Moncton 
Credit: Hemmings House/Tourism New Brunswick
Snow doesn’t stop the fun in New Brunswick, it gets even more ‘snow’ fun going. New Brunswick is one of the best places to experience winter in Canada. So, grab your warmest winter clothes and experience a fantastic winter wonderland this year when you check out the bucket list activities listed below.
**Please note: Be aware of weather warnings, and road conditions and take necessary winter travel precautions. **
For other seasons, see:
1. Hit the Slopes
Credit: Crabbe Mountain
From bunny hills to huge vertical hills, the four ski resorts across New Brunswick have amazing hills to zip down. Whether you are a beginner or super experienced skier or snowboarder, you are sure to have a lot of fun on these fantastic snowy hills and trails.
- Crabbe Mountain, 50 Crabbe Mountain Road, Central Hainesville
- Sugarloaf Provincial Park, 360 Chem. Mont Farlagne, Saint-Jacques
- Mont Farlagne, 360 Chem. Mont Farlagne, Saint-Jacques
- Poley Mountain, 69 Poley Mountain Rd, Waterford
2. Go Zip-lining
Credit: TimberTop Adventures
Timbertop Zip Tours just added new ziplines to their course. During the winter, you can zip and climb your way over old-growth forests for a breathtaking view of the spectacular winter landscape. The experience includes a sleigh ride and warming up at a campfire with hot chocolate and cookies.
3. Hike or Snowshoe to a lookout
There is nothing better than being the first person to make tracks on a pristine trail in a snow-covered forest. Some trails are groomed during the winter to make winter hiking easier. However, many of the more breathtaking trails will remain covered, so you may need some snowshoes to explore them fully.
For a challenging hike, climb to a lookout and enjoy the views!!
- Sussex Bluffs Trail, 17 Rockridge Dr, Sussex Corner
- Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail, 394 Parlee Brook Road, Sussex
- Midland Ice Caves Trail, Upper Midland Rd, Norton
- Ganong Nature Park, 350 Todd’s Point Road, St. Stephen
- Simpson Hill Wilderness Trail Network, NB-127, Saint Croix Parish
Some of the parks may also have groomed XC ski trails or the fat bike trails along walking trails. Please do not walk/snowshoe on groomed trails.
4. See some frozen waterfalls
You may have explored N.B.’s waterfalls during summer, but frozen or snow-laden waterfalls provide a new level of extraordinary beauty. Hike to a magnificent waterfall in winter.
Remember to bundle up and wear reliable hiking shoes/snowshoes when you go.
**Do not stand underneath frozen/snow-laden falls as ice/snow might break away causing serious injuries.**
- Fall Brook Falls.
- Fundy National Park Waterfalls
- Hays Falls on the Maliseet Trail
- Fundy Trail Parkway Waterfalls
5. Go Glamping
Credit: New Brunswick Tourism
Get away from it all and have a relaxing weekend surrounded by a quiet forest. New Brunswick is packed with amazing cabins and yurts open during the colder months.
- Cielo Glamping Maritime, 232 Chemin des Huitres, Haut-Shippagan
- Glamp Camp, 6054 NB-105, Waterborough
- Yurts and oTENTiks, Fundy National Park
6. Take a Sleigh Ride
Credit: New Brunswick Tourism
Go dashing through the snow this winter on an open sleigh ride. Take a romantic ride with just two people or gather up the family for a memorable outdoor adventure.
- Broadleaf Ranch, 5526 Rte. 114, Hopewell Hill
- Sandwith’s Sleigh Rides, 2031 Route 620, Douglas Parish
- Rockwood Stables, Rockwood Park, 55 Lake Drive South, Saint John
- Clarke’s Sleigh Rides, 379 Mainstream Rd, Brighton
- and many more!
7. Skate Outdoors
Credit: New Brunswick Tourism
Grab your skates and hit the ice outside this winter. Whether you choose a historic location like Officers’ Square in Fredericton, natural locations like Lily Lake in Saint John or a pond that is all frozen solid, ice skating outdoors is a quintessential winter activity.
