WELCOME HOME: Seven Of Atlantic Canada’s Best Hiking And Biking Trails
One of the great things that makes Atlantic Canada unique is its scenic hiking and biking trails. No matter where in the region you live, be it an urban centre or a rural area, you are never far from trails with spectacular views and terrain with challenges and rewards for all ability levels.
We have compiled a list of seven of the Maritimes’ best trails. Whether you’re living in a city and want to go on a walk during your lunch hour, or looking for a longer hike for the weekend, here are stunning trails waiting for you.
Nashwaak Trail – Fredericton, New Brunswick
Difficulty: Low || Length: 10.1km (one way)
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One of the great things about living in an urban centre like Fredericton is that you can go from hanging out downtown to being in nature in a matter of minutes. The Nashwaak Trail runs alongside the Nashwaak River and runs in conjunction with other trails in the area. You can be strolling the South Riverfront Trail in downtown Fredericton, cross the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge, and now you’re walking along the Nashwaak.
The bike-friendly trail continues along the river for a long way, but it’s connected to many trails, so you can be creative on how you tackle it. For example, you can walk the Nashwalk and Gibson Loop, a combination of the Nashwaak and Gibson trails.
Cape Split – Scots Bay, Nova Scotia
Difficulty: Moderate-High || Length: 6.5km (one way)
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This trail in Scots Bay, Nova Scotia, is considered a must-see for those interested in experiencing some beautiful cliff-side sights overlooking the waters where the Bay of Fundy meet those of Minas Basin. The total hiking time is more than hours and has some steep sections.
Confederation Trail – Prince Edward Island
Difficulty: Low-Medium in sections || Length: 435km (one way)
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Starting in Tignish and spreading all the way to Elmira, the Confederation Trail is a staple of Prince Edward Island as it reaches from one end of the island to the other. The trail intertwines with many areas of the island, extending into the heart of Charlottetown and many other towns across the island.
The expansive trail, which splits off to cover much of the island, leaves many opportunities to run, bike, and explore the island. A section of the trail is part of the annual Charlottetown Marathon.
French Fort Cove – Miramichi, NB
Difficulty: Low || Length: 3.8km (looped)
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The French Fort Cove is a quick and easy trail that is located just outside of Miramichi and surrounds the French Fort Cove. The path is easy to follow and takes about 45 minutes to complete, but along the way, there are plenty of beautiful trees, wildlife, and natural beauty.
Along the route, there is a dock as well as a boardwalk to get the best view of the cove.
Walton Glen Gorge – New Brunswick
Difficulty: High || Length: 6.5km (one way)
If you’re a more experienced hiker looking for a challenge, the Walton Glen Gorge will be well worth your efforts. The trail is accessed off of the Fundy Trail Parkway, a 6,323-acre park carved out of the Fundy escarpment that occupies a lot of land in the Southern part of the province. The Walton Glen Gorge trail, also known as the Eye of the Needle, runs one way and takes about four hours in each direction – many hikers tackle it over two days and camp out overnight.
Despite the length, the views are worth it. When you descend the gorge, you will experience stunning views of the forest, rivers, streams, and the 44-metre waterfall, the Walton Glen Falls, that falls from the cliffs at the top of the gorge.
The trail requires hikers to walk through streams of water that can be four to six feet deep so anyone tempted to take this trail on should bring hard-soled hiking shoes or sandals.
Point Pleasant Park – Halifax, Nova Scotia
Difficulty: Easy || Length: Varies
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For city dwellers that are looking for trails with easy access, Point Pleasant Park in the South End of Halifax offers a variety of paths for leisurely strolls or to take your bike. There is almost 40 km of trails to explore, many of which are wheelchair accessible, so you can come back again and again and find something new every time.
Points of interest on the trails include the Prince of Wales Tower, ruins of early fortifications, a beach, and views of nature and water.
Breadalbane Nature Trail – Breadalbane, Prince Edward Island
Difficulty: Moderate || Length: 6.3km (looped)
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Located near the town of the same name, the Breadalbane Nature Trail is a great space for all levels of hikers. While many walk the trail in the summertime, it is also a great place to snowshoe in the winter. The trail’s total length is close to two hours and has great views of water, nature, and is well-maintained.
As Proud Atlantic Canadians we want to say “Welcome Home” to all new arrivals.
— KENT, Your Atlantic Canadian Home Improvement Store