Your Full Information to the Fundy Footpath in New Brunswick

Are you planning to sort out the Fundy Footpath in New Brunswick? As one of many hardest multi-day hikes round, the Fundy Footpath’s rugged terrain requires cautious preparation and backcountry know-how. If you happen to’re contemplating this trek, preserve studying to search out out what you must know. It’s not a straightforward one — however such a worthwhile journey!

Fundy Footpath stretches alongside the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick.

My first try on the Fundy Footpath in July 2022. I say try as a result of (you guessed it) I didn’t full the route. I barely made it by day one. That journey holds the document as the one backcountry journey I’ve ever bailed on… however with good purpose. I awakened round midnight with intense ache on the highest of my foot after trekking from Huge Salmon River to Cradle Brook. The perfect I may determine — extensor / dorsal tendonitis. I took anti-inflammatory meds and tried to get again to sleep. Within the morning, I may barely stroll with out sharp ache. So I made the laborious resolution to hobble off the route. My new buddy drove me again to my automotive. That was it.

After that have, I had been ready for one more likelihood to sort out the footpath. Seems, this was the 12 months. I made plans to hike the wrong way beginning in Fundy Nationwide Park and ending on the suspension bridge. Might lengthy weekend supplied wonderful climate and spherical two was a powerful success!

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Concerning the Fundy Footpath

Ending the Fundy Footpath on the Huge Salmon River Suspension Bridge.

Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Distance: 64 km point-to-point
Problem: Troublesome to strenuous
Elevation: Complete elevation achieve over 3,000 metres / 10,000 ft
Time: 4 – 5 days, relying on health degree and mountain climbing tempo
Canine-friendly: Canine should be on a leash in Fundy Nationwide Park
Options: The Fundy Footpath is a rugged coastal path skirting the world-famous Bay of Fundy close to Moncton, New Brunswick. If you happen to’re planning to go to, be ready for a dozen deep ravines, creeks and rivers, two low-tide crossings, and forest terrain. You will see that gorgeous views from the highest of 100-metre sea cliffs all through the journey. The footpath is well-trodden and presents loads of backcountry tenting choices within the forest or on the seashore.

The Fundy Footpath is situated on the standard unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet), Mi’kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy) peoples. The Peace and Friendship Treaties had been signed within the Maritimes and Gaspé earlier than 1779.

Tenting on the seashore at Cradle Brook.

Fundy Footpath FAQs

Steep staircase to climb from Cradle Brook.

Q. The place is the Fundy Footpath situated?
A. The Fundy Footpath follows the longest undeveloped stretch of shoreline on the jap seaboard, stretching between the Fundy Path Parkway from Huge Salmon River (close to St. Martins) to Fundy Nationwide Park (close to Alma) on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick.

Q. How troublesome is the Fundy Footpath?
A. It’s at all times difficult to explain path issue in a manner that fits everybody. How troublesome you discover this path will rely in your earlier backpacking expertise, health degree, and backcountry tenting expertise. That being stated, the Fundy Footpath is just not a straightforward journey and I’d not advocate for novice hikers. The footpath follows rugged terrain with strenuous uphill and downhill sections by ravines, difficult river and creek crossings, and dense coastal forest.

Q. What’s the best elevation achieve on the Fundy Footpath?
A. The best elevation achieve is on the east aspect of Little Salmon River gaining between 250 – 300 metres / 984 ft. Complete elevation for the complete Fundy Footpath is round 3,000 metres / 9,842 ft.

Q. I’m new to mountain climbing. Ought to I try the Fundy Footpath?
A. I wouldn’t advocate the Fundy Footpath for inexperienced persons. I’ve accomplished a number of multi-day hikes and Fundy Footpath isn’t for inexperienced persons. If you happen to’re new to multi-day trekking, why not think about a one or two-night route?

Q. Can I do a shorter Fundy Footpath trek as an alternative of the complete route?
A. Sure, you’ll be able to plan a shorter route. For instance, reserve one night time at Goose Creek Campground in Fundy Nationwide Park and hike out and again. Or hike by the Eye of the Needle on Little Salmon River and spend an evening or two at Little Salmon River Campground.