Warning: Do not skate on natural ice surfaces like ponds and lakes unless the ice is at least 15 cm thick. Strong ice is clear blue in colour.
8. Zoom on a Snowmobile
The volunteers at Snowmobile New Brunswick maintain 8,000 km of groomed trails across the province. Zoom through the forest and past the scenic coastlines while enjoying the rush of the wind in your face. Snowmobile permits are required.
9. Explore Snowy Trails on an ATV
Snowmobiling is not the only way to adventure across New Brunswick during winter. Local ATV clubs maintain more than 500 km of groomed trails (and ungroomed trails) across the province during winter. Contact your local club or check out the Quad NB website for trails and other pertinent information. You also need ATV permits.
10. Visit Provincial Parks and National Parks
Credit: Tourism New Brunswick
New Brunswick’s provincial and national parks turn into gorgeous winter wonderlands after a sparkly blanket of snowfall. Spend a fun day with the family kicking up snow, exploring the winter trails, or even skating on a frozen lake.
- Sugarloaf Provincial Park, 360 Chem. Mont Farlagne, Saint-Jacques
- Mactaquac Provincial Park, 1265 NB-105, Mactaquac – Free admission in winter
- Mount Carleton Provincial Park, 7612 Route 385, Saint-Quentin
- Fundy National Park
- Kouchibouguac National Park
11. Try Ice Fishing (or fish for free on the Fish New Brunswick Days )
The fish are waiting under that thick layer of ice. Gather up the family and head out on a fantastic winter adventure to see if the fish really are biting during the winter months.
If you want to try fishing during winter and do not want to spend money on getting a license, then the province offers license-free fishing on Family Day weekend in February.
If you need help, contact:
- Birch Bark Adventures, Lafleche St, Allardville Parish
- Palfrey Lake Lodge, McAdam
- Off the Charts Outfitters
12. Take a Road Trip
Credit: Mathieu Dupuis/Tourism New Brunswick
Winter is the perfect time to take a road trip, and New Brunswick is home to lovely scenic drives that are ready for you to explore. Even if you have explored the routes during the summer, take another look this winter and see how the landscape transforms during this season.
13. Winter Fat Biking
Credit: Mathieu Dupuis/Tourism New Brunswick
With huge tires, snow doesn’t stop these bikes. The tires are designed to grip the snow and ice to almost float over the winter terrains. Some parks offer fat bike rentals for you to try these fun cycling options, while others have groomed trails for mountain biking.
- Rockwood Park 55 Lake Drive South, Saint John
- Mont Farlagne Outdoor Centre, 60 Chem. Mont Farlagne, Saint-Jacques
- Mactaquac Provincial Park. 1265 NB-105, Mactaquac
- Sugarloaf Provincial Park
- Club plein air, 52 Rue du Colisee, Caraquet
- Fundy National Park & Kouchibouguac National Park
14. Take an Art Walk
From the world’s largest lobster in Shediac to the world’s largest axe in Nackawic and a plethora of outdoor artworks, New Brunswick cities and towns are home to sculptures and artworks that pay homage to various features and people of the land. Take a tour of the local outdoor artworks and see how the cold season transforms the look.
Where can you find the World’s Largest Maple Leaf?
15. Try Dog Sledding
Credit: New Brunswick Tourism
Try your hand at a traditional method of transportation this winter. Meet the amazing dog team and then cozy on the shed as you go dashing through the snow. From short few-hour tours to longer winter experiences, there is an adventure for everyone.
- Sled Dog Adventures, 5586 Route 134, Allardville
- Birch Bark Adventures, Bathurst
16. Rejuvenate at a Nordic Spa
Credit: Hemmings House/Tourism New Brunswick
If you want to be taken on a thermal cycle (alternating between hot and cold, followed by a period of rest) inspired from the traditions of Scandinavian countries then head to USVA Spa Nordik located 10 minutes from downtown Moncton.
