Introduction
When most people think about hiking in Canada, they immediately conjure up images of the majestic Rocky Mountains of Western Canada such as Banff and Jasper National Parks, or the beautiful coasts of Vancouver. While Western Canada certainly has some natural wonders that deserve to be explored, Canada is a huge country with an abundance of natural beauty.
The eastern Maritime provinces, especially New Brunswick offer some of the most outstanding, though underappreciated hiking trails to be found anywhere in Canada. From rapids that flow upstream at high tide to close to 1,000 meter peaks, there are some hidden wonders to be explored in New Brunswick. If planning a road trip up the eastern part of the North American continent, Live Once Live Wild, a site about national parks, offers some great information on places to visit. If you want specific ideas about how to explore New Brunswick, here are five of the best hiking trails that you need to discover if headed to the eastern coast of Canada.
Fundy Footpath
While this 41 kilometer one way path is not for beginners, it is easily the best way to get to see and enjoy the pure wilderness of New Brunswick. The best way to hike this park is access the trailhead at Fundy National Park. The trail offers spectacular views of the Big Salmon River and the Fundy Bay. However, even experienced hikers have had problems along the path, and you will need to bring a tide chart to avoid getting stuck for hours waiting for the tide to go down. Also, prepare for the mosquitoes as this trail goes through plenty of wet, marshy areas. If you can brave these challenges, however, you are in for a treat.
Coastal Trail at Fundy National Park
If you are looking for a long day hike that will offer otherworldly ocean views, then the Coastal Trail is for you. This 20 km round trip hike can be done in a day, though it might be more worthwhile to take along the tent and sleeping bag and find a great overlook where you´ll be able to enjoy the sunrise in the early morning. There are plenty of spots along the trail with gorgeous overlooks of the ocean below.
Mount Carleton Trail
Making it up the highest mountain in New Brunswick should be a priority for all serious hikers. Located at the Mount Carleton Provincial Park, this 10 km round trip hike offers great views from the top. It is also a prime spot for birdwatching as over one hundred species of birds are known to nest throughout the area.
Hopewell Rocks
Only three hours away from Halifax you can find a gem of a short hike at Hopewell Rocks [see image at top of page]. The fluctuating tides and famous Flowerpot Rocks make this a place great for photographers looking for a unique picture of the New Brunswick Coast. While the trail itself is only one kilometer long, you could easily spend a day exploring off trail and down at the coast itself.
Osprey Trail, Kouchibouguac National Park
This is perhaps the best trail for folks looking for a snowshoeing adventure in the winter time. During the summer months, you will enjoy great views of ospreys and blue herons, but this trail really comes to life during the winter after a fresh coat of snow. The roughly five kilometer trail is well marked and mostly flat so that almost anyone can enjoy the walk through the woods.
Scott Moses
Scott blogs on national parks at http://liveoncelivewild.com.
[Image sources: for Hopewell Rocks https://www.flickr.com/photos/82955120@N05/7667174758/; for Fundy Footpath: https://www.flickr.com/photos/stephen_downes/4005958943/; for Coastal Trail: https://www.flickr.com/photos/diversey/23670403589; for Mount Carleton: https://www.flickr.com/photos/clickclique/529727150/]
