For some, winter is for hibernating or heading south; for many others, winter is the season for getting outside in the brisk air and exploring New Brunswick’s pristine woods, beautiful parks, and cool urban centres, with countless kilometres of trails winding through the snow-draped landscape. These are a few of many activities to keep you busy this winter in the picture province.
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No matter what you want to do to stay active this winter, New Brunswick has more choices than you can fit into just one vacation break, so maybe you should plan on booking a couple of getaways this winter to enjoy all that the province has to offer.
EXPLORE SNOWY TRAILS BY SNOWMOBILE OR ATV
New Brunswick takes their snowmobiling seriously with over 8,000 km (5,000 mi.) of groomed trails all around the province. Northern New Brunswick offers 1,500 km (932 mi.) of trails that wind in and out of snowmobile-ready communities in Edmundston, Campbellton, Bathurst and the Acadian Peninsula. In the Christmas Mountains near Mount Carleton Provincial Park, 500 km (310 mi.) of trails offer unparalleled access to epic snowmobile terrain. You can also snowmobile your way along the Miramichi and the Saint John rivers (including the Historic Highlands Signature Trail Network), all the way to the Fundy Highlands with incredible coastal views. Don’t own a snowmobile but want the adrenaline rush of driving one of these motorized sleds, then you are in luck, as a few places in the province offer snowmobile rentals.
Snowmobiling is not the only way to enjoy motorized adventures across New Brunswick during winter. Local ATV clubs also maintain more than 500 km (310 mi.) of groomed trails (and ungroomed trails) across the province during winter.
Check the maps, get your mandatory snowmobile or ATV trail permit, and start planning to zoom through the forest and past the scenic coastlines and mountain views while enjoying the rush of the wind in your face.
SATISFY YOUR NEED FOR SPEED THE NATURAL WAY, SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING
It is hard to describe the feeling one gets from hitting the slopes on a meticulously groomed hill and hitting the perfect run-downhill skiing or snowboarding. But unlike the busy mega-resorts of the West Coast with overcrowded hills where you feel like you are at an amusement park and not a ski hill.
Well, New Brunswick is the answer to all that, with exciting hills and runs that are as exhilarating as any—but also give you space to feel the energy of the landscape and slopes around you.
Whether you’re looking for smooth-sailing runs or heart-pounding drops, you’ll find it all in New Brunswick. Including the province’s largest ski vertical at Crabbe Mountain. It’s one of four ski hills, including Sugarloaf, Mont Farlagne, and Poley, all offering a vast and varied terrain, from bunny hills to black diamonds runs, with challenging terrain parks for snowboarders, snow tubing for the kids and cozy lodges for some socializing and rest after a day on the snowy slopes.
TRY SLEDDING THE OLD FASHION WAY
Try your hand at one of the oldest methods of winter transportation founded by the Inuit people around 1,000 A.D. Traveling by the power of dogs is a remarkable experience and makes an unforgettable winter journey. Whether you want a fun afternoon experience, or to push yourself to new levels through a multi-day winter expedition, Birch Bark Adventures in Bathurst have a winter experience for you that you will not soon forget.
Each 2-hour tour includes one hour of dogsledding through 10km of forest trails in North Tetagouche. Your adventure begins with an introduction to the kennel and its pack of Alaskan Huskies. Before the grand takeoff, Birch Bark Adventures’ experience team makes sure everyone knows the basic commands and safety of riding a sled.
There is a warm-up shelter for folks to put on their winter gear before the tour, or to warm up afterward.
SUMMER IS NOT THE ONLY SEASON TO BE ON TWO WHEELS.
Biking is just for summer, right? That is a hard no! Winter offers a blanket of snow that softens the rough terrain and turns the trails into a natural roller coaster. With their chubby tires designed to grip the snow and ice, fat bikes float on all surfaces, so you can ride with confidence. It’s a bit more effort, much less speed, but a whole lot of fun.
For those who don’t have a fat bike, some groomed trails are accessible with a regular mountain bike when trail conditions are right—lower the tire pressure to increase traction, or even better, get studded tires and you’ll be good to go.
