New Brunswick’s Fundy Coast Is a Time Capsule for Hikers

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To step onto the Fundy Footpath, or into Fundy National Park, is to step back in time. The vast and largely untraveled coast—from St. Martin to Moncton—is defined by its low-hanging fog, fern-filled forests, and moss-decorated crevasses. Tidal erosion continues to uncover the rich geological history of the region. Low-hanging fog, fern-covered forests, and moss-decorated crevasses define this protected wilderness. The Fundy Coast, known as the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve, is revered for its geological significance, diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and prominent cultural heritage including that of the Mi’kmaq people.

Make the trek to this lesser-traveled region of New Brunswick to explore one—or all five—of these stunning coastal trails.

The Fundy Footpath

• Location: Fundy Trail Parkway
• Trail Type: Point-to-Point
• Mileage: 25 miles

Trace the Bay of Fundy coastline on this hallmark New Brunswick hike. The rugged 25-mile Fundy Footpath challenges with steep terrain and grueling switchbacks but rewards with hidden waterfalls, cliffside lookouts, and secluded beaches. It stretches the entire length of the Fundy Trail Parkway, starting at the suspension bridge over Big Salmon River and ending at the mouth of the Goose River on the edge of Fundy National Park. This rollercoaster on two feet dips in and out of 300-foot gorges engulfed by old-growth forest packed with red and black spruce, balsam fir, and an array of moss and fern species.

Along the way, camp on an isolated slice of beachfront, make a pit stop at the fossilized sand dunes near Martin Head, and keep an eye out for great-horned, barred, and saw-whet owl sightings (most frequently seen on early summer nights). Songbirds like black-capped chickadees, boreal chickadees, and white-throated sparrows will lift your spirits on the uphill battles. At the eastern Fundy Footpath terminus at the Goose River, hikers can continue their journey on a newly completed section of trail into Fundy National Park (more on that below). Tracking tide charts is a must, and backpackers should camp within bounds at designated sites to avoid flooding, especially at beach sites like Rose Brook, Seely Beach, Cradle Brook, and Telegraph Brook.

Goose River Trail

• Location: Fundy National Park 
• Trail Type: Point-to-Point or Out-and-Back
• Mileage: 6.4 miles (one way)

As of 2020, the Fundy Footpath links up to the Goose River Trail, extending the region’s most notable thru-hike an additional 6.4 miles from the mouth of the Goose River to Point Wolfe Campground. Continue your Fundy Footpath thru-hike with this extra stretch of trail or take it on solo. Dayhikers should hike out and back from Point Wolfe Campground. This quintessential coastal path flaunts equal parts forest and ocean view. You’ll battle similar terrain as the Fundy Footpath—intense inclines and deep canyon descents. Lookouts along the route showcase the powerful force of the tide that continues to leave its mark on the rocky coastline. While some of the backcountry campsites near the Goose River are the most coveted in the park for their bayside sunrises, they’re also some of the most crowded. Consider booking a campsite in advance at Point Wolfe Campground between June and September or snagging a cozy Ôasis teardrop cabin decked out with a platform bed and suspended hammock loft.

Eye of the Needle Trail

• Location: Fundy Trail Parkway
• Trail Type: Out-and-Back
• Mileage: 2.7 miles

If you only have one day in Fundy Trail Parkway, hike Eye of the Needle Trail. The trek through Walton Glen Gorge to this quiet canyon sanctuary oozes with Jurassic Park vibes. You’ll descend 600 feet down the gorge to Walton Glen Brook along a narrow canyon trail. Don’t miss out on the short 0.6-mile spur trail to the Walton Glen Gorge Observation Deck for one of the most scenic views in all of the province. The vantage point offers a bird’s-eye view above the 300-foot-deep gorge and rocky cliffs blanketed in spruce, balsam fir, yellow birch, and beech. You’ll also pass the 140-foot Walton Glen Falls—the second-highest waterfall in all of New Brunswick—before reaching the trail’s namesake.

Most backtrack to the trailhead after reaching Eye of the Needle, but serious hikers can continue their journey an additional mile down the Little Salmon River to the Fundy Footpath. This more treacherous route involves crossing a 4-foot to 6-foot-deep pool at the Eye of the Needle and rock hopping your way down the Little Salmon River and back.

Matthew’s Head Trail

• Location: Fundy National Park
• Trail Type: Loop
• Mileage: 2.9 miles

Farther up the coast, a hiking paradise awaits. The 50,900-acre Fundy National Park has no shortage of trails, both long and short. We’re partial to the mild Matthew’s Head Trail for its diversity of scenery that spans boreal spruce forest and cliffside lookouts over The Bay of Fundy. This short, rooty loop trail is draped with “old man’s beard” lichen that hangs from the tree limbs and fluorescent green carpets of moss underfoot. During wildflower season, bright blooms of bird’s-eye primrose—found only in this region of the northeast—dwell on cliffsides. Search for their fuschia flowers that pop mid-May through the end of summer.

Matthew’s Head Trail shares a coastline path with the longer 6.3-mile Coastal Trail, so you can add on more miles with an out-and-back along the north or southbound sections of the Coastal Trail that lead to Cottonwood Campground (north) and Point Wolf Campground (south). Another unique feature of the region: The Bay of Fundy boasts the highest tides in the world. Watch the water roll in and out from popular lookout points including Matthew’s Head and Meto’mqwijuig Mountain.

Third Vault Falls Trail

• Location: Fundy National Park 
• Trail Type: Out-and-Back
• Mileage: 4.6 miles

Over a thousand waterfalls—some remote and some very accessible—are spread across New Brunswick, including along the Fundy Coast. Reminiscent of the foliage-packed Pacific Northwest with ferns and moss, the hike to Third Vault Falls—the largest waterfalls in Fundy National Park—won’t disappoint. This rugged yet moderate route, fully engulfed by spruce, birch, and maple-filled forest, meanders through the heart of the national park. Pack waterproof boots or water shoes, as the hike requires a couple of crossings over Upper Vault Brook just before reaching the falls. The route descends 500 feet on root-covered trail before arriving at a staircase that leads you to the 52-foot horsetail waterfall. A natural swimming pool at the base of Third Vault Falls makes a great spot to cool off in the heat of the summer. Post-swim, retrace your steps on a gradual climb back to the trailhead. Spring in this part of the park ushers in an abundance of Acadian forest wildflowers, including white and red trilliums, yellow trout lilies, and light pink spring-beauties. Keep an eye out for black-throated blue warblers, blackburnian warblers, and a variety of woodpeckers that thrive here too.

When to Visit New Brunswick

While central New Brunswick can see hot and muggy weather in the summer, the benefit of hiking near the coast is a steady breeze off the water and the Bay of Fundy’s ability to regulate temperatures. The busy season within Fundy National Park and the Fundy Trail Parkway falls between June and September, with significantly more foot traffic during the peak summer months of July and August. Temperatures within Fundy National Park and the Fundy Trail Parkway fluctuate between the low-20s and mid-50s in the spring, mid-40s and high 60s in the summer, and low-20s and high-40s in the fall. Both Fundy National Park and Fundy Trail Parkway are closed for winter use. It’s important to also monitor the tide charts while hiking along the Fundy Coast. Tides rise daily, and when there’s a full moon or new moon, they’re extra high. Be mindful of timely river crossings, especially at Little Salmon River and Goose Creek, and camp only within the bounds of designated campsites.

Permits

Campground reservations are required for Fundy National Park campgrounds. Fundy Footpath backcountry sites are first-come, first-serve. Park passes are required within both Fundy National Park and the Fundy Trail Parkway.