In the heart of Northern New Brunswick, where the snow blankets the landscape from the foothills of the Christmas Mountains, a snowmobiling haven thrives. The region, known for its early and lasting snowfalls, is a magnet for snowmobiling enthusiasts seeking the ultimate winter experience.
Snowbound Thrills
Mark MacLellan, from Governor's Lodge, located about an hour west of Bathurst, describes Northern New Brunswick as a snowmobiling paradise. The area attracts scores of visitors from the Maritime provinces, Quebec, Ontario, and the New England states. "Northern NB is pretty much the hub of snowmobiling in the Maritime provinces.” MacLellan says.
New Brunswick boasts a vast network of over 8,000 kilometre of groomed snowmobile trails, offering a diverse range of scenic rides through coastal areas, dense forests, and exhilarating mountainous terrains. New Brunswick snowmobile trails are maintained by various local snowmobile clubs.
Over recent years, the popularity of this winter sanctuary has surged. "The last few years have been particularly busy with people especially coming from Ontario for a week or more at a time," McLellan notes. Many of these visitors are so charmed by the experience that they return multiple times during the winter. “They come with a group of friends then they go back, they tell other friends and it just seems to snowball from there,” he explains. This winter alone, Mark anticipates Governor’s Lodge will welcome up to 10 different groups, each consisting of eight to 20 people, all eager to explore what Northern New Brunswick has to offer. According to the Government of New Brunswick, the economic impact of snowmobiling is impressive, with an estimated contribution of $90.5 million annually.
Among the myriad of trails, MacLellan says Trail 23, located at the terminus of the renowned Piston Alley, stands out. “It’s a 26-mile open long and straight large haul road in the summer which is turned into a four lane highway for snowmobilers in the winter,” says Mark. Piston Alley is a name familiar even to those who have never visited, and draws yearly crowds eager to experience its famed stretches firsthand. With 450 km of trails, he says the Christmas mountains, which offer scenic beauty and a mixture of groomed and cross-country paths, is also a fan favourite.
Snowmobile New Brunswick (SNB) president, Andre Yoston, agrees there’s something special about the Christmas Mountains. “If you want to ride in the wilderness with lots of sites to see, this is the area," he said. SNB is the governing body responsible for the development and management of snowmobiling activities across the province. Due to their higher elevations, Yoston says the Fundy Highlands and the Historic Highlands offer exceptional snowmobiling opportunities due to their higher elevations. The Fundy Highlands, spanning 225 kilometres across the Caledonian Mountain range, and the Historic Highlands, covering 293 kilometres across the Saint John River Valley with numerous loops, are prime destinations for snowmobiling enthusiasts seeking thrilling and scenic rides.
“All the clubs have some unique trails within their systems with local sites to visit along the way,” says Yoston. “You will find warming shelters and lookout areas throughout all these systems.”
Governors Lodge itself has long been a cornerstone of the local snowmobiling community. For nearly 20 years it has been the most popular stopping spot for food and drink in its large and beautifully handcrafted log lodge.
With such extensive and varied trails, coupled with warm hospitality, it's no wonder that New Brunswick's snowmobiling trails are a favorite for many. Each visit promises a blend of excitement, breathtaking landscapes, and the joy of riding through fresh, powdery snow—a true winter wonderland.