Q. What’s the very best course to hike the Fundy Footpath?
A. This relies on quite a lot of components and is pretty subjective. I completely loved mountain climbing southbound from Fundy Nationwide Park to Huge Salmon River on the Fundy Path Parkway.

Q. Is there a hiker shuttle possibility?
A. Sure, hiker shuttles can be found by Fundy Footpath Hiker Shuttle. Prepare your shuttle by calling 1-866-999-2914 or e-mail gofundytours@gmail.com.

Q. Do I would like to order the Fundy Footpath?
A. No, you don’t want to order campsites on the Fundy Footpath, aside from Goose River Campground within Fundy Nationwide Park. If you happen to’re leaving a car, register at a customer centre in Fundy Nationwide Park or subsequent to Huge Salmon River Suspension Bridge.

Q. How troublesome are the water crossings?
A. Water crossings range relying on the time of 12 months and quantity of rainfall. I didn’t must take away my boots for the one tidal crossing at Goose Creek as a result of I arrived on the lowest tide. I counsel planning to cross inside 3 hours on both aspect of low tide for Goose Creek. I needed to take away my boots for the Little Salmon River crossing. Rivers and creeks can swell within the early season and crossings will be rather more troublesome.

Q. Is there cellphone protection on the Fundy Footpath?
A. Cellular phone protection is spotty. I at all times carry this satellite tv for pc communications machine in case of emergencies the place cell service isn’t out there.

Q. What’s the very best time of 12 months to hike the Fundy Footpath?
A. Plan your Fundy Footpath journey between late Might and September. Might’s lengthy weekend was good for me with heat climate, dry circumstances, and little or no rain. Shoulder seasons can typically be colder, wetter, and tougher for river and creek crossings.

Q. The place can I e-book a guided tour?
A. You may e-book a guided Fundy Footpath hike with Bay of Fundy Adventures. Choose up a replica of the Fundy Footpath Hiker’s Information Guide for self-guided journeys (features a helpful map!).

Fundy Footpath is a part of the Trans Canada Path.

Who Ought to Hike the Fundy Footpath?

Skirting round Wolf Brook.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a rugged and difficult backcountry journey, the Fundy Footpath may very well be for you! Chances are you’ll wish to think about just a few issues earlier than lacing up your boots. First off, have you ever accomplished a multi-day mountain climbing journey earlier than? There’s nothing unsuitable with being a mountain climbing beginner, however why not check out a neater route first? (one thing like Fishing Cove Path in Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park is ideal for inexperienced persons!).

If you happen to’re able to tackle the Fundy Footpath, be sure you pack the mandatory mountain climbing gear and do your analysis to make sure the very best time. Are you going solo or in a bunch? What’s going to you do in case of a backcountry emergency? Do you’ve got wilderness first help expertise? There’s at all times quite a bit to think about earlier than a backpacking journey. Turning into ready beforehand will increase your probabilities of a profitable journey!

Learn subsequent: Coastal Path to Matthews Head: Mountain climbing in Fundy Nationwide Park

Dragon’s Tooth is a balancing rock about 500 metres from Seely Seaside.

Fundy Footpath Map

Would you like extra particular particulars? Choose up a replica of the Fundy Footpath Hiker’s Information Guide which incorporates the detailed map beneath. I additionally downloaded Fundy Footpath on AllTrails for additional navigation assist.

Convey the Fundy Footpath map alongside.

When Ought to I Hike the Fundy Footpath?

Mountain climbing down towards Wolf Brook.

The Fundy Footpath mountain climbing season is from late Might to mid-October. Fundy Path Parkway opens round Might lengthy weekend and permits entry to the Huge Salmon River Suspension Bridge. Fundy Path closes towards the top of October. Relying on the climate forecast, the top of Might could be a nice possibility for early-season mountain climbing (it was for me, anyway!). Between June and August, you’ll possible discover extra hikers and fewer choices for quiet tenting. That being stated, I’ve heard the Fundy Footpath hardly ever (if ever) feels crowded with loads of backcountry campgrounds to select from.

