Mt. Carleton Provincial Park

In 1969, New Brunswick carved out some of the choicest land and set it aside as wilderness park. Mt. Carleton Provincial Park contains 2,821 hectares (6,971 acres) of azure lakes, pure streams, thick boreal forest, and gently rounded mountains, the largest of which afford excellent views. When visiting, look for moose, black bear, coyotes, bobcat, and more than 100 species of birds. And, of course, black flies.

Getting There

Mt. Carleton Provincial Park is 42km (26 miles) east of Saint-Quentin on Route 180. Be aware that Saint-Quentin is the nearest community for supplies; there are no convenient general stores just outside the park gates. The park is also accessible from Bathurst to the east, but it's a 111km (69-mile) drive on a road that's mostly paved but gravel in spots. There are no services along the road and frequent logging trucks.

Visitor Information

There is no admission fee. The park's gates are open daily in summer from 7am to 10pm (8am-8pm in spring and fall). A small interpretive center (tel. 506/235-0793), located at the entrance gate, offers background on the park's natural and cultural history from mid-May through early September. The park remains open, though unstaffed, the rest of the year.

Camping

Armstrong Brook is the principal destination for visiting campers coming to Mount Carleton. It has 88 sites split between the forest near Lake Nictau's shore (no lakeside sites) and an open, grassy field. Campers can avail themselves of hot showers and a bathhouse for washing up. A path leads to the lake's edge; there's a spit of small, flat pebbles that's wonderful for swimming and sunbathing. Camping fees are C$11 (US$9.90/£5.50) weekdays, C$14 (US$13/£7) weekends.

Four backcountry sites are located high on the slopes of Mt. Carleton (preregistration required). The sites, which require a 4km (2.5-mile) hike, offer views into a rugged valley and a great sense of remoteness. Water is available but should be treated (beavers are nearby). No fires are permitted, so bring a stove. The fee is C$5 (US$4.50/£2.50) per night. Two other remote campsites on the shores of Lake Nictau are accessible by either canoe or a moderate walk. Register in advance; the fee is C$8 to C$9 (US$7.20-US$8.10/£4-£4.50) per night.

Hiking & Biking

The park has 10 hiking trails that total 68km (42 miles). The helpful park staff at the gatehouse will be happy to direct you to a hike that suits your experience and mood.

The park's premier hike is to the summit of Mount Carleton, the province's highest point at 820m (2,690 ft.). Although that elevation is not going to impress those who've hiked in the Canadian Rockies, size is relative here, and the views seem endless. A craggy comb of rocks with a 360-degree view of the lower mountains and the sprawling lakes marks the summit. The trail head is about a 25-minute drive from the gatehouse; allow about 4 hours for a round-trip hike of about 10km (6 miles). Overlooking Nictau Lake is Mount Sagamook, at an altitude of 777m (2,549 ft.). It's a steep and demanding hike of about 3km (1.9 miles) to the summit, where you're rewarded with spectacular views of the northern park.

For the truly gung-ho, there's the ridge walk that connects Sagamook and Carleton via Mount Head. The views from high above are unforgettable; you'll need to set up a shuttle with two cars to do the whole ridge in 1 day.

If you have a mountain bike, bring it. The gravel roads are perfect for exploring. Motor vehicles have been banned from two of these roads, which take you deep into the woods past clear lakes and rushing streams.