.

Mount Carleton Summit Trail

The Mount Carleton Summit Trail is a 5.8-mile hike located in Mount Carleton Provincial Park. This trail takes you to the highest peak in the Maritimes, at 820 metres above sea level. It is recommended to hike up the West Trail and descend via the East Trail. The park is usually open for camping from May 15 to October 15 and is closed during the winter months.

Best hikes for waterfalls

New Brunswick is a nature lover's paradise, with over 1,000 waterfalls formed due to continental collisions, volcanic eruptions, and melting glaciers. Here is a list of the best hikes for waterfalls in New Brunswick:

Walton Glen Gorge Falls

Known as the "Grand Canyon of New Brunswick," this protected natural area is 1,000 feet across, 525 feet deep, and approximately 550 million years old. The viewing deck is a 1.5-mile hike through the woods, and the trail is considered easy to moderate. It is located within the Fundy Trail Parkway, which offers stunning views of the Bay of Fundy and features several other waterfalls.

McLeod Brook Falls

The trail begins with a wide gravel path that leads down to a well-maintained cable staircase, bringing you to the bottom of the falls. The tumbling water and lush greenery make this a secluded paradise. The trail is moderately difficult, and those with mobility issues may find it challenging.

Long Beach Brook Falls

This hike is moderate to challenging and offers a rewarding experience. It begins at parking lot P-13 on the Fundy Parkway, and the trail is marked with blue blazes. Along the way, you'll see remnants of the area's mining history before reaching the falls, where you can take a dip in the large pool.

Dickson Falls

Dickson Falls is an easy to moderate hike located in Fundy National Park. The trail features boardwalks and stairs, making it accessible for most, although those with mobility issues may find it challenging. The lush ferns and trees make for an impressive scenery, and Dickson Falls is the most photographed waterfall in the park, especially in autumn.

Third Vault Falls

The Third Vault Falls Trail is a moderately challenging, approximately 4-mile hike that can take up to 2 hours to complete. The trail meanders through flat woodlands before sloping downward towards the Third Vault Brook. It is not recommended for those with mobility issues, as it can be rocky and steep.

Gordon Falls

Gordon Falls is one of the best waterfalls in New Brunswick and is easily accessible, located just 45 minutes out of Moncton. It is a great spot to cool down on a hot summer day, and you can reach the waterfall directly from your car or opt for a short hike to enjoy the surrounding nature.

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