New Brunswick is one of Canada’s most beautiful east-coast provinces. And in the winter-time, it’s a haven for outdoor sport enthusiasts and those who would rather be indoors by the fire with hot chocolate. If you’re planning a winter vacation, spend at least a few days and enjoy New Brunswick in all of it’s snow-spangled glory!
Here are ten winter getaways in New Brunswick.
Crabbe Mountain
There is no finer way to spend a weekend in New Brunswick during the winter than to take the slopes! There are over 30 kilometres of skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing trails for you to explore, suitable for all skill levels. For those of you who don’t ski or snowboard and therefore don’t have your own gear, Crabbe Mountain provides rentals for you. There are also skiing/snowboarding lessons available on certain days of the week — so, if you’re planning on spending several days, or your entire vacation at Crabbe Mountain, then it might be worth taking some lessons before you hit the slopes!
Crabbe Mountain is a fantastic way to spend a week in New Brunswick, getting outdoors and experiencing winter on the slopes!
Snowmobiling the Northern Odyssey Loop
The Northern Odyssey Loop is a more than 1500 kilometre loop of snowmobile trails through northern New Brunswick. Running through the northern communities of Miramichi, up the north-east coast and around the Acadian Peninsula, through Caraquet and Bathurst, before heading north-west to Campbellton near the Quebec border and then finally south-west through Edmundston before looping back east. While this is a circumnavigatory route, you can always plan your own route and create your own adventure! Before you leave for your trip, you will need to be sure that you have the right permits for the journey, which you can find all of the information about here. Regardless of how long you’re going for, or where you’re going, the Northern Odyssey Loop will provide you with much fun to be had, and beautiful places to see. Despite it being winter, it is the winter that one often finds the best adventures in New Brunswick.
Sled Dog Mushing Adventures, Allardville
World Pond Hockey Championships
The World Pond Hockey Championships take place in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick every year during February. If you love hockey and in particular, pond hockey, then this three-day quintessentially-Canadian sporting event is the place for you to be. Further information can be obtained here.
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Fredericton’s Frostival
Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick is home to many winter festivals and other activities associated with the winter season in the province. Most of those are indoors, and therein one can explore its many museums. Chief among these winter festivals is “FROSTival” – a three -week event from late January to Early to Mid February – there are skating parties and ice sculpting competitions and live music. While it is a 16-day festival, you should be sure to check the schedule and plan your days spent at the festival wisely. For those days when you’re not at the FROSTival, be sure to take in the rest of New Brunswick’s beautiful capital. Mactaquac Provincial Park comes alive with outdoor activity during Fredericton’s FROSTival celebrations.
Shivering Songs Festival
Snowshoeing, Sledding, and Winter Camping at Kouchibouguac National Park
The first National Park to appear on our list is Kouchibouguac on the east coast of New Brunswick, situated between Miramichi and St. Louis-de-Kent, Kouchibouguac National Park is a fantastic winter destination for the avid adventurer. Kouchibouguac is home to over 60 kilometers of multi-use trails and even provides space for those seeking a more ‘authentic’ winter experience with back-country winter camping! Petit Large is the campground you’re looking for, as it’s open year-round and offers authentic back-country winter camping experience. You’ll need to bring your own gear, though! That aside, you can enjoy snowshoeing, sledding and cross-country skiing in the Park. There are also winter rustic shelters, for those seeking a more cosy night’s sleep.
Kouchibouguac National Park is the perfect place to spend a few days outdoors, in the snow in New Brunswick.
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Festival of Lights, Woodstock
The Festival of Lights in Woodstock is one of New Brunswick’s many festivals celebrating all of the magical lighting of Christmas. It takes place over two days in the middle of November. While each festival is slightly different, there is usually a torchlight parade on Friday evenings with Santa, followed by evening entertainment, including fireworks and the lighting of a large Christmas tree. Saturdays are then filled by fun at the Woodstock including unique artisan creations designed specifically for the festival, followed by a craft fair later in the day.
The Festival of Lights on Friday evening is the real highlight of the day. It’s close enough to Christmas that there’s a Christmas cheer in the air and generally a fun way to spend a weekend in Woodstock.
Poley Mountain
If you’re interested in making your winter holiday in New Brunswick a skiing holiday, then it may help to diversify the place where you ski. We’ve already mentioned Crabbe Mountain and Kouchibouguac National Park, but for those seeking the ultimate downhill skiing experience, look no further than Poley Mountain near Sussex. It’s not only a place where on skis, it’s also a ski resort (so, if you’d like to spend a week at the resort, you’re able to!). It is the premier downhill skiing destination in the province. It also offers skiing lessons and equipment rentals, so no fear if you don’t have your own skis. Unlike Crabbe Mountain, it also offers weddings (if you’d like to get married on a mountain!) and live music throughout the winter season.
Ice Fishing.
Get your fishing license (~$50 per shanty) and ice fish at Big Nictau Lake in Mount Carleton Provincial Park. If you’re a cross-country skier or snowshoe enthusiast, you can also enjoy un-groomed scenic trails of largest provincial park in the Province of New Brunswick.
Sugar Bush
Get to Sugar Bush in La Causerie, a wooded 125 hectare place to zoom on skidoos amidst Maple trees. During winter months, the Maple Lounge is open for groups and one can enjoy BBQ, hot wine punch from the fire pit and other drinks from the lounge bar will make your stay an extraordinary experience.
When the signs of spring appear, visit the Sugar Bush to delight your taste buds. Whether you want to enjoy breakfast buffet (from March) or the annual sugar licking, you will find a cozy atmosphere at the Bush.