Fundy Trail Parkway
Less than an hour’s drive from downtown Saint John or a half-hour drive from Sussex, this ambitious multi-use trail extends for 48km (30 miles), linking up with the Trans Canada Trail. The parkway consists of hiking and biking trails paralleled by about 30km (19 miles) of paved road for low-speed automobile touring, showing off the spectacular local bays and cliffs. The trail is wide and easy to hike or bike, with wheelchair-accessible pullouts that have spectacular coastal views. Side trails lead to various beaches, some of which can only be reached at low tide. You can also catch a free shuttle (with paid admission) that stops at nine parking lots. The interpretive center has interesting displays, but the real thing is much better. Ask about step-on guides, day adventures, box lunches (you’ll find a number of picnic tables and water stations along the Parkway), and interpretive programs. Serious hikers can pick up the Fundy Footpath, a challenging 41km (25-mile) wilderness trail; it crosses one of the last remaining coastal wilderness areas between Florida and Labrador. Plan for 4 days, with primitive campsites and challenging terrain. No permit is required; however, you must register and obtain maps at the Interpretive Centre in Big Salmon River (C$20, C$23 if mailed to you). You can hike in the off season, but will have an additional 10km (6 miles) to get to the gate.
Less than an hour’s drive from downtown Saint John or a half-hour drive from Sussex, this ambitious multi-use trail extends for 48km (30 miles), linking up with the Trans Canada Trail. The parkway consists of hiking and biking trails paralleled by about 30km (19 miles) of paved road for low-speed automobile touring, showing off the spectacular local bays and cliffs. The trail is wide and easy to hike or bike, with wheelchair-accessible pullouts that have spectacular coastal views. Side trails lead to various beaches, some of which can only be reached at low tide. You can also catch a free shuttle (with paid admission) that stops at nine parking lots. The interpretive center has interesting displays, but the real thing is much better. Ask about step-on guides, day adventures, box lunches (you’ll find a number of picnic tables and water stations along the Parkway), and interpretive programs. Serious hikers can pick up the Fundy Footpath, a challenging 41km (25-mile) wilderness trail; it crosses one of the last remaining coastal wilderness areas between Florida and Labrador. Plan for 4 days, with primitive campsites and challenging terrain. No permit is required; however, you must register and obtain maps at the Interpretive Centre in Big Salmon River (C$20, C$23 if mailed to you). You can hike in the off season, but will have an additional 10km (6 miles) to get to the gate.
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