Swinging across the bend within the street, I informed myself I might skip the following viewpoint. In spite of everything, there are 21 scenic overlooks on the Fundy Path Parkway and I might run out of time if I ended at all of them. However as I rounded the flip and took within the sweeping view of the dramatic shoreline, I flipped on my directional and shortly jumped on the brakes, due to course I used to be going to cease as soon as once more.
The Fundy Path Parkway in southern New Brunswick was accomplished in 2020 and after two years of closed borders, this hidden gem is simply beginning to be found by those that “come from away”. After spending a day exploring the Fundy Path Parkway, it’s clear that when the guidebook authors get an opportunity to go to, this may quickly be listed among the many world’s most stunning scenic drives.
Till that point comes, you possibly can expertise the fantastic thing about New Brunswick’s dramatic shoreline and forested inside with out the nuisance of crowds. Visiting on a weekday in mid-July, which is prime trip season in Atlantic Canada, I used to be shocked by how few individuals I encountered. There was no downside parking within the main lot at main sights and most overlooks have been empty, with lower than a handful of individuals at most.
In comparison with the overcrowding you see as of late within the U.S. Nationwide Parks, with the necessity for reservations or permits, park shuttles being deployed, parking heaps stuffed by 8 am, jostling for area at scenic spots, traces for photograph alternatives, and a sickening quantity of rubbish and waste strewn about, New Brunswick was a welcome respite from vacationer throngs.
As I walked alongside the banks of the Huge Salmon River, I encountered a customer from Massachusetts. We have been each in awe of the sweetness and the quietude. “Why don’t extra individuals find out about this place?” she requested. “That’s what I’m right here to assist with,” I replied. My journey was hosted by Tourism New Brunswick in order that I may analysis and share this expertise with my readers, all opinions are my very own.
In regards to the Fundy Path Parkway
The Fundy Path Parkway is the brainchild of businessman and philanthropist, Mitchell Franklin. After discovering the fantastic thing about this area and constructing a trip residence within the space, Franklin invited then New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna for a go to. After dinner, whereas exhibiting his visitor the view, he urged they work collectively to show New Brunswick’s “Gold Coast” right into a vacationer vacation spot.
McKenna, who now serves as Deputy-Chairman of the Toronto-Dominion Financial institution, shortly noticed his imaginative and prescient and jumped on board, marshaling Provincial, Federal, and personal funding to start the development of what’s now the Fundy Path Parkway.
Development of the Parkway started in 1995 and it was lastly accomplished in mid-2020. It took 25 years and nearly $100 million to finish the Fundy Path Parkway. Sadly, Franklin didn’t stay to see the venture to completion, however to today, his daughter nonetheless works on the Parkway and retains his reminiscence alive.
In its completion, the Fundy Path Parkway is nineteen miles lengthy and encompasses 2,559 hectares (6,323 acres) of land from the West Gate in St. Martins to the jap entrance in Sussex Nook. There are 21 scenic overlooks, 4 waterfalls, 5 seashores, and 22 miles of mountaineering and biking trails alongside the Fundy Path Parkway. The Fundy Path is additionally a part of two UNESCO-designated websites: the Fundy Biosphere Reserve and Stonehammer International Geopark.
This land was first residence to the Wolastoq and Mi’kmaq peoples. First Nation Storytellers supply talks twice weekly to share the park from a novel indigenous standpoint.
Attending to the Fundy Path Parkway
The Fundy Path Parkway runs northeast from close to St. Martins, New Brunswick to Sussex Nook. It’s not a loop, so that you both have to discover out-and-back from one residence base, or spend a day on a New Brunswick street journey driving the Fundy Path Parkway. You may drive it in both route, though you may even see barely much less visitors touring from East to West (Sussex to St. Martins.)
In case you are touring from the west, my suggestion can be to spend a few days in St. Martins and drive the Parkway from there. This provides you with time to see the St. Martins Sea Cave at low tide and luxuriate in a kayaking journey alongside the cliffs with Bay of Fundy Adventures. (In case you are adventurous, Bay of Fundy Adventures additionally runs multi-day kayaking journeys the place you camp on seashores.)
