The best walks and hikes around New Brunswick

Yes, New Brunswick has numerous options for families. Many trails are short, with minimal elevation gain, making them accessible for all ages. For a gentle walk through the woods, consider the Helyar Woods Trail loop. Provincial and National Parks, like Kouchibouguac with its boardwalks over peat bogs, also offer excellent, well-maintained paths perfect for a family outing.

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the province is home to some formidable long-distance trails. The Fundy Footpath is a renowned multi-day coastal trek known for its steep ravines and tidal crossings. Another significant challenge is the Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail, a 150-kilometer wilderness path following an ancient riverside route. These trails require careful planning and are a true test of backcountry skills.

Absolutely. New Brunswick is home to many beautiful waterfalls accessible by trail. Fundy National Park alone boasts 25 waterfalls. A popular local spot is Rutgers Ecological Preserve loop — Middlesex County, which offers a serene natural setting. For more dramatic falls, trails leading to places like Crooked Creek Falls and within Grand Falls Gorge are highly regarded by local hikers.

Many trails in New Brunswick are dog-friendly, but rules vary. Provincial Parks and many local trails often permit dogs on a leash. However, National Parks like Fundy and Kouchibouguac have specific regulations, sometimes restricting dogs from certain trails or backcountry areas to protect wildlife. Always check the specific park or trail regulations before you go.

Coastal hiking along the Bay of Fundy is defined by dramatic landscapes shaped by the world's highest tides. Trails often feature rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and stunning sea stacks like those at Hopewell Rocks. Be prepared for variable terrain and weather. It's a unique experience where you might be walking on the ocean floor at low tide and looking down at the water from a clifftop path a few hours later.

The most popular seasons for hiking are summer and autumn. Summer offers warm weather and long daylight hours, perfect for exploring the coast and forests. Autumn is spectacular, as the province's vast woodlands erupt in vibrant fall colors, and the cooler, crisp air is ideal for hiking. Spring can be wet and muddy, while winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing on many of the same trails.

Both parks offer fantastic but different hiking experiences. Fundy National Park is characterized by its rugged coastline, deep river valleys, and numerous waterfalls, offering more challenging terrain and elevation changes. Kouchibouguac National Park, on the other hand, is known for its gentler landscape of salt marshes, sand dunes, and warm saltwater lagoons, with many flat trails and boardwalks.

New Brunswick's diverse habitats support a rich variety of wildlife. In forested and mountainous areas like Mount Carleton Provincial Park, you have a chance to spot moose, white-tailed deer, and black bears. Coastal areas and parks like Kouchibouguac are fantastic for birdwatching, with opportunities to see shorebirds and herons. Always remember to observe wildlife from a safe and respectful distance.

Yes, there are many loop trails that allow you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. These are great for convenience and experiencing a variety of scenery. Many parks, such as Fundy National Park, feature well-marked loop systems of varying lengths. The Bridge over Six Mile Run – Red Trail loop from North Brunswick is one such example that is popular with local hikers.

The routes in New Brunswick are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Hikers often praise the region's natural beauty, from the dramatic coastal views along the Bay of Fundy to the tranquility of its lush, mossy forests. The well-maintained trails in the national and provincial parks are also frequently mentioned as a highlight.

There are over 20 hiking routes around New Brunswick available on komoot, ranging from easy strolls to more demanding paths. The province as a whole contains an extensive network of hundreds of trails, including epic long-distance routes and countless paths within its national parks, provincial parks, and nature preserves.