New Brunswick’s 25 Best Hiking Trails
New Brunswick is comprised of 80% forest, making it an explorer’s dream. The large interior of Canada’s only officially bilingual province offers rolling, climbable hills, low-lying valleys and large, winding rivers. With a protected coastline that yields excellent whale-watching, fresh lobster and scenic lighthouses, this is one of the most inclusive places in the country for hikers of all levels to get outside and explore.
Trail suggestions made by Explore Editor David Webb
Fundy Footpath
Distance: 41 km linear wilderness trail
Time: 3-4 days
Level of difficulty: Difficult
This multi-day trek has been coined one of the best hikes in the world. Fundy Footpath yields spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy and Big Salmon River. The rugged wilderness trail crosses rivers and ravines. The trail should only be attempted by experienced backcountry hikers. Tide charts are required.
How do I get to Fundy Footpath trailhead? There are several access points to the footpath, including direct access to the eastern portion through Fundy National Park. See map in the link below.
Read more about Fundy Footpath: Fundytrailparkway.com
Fundy Trail
Distance: 10-km multi-use coastal trail with several footpaths
Level of difficulty: Moderate
There is a plethora of lookouts, beaches and a 15-metre waterfall that draw visitors to this 2,500-hectare park. The Fundy Trail is best enjoyed in bite-sized pieces; hikers can easily break it up into smaller sections of varying difficulty and length.
How do I get to Fundy Trail? Turn off Route 111 when coming from Saint John or Sussex. The access point is 10 km east of the Village of St. Martins.
Read more about Fundy Trail: fundytrailparkway.com
Matthews Head
Fundy National Park
Distance: 4.5 km loop
Time: 1-2 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Walk over fields, trace an old wagon road and emerge into second-growth forest along this scenic and historic trail. Keep your eyes peeled for hay-scented ferns, red rocks and remnants of a 19th-century homestead.
How do I get to Matthews Head trailhead? The trail begins in the parking lot off Herring Cove Road.
Read more about Matthews Head: Click here
Coastal Trail
Fundy National Park
Distance: 20.2 km out-and-back
Time: 8-10 hours
Level of difficulty: Difficult
This forested hike traces the coast along the Bay of Fundy. Several lookouts offer jaw-dropping views across the ocean.
How do I get to Coastal Trail? The trailhead can be found in Fundy National Park.
Read more about Coastal Trail: Click here
Dickson Falls
Fundy National Park
Distance: 1.5 km loop
Time: 30 minutes
Level of difficulty: Easy
This short, scenic hike leads to a gorgeous waterfall, where a stream of water rushes over moss-covered rocks. It’s the most photographed waterfall in the park.
How do I get to Dickson Falls trailhead? The trailhead is in a parking lot off of Point Wolfe Road.
Read more about Dickson Falls: Click here
Third Vault Falls
Fundy National Park
Distance: 7.4 km return
Time: 3-4 hours
Level of difficulty: Difficult
This trail winds down to the largest waterfall in Fundy National Park. The powerful water cascades over a ravine towards the Upper Salmon River. The trail is rocky and rugged, so sturdy footwear is a must.
How do I get to Third Vault Falls trailhead? Start in Fundy National Park and head towards the trailhead. Along the way, listen for the roar of rushing water to know you’re headed in the right direction.
Read more about Third Vault Falls: Click here
Fundy Circuit
Distance: 48 kilometres (comprised of seven trails)
Time: 3-5 days
Level of difficulty: Difficult
Up for a grand outdoor adventure? The Fundy Circuit plants hikers deep into nature and offers up a checklist challenge. Marrying seven of the area’s trails, hikers will spend three to five days covering Coastal, Shiphaven, Marven, Bennett Brook, Tracey Lake, The Forks and Upper Salmon River trails. The Fundy Circuit threads backpackers through varied backcountry: cross rivers, pass through river valleys, skirt lakes and the coast, and enjoy the serenity of mossy forests. Wilderness campsites are available and must be booked in advance.
How do I get to the Fundy Circuit trailhead? Same trail head as the Coastal Trail (above); park at the main Fundy NP lot and check-in before setting out.
Read more about the Fundy Circuit trailhead: Click here
Mount Carleton Trail
Mount Carleton Provincial Park
Distance: 9.9 km loop
Time: 3-4 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Mount Carleton Provincial Park isn’t just crawling with hikers: over 100 types of birds and 30 species of mammals inhabit this area. This trail climbs to the highest peak in the Maritimes, at 820 metres above sea level. It’s recommended to go up the West Trail and back down the East Trail.
