Some roads lead to adventure. Others take you straight into a postcard. The Fundy Trail Parkway is both. A 30-kilometre stretch of coastal highway that feels like it was engineered for cinematic drone footage, this New Brunswick gem offers a front-row seat to the highest tides on the planet, rugged cliffs that make Ontario’s escarpments look like molehills, and enough hiking, beachcombing, and waterfall chasing to keep your Apple Watch smug about your step count for days.
Drive It, Hike It, Love It
The Drive: Your Personal IMAX Experience
Let’s start with the obvious: the road itself. Hugging cliffs that soar 250 metres above the Bay of Fundy, the Fundy Trail Parkway is basically Canada’s answer to the Pacific Coast Highway—minus the traffic and plus the moose sightings. Roll down the windows, cue the perfect road trip playlist, and pull over at one of 20+ panoramic lookouts where the ocean stretches endlessly into the horizon. Trust us, it’s impossible to take a bad photo here.
Hiking: Because Some Views Are Worth the Sweat
If you prefer earning your views the old-fashioned way—on foot—there are 35 kilometres of trails that range from casual strolls to hardcore hikes. The showstopper? The Fundy Footpath, a 64-kilometre beast that regularly lands on “top hikes in the world” lists. It’s not for the faint of heart (or weak of calves), but the reward is primeval coastal beauty that’ll have you rethinking your gym membership. For those less keen on scaling cliffs for fun, there are gentler options like the Flowerpot Rock Trail, which leads to a geological wonder that looks like Mother Nature got into sculpting.
Beaches & Waterfalls: Nature’s VIP Section
Beach lovers, take note: The Fundy Parkway’s Long Beach is exactly what it sounds like—2.5 kilometres of unspoiled shoreline where you can walk, breathe in that salty sea air, and contemplate why you ever spend summers anywhere else. If waterfalls are more your thing, there are four cascades hidden throughout the park, including a 15-metre beauty that’s worth the mini detour.
For Those Who Like Their Views with a Side of Adrenaline
Some people need their nature served with a hint of danger. Enter the Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge. Spanning 84 metres over the river, this floating pathway offers some of the best views in the park—assuming your knees don’t turn to jelly halfway across. Pro tip: the view looking up from the river is just as good, and doesn’t require conquering any irrational fears of heights.
A History Lesson You’ll Actually Enjoy
If the idea of a visitor centre usually makes your eyes glaze over, the Big Salmon River Interpretive Centre might surprise you. Before the Fundy Parkway became Instagram fodder, this area was a bustling lumber community. The centre dives into the gritty, sawdust-filled past of the region, proving that even paradise has a backstory.
How to Get There Pronto
The Parkway connects St. Martins in the west to Sussex in the east, making it easy to loop into a larger NB road trip. Unlike some Canadian attractions that require a Sherpa to access, the Fundy Trail Parkway is just a short drive from Saint John—perfect for a weekend escape from city life.
When to Go (And When Not to Go)
The park is open from May to October, which means you’ll want to plan your visit while the leaves are still green (or golden-red, if you’re into peak fall vibes). In the off-season, the Parkway closes, leaving only the hardiest of hikers to brave the elements. If that’s your thing, kudos. For the rest of us, a summer road trip is chef’s kiss.
Is the Fundy Parkway Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re starring in a National Geographic documentary, this is your chance. Whether you’re a Sunday driver, a hardcore hiker, or just someone who enjoys nature without cell service, Fundy Trail Parkway is one of New Brunswick’s best-kept secrets (and yes, we know how you feel about that phrase). So go now—before everyone else finds out.
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