- USVA Spa Nordik, 774 Front Mountain Road, Moncton
17. Slide Down a Hill
Centre plein air Mont Farlagne
We all have that one special hill that we love to go zipping down on a toboggan. With so many local favourites, it would be a shame to ruin the fun of discovering an amazing hill by listing them here.
But, if you want to try out the sophisticated cousin of the old-fashioned sledding, head to Sugarloaf Provincial Park or Mont Farlagne Outdoor Centre and tube down the hill!
18. Cross Country Skiing
Credit: Tourism New Brunswick
Okay, you sled down a hill, hit the slopes, rode an ATV, hiked, and now let us explore winding woodlands on skis. Technically, you can strap on cross-country skis and glide across the snow to your heart’s content. But if you want a more polished experience, visit parks like Fundy National Park and Kouchibouguac National Park, Sugarloaf Provincial Park, Mactaquac Provincial Park, and Mount Carleton Provincial Park which has groomed ski trails. Local ski clubs maintain groomed cross-country ski trails on golf resorts and other natural areas. You can also rent equipment and join the ‘Learn to Ski’ programs.
19. Spot Winter Birds
Many birds call New Brunswick home during the colder months. The Black-capped chickadee, New Brunswick’s provincial bird stays home year-round and can be spotted across the province. So, dress warmly and grab a binocular and see what birds you can spot this winter.
- Birding New Brunswick
- Sackville Waterfowl Park, 34 Mallard Dr, Sackville
- Irishtown Nature Park, 1155 Elmwood Dr, Moncton
- Daly Point Nature Reserve, 2105 Carron Dr, Bathurst
20. World Pond Hockey Championships
Credit: Tourism New Brunswick
We can not complete a list of outdoor winter activities in this province without mentioning the World Pond Hockey Championships.
The World Pond Hockey Championships occur in Plaster Rock in February. If you love hockey, particularly pond hockey, then this three-day quintessentially Canadian sporting event is the place for you to be.
21. Celebrate Winter
Credit: Shippagan’s Ice Carnival
Winter celebrations don’t stop after the Holidays. The holidays are just the start of winter celebrations in New Brunswick. Grab your coat and get together with your family and friends to rediscover the joy of the perfect snow day.
A list of N.B. winter festivals:
- Shivering Songs– Fredericton
- Frostival – Fredericton
- Plaisirs d’hiver Carnival – Lamèque
- Hubcap Comedy Festival – Moncton
- Winter Warmer Festival, St. Andrews
- Fundy Winterfest – Saint John
- Sackville Winterfest
- Shippagan’s Ice Carnival – February
- Dieppe Winter Carnival – usually held in Late January to Mid Februray
- Riverview Winter Carnival – February
- Appalachian Carnival – usually held in February
- Campbellton Sno-Fest– February
- East Restigouche Winter Festival – usually held in February/March
- Snow Blast Florenceville-Bristol – Usually held in February
- Perth-Andover Winter Carnival – Usually held in February
- Bathurst Snow Bear Winter Carnival – Usually held in February
- Shediac Winter Carnival – Usually held in February
- Saint-Quentin Winter Carnival– Usually held in February
22. Welcome Spring with a visit to a Sugar Bush
Credit: Kings Landing
At the end of winter, treat yourself to something sweet before the snow melts away. Visit sugar bushes in the province to see how tree sap turns into the iconic maple syrup and taste maple taffy and maple toffee.
If you are not a fan of Old Man Winter:
Relax at an indoor spa
The colder winter air can be very stressful on the body, along with the busy holiday months. Relax at a spa and let your stress melt away. Check out our list of Spa Getaways in New Brunswick
Warm Up With Some Indoor Fun
If it gets too chilly or snowy outside, the fun doesn’t have to stop, just spend a fun day inside making precious memories with your family and friends. Play games, dip in the pool, or learn something new this winter.