After driving the Parkway to Sussex Nook, you should use the connector street by Fundy Nationwide Park towards Alma to remain in a single day. With a number of extra days, you possibly can spend time mountaineering within the Nationwide Park and go to well-liked spots like Cape Enrage and Hopewell Rocks.
In case you are coming from the east (Moncton, Nova Scotia, and many others.), you can begin on the East Gate in Sussex Nook and journey right down to St. Martins. After spending a few nights in St. Martins, you might proceed over to St. Andrews to do some whale watching and luxuriate in this charming seaside trip city.
Greatest Locations to Cease on the Fundy Path Parkway
You may drive the Fundy Path Parkway in both route, however for simplicity I’ve ordered this stops from East to West, beginning in Sussex Nook and ending in St. Martins. In case you are touring in the other way, simply reverse this record.
If time is just not a priority, you possibly can go to all of the sights alongside the Fundy Path Parkway, however if you wish to solely spend about six to seven hours exploring the Parkway, or for those who get bored with leaping out and in of the automotive, these are your don’t miss locations to cease on the Fundy Path Parkway.
1. Walton Glen Gorge
Your first cease shall be at Walton Glen Gorge. There are good washrooms and a small interpretive heart right here if it is advisable use the services earlier than beginning out. Previous to completion of the Fundy Path Parkway and the brand new trails at Walton Glen Gorge, it could have taken an eight-hour round-trip difficult hike to see the Gorge. Fortunately now it’s simply accessible alongside a 1.1 km gravel “shortcut” path to get to an statement platform overlooking Walton Glen Gorge, which has been dubbed the “Grand Canyon of New Brunswick.”
Whereas admittedly not as dramatic, Walton Glen Gorge is 1,000 ft throughout and 525 ft deep. Shaped by volcanic eruptions, Walton Glen Gorge is 550 million years previous. On a transparent day, you possibly can look all the best way down the Gorge to the Bay of Fundy. There are additionally waterfalls flowing over the rock face reverse the viewing platform, though the circulation is probably going stronger within the spring or after it rains.
In case you are energetic and have the right footwear, you can too take the Eye of the Needle Path to the underside of the Gorge. Simply don’t be tricked into pondering it’s a straightforward hike as a result of it’s only 2.2 km roundtrip. That is rated as a double-black diamond path because of the steepness and issue.
2. Martin Head Lookout
Subsequent, you’ll come to a sequence of lookouts one after the opposite, every providing a barely totally different view of the coast. In case you are visiting within the morning and the fog is protecting the Bay, to not fear, chances are high it’s going to burn off by late morning. I took the time to sit down on a bench and benefit from the view on the Martin Head Overlook and over the course of quarter-hour, an increasing number of of my view was revealed.
Seely Seashore and Champlain’s Lookouts additionally supply comparable views and they’re actually proper subsequent to one another so you possibly can cease at both. Nevertheless, I most popular the view on the Martin Head Lookout due to the well-positioned bench, good for having fun with the view.
One of many good options of the Fundy Path Parkway is that just about every cease has not less than one picnic desk or bench, often a number of with some within the shade and a few within the solar. There are numerous stunning spots to take pleasure in a picnic lunch.
3. Lengthy Seashore
After the Quaco Lookout, you’ll start to descend and Lengthy Seashore supplies your first alternative to get near the Bay of Fundy. For the reason that Bay of Fundy has the very best tides on the planet, you could need to test a tide chart earlier than you go to time your go to to take pleasure in a stroll on one of many seashores at low tide. Whereas its identify is Lengthy Seashore, this spot ought to have been extra precisely known as “Huge Seashore” as a result of you possibly can stroll out to date at low tide.
There are additionally correct restrooms at this cease and a big car parking zone, as some could come and spend the day right here. Though I might advise utilizing warning when swimming because the pull of the present could be very robust because of the tides. However even for those who don’t need to swim, or whether it is high-to-mid-tide, it’s nonetheless a pleasant spot to take pleasure in a stroll alongside the seashore.
After spending time on the seashore, search for the picket stairs off of the car parking zone to climb as much as Tufts Plateau, which provides a unique perspective of the seashore.
