Challenge Yourself in New Brunswick

Vivian Chung

April 13, 2023

The largest of Canada’s Maritime provinces, New Brunswick boasts thick forests, rugged coastline and sandy beaches to explore. The dramatic landscape provides a backdrop for a wide range of exceptional experiences; hiking, mountain biking and ziplining are some of the most exhilarating ways to revel in New Brunswick’s pristine wilderness.

From day hikes to long-distance trails—like the 297-kilometre portion of the International Appalachian Trail (IAT)—this province welcomes both new hikers and experienced multi-day backpackers.

^{Seely Beach, Fundy Footpath (Tourism New Brunswick)}

The Fundy Footpath is (arguably) the province’s most physically demanding hike, which often requires up to five days to complete. Across the 64-kilometre trail, you’ll meander past jagged cliffs and a four-metre-tall moss-covered boulder named Dragon’s Tooth, navigate steep ravines and tidal crossings which require precise timing.

^{Hiking trails in Fundy National Park (Tourism New Brunswick)}

For a physical challenge and a cultural experience, tackle the 141-kilometre Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail, which accompanies the Nepisiguit River and takes you through gorgeous scenery, including the tumbling Pabineau Falls. Travelling east from Nepisiguit Lakes at Mount Carleton Provincial Park to Daly Point Nature Reserve, this ancient portage trail was used by the Mi’gmaq peoples to hunt, fish and gather for thousands of years.

^{Nictau Lake, Mount Carleton Provincial Park (Tourism New Brunswick)}

At Mount Carleton Provincial Park near Saint-Quentin, you can see what one of New Brunswick’s most popular day hikes is all about by climbing Mount Carleton via a 9.6-kilometre moderate to hard loop trail. Reaching 817 metres, this is the highest peak in the Maritimes.

For a short but intense hike with a payoff that dazzles, drive north to Sugarloaf Provincial Park (the mountain of adventure) and summit Sugarloaf Mountain, which rewards hikers with views over Restigouche River, Chaleur Bay and the city of Campbellton.

This is also home to Sugarloaf Bike Park where riders can throttle down the face of a mountain while taking in gravity-defying jumps, or explore 30 kilometres of cross-country trails. Hop on the lift for a scenic ride 153 metres up to tackle the park’s 14 downhill trails catered to both novice and expert mountain bikers. Gently wind down the mountain on the 2.3-kilometre long rolling Sugar Mama trail if you’re just starting out, or hit the 1.2-kilometre Supa Sweet for some airtime.

^{Mountain Biking at Sugarloaf Provincial Park (Tourism New Brunswick)}

Adrenaline seekers should ride the over 40 kilometres of singletrack trails at Mountain Bike Minto (MTBM), situated in the former coal mining community of Minto some 50 kilometres northeast of Fredericton. Remaining coal mining trenches have been transformed into twisty trails through rock gardens, with technical features like steep wall rides, short and punchy climbs and flowy roller coasters that’ll get your heart pounding and test your abilities.

New Brunswick’s crown jewel is the Bay of Fundy, where the world’s highest tides rise and fall up to 16 metres twice daily. Head to Cape Enrage for stunning views, named for its turbulent tidal currents that smash up against the cliffs of the southern tip of Barn Marsh Island. For the ultimate adventure, zipline along the coast then rappel down the 43-metre cliffs onto the Bay of Fundy.

For some family-friendly action, zip across the 365-metre and 305-metre-long lines with Over the Cove at French Fort Cove Nature Park in Miramichi. After enjoying the thrill and the views from the ziplines, explore the walking and mountain biking trails or rent a canoe, kayak or paddle boat.

^{French Fort Cove Park, City of Miramichi (Tourism New Brunswick)}

While most ziplines whisk you from tree to tree, the experience at Zip Zag Zipline will have you soaring high above the Saint John River and Grand Falls gorge. Thrill seekers will cross it twice, with the second crossing following in the footsteps of Joseph Van Morrell, who became the first man to tightrope walk over the gorge in 1904.

Seek out TreeGO in Moncton and Mactaquac, and Timbertop in Saint John, for a series of obstacle courses and aerial treetop adventures to inspire little explorers to spend time in the forest.

From one end of the province to the other, adventures are waiting for you. No matter where you choose to go, you’ll find people ready to welcome you and unexpected discoveries along the way.

READ MORE: Adventure, New Brunswick