7 Outdoor Fall Adventures in New Brunswick
Fall has arrived in the Maritimes, and while New Brunswick offers a treasure trove of outdoor adventure possibilities in the summer; it’s just as magical in the fall colours. From our national parks to endless coastlines – there is something for everyone in New Brunswick this time of year.
Here are 7 outdoor fall adventures just waiting to be discovered in New Brunswick.
- The Fundy Trail Parkway
Run don’t walk to this beautiful and unique New Brunswick attraction that I like to think of as our Cabot Trail! The Fundy Trail Parkway is a 30km parkway that runs along the coast of the world-renowned Bay of Fundy from St. Martins and Sussex, New Brunswick. It features stunning lookouts, waterfalls, hiking trails, a suspension bridge, and access to the famous Walton Glen Gorge – considered the Grand Canyon of New Brunswick.
And lucky for you, they have extended their season on account of the nice weather this month, but the parkway gates will close for the 2022 season at 5:00 pm on Sunday, October 23rd. To plan your visit, head over to https://fundytrailparkway.com/.
- The St. Martins Sea Caves
These beauties are open 365 days a year but are a must if you’re planning to check out the Fundy Trail Parkway this fall. Best experienced at low tide, you can access the sea caves by walking on the ocean floor twice a day when the Bay of Fundy tides fall every 6 hours and 13 minutes. And yes, that means the tide schedule varies a little bit, every single day. You can check the tides for your visit here. Just make sure to keep an eye on the tide so that you’re safe on land before it rises again! Tidal dangers are no joke!
- Hike the Sussex Bluff Trail
When we think of Sussex, ski hills and hot air balloons often come to mind but trust me when I say, the Sussex valley during October should be an attraction in itself. To see the valley and fall colours at its finest, plan to hike the Sussex Bluff Trail! It’s only a 4km round-trip and offers stunning views you won’t find anywhere else. Plan your trip with a little help from Hiking NB. When you’re done with your hike, pop by one of the many local small businesses in Sussex for a post-hike coffee and treat at Picadilly Coffee Roasters or perhaps a delicious meal at Taste and See on Main Street.
- Visit the Acadian Coast and Pabineau Falls
Miscou Island and its stunning lighthouse, built in 1856, can be found in the most northeastern part of New Brunswick and there is a reason why it’s a popular destination in the fall. The blueberry bushes that cover the fields leading up to the lighthouse turn a blazing red and are a photographer’s dream. You can also enjoy the sandy beaches and immerse yourself in Acadian culture and history in neighboring villages such as Caraquet and Shippagan.
But before you head back, swing by the Pabineau Falls, located in Pabineau First Nation, just outside Bathurst. These waterfalls are incredible in the fall and are estimated to be 397 million years old!
- Experience the Fundy Isles in the Fall
New Brunswick is home to three magical islands in the Bay of Fundy: Campobello Island, Deer Island, and Grand Manan, the Queen of the Fundy Isles. These islands are much busier during the summer months, making fall the perfect time to visit. You can still see whales and other marine life, enjoy otherworldly views, explore lighthouses, and hunt for seaglass!
- Experience the Corn Maze at Green Pig Country Market
The beloved Green Pig Country Market may have experienced a devastating fire this September, but that didn’t stop them from rising from the ashes and moving forward with their annual Corn Maze and fall activities! Show your support for the Green Pig family by bringing the whole family out to the corn maze, picking out this year’s pumpkins, and trying your hand at the Pumpkin Blaster!
- Explore New Brunswick’s National Parks
New Brunswick is fortunate to have not one, but two national parks: Fundy National Park, located in Alma, and Kouchibouguac National Park, located in Saint Louis de Kent. Both parks are still open and offer plenty of hiking trails for all experience levels. At Fundy, I love exploring Herring Cove and Point Wolfe at low tide and hiking to the most stunning waterfall, Third Vault Falls. When visiting Kouchibouguac, the Bog trail is a must this time of year with all of its fall colors.
Just because the weather is a bit cooler and the days are shorter, doesn’t mean you can’t get outside and enjoy New Brunswick. Dress for the weather (Take It Outside and the Trail Shop can help), pack some snacks, and don’t forget your camera to capture the memories.
About the Author:
Crystal Richard is a Take It Outside Ambassador and the Founder of East Coast Mermaid, a travel and lifestyle brand dedicated to helping others develop a coastal crush on New Brunswick. She divides her time between their home on the mainland and cottage on Grand Manan Island, and when she’s not on a ferry or playing with whales in the Bay of Fundy, she is an award-winning publicist helping her small business clients secure the dreamiest media coverage.