Must-try winter biking spots
- White Rock Recreational Area in Hillsborough
- Mactaquac Provincial Park near Fredericton
- Sugarloaf Provincial Park, near Campbellton
- Fundy National Park, Alma
- Kouchibouguac National Park
- Fraser Golf Club/Microbrasserie Ateepic in Edmundston
- Kahoutek Club (Colebrooke Trails) in Grand Falls
- Rockwood Park in Saint John
- French Fort Cove in Miramichi
- Village historique acadien near Caraquet
HIKING, SNOWSHOEING AND CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
There is something about being the first person to make tracks on a pristine trail in a snow-covered forest. Some New Brunswick hiking trails are groomed during the winter to make the winter trek easier.
However, many of the more breathtaking trails will remain covered and be a more challenging hike so you may need some snowshoes to explore them fully and get to a lookout to enjoy the spectacular views.
Snowshoes are simple, inexpensive to purchase or rent, and versatile making snowshoeing one of the most accessible winter activities. Plus, you don’t have to go far to use them, all you need is snow. You can explore marked and already packed-down snowshoe trails in national, provincial, and municipal parks, or go off the beaten track and enjoy the freedom of the forest and forge a new path through fresh snow.
Technically, you can strap on cross-country skis and glide across the snow to your heart’s content. But if you want a more polished experience, visit parks like Fundy National Park and Kouchibouguac National Park, Sugarloaf Provincial Park, Mactaquac Provincial Park, and Mount Carleton Provincial Park which has groomed ski trails. Plus, many local ski clubs maintain groomed cross-country ski trails on golf resorts and other natural areas. If you a feeling a little competitive and want to get you game on you can easily track down some friendly competitions (loppets, biathlons, and other races) across the province over the winter months.
HIT THE ROAD FOR A UNIQUE GETAWAY.
Winter is the perfect time to take a road trip, and New Brunswick is home to lovely scenic drives that are ready for you to explore.
Even if you have explored these routes during the summer or fall, winter snow transforms the landscape into a white wonderland allowing you to spot all types of wildlife, like bears, moose, and deer against the snowy background.
- Acadian Coastal Drive is a 750 km (466 mi.) excursion that takes you into the heart of the rich, spirited, and historic Acadian culture.
- Fundy Coast is a 460 km (286 mi.) drive leads you on a breathtaking voyage along the wild Bay of Fundy coastline and home to some of the world’s highest tides
- Fundy Trail Parkway is a 30 km (19 mile) long scenic parkway in the Atlantic Canadian province of New Brunswick along the coast of the Bay of Fundy.
- River Valley Scenic Drive is a historic 512 km (318 mi.) drive that is a combination of inspiring landscapes and rich culture.
- Appalachian Range Route is 278 km (172 mi.) road trip that offers hiking, biking, and paddling through 400-million-year-old mountains
After a day of adventure on foot, sled, or automobile it is time to recharge, relax by a roaring fire, and lazily dream about your next adventure. There is no place more unique to do that than in a dome under the stars, away from it all and surrounded by a quiet forest.
These are some amazing dome stays in New Brunswick that we highly recommend:
- Appalaches Domes and Spa by Old Church Cottages – Flatlands, NB – Each dome offers a year-round adult-only luxurious glamping Experience with maximum comfort in stunning surroundings at our beautifully designed domes. Each dome is well-insulated and features hot and drinking water, a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, a comfortable queen bed, heated floors, and climate control through heat pumps and pellet stoves. Plus, the privacy of a fenced yard with your own hot tub.
- Balsam Ridge Forest Domes – Portage Vale, NB – New Brunswick’s treetop geodesic dome retreat is beautifully tucked into the forest just a short 35-minute drive from the city of Moncton. Their luxurious, high-end domes are spacious, private, and the ultimate wooded experience, and a sky full of stars awaits you!