4. Huge Salmon River Suspension Bridge
The subsequent main attraction alongside the Fundy Path Parkway is the Huge Salmon River. In case you park in Lot #8, you possibly can simply discover the banks of the Huge Salmon River. A five-minute stroll alongside the river brings you to the Huge Salmon River Suspension Bridge.
Cross to the opposite aspect and you may take pleasure in a picnic alongside the shores of the river, or splash and swim within the water. This may be a great spot to carry alongside your water footwear for the rocky backside and a towel for drying off after. Simply remember the fact that whereas the very edges are clear and shallow, the center of the river truly will get fairly deep so preserve a detailed eye on youngsters.
From the Huge Salmon River, you can too entry the Fundy Footpath. The Footpath covers 41 kilometers and is usually traversed as a four-day journey.
Additionally, you will see indicators for the Hearst Lodge. Previously owned by the household of newspaperman William Randolph Hearst, this lodge shall be reopening in 2023 to host small teams as a trip rental. Guests might want to hike in to the lodge, however staff will cart in all of your provisions. This distant location sounds wonderful for having fun with the peaceable open air and wildlife viewing.
Simply up the road, you can too go to the Huge Salmon River Interpretive Middle. This may give an outline of the logging and shipbuilding historical past of this as soon as thriving neighborhood.
5. The Cookhouse
100 years in the past, the Cookhouse was a lumberjack camp, again when employees wanted to eat 8,000 energy a day to keep up the vitality to do their jobs. At present, for those who name forward the day earlier than, you possibly can pre-order a Lumberjack Lunch in a giant metal pail you could take pleasure in inside the park and return at both gate.
Nevertheless, if you’re beginning on the East Gate, you may be somewhat too hungry by the point you attain the Cookhouse and like to pack in a picnic lunch as a substitute. Simply keep in mind to observe Depart No Hint rules and dispose or perform all of your trash. Fortunately, there are a number of coated trash cans and recycling containers all through the path, together with outhouses and washrooms to your comfort.
In case you do cease on the Cookhouse with out ordering forward, they could have a number of sandwiches and drinks on the market. And, if you’re fortunate, they may have simply whipped up a batch of their scrumptious molasses sugar cookies!
6. Black Level Lookout
You’ll as soon as once more rise above the seafloor to view the Bay of Fundy from above. Your subsequent scenic spot ought to be Black Level Lookout. There’s a 10km path you possibly can hike for those who don’t need to drive from cease to cease. However even for those who aren’t that formidable, comply with the path to the fitting of the car parking zone and you’ll quickly get a good higher view of the seashore beneath than you do from the official viewing platform.
From right here, you possibly can see Melvin Seashore and a stupendous part of the shoreline.
7. Fuller Falls
Once I visited, the steps to the viewing platform at Fuller Falls have been at present below restore, however hopefully shall be reopened quickly. Fuller Falls is a 15-meter excessive, two-tiered, veiled falls that pour right into a ravine beneath.
You can too test on the Gate whenever you enter to see if there are any particular occasions occurring all through the day. Throughout my go to, a First Nations storyteller was giving a presentation at Fuller Falls. These sometimes happen on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.
If in case you have extra time, you might also need to cease on the Melvin Seashore Lookout and/or the Fox Rock Lookout earlier than you exit the Parkway. Additionally, test the St. Martins tide schedules in an effort to take a while to discover the ocean caves at low tide both that day or the following day if you’re staying in a single day in St. Martins.
The place to Keep Close to the Fundy Path Parkway
Observe: I used to be hosted by Tourism New Brunswick on the Seashore Road Inn and Amsterdam Inn & Suites as a part of my media go to. This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks. In case you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
Seashore Road Inn, St. Martins
The very best spot to launch your drive of the Fundy Path Parkway is in St. Martins. This cute, little seaside city has a number of mattress and breakfasts, eating places, and retailers, making it ultimate for a one or two-night keep. The Seashore Road Inn is the nicest place that I stayed at in New Brunswick.
This 14-room inn provides heat hospitality, effective eating, and trendy design. My keep within the spacious Moran room couldn’t have been extra welcoming or stress-free. The comfy-queen bed room comes with a big seating space with a snug sofa and chairs, all overlooking the entrance of the Inn.
