Take a hike – The Fundy Footpath is a Maritime jewel.
Written by Chloë Hayes, November 17, 2022
The Maritime provinces are known for their beauty, but New Brunswick never piqued my interest; I was completely unsure of what to expect. That was until we arrived in Edmundston; the smell of the air and breathtaking Appalachian views tripled my excitement to be there.
New Brunswick is easily the most underrated of the Eastern provinces. Its potential for travellers is endless, with Atlantic Ocean views, unique geological formations, hiking, seafood, and friendly people.
After a stop to visit family in Saint John and explore the quaint city, it was time for the star of our trip, a three-day hike along the Bay of Fundy. The Fundy Footpath is a challenging wilderness trail in Fundy National Park composed of forests and beaches that cover 49.3 kilometres. The distance may not seem like a trek that is out of the ordinary, but the elevation changes—over 214 metres—will humble even experienced hikers.
The Fundy Footpath welcomes a wide range of hikers and is dog friendly. However, it is strongly recommended that inexperienced hikers and children be accompanied by someone experienced and carry a detailed trail map. Blazes on the trees do a great job guiding hikers on the trail, but if you miss one, going off-trail can get risky fast, especially at the steepest portions.
Frequent kilometre signs show the distance covered along the journey and help to spark motivation when your legs tire. The trail gets steeper the further you walk, so bring several high-calorie snacks to stay energized. You might need to mentally prepare for high inclines, extreme elevation changes, and shaky rope stairs. Still, the path is relatively well-maintained, so if you hike attentively, it should be nothing but great exercise and a great time.
The Fundy Footpath was my first hiking trip on my first ever trip to Canada’s East coast. In the beginning, I was daunted, but by the end, I was completely rejuvenated. The park has four main checkpoints to pack up for the night, each with different charms. The first thing I noticed entering the park was how quiet it was, a perk thanks to New Brunswick’s lack of masses of crowds. Mid-summer, you may come across another three people in your travels. It is easy to feel as though you have successfully escaped busy, everyday city life and made it to the world’s edge.
