Moncton 
The Fundy Trail Parkway is New Brunswick’s crown jewel of driving tours – it’s also navigable as a thru-hike.
Fundy Trail Parkway
It features more than 35km of hiking and biking trails, more than a dozen points of interest along the route, four waterfalls, twenty-one ‘lookout’ points, two dozen hiking paths and much more!
For those looking for the ultimate New Brunswick adventure along its southern coast, the Fundy Trail Parkway is the place for you to spend your summer vacation. If you’re an outdoorsy person who loves all things hiking, biking and the ocean, you’ll love the Fundy Trail Parkway. It’s great because it’s versatile. You can drive, hike, or cycle the paved coastal route.
There is an admission fee to explore the parkway and the Fundy Trail Parkway Pass costs $34 for a family, $6 for youth, and $11 for adults.
Should you decide to take a trip (you’ll need to spend at least a couple of days, in order to experience it properly), here are 14 adventures to give a go!
The Interpretive Centre
For those unfamiliar with the area entirely, spend some time at the Interpretive Centre (your first stop on the Parkway). It’s here that you’ll learn about the Parkway’s history as a project, the history and geology of this part of the Fundy Coast, and be able to learn more about the numerous trails, sights and things to do along the Parkway drive. Parkway guides are there to help and are fluent in both English and French.
Big Salmon River Lookout
If you’re looking for a relatively easy hike with a stunning view over the Bay of Fundy at the end of it, then the Big Salmon River Lookout is the trail for you. The lookout offers great views of Nova Scotia and Quaco Head – another point of interest along the Fundy Trail Parkway, it’s a great spot to bring a picnic and relax!
A Hike to Walton Glen Gorge
If you’re looking for a great hike to test your tenacity, with a stunning reward at the end of it, then you have to spend an afternoon hiking the Walton Glen Gorge. It’s a 4-kilometre trail that will likely take you about four hours. It’s a good hike for a beginner, as it isn’t overly strenuous – there is a steep section, so hike with care!
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Passing Through the Eye of the Needle
The “Eye of the Needle” is one of the most difficult trails along the Fundy Trail Parkway. Despite its short distance at 1.2 km, it’s a scramble up and a scramble down. This will involve holding onto a chain-link fence along a narrow cliff edge and scrambling up various – somewhat dangerous – cliffside. Remember, once you go up, you also have to come down. Make sure you know what you’re doing and climb at your own risk.
Take in the Salmon River from the Suspension Footbridge
A relatively new addition to the Fundy Parkway is a suspension footbridge that crosses the Salmon River. A short five minute walk in the woods will lead you to this spot. It’s a great view of the Salmon River, snaking its way through the Parkway. At 274 feet long, this footbridge replaced a covered bridge that was once there – though unfortunately it was washed out in a Spring flood. Another great Instagram location along the Parkway.
A Stunning View from the Lighthouse Observation Deck
If you’re on the lookout for a look-out, then the Lighthouse Observation Deck is one of a great many options! This observation deck is a great place to stop and admire the view of St. Martins in one direction (where there are the St. Martins’ Sea Caves!) and Quaco in the other, where there is the famous Quaco lighthouse.
Hike the Hearst Lodge Trail
The Hearst Lodge Trail is a 2.6km (one way) trail, crossing over the suspension bridge and going uphill from there. The trailhead is located near the parking lot P8, and can be a difficult climb along the old Salmon River Road, for those inexperienced. It is a ‘moderate’ to ‘difficult’ rated trail, according to the Fundy Trail’s website. This trail will take you up, high above the Salmon River, with spectacular views in store for you.
Explore New Brunswick’s Wood History with “Lumbering Days”
The ‘Lumbering Days’ exhibition is a static exhibition, located about 10km along the Fundy Parkway, it features a static portable sawmill that pays homage to the New Brunswick foresters of its day – when forestry was so incredibly important to the local area. The Lumbering Days site also features a cookhouse, where one can take a glimpse into the history of the area with paintings and other artwork.
Hike the Long Beach Brook Falls Footpath
This is a mixed difficulty trail, ranging from moderate to difficult over mostly flat terrain, with a few steeper sections. The trail becomes more rocky as you enter the Long Beach Brook Falls. This is a short hike, at 2.2km – so take an afternoon and hike to the Long Beach Brook Falls and enjoy the beauty of the falls and the cool water – take a dip to cool off!
Pay Homage to Those Lost to the Sea
For those who enjoy the sea-faring history of New Brunswick, the Fundy Parkway features the Sea Captain’s Burial Ground. It is, exactly as described, a burial ground for those lost at sea near the Fundy Coast. There is a short 0.4km walking trail that surrounds the burial ground for you to walk. It’s easy and flat. Make this trail a cut-through on your way down the Parkway.
Have a Picnic on The Green
Located near Parking Lot 6, “The Green” is one of the Fundy Trail Parkway’s largest greenspaces and family gathering sites. It’s home to a small concert stage – often used to put on performances during the summer and a large grassy space, perfect for a picnic either on the grass, or at one of the many picnic tables dotted around.
Grab the picnic basket and enjoy a lunch on The Green during your time on the Parkway.
McCumber Brook Wetlands
If you’re a lover of birds and waterfowl, then a visit to the McCumber Brook Wetlands, off the trail for some 1.2km (it is very well signposted!) will get you right in the heart of waterfowl action. This preserved wetland might be a little muddy underfoot, so wear your boots if it has rained recently! To learn more about New Brunswick’s wetlands, visit the provincial website.
Bike the Multi-Use Trail
While technically all of the Fundy Trail Parkway is multi-use, it has a particular trail that’s also called “Multi-Use”. This trail runs 10km, from Parking Lot 1 (P1) to Parking Lot 7 (P7) and features everything from forests and footbridges to oceanside hiking. It’s great for bikes and people and can be done in a day if on a bike, or – if on foot – best broken up into sections over many days.
For Those Craving More: Hike the Fundy Footpath!
One of the greatest endurance hikes in the entire province – the Fundy Footpath is a forty-one kilometre slog through the forests and coastline of southern New Brunswick. This trail begins at the Visitor Information Centre of Fundy Trail Parkway and meanders through thick forest and gorgeous coastline to take you on the adventure of a lifetime. It’s best done with friends, and those who are experienced hikers, as the terrain can be challenging at times! If you’re looking for a great way to spend a week’s vacation, then a five-day slog along the Fundy Footpath is high on the list.
