41km Fundy Footpath backpacking route in Fundy NP

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The Destination: Hugging one of the largest tracts of undeveloped coastline in eastern North America, the 41-kilometre Fundy Footpath backpacking route links Fundy National Park to Big Salmon River, in New Brunswick. Besides watching the tides surge, the reason for the area’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the trail cuts through the cool interior of a rare Acadian forest.

The Action: The trail was the realm of DIY backpackers until only this year, when World Expeditions added New Brunswick to its planet-roving roster of hiking holidays. Along with traversing the Fundy Footpath over four leisurely days, expert guides lead the way to Hopewell Rocks and day-hikes in Fundy National Park during the eight-day tour.

Length of Trip : 3 days

Cost : There is a nominal park entry fee for Fundy National Park, and a gate fee at the Fundy Trail Parkway. It’s also well worth purchasing a trail guide from the Fundy Guild.

Best time to go : June to September, or better yet: whenever it’s not raining

Official Site : http://fundyfootpath.info/ http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/nb/fundy/index.aspx http://www.fundytrailparkway.com/en/the_fundy_footpath/

Where to Stay : Have all your camping gear but need somewhere a little less earthy? Consider Parks Canada’s oTENTik, which is a part-tent, part cabin, complete with beds and furniture on a raised floor.

Getting There : You can access the footpath from west (Big Salmon River), from the east through Fundy National Park, or in the central portion accessed via the Catamount Trail. The Footpath trail ends at Goose River, at Km 42 (Km 0 going the other way), at the boundary of Fundy national Park. It’s practical to use two cars, dropping off one at the end of the trail and driving the other to the beginning.

Note from Robin : Lots of ups and downs on the trail, so get ready for