Irving Nature Park
Thanks to the Irving family’s oil and forestry empire, Saint John is surrounded by industry. But it’s thanks to the same empire that you can escape that industry, at least at the Irving Nature Park at the west end of the city across the river. On a dramatic 243-hectare (600-acre) coastal peninsula, Irving has built boardwalks and trails to provide access to forest, marsh, and shore where upwards of 240 species of birds spend at least part of their lives. From the observation tower on the “Squirrel Trail” you might see clouds of migrating sandpipers gorging on small sea creatures on the mud flats before migrating south on a 4-day flight. In mid-June and mid-October, the seals can be so thick on the rocks that they have been described as “a great gray noisy carpet.” Check the website or call ahead to ask about the park’s excellent program of tours and events.
Thanks to the Irving family’s oil and forestry empire, Saint John is surrounded by industry. But it’s thanks to the same empire that you can escape that industry, at least at the Irving Nature Park at the west end of the city across the river. On a dramatic 243-hectare (600-acre) coastal peninsula, Irving has built boardwalks and trails to provide access to forest, marsh, and shore where upwards of 240 species of birds spend at least part of their lives. From the observation tower on the “Squirrel Trail” you might see clouds of migrating sandpipers gorging on small sea creatures on the mud flats before migrating south on a 4-day flight. In mid-June and mid-October, the seals can be so thick on the rocks that they have been described as “a great gray noisy carpet.” Check the website or call ahead to ask about the park’s excellent program of tours and events.
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