How do I get to Mount Carleton Trail trailhead? The trailhead is at the parking lot at the end of Bald Mountain Road.
Read more about Mount Carleton Trail: Click here
Hopewell Rocks
Hopewell Rocks Park
Distance: 1 km
Time: 1 hour
Level of difficulty: Easy
The famous ‘Flowerpot Rocks’ and the fluctuating tides make Hopewell Rocks an irresistible attraction for hikers of all levels. It’s more of an area to explore than a traditional trail, and one could easily spend hours kayaking, taking photographs, and watching the water levels ebb and flow.
How do I get to Hopewell Rocks? The nearest airport is an hour away at Moncton. It’s also a 3-hour drive from Halifax. See this map.
Read more about Hopewell Rocks: thehopewellrocks.ca
Swallowtail Light & Long Eddy Lighthouse
Grand Manan Island
Distance: 7.8 km one-way
Time: 1-2 hours
Level of difficulty: Easy
The Grand Manan archipelago boasts a wonderful network of heritage trails and footpaths. Hikers can travel from cove to cove, chase sunrise to sunset across the island, or visit the handsome lighthouses that dot the coast. Both Swallowtail and Long Eddy Lighthouse are located on the northern tip of the island, a mere 7.8 km from one another.
How do I get to Grand Manan? From the Ferry, turn right onto Pettes Cove Road and head towards Lighthouse Lane.
Click here to see the route between Swallowtail Light & Long Eddy Lighthouse
Flock of Sheep
Grand Manan Island
Distance: 2 km one-way
Time: 1-2 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate
The Upper and Lower Flock of Sheep are rugged, boggy trails that cross small streams and natural springs. Herring, mini-fjords and columns of volcanic basalt make this one of the most interesting hikes on the island—and a great spot to watch the sunset.
How do I get to Flock of Sheep trailhead? This trail is on the south of the island. Head south from the ferry on Route 776 and keep an eye out for the trailhead.
Read more about Flock of Sheep: Click here
North Trail
Grand Manan Island
Distance: 11.9 km linear
Time: 3-4 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate
This trail crosses the northern portion of the island, running from east to west.
How do I get to North Trail trailhead? Take the ferry from Blacks Harbour to Grand Manan Island.
Read more about North Trail: Click here
Osprey Trail
Kouchibouguac National Park
Distance: 5.1 km
Time: 1-2 hours
Level of difficulty: Easy
Great blue herons and ospreys frequent this trail more than humans do, making it an ideal spot for birdwatchers and hikers looking for a quiet, relaxed walk. The terrain is mainly level and marked for snowshoeing in the winter.
How do I get to Osprey Trail trailhead? Head to Kouchibouguac National Park. The trailhead is near the group camping area.
Read more about Osprey Trail: Click here
Kouchibouguac River Trail
Kouchibouguac National Park
Distance: 11.3 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate
This trail follows the 72-kilometer Kouchibouguac River, which empties into the Northumberland Strait. It’s the longest trail in the park; benches offer panoramic places to rest along the way.
How do I get to Kouchibouguac River Trail trailhead? Head east from Patterson to Kelly’s Beach within Kouchibouguac National Park.
Read more about Kouchibouguac River Trail: Click here
St. Martins Sea Caves
UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve
Distance: 0.3 km – 2.5 km
Time: Varies
Level of difficulty: Easy
Although this is not a strenuous hike, it offers a magical opportunity: the chance to walk upon the ocean’s floor. Make sure to check (and double-check) the tidal times before venturing out into the sea caves by St. Martin; at high tide, the caves are completely submerged.
How do I get to St. Martin Sea Caves? From St. Martins, follow Main Street to Big Salmon Road and turn off at Caves Restaurant. Park here.
Read more about St. Martins Sea Caves: stmartinscanada.com/st-martins-sea-caves
Chamcook Mountain Trail
Distance: 1.5 km one-way
Time: 1 hour return
Level of difficulty: Moderate
This trail is not the clearest marked, but once you’re on it, it’s easy to follow. You’ll climb 128 metres to panoramic views from the peak. Dogs are allowed on the mountain, but they must be on leash.
How do I get to Chamcook Mountain Trail trailhead? Only an hour’s drive from Saint John, the trailhead isn’t far from the Rossmount Inn.