- Creekside RnR – Cocagne, NB – They offer an unparalleled accommodation experience in the beautiful region of Southeastern New Brunswick , which is nestled on the North side of the seashore Cocagne. Their property has the perfect blend of wildlife, beaches, local seafood, and endless trails to wander where you can lose track of time as you listen to bird songs in the canopy above. This is where you can come to truly reconnect with nature and to yourself in luxury.
- Ekö Nature Glamping – Lac Baker, NB – is a four-season tourism accommodation concept that offers you a comfortable nature experience. Located in the mountains, each of our luxurious domes and cabins offers all the amenities of a hotel, such as a full bathroom with shower, a well-stocked kitchen, and a second queen bed on the mezzanine (domes). Domes and chalets are at a respectable distance to provide you with privacy. So, you can reconnect with nature and yourself with your panoramic view of Lac Baker and its surrounding mountains.
- Estrella Glamping – Village-Blanchard, NB – The Cottage is open all year and offers two ultra-comfortable luxurious rooms and a shared kitchen that will make you feel right at home. However, in the warmer months, you can enjoy a unique experience in their luxurious inflatable bubbles with rustic charm equipped with a full bathroom and a heat pump during the warmer months. BBQ, picnic table, fireplace, and complete outdoor kitchen will enhance your living space. Relaxation under a starry sky far from the hustle and bustle of the city, with the gentle murmur of nature to accompany you, evenings around the campfire, and unforgettable moments of relaxation in a naturally preserved setting to recharge your batteries and reconnect with nature.
For travelers looking for more traditional accommodations, there are looks of amazing and unique places to make your home base for your New Brunswick adventure.
The Rodd Miramichi is not the typical city centre hotel. Their riverside location provides views of and step-outside access to the river and recreational trails. With their riverside guestrooms, instead of views of other buildings you, the guest, can see blue sky and blue water.
A modern, contemporary urban resort in the heart of a small city. The hotel features 79 guestrooms and suites, many with patio walkouts and river views of the world-famous Miramichi River. Each guestroom features top-of-the-line furniture, quick online connections as well as all the other amenities expected by the modern traveller. Their suites have a separate bedroom and baths with spa-style showers. Other guest amenities include an indoor pool, whirlpool, and complete fitness centre.
Down East Comfort offers 3 amazing suites in Miramichi’s finest Queen Anne-style heritage property home, located within walking distance to Miramichi River, the downtown Newcastle shopping district, restaurants and pubs, Ritchie Warf, and the Strawberry March Conservation area. The property is a short drive to French Fort Cove Park, Middle Island, Beaubears Island, salmon and fly fishing, a golf course, cross-country ski trails, and other great areas within Miramichi.
On the north shore of the Miramichi River in Blackville, sits Black Rapids Retreat. Praised for its peaceful, quiet setting, and excellent fishing, guests at the retreat will find a variety of activities available year-round. Both cabins, the Atlantic and the Pacific, boast a relaxing lower level with a lounging area and TV. The lower level of the Pacific cabin is also equipped with a hot tub, cold plunge, sauna, full bar, pool table, and poker table, to help you unwind during your stay.
Malia Spa and Resort in Lamèque, NB is your wellness and relaxation destination by the sea. offering 16 rooms spread over two floors, each more beautiful than the last, including two luxurious suites. Plus, a full-service restaurant and spa onsite.
Old Church Cottages offers two beautiful and historic adults-only church cottages. Their Island View Cottage is nestled in Flatlands, Northern New Brunswick is available year-round, offering breathtaking mountain views, starry skies, and unlimited river access — perfect for creating cherished memories. This waterfront retreat is conveniently located near essential amenities, including a hospital, pharmacy, grocery store, liquor store, restaurants, and kayak rentals by
Their Jones Brook Cottage, situated in Boundary Creek, Southern New Brunswick, is also available year-round and offers a tranquil escape under a starry sky by the outdoor fireplace. With three full floors designed for relaxation and a variety of games for every taste, this space is perfect for creating cherished memories.
As you can see, New Brunswick has tons of skiing, trails to hike, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat biking, dog sledding, and accommodations to meet everyone’s needs, wants, and desires to get out and enjoy the great outdoors this winter.
by Ryan Myson