There are additionally suites on the property. I’d extremely recommend making a dinner reservation previous to arrival at Periwinkles. The lobster dinner is a well-liked choice, however that is refined eating utilizing recent, native elements, not your typical fried seafood or conventional lobster supper. Whereas I used to be maxed out on lobster throughout my keep (who knew that was attainable?), I did take pleasure in a stunning spinach and recent fruit salad, together with recent mussels.
Examine charges and evaluations for the Seashore Road Inn
Amsterdam Inn & Suites, Sussex
In case you are beginning or ending the Fundy Path Parkway in Sussex, you’re nonetheless about an hour-and-a-half to both Moncton or Alma. For comfort, you could need to think about staying in Sussex. Whereas there isn’t a lot to see or do right here, the Amsterdam Inn & Suites is a clear and handy spot for an in a single day keep, which additionally features a free scorching breakfast.
Examine charges and evaluations for the Amsterdam Inn & Suites
Glampcamp, Waterborough
In case you are keen to go somewhat additional, I might suggest a two-night keep at Glampcamp in Waterborough, which is about an hour from the East Gate.
Glampcamp provides 10 glamping domes within the forest for a enjoyable and distinctive keep. Every dome has a barely totally different theme, however provides all of the conveniences and comforts you want from a propane grill, to a small kitchen full with microwave, induction cooktop, and small fridge, to a fully-equipped rest room, and even a fire-heated scorching tub and outside fireplace ring and picnic desk.
There are strolling trails on the property, or you possibly can hire kayaks for use on Grand Lake, throughout the road from Glampcamp. The campground additionally rents tandem bikes or snow footwear within the winter.
Regularly Requested Questions in regards to the Fundy Path Parkway
How a lot does the Fundy Path Parkway value?
Entrance is at present $11 per grownup, $9 for seniors, $6 for youth (ages 5-18), below 5 are free. There may be additionally a household charge of $34 for 2 adults and two youth. Season passes are additionally accessible, however these are geared towards native residents of New Brunswick that may go to incessantly, and there are 5-day passes accessible for guests that need to spend a number of days having fun with the path.
How lengthy does it take to drive the Fundy Path Parkway?
You may theoretically drive the Fundy Path Parkway in about 45 minutes with out stopping. Nevertheless, if you need to make the stops listed above, plan on taking not less than a half day to a full day if you need to spend time at every cease.
Are you able to hike the Fundy Path Parkway?
The Fundy Path Parkway is meant for vehicles, however there are mountaineering trails that join lots of the overlooks. You can too hike the Fundy Footpath, which is taken into account one of many prime 50 mountaineering trails on the planet.
What’s the finest time to go to?
The Parkway is open from Mid-Might (Friday of the Victoria Day weekend) to mid-October. The perfect time can be mid-week from Might-October, though even on the weekends it isn’t too crowded.
Take into account that the Fundy Path Parkway is a gated park and the gates are locked at closing, so plan to enter no later than 45 minutes earlier than closing. Hours differ based on season so remember to test present hours.
Which route must you drive the Fundy Path Parkway?
As I discussed above, it doesn’t actually matter which route you drive the Fundy Path Parkway. You will note much less visitors coming from Sussex than St. Martins, however neither is exceptionally busy and it is best to drive it in the best way that makes probably the most sense with the remainder of your journey to New Brunswick.
Are there restrooms on the Fundy Path Parkway?
Sure, there are common restrooms at totally different stops alongside the path together with at Walton Glen Gorge, Lengthy Seashore, and the Cookhouse. Nevertheless, additionally, you will discover compost bogs/outhouses at different spots alongside the best way.
Is there meals on the Fundy Path Parkway?
The Cookhouse is the one restaurant alongside the path and the choice could be very restricted until you pre-ordered upfront. I might extremely suggest packing a picnic lunch to take pleasure in at one of many many picnic areas alongside the Path.
Is there fuel on the Fundy Path Parkway?
No, there usually are not any outdoors shops or services alongside the Parkway. Be sure that to fuel up earlier than you enter the Fundy Path Parkway.
The Fundy Path Parkway is only one of many lesser-known treasures in New Brunswick. Make sure you keep tuned for extra concepts to plan your journey!
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