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New tent platforms at Cradle Brook.

Do I Want A Reservation for the Fundy Footpath?

Loads of room for just a few tents at Quiddy River.

You do not want to make a reservation for the Fundy Footpath. The one exception is Goose River Campground requiring a reservation payment. You may e-book as much as three campsites by Fundy Nationwide Park on-line or by calling 1-877-737-3783. Backcountry tenting in Fundy Nationwide Park operates from Might 17 to November 3. If you happen to’re leaving a car, you will need to register your car at a customer centre earlier than heading out.

Little Salmon River is inland from the Bay of Fundy.

How A lot Does the Fundy Footpath Value?

Beautiful views from Fundy’s sea cliffs.

Listed here are the everyday bills for the Fundy Footpath:

**All costs are topic to vary.
New tent platforms and picnic desk at Little Salmon River.

How To Get To the Fundy Footpath

Coastal Path East Trailhead in Fundy Nationwide Park.

In Fundy Nationwide Park, head over to the Coastal Path East parking space on Level Wolfe Rd the place you’ll be able to go away your car. Earlier than beginning your hike, cease by the customer centre close to the park entrance to register your car. Fundy Nationwide Park is roughly an hour’s drive from both Moncton or Saint John. If you happen to’re planning to begin at Huge Salmon River Suspension Bridge, benefit from the scenic drive alongside Fundy Path Parkway and cease by the customer centre if you happen to’re leaving a car within the parking space. You have to about an hour from Saint John and 1 hour 40 minutes from Moncton.

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One in every of many creeks alongside the footpath.

Fundy Footpath Parking & Registration

An aerial shot of Goose River.

Are you planning to depart a car on both finish of the Fundy Footpath? Yow will discover parking in Fundy Nationwide Park close to the Coastal Path East or parking alongside Fundy Path Parkway close to the Huge Salmon River Suspension Bridge. In Fundy Nationwide Park, you’ll need to buy a park cross if you happen to don’t have a Parks Canada Discovery Cross. Guests are required to buy entry for the Fundy Path Parkway. No extra price to park your car.

Word: Bear in mind, there’s no must make a reservation however you might be required to register your car earlier than beginning the Fundy Footpath.

Parks Canada purple chairs on the Coastal Path in Fundy Park.

Fundy Footpath Hiker Shuttle

Loads of signage on the Fundy Footpath.

Do you want a car shuttle from one finish of the Fundy Footpath to the opposite? If you happen to don’t have a buddy close by who can assist you out (thanks, Megan!), you might wish to e-book your Fundy Footpath Hiker Shuttle beforehand. Guide early to keep away from disappointment. Shuttle price is presently $300 for as much as 6 folks however costs are topic to vary. Contact base with the shuttle organizer by calling 1-866-999-2914 or e-mail gofundytours@gmail.com for pricing and availability.

Learn subsequent: Your Full Information to Mountain climbing the West Coast Path

Huge Salmon River Suspension Bridge is both the beginning or end.

4-Day Fundy Footpath Itinerary

Pretty night on the seashore at Goose River.

Day 1 — Coastal Path East to Goose River Campground – 21 KM
Ranging from the parking space round 10:30am, I walked to the Coastal Path East Trailhead and commenced mountain climbing by Fundy Nationwide Park. Mountain climbing infrastructure is great and signage ample as I accomplished a number of totally different trails — Coastal, Shiphaven, Coppermine, and Goose River. There’s a little bit of highway strolling as properly. I reached Matthews Head round midday and the lined bridge round 1:30pm the place I ate lunch in purple Adirondack chairs. Don’t do what I did and one way or the other overlook to e-book a campsite at Goose River… it’s nonetheless in Fundy Nationwide Park and requires a backcountry reservation. Fortunately, I discovered area on the seashore after I arrived at 5:30pm and paid on the finish of my journey. If you happen to’re mountain climbing the complete Fundy Footpath, it’s value staying an evening at Goose River and attempt to get the seashore if potential. You too can proceed one other 2 km to the park boundary to camp and keep away from the backcountry payment.

