This winter, take a few short hikes to enjoy breathtaking views created by beautiful waterfalls across New Brunswick that have been frozen in time by the cold winter air. The following trails feature waterfalls or ice caves/walls with spectacular (and unique) ice formations.
Caution: Remember to wear boots with good grip or buy ice tracks (cleats) for shoes to prevent slips and falls.
Midland Ice Caves
New Brunswick’s most popular frozen waterfall is found along a well-known hiking and snowmobile trail. The trail is well-marked to the gorgeous ice caves. When it is really cold, you can walk up to the waterfall and even venture into the caves.
Tracy Falls
Off the beaten path near Willow Grove is the spectacular Tracy Falls. Surrounded by sheer granite walls, the water crashes into a stream at the bottom. During the winter, the granite walls are coated in an icy glaze. The trail to the falls is an ATV trail, so it can be challenging at points for hikers.
Fall Brook Falls
New Brunswick’s highest continual running waterfalls freeze during the winter months. The trail to the falls follows the Fall Brook stream through a mixed wood forest and down into a ravine. The orange-coloured rock walls and evergreens add fantastic pops of colour to the white snow-covered forest.
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Devil’s Oven Ice Caves
The second set of ice caves in New Brunswick is in Minto. To reach the ice caves, you have to walk along and even across the frozen river at some points. Those who complete the challenging hike are rewarded with a large ice cave made that has gorgeous colored icicles. The access road to the ice caves be treacherous, so it is recommended to take the Newcastle stream trail.
Lepreau Falls
Often referred to as one of New Brunswick’s best driven by waterfalls, the Lepreau Falls are easy to spot from the road. The falls do not fully freeze during the colder months. Be sure to head down the trail to the observation deck to get a better view of the icy falls.
Coac Falls
It is a long hike (around 3km) to reach the beautiful Coac Falls. The trail leading to the falls is an ATV trail and is well-marked. The falls are over 20 meters tall, which makes them some of the tallest waterfalls in New Brunswick.
Dunbar Falls
The trail to Dunbar Falls is beautiful but can be very treacherous at times due to thick ice. These beautiful short falls and the stream freeze create a stunningly beautiful view for those who are brave enough to travel on the trail.
Welsford Falls
Spotting the trail to Welsford Falls can be challenging during the winter. However, the falls is worth taking the time to find the trail and make the hike to them. Along the gorge, there are a number of pretty frozen waterfalls that you will see.
Howland Falls
This gem is located in the scenic Mactaquac Provincial Park. The amount of water rushing down and freezing depends greatly on the rainfall during the fall and the snow melting during the winter. The trail into the gorge is manageable throughout the winter.
Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail
If you want to snowshoe or hike a moderate, lightly trafficked trail to see a spectacular view, spend a day on the 6.6 km Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail. The trail has a gorgeous view of a lake that has a few beaver homes/dams, and a valley with a giant ice wall. Rember to wear sturdy boots (with ice cleats, if possible).