What to do and see in New Brunswick, New Brunswick: The Best Outdoor Activities

September 1, 2021 Misti Hsu

From the heights of the Bay of Fundy tides to the sandy beaches and warm waters of the Acadian coast, New Brunswick is home to spectacular natural wonders and first-class attractions. The Canadian province is also renowned for its outdoor adventures, natural and recreational parks, pristine rivers, lively cities, picturesque towns and vibrant culture. Add a dash of Acadian joie de vivre and its people’s legendary friendliness and you have the makings of a truly unique Maritime experience.
Restaurants in New Brunswick

1. Dobson Trail

Riverview, New Brunswick E1J 1S1 Canada https://www.townofriverview.ca/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-trails/dobson-trail
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Dobson Trail

2. Saints Rest Beach

Saint John, New Brunswick E2M 4Z9 Canada
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Saints Rest Beach

3. Belding's Reef Nature Preserve

Chance Harbour Road, Chance Harbour, New Brunswick E5J 1Z4 Canada +1 506-457-2398 http://www.naturetrust.nb.ca/wp/blog/beldings-reef/
Excellent
100%
Good
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Belding's Reef Nature Preserve

4. Sentier Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail

Bathurst, New Brunswick E2A 6H2 Canada +1 506-252-3171 http://www.migmaqtrail.ca
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Sentier Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail

Reviewed By 899grante - Nashville, United States

A nice walk along the river from Red Brook to Pabineau Falls. Awesome view of the falls from the ledge.

5. Fredericton Trails Coalition Inc.

Fredericton, New Brunswick E3A 5L7 Canada +1 905-789-2134 [email protected] http://www.frederictontrailscoalition.com
Excellent
92%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Fredericton Trails Coalition Inc.

Over 115kms of converted Railway lines promote an active and environmentally-friendly recreational tourist network. With over 115kms of groomed trials (23kms paved), they transverse Fredericton and connect NB Trial routes forming loops from the Mactaquac Dam to Oromocto and beyond along the both shores of the Saint John River. One hour or one day trips, for the adventurous and families alike.

Reviewed By POP775

Joined the trail behind Isaac's Way Restaurant and headed across the old railway bridge. Was able to ride on paved, then gravel trail for about 12.5 kms before I decided to turn back. Trail was well maintained and easily accommodated bike riders, runners, walkers, and strollers. On the way back, went down to the road into Marysville, met back up with the trail and took the branch trail through Marysville. A great place to ride and would certainly recommend the trail.

6. Fundy Trail Parkway

3 Fundy Trail Parkway, St. Martins, New Brunswick E5R 0A2 Canada +1 866-386-3987 [email protected] http://www.fundytrailparkway.com
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 606 reviews

Fundy Trail Parkway

The ultimate Bay of Fundy eco-adventure. Drive the paved parkway that hugs the coastal cliffs. Lace up your hiking boots and hop on your mountain bike and explore the trails. These connect to paths and stairways which lead to pristine beaches and tumbling waterfalls, Precambrian rocks, 250m cliffs that tower at the water's edge. If that doesn't take your breath away, just check out the view - the spectacular, stunning Bay of Fundy. The trail has been carved out of the Fundy Escarpment, one of the last remaining coastal wilderness areas between Florida and Labrador. Most of the elements of the Fundy ecosystem exist within this area including the dramatic Fundy tides. At the Interpretive Centre you'll find original artifacts and old photos from a bygone era, when logging, fishing and shipbuilding were an economic mainstay of this region. Guided tours to Hearst Lodge and Great Day Experiences for the family or groups are available. The Interpretive Centre also provides a snack bar, restroom facilities and a small retail outlet. Above the Centre, there is a suspension bridge across the sparkling waters of the Big Salmon River and the beginning of the wilderness Fundy Footpath.

Reviewed By maritimeexplorer - Nova Scotia, Canada

New Brunswick's Fundy Trail Parkway joins Nova Scotia's Cabot Trail and Newfoundland and Labrador's Viking Trail as one of the great scenic drives, not just in Atlantic Canada, but in all of North America. Here's why you must drive it, bike it or hike it soon. I first visited the parkway in 2013 on an RV trip, but at that time it ended just past Big Salmon River and you had to return to St. Martins the western entrance to the parkway. I knew that the plans were to eventually make the Fundy Trail Parkway a through route from St. Martins to just outside Fundy National Park, but was not aware that in 2020 the parkway had opened an eastern entrance which was connected by an almost entirely new route to the town of Sussex. This is not to be confused with the final completion to Fundy National Park which is slated to open in 2021 and will provide another reason to return to experience this world class drive. It is important to know exactly what a parkway is in contrast to other types of highways. Essentially parkways are routes from which commercial traffic is prohibited, maximum speeds are limited and which are meant to provide an enjoyable experience traversing them by looking at great scenery. Many also include numerous lookoffs, trailheads and interpretation centres. They predate the automobile, but really came into prominence during the Depression when a number of famous parkways such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive and Natchez Trace were constructed as part of the infrastructure programs of the New Deal. Parkways are expensive to build and have their critics who always think the money could be better spent on more 'practical things' like public housing. It took political courage and foresight for former premier Frank McKenna to press ahead with the Fundy Trail Parkway and now that it is a reality almost everyone agrees it was a great idea. We decided to drive the Fundy Trail Parkway from the eastern end to the western. Starting in Sussex would make for an approximately 110 km. (68 mile) circular loop from where we could then reach Alma just outside Fundy National Park in another half hour or so. From Sussex the signage to the parkway is quite good, taking you past Poley Mountain Ski Resort and the road into Adair's Wilderness Lodge which used to be as far as you could go. Now you'll find brand spanking new blacktop that at this time of year was flanked by fall colours and a prelude of what was to come. There is a kiosk at the eastern entrance where you buy your entry pass - $10.00 for adults, $9.00 for seniors, $32.00 for a family. Considering what this gives you access to, it is a bargain. There are twenty-one lookouts, seven beaches, nine special points of interest, sixteen observation decks, four waterfalls and no less than twenty hiking trails including the rugged multi-day Fundy Footpath which connects Fundy National Park to the Interpretive Centre at Big Salmon River. The newly opened eastern section of the Fundy Trail Parkway starts off well away from the coastline, but offers instead of ocean views, easy to moderate trails overlooking Walton Glen Gorge aka The Grand Canyon of New Brunswick, McLeod Brook Falls and McCumber Brook wetlands. There are observation decks at Walton Glen and McCumber Brook. If you actually want to descend into Walton Glen Gorge rather than just see it from the observation deck, be prepared for a very tough slog on the only trail in the system that is marked as a double black diamond. These trails are all accessed from the parking lot at the small interpretive centre near the eastern gate. From the eastern entrance it is about ten kilometres to the first of the twenty-one lookouts, each seemingly more spectacular than the last. One could easily do a photo essay just using pictures taken from these lookouts, but for now I'll settle on posting just a few with this review. The Bay of Fundy is one of the great natural wonders of the world and it is incredible and praiseworthy that New Brunswick has preserved a huge swath of it from St. Martins to Alma for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

7. Sackville Waterfowl Park

100 Main St, Sackville, New Brunswick E4L 4A7 Canada +1 506-364-4967
Excellent
76%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
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4.5 based on 168 reviews

Sackville Waterfowl Park

Reviewed By theicecreamcoop

Beautiful trails, waterfowl, wildlife! Cleared trails in the winter. Guided tours available spring to fall.

8. Parlee Beach

45 Ch Parlee Beach, Shediac, New Brunswick E4P 8V5 Canada +1 506-533-3363 http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/Parks/ParleeBeachProvincialPark.aspx
Excellent
56%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 428 reviews

Parlee Beach

Reviewed By Worldtravelinfo - Mosta, Russia

Long stretch of beautiful sand makes Parle Beach as one the provincial national parks best kept beaches. Pristine, clean water and wonderful on a hot day it is very popular with tourists and locals alike. Take parasols, sun tan cream and water as there is no shade on the beach. Took a lovely stroll along the beach and loved it.

9. French Fort Cove

1111 King George Highway, Miramichi, New Brunswick Canada http://www.miramichilandings.com/frenchfort
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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4.5 based on 68 reviews

French Fort Cove

Reviewed By NBtraveller457 - Miramichi, Canada

Beautiful trails with even better views of the water. There's a headless nun tour that is really interested typically offered each year too, it walks you through the trails and tells you the story based on the different locations. I love this place in the fall for pictures, all the trees and the water makes for a beautiful background and there is enough of them spaced out well enough that they can still comfortably be used this year with not much concern of being around others!

10. New River Beach Provincial Park

78 New River Beach Rd, New River Beach, New Brunswick E5J 1G7 Canada https://parcsnbparks.ca/NewRiverBeach
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 74 reviews

New River Beach Provincial Park

Reviewed By JLC1481 - Ontario, Canada

This is the perfect spot to bring the family for a day of fun. They have picnic areas with charcoal grills ready for use, a camp ground, play ground, local restaurants and lots and lots of sand and surf. The coastline is expansive, so there's lots of room to play a game of Frisbee or fly a kite, or just run around. The wind can be strong and the water can be cold, so you may not swim but you'll still have a great time. Grab a lounge chair, a book and enjoy! *Have to pay for parking*

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