Read more about Chamcook Mountain Trail: Click here
International Appalachian Trail
Distance: 270 km total
Time: 2-3 days (average leg)
Level of difficulty: Difficult
Hikers tend to choose a slice of this epic trail to follow for a few days. The final portion attracts canoers who want to end their journey on the water. There are camping facilities along the way, but many hikers set up tent in clearings just off the trail. Water filtration is a must, as the primary water source is the rivers. The freedom and scenic beauty this multi-day trek awards are unparalleled.
How do I get to the IAT trailhead? The New Brunswick portion of this trail begins at the border of Fort Fairfield, Maine and leads across the province to the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec.
Read more about the New Brunswick portion of the IAT: sentiernbtrail.com/international-appalachian-trail
Herring Cove Provincial Park trail network
Herring Cove Provincial Park
Distance/Time/Level of difficulty: Varies
There are six trails to choose from in this provincial park, including beach walks and trails through ancient spruce forests. Hikers can find sea urchins, bald eagles and beavers along the way.
How do I get to Herring Cove Provincial Park? The park is located on Campobello Island, which is accessible via a bridge from Lubec.
Read more about the trail network at Herring Cove Provincial Park: Click here
Grand Falls Gorge
Distance: 1 km
Time: 20-30 minutes return
Level of difficulty: Easy
Grand Falls Gorge is one of the province’s hidden gems. Gushing water drops 23 metres into the gorge.
How do I get to Grand Falls Gorge trailhead? Head to the town of Grand Falls and follow the main road across the bridge. There is a parking lot dedicated to visitors searching for the gorge.
Read more about Grand Falls Gorge: Click here
Maliseet Trail
Distance: 2 km
Time: 1-2 hours
Level of difficulty: Easy
This well-maintained trail leads to 20-metre tall Hays Falls. “Maliseet Trail” is also the name of a popular, nearby canoe route.
How do I get to Mailseet Trail? The trail is located 90 km west of Fredericton and 16 km south of Woodstock.
Read more about Maliseet Trail: canadatrails.ca/maliseet
Île-aux-Foins Park
Neguac/Hay Island
Distance: Varies
Level of difficulty: Easy
Île-aux-Foins Park (Hay Island Provincial Park) is a serene escape for nature-lovers. The beach is a great place for families to frolic, while the boardwalk offers views of salt marshes and high chances of spotting birds and wildlife. Follow your feet in any direction; the island is relatively small and easy enough to wander.
How do I get to Île-aux-Foins? Hay Island is located near Neguac and is connected to mainland New Brunswick via a bridge.
Read more about Île-aux-Foins Park trail network: Click here
Friar’s Head
Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Distance: 2.5 km
Level of difficulty: Easy
Picturesque views across the waters that separate Canada from the United States are the final outcome of this relatively easy hike in Roosevelt Campobello International Park.
How do I get to Friar’s Head trailhead? Begin at the Visitors Centre and travel to Friar’s Head.
Read more about Friar’s Head: Click here
Minister’s Island Perimeter Trail
Distance: 7 km
Time: 2-3 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Minister’s Island, once owned by Sir William Van Horne, is now publicly owned by the province of New Brunswick. This trail circles the entire island, sticking to the coastline. Be sure to check the tidal times so you don’t get washed away.
How do I get to Minister Island Perimeter Trail trailhead? The best jumping-off spot for this hike is St. Andrews.
Read more about Minister’s Island Perimeter Trail: Click here
Cape Enrage
Distance: 0.5 km
Time: 1 hour
Level of difficulty: Easy
Located on the southern tip of Barn Marsh Island, Cape Enrage offers a stunning view of the rising and falling tides that wash through the Bay of Fundy. The 140-year-old lighthouse that protects the coast and the family-friendly zipline adventure are magnets for visitors.
How do I get to Cape Enrage trailhead? Located between Alma and Amherst on the Bay of Fundy.
Read more about Cape Enrage: Click here
Walton Glen Gorge
Distance: 6.5 km one-way (one-way)
Time: 4-5 hours
Level of difficulty: Difficult
Known as the ‘Grand Canyon of New Brunswick,’ this trail leads to a lookout that yields incredible views of the gorge and a 42-metre waterfall, the second highest in the province.
How do I get to Walton Glen Gorge trailhead? It’s located 40 kms south of Sussex
Read more about Walton Glen Gorge: Click here
More of Canada’s best hikes by province:
25 Incredible Hiking Trails in Nova Scotia
25 of the Best Hiking Trails on Prince Edward Island