Day 2 — Goose River to Quiddy River Campground – 13 KM
As a result of tide charts, I left Goose River at 11:00am to hit Goose Creek at low tide. Goose Creek is a tidal crossing and you can’t safely cross at excessive tide. Jim Brook is a pleasant water supply and there are a number of others alongside the way in which. I reached Goose Creek round 3:00pm and didn’t even must take away my boots to cross — good timing!! After a pleasant break, I continued on towards Quiddy River. Martins Head was very busy (and loud) with ATVers… like a scene out of Mad Max. I reached Quiddy River by 6:00pm and had a pleasant night time with a brand new buddy. Quiddy River has good sandy websites and doesn’t really feel damp or darkish. Water supply is prime notch.

Day 3 — Quiddy River to Cradle Brook Campground – 17 KM
Day three began early and I left camp at 8:40am. I reached Hunter Brook simply earlier than 10:00am after which Rapidy Brook with the bridge at 12:30pm. I used to be decided to achieve Cradle Brook by the top of the day. I had sufficient time for an impromptu two-hour lunch break at Little Salmon River whereas chatting with a pair new mates. At round 3:20pm, I left Little Salmon River and made it to Cradle Brook Campground by 5:00pm. I cherished tenting on the seashore right here and water supply is incredible. I additionally went for a dunk within the (very chilly) Bay — refreshhhhhing!

Day 4 — Cradle Brook to Huge Salmon River Suspension Bridge – 12 KM
I loved a leisurely morning and left camp round 11:30am. My last day was removed from simple. Don’t underestimate the steep 1-km climb out of Cradle Brook. It’s a slog getting up that stair ladder. Afterwards, the mountain climbing is pretty reasonable. I made it to Seely Seaside round 1:00pm the place I sat on a picnic desk and ate a fast lunch. I made it to the Huge Salmon Suspension Bridge by 3:30pm and that was the top of my journey.

Martins Head

Fundy Footpath Distances

Seaside campsite at Goose River Backcountry Campground.

Official distances from Parks Canada.

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Goose Creek websites.

Navigating the Fundy Footpath

Regulate the white blazes.

If you happen to’re an skilled hiker, navigating the Fundy Footpath shouldn’t be too troublesome. It’s essential to be ready with important navigation instruments similar to a compass and map. I downloaded the Fundy Footpath GPS file from AllTrails as properly (not good however correct sufficient for me). The Fundy Footpath may be very properly marked with white blazes that begin exterior of Fundy Nationwide Park (after Goose River Campground to the south). Within the nationwide park, there’s loads of path signage that can assist you in your manner.

If you happen to lose sight of the white blazes, backtrack till you discover one. There’s virtually at all times a white blaze in sight. Directional adjustments are marked with double-white blazes and aspect trails are marked with yellow blazes. You must also change into conversant in the assorted aspect trails for emergency evacuation functions.

Word: Thanks to all the volunteers who preserve the Fundy Footpath 12 months after 12 months! With out the dedication of volunteers, mountain climbing adventures just like the Fundy Footpath wouldn’t be potential. Present your appreciation for volunteers and assist preserve the pristine nature of this particular place.

New signage matching the Fundy Footpath booklet.

Fundy Footpath Water Crossings

Goose Creek low-tide crossing.

Goose Creek is a big low-tide crossing and you must plan to method a minimum of 3 hours on both aspect of low tide. Don’t overlook to carry a printout or photograph of the tide charts. I made it to Goose Creek on the lowest tide and located a very simple crossing. I walked throughout in naked ft however you might wish to carry water footwear. Unclip your hip and chest straps in your pack earlier than crossing deeper creeks and rivers. It’s essential to notice that Quiddy River, Wolf Brook, and Little Salmon River may also change into impassible throughout heavy rain storms or spring run-off.

Learn subsequent: Your Full Information to the Lengthy Vary Traverse in Newfoundland

Waterfall and swimming gap at Telegraph Brook.

Fundy Footpath Security

Mayo’s Crossing.

