New Brunswick is one of Canada’s best-kept outdoor secrets. Covered in roughly 80% forest, the province offers rolling hills, ancient river valleys, dramatic coastal bluffs, and the world’s highest tides — all accessible by trail. Whether you’re lacing up boots for the first time or hunting for a multi-day wilderness challenge, New Brunswick has something waiting for you.
Here’s a guide to the trails worth knowing, organized by fitness level.
Easy Trails: Great Views, Gentle Pace
Laverty Falls Trail — Fundy National Park
Distance: 4.7 km | Time: ~1.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy
This is one of those trails that delivers a big payoff for minimal effort. A well-maintained, accessible path winds through classic Acadian forest before arriving at a beautiful waterfall. It’s family-friendly, suitable for beginners, and a perfect introduction to the magic of Fundy National Park.
Irving Nature Park — Saint John
Distance: 7 km loop | Time: ~2–3 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Located on Taylors Island near Saint John, this loop trail is a favourite among locals for good reason. You’ll pass multiple ocean lookouts, have easy beach access, and spot abundant coastal wildlife along the way. The trails are well-marked and the terrain is gentle, making it ideal for a relaxed morning hike or a family outing.
Hopewell Rocks Trails — Hopewell Cape
Distance: Varies | Time: 1–2 hours | Difficulty: Easy
No list of New Brunswick hikes is complete without Hopewell Rocks. These trails let you explore the famous flowerpot rock formations carved by the Bay of Fundy’s extraordinary tides. Time your visit around low tide to walk on the ocean floor — one of the more surreal experiences Atlantic Canada has to offer.
Barnaby Head Trail — Bay of Fundy
Distance: ~6 km | Time: ~2 hours | Difficulty: Easy
A lovely, low-key trail offering ocean views, forested sections, and a boardwalk through a bog area. Hikers regularly spot coastal birds and wildlife. This one is often described as a hidden gem — beautiful scenery without the crowds.
Moderate Trails: A Rewarding Challenge
Mount Bailey — Mount Carleton Provincial Park
Distance: ~8 km | Time: ~3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
If you’re ready to step up the effort without committing to a serious summit, Mount Bailey is an excellent choice. At 564 metres, the trail offers a steady climb through dense Acadian forest with ample opportunities to spot deer and moose along the way. Binoculars are strongly recommended.
Cape Enrage Trail — Waterside
Distance: ~0.5–2 km | Time: 1–2 hours | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Cape Enrage sits on the southern tip of a headland jutting into the Bay of Fundy, and the clifftop views of the rising and falling tides are nothing short of dramatic. It’s a shorter hike, but the scenery is outsized — the kind of place you visit once and never forget. On clear days, you can watch the world’s most extreme tidal shift unfold in real time.
Dobson Trail — Riverview to Fundy National Park
Distance: 58 km linear | Time: 3–5 days | Difficulty: Moderate
The Dobson Trail is a classic multi-day route that connects the Greater Moncton area to Fundy National Park, passing through diverse ecosystems and quiet rural communities. Most hikers tackle it in sections rather than end-to-end, making it adaptable to your time and energy. It’s a wonderful way to experience New Brunswick’s interior landscape.
Difficult Trails: For the Serious Hiker
Mount Carleton Summit Trail — Mount Carleton Provincial Park
Distance: 9.3–10 km loop | Elevation Gain: ~420 m | Time: 3–4 hours | Difficulty: Difficult
At 820 metres, Mount Carleton is the highest peak in New Brunswick — and the highest in all of Maritime Canada. The summit trail is a loop through Acadian forest that builds to a rocky ridge with 360-degree views across seemingly endless boreal wilderness. Near the top, the trail gets rocky and steep, requiring some careful footwork, but the payoff is unbeatable. On a clear day, you feel like you can see all of New Brunswick at once.
The park is open mid-May through mid-October, and a day-use fee applies per vehicle. Sturdy hiking boots and at least two litres of water are a must.
Mount Sagamook Trail — Mount Carleton Provincial Park
Distance: ~9.3 km | Elevation Gain: ~500 m | Time: 3–4.5 hours | Difficulty: Difficult
Many seasoned hikers argue that Mount Sagamook, at 777 metres, actually offers better views than Mount Carleton itself. The ascent is noticeably steeper and more rugged than the Carleton trail — expect rocky terrain, some sections where you’re climbing rather than hiking, and little tree cover near the top. It’s demanding, but the summit rewards you with panoramic views across the Maritimes’ highest terrain.
Fundy Footpath — Bay of Fundy Coast
Distance: 41–50 km linear | Time: 3–4 days | Difficulty: Very Difficult
Widely considered one of the best long-distance hikes in Canada, the Fundy Footpath is not for the faint of heart. This multi-day wilderness trail runs along the rugged Bay of Fundy coastline, crossing rivers and ravines with spectacular views at every turn. It should only be attempted by experienced backcountry hikers with proper gear, navigation skills, and water filtration equipment — there are no services out here. But for those who are ready for it, this trail is genuinely world-class.
International Appalachian Trail (IAT) — Province-Wide
Distance: 270+ km (NB section) | Time: 2–3 weeks | Difficulty: Difficult
The New Brunswick section of the IAT stretches from the Maine border to the Gaspé Peninsula in Québec. Most people don’t attempt it in one go — instead, they pick a stretch for a few days at a time. The final sections attract hikers who finish their journey on the water by canoe. Camping facilities exist along the route, but this is serious backcountry travel that demands experience and preparation.
Tips Before You Go
Gear up properly. Even easy New Brunswick trails can involve roots, rocks, and unpredictable Maritime weather. Sturdy waterproof footwear is worth the investment for anything beyond a boardwalk.
Plan around the tides. For coastal trails near the Bay of Fundy, especially Hopewell Rocks and Cape Enrage, always check tide tables before heading out.
Bug season is real. From late May through July, blackflies and mosquitoes can be relentless. Bring insect repellent and consider a head net for backcountry routes.
Many trails are free. Provincial land trails generally cost nothing to access. National parks like Fundy and Kouchibouguac require a Parks Canada pass or day-use fee.
Best season: Mid-June through October offers the most reliable trail conditions. Fall is particularly spectacular as the Acadian forest turns brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold.
New Brunswick rewards the hikers who show up. The trails are less crowded than the national parks of western Canada, the scenery is genuinely stunning, and the province’s mix of coastal, forest, and mountain terrain means there’s always a new trail to explore. Start wherever your fitness level takes you — and let the trails do the rest.
