If you’re looking for a coastal adventure in New Brunswick that doesn’t require a plane ticket or a passport, the Fundy Trail Parkway deserves a spot at the top of your list. Perched along one of the last stretches of undeveloped coastal wilderness between Florida and Labrador, this park delivers waterfalls, sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and a canyon locals call “the Grand Canyon of New Brunswick” — all within a single day trip. Here’s everything a first-timer needs to know before lacing up their boots.
What Exactly Is the Fundy Trail?
The Fundy Trail Provincial Park spans roughly 2,559 hectares along a 30-kilometre scenic parkway that hugs the Bay of Fundy coastline. Within the park, you’ll find about 35 kilometres of hiking and biking trails and more than 20 lookouts, all part of the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve and Stonehammer Geopark.
There’s a wide, crushed-rock Multi-Use Trail that runs parallel to the parkway road for about 10 kilometres, connecting the front gate to the Big Salmon River Visitor Centre. Along the way, smaller side trails branch off to waterfalls, flowerpot rock formations, gravel beaches, and old cemeteries. For long-distance hikers, the park is also the starting point of the legendary Fundy Footpath — a 48-to-64-kilometre wilderness route (accounts vary slightly depending on the exact endpoints used) that has been ranked among the best hikes in the world. That one’s a multi-day commitment best saved for a future trip.
Getting There
The park has entrances at both ends of the parkway:
- From St. Martins (the western/eastern gate depending on your source’s orientation — signage on site will clarify), the drive in is straightforward and well marked.
- From Fundy National Park’s east gate, drive about 15 kilometres to a stop sign, turn left, and continue another 10 kilometres to reach the park’s eastern entrance.
- From Sussex, follow signs for the Fundy Trail Parkway, passing Poley Mountain ski hill along the way.
If the gate happens to be closed when you arrive, the Multi-Use Trail is still accessible about 500 metres before the gate.
The Hikes Worth Your Time
Walton Glen Gorge Lookout — This is the park’s signature view, and it’s an easy, short walk from the parking area. The lookout platform gives you a sweeping view into a deep gorge with a 42-metre waterfall tumbling down the opposite cliff face. If you’re an experienced hiker with proper gear, the more adventurous Walton Glen Gorge Trail descends into the gorge itself — save this for good weather and sturdy footwear.
Long Beach Brook Falls & McLeod Brook Falls — A roughly 2-kilometre moderate loop takes you past both waterfalls in one outing, making it one of the better bang-for-your-effort hikes in the park.
Long Beach — At low tide, this beach stretches out for half a kilometre into the Bay of Fundy, exposing a 2.5-kilometre shoreline of ocean floor perfect for exploring. It’s the most accessible of the park’s seven beaches and has washrooms and an interpretive centre nearby.
Hearst Lodge Scenic Footpath — A 2.6-kilometre one-way trail rated moderate to strenuous, starting near the suspension bridge and following the old Salmon River Road.
The full Multi-Use Trail — If you want to see the whole park on foot, the full 10-kilometre trail is rated moderate, with a few steep grades. It’s very doable broken into shorter sections if you’d rather not commit to the whole thing at once.
What to Pack
- Proper footwear. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots — sandals and sneakers aren’t cutting it on the loose rock and gravel sections.
- Water and snacks. Food services are limited along the parkway, so bring your own.
- Layers. Weather along the Bay of Fundy shifts quickly, and fog can roll in even on a clear morning.
- A tide schedule. If beaches or sea caves are on your list, check tide times before you go — the Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world, and getting stranded is a real risk.
- A camera. You’ll want proof of those cliffside views.
Tips for First-Timers
- Pick a clear day if you can. The coastal views are the whole point, and fog cuts visibility significantly.
- Don’t try to do everything in one visit. Between the drive-through lookouts, short walks, and longer trails, trying to cram it all into one day means rushing past the best parts. Pick 2–3 highlights and enjoy them properly.
- Check for seasonal closures. Some features, like suspension bridges, occasionally close for renovations — worth a quick check before you drive out.
- Start early. Parking fills up at popular stops like Long Beach and Walton Glen Gorge during peak summer months.
- Bring cash or a card for the interpretive centres. The Big Salmon River Interpretive Centre has a boutique, a short film on the area’s shipbuilding and lumber history, and a cookhouse serving food and drinks.
Final Thoughts
The Fundy Trail Parkway is one of those rare spots that rewards both casual sightseers and serious hikers in equal measure. You can drive from lookout to lookout and still leave impressed, or you can lace up and spend a full day chasing waterfalls and gorge views on foot. Either way, go in with a full water bottle, a charged camera, and a little respect for the tides — the Bay of Fundy doesn’t wait for anyone.
