Biking Trails In New Brunswick

New Brunswick offers a variety of unique biking experiences, from cycling across a sea floor at low tide to exploring reclaimed gravel pits and carriage roads. The province caters to all levels, with family-friendly trails and challenging mountain bike tracks. One of the must-try trails is the Perimeter Trail on Ministers Island, accessible only at low tide when you can walk, bike, or drive across the hard-packed sea floor. Fredericton also offers an extensive network of off-road trails, including the North Riverfront Trail, which provides picturesque views of the river and surrounding nature. For those seeking a more adventurous ride, the Sugar Mama trail in Atholville involves a chairlift ride up the hill with your bike, followed by a 2km descent through wooded parkland.

Perimeter Trail, Ministers Island

The Perimeter Trail on Ministers Island is a 7-7.5 km loop that offers a unique biking experience. Here's what you need to know:

Getting There

Located near St. Andrews, Ministers Island is accessible only at low tide. At low tide, you can walk, bike, or drive across 1 km of the hard-packed seafloor to reach the island. Check the tide schedule and posted crossing times before your trip, as the island can only be accessed by car at or near low tide.

The Trail

The Perimeter Trail is a mix of old carriage roads and paths that take you all around the island. The trail offers lovely ocean views and opportunities to spot wildlife, including white-tail deer and seabirds. You can also hop off your bike to search for beach glass and seashells. The trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash.

Points of Interest

Ministers Island is a national and provincial historic site with a rich history. In the late 1800s, Sir William Van Horne, known for his role in managing the Canadian Pacific Railway, built his 50-room summer "cottage" called Covenhoven on the island. Today, you can take a tour of this late-19th-century "cottage" and farm. Other points of interest include the bathhouse, built in 1912 with red stone from the beach, and the collapsed Moose Manor, a hunting cabin built by the gardener in the 1930s.

Practical Information

The Perimeter Trail is open all year, but the busiest time is during the summer, when a pass is required. There are no restaurants on the island, so it is recommended to bring a picnic. During the peak season, access to the heritage trails and the Van Horne estate costs $17 plus tax per adult. For touring Covenhoven, it's $10 for ages 8 and up, and free for children under 8. Note that they only take cash.

Callanders Beach Trail, Kouchibouguac National Park

Callanders Beach Trail in Kouchibouguac National Park is a great spot for a family day out. The 5.1-km (one-way) trail starts at the South Kouchibouguac campground and follows the curve of the river. The park itself is located along the Northumberland Strait and is known for its sandy beaches and warm coastal waters, ideal for swimming.

The Callanders Beach Trail takes you to two of eastern Canada's warmest saltwater beaches. The path is wide and well-groomed, and along the way, you can take a break at Kellys Beach, with its white sand and shallow waters. There is also a picnic area, a boardwalk over the salt marshes, and an ice cream stand.

After a refreshing break, continue south through the Acadian forest, keeping an eye out for rabbits, and head towards Callanders Beach. This beach is another great spot for swimming and picnics, with its shallow lagoon and warm, nutrient-rich pools. It is also a popular spot for softshell clam fishing (permit required). At Callanders Beach, you can explore the Big Wigwam and participate in First Nations interpretation programs during the summer.

The Kouchibouguac National Park offers a range of activities, including hiking and cycling trails, canoeing, and kayaking. The park is easily accessible, located 113 km north of Moncton and 57 km southeast of Miramichi. The best time to visit is from May through October, and a park permit is required.

North Riverfront Trail, Fredericton

Fredericton has 88km of off-road multi-use trails, making it a great place to explore by bike. Many of the trails start at the Trail Visitor Centre, where you can pick up a free map and even get a complimentary coffee or tea. The North Riverfront Trail is a 5.6km ride that takes you west to Carleton Park. Here, you'll find wide-open spaces for kite-flying, large willow and elm trees, and a boat launch for bass anglers.

Along the way, you can visit the Ducks Unlimited Conservation Centre (closed on weekends) to learn about the wetlands, which are home to waterfowl, osprey, and eagles. At the end of the trail, you'll find the picturesque Nashwaaksis Stream Nature Park, which features big hardwood trees and an osprey nest platform.

The North Riverfront Trail connects to the Downtown Riverfront Loop, a 4-mile trail that takes around 1 hour and 16 minutes to complete. This route is generally considered easy and is a popular trail for birding, trail running, and walking. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. The loop offers wonderful views of the St. John River from both sides, as it connects the South Riverfront Trail and Downtown to the North Riverfront Trail via the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge, a former railway bridge.

Sugar Mama trail, Atholville

Sugarloaf Provincial Park in Atholville, New Brunswick, is a great destination for biking and other outdoor activities. The park offers a range of trails suitable for beginners to experts, making it a perfect spot for a family-friendly getaway or a wilderness adventure.

The Sugarloaf Mountain Bike Park, designed and built by Whistler's Gravity Logic, provides a variety of technical challenges and features, including berms, tabletops, drops, step-ups, and wooden elements. The trails cater to different skill levels, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all riders.

In addition to biking, Sugarloaf Provincial Park also offers excellent camping facilities. The campground features well-sized, wooded campsites that provide privacy and a sense of seclusion. The facilities, including showers, washrooms, and a laundry room, are clean and well-maintained. The park also has a restaurant, the T-Bar, which receives excellent reviews for its food and portions.

For those seeking hiking trails, Sugarloaf delivers once more. The Terry Fox Trail, in particular, offers panoramic views and a rewarding nature experience. The park's location in the Appalachian Mountain region of New Brunswick adds to its allure, providing a beautiful backdrop for all your outdoor pursuits.

Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a family looking for a fun getaway, Sugarloaf Provincial Park in Atholville has something for everyone. With its variety of trails, camping facilities, and natural beauty, it's a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts exploring New Brunswick.

Little River Reservoir Park trail, Saint John

Little River Reservoir Park, located on the east side of Saint John, is a great spot for a bike ride. Formerly a gravel pit, the park has been transformed into a beautiful natural area, offering a peaceful escape for locals and visitors alike. The park is just an 8km journey from the city, making it easily accessible for those looking to get out of the hustle and bustle.

The park features the "Rez Trail", a 3.4km-3.5km multi-use gravel trail that encircles the Little River Reservoir, providing picturesque views of the water. The trail is perfect for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and skill levels, offering a peaceful and easy route across waterfront, marshes, and forests. For those looking to add a bit of distance to their journey, the Graham Brook Trail (0.6km) and the Peninsula Trail (1.4km) are great additions, with the former taking you across a bridge at the dam and the latter, a longer bridge near the wetlands.

The Little River Reservoir itself has an interesting backstory, having been created as part of the water supply for the city of Saint John by building a small dam on the Little River. This not only created the reservoir but also several wetlands further up the river, adding to the natural beauty of the area.

The park offers a variety of amenities to enhance your visit, including a large playground, an off-leash dog park, and the sandy Lakewood Beach, which is supervised during the summer months. There is also a main parking area, complete with a playground and portable toilets, located at the junction of Loch Lomond Road and Pipeline Road. So whether you're looking for a leisurely bike ride, a peaceful walk, or a fun day out with the family, Little River Reservoir Park has something for everyone.

Frequently asked questions