Security is your accountability. All the time make it a precedence. After I’m mountain climbing or paddling solo, I’m much more conscious of the potential dangers and emergency eventualities. Be sure to go away your journey plan with somebody you belief. If you happen to’re unsure what to incorporate, try the good assets at AdventureSmart. Convey a small first help package together with you, together with some antihistamines and anti inflammatory drugs. Pay attention to the totally different entry routes alongside the Fundy Footpath in case you must evacuate. Dial 9-1-1 within the occasion of a life-threatening emergency. I at all times carry a satellite tv for pc communications machine on multi-day journeys with an SOS characteristic for emergency functions (additionally very helpful for check-ins with out cell service).

Word: An emergency response within the backcountry may take hours. I extremely counsel turning into conscious and ready by a wilderness first help course earlier than heading out.

Little Salmon River crossing to entry the path.

Meal Preparation

Lasagna for supper at Goose River Campground.

I’m a giant fan of freeze-dried meals within the backcountry. Convey high-calorie meals to gas your Fundy Footpath journey. I heard a narrative of 1 man who determined to simply carry apples and that’s actually not an awesome concept. Turning into “hangry” within the backcountry results in errors and mishaps and, within the worst instances, critical and life-threatening conditions.

I have a tendency to begin every day with on the spot oatmeal or on the spot potatoes. I’ll usually eat one thing like a wrap with peanut butter and beef jerky (or one thing comparable) for lunch. To replenish vitality in the course of the day, I wish to carry snacks like path combine and vitality chews. Bear in mind to pack a water filter or purification tablets to refill from ample freshwater sources.

New “Parks NB” hearth pit at Seely Seaside.

Bogs

Outhouse at Goose River Campground.

You’ll discover primary outhouses close to a lot of the designated websites on the Fundy Footpath. I observed new outhouses at Seely Seaside, Cradle Brook, and Little Salmon River. Please don’t get rid of rubbish, female hygiene merchandise, or meals waste right here. Plan to hold these waste objects out with you. If you happen to’re not close to an outhouse, dig a gap with a trowel and bury your waste between 6 to eight inches deep and a minimum of 200 metres away from mountain climbing trails, campsites, and water sources.

Learn subsequent: Your Full Information to Canoeing in Kejimkujik Nationwide Park

New outhouse at Seely Seaside and a number of other different websites.

Wildlife on the Fundy Footpath

I feel this can be a woodchuck. Anybody know for positive? Cute little man!

New Brunswick is house to quite a lot of wildlife, together with deer, moose, and black bears. The Fundy Footpath is bear nation, so whether or not you’re mountain climbing alone or in a bunch, make noise to keep away from startling animals. I didn’t carry bear spray this time however it’s not a foul concept. Bear in mind to maintain a good distance from wildlife and by no means feed wild animals. Retailer your meals and scented objects like toothpaste out of attain, utilizing the bear hangs when out there (Goose River, Seely Seaside) or grasp in a close-by tree. Please do your half to assist preserve the pure surroundings by following Go away No Hint rules to restrict human impression on the realm.

Bald eagle atop the timber.

Fundy Footpath Packing Checklist

Thanks to MEC Moncton for these Solomon Quest 4 Mountain climbing Boots. #Sponsored

Right here’s my packing record:

(If you happen to make a purchase order by an affiliate hyperlink, I’ll obtain a small fee at no additional price to you. Thanks for supporting my web site!)

Seely Seaside.

Issues To Do in Alma

Fish n chips at Alma Boathouse Restaurant. Yum!

After ending the Fundy Footpath, I went over to the general public washrooms and showers in Fundy Nationwide Park to scrub up. Then I made my manner over to The Alma Boathouse Restaurant for a scrumptious post-hike meal. I used to be hungry sufficient to devour a bowl of seafood chowder after which a plate of fish n chips. Truthfully, these may’ve been the very best fish n chips I’ve ever eaten — or perhaps I used to be simply that hungry! Both manner, it’s value stopping by.

Showers out there throughout from Chignecto Campground in Fundy Park.

Fundy Footpath Video

Have you ever hiked the Fundy Footpath in New Brunswick? Are you planning your journey quickly? Go away a remark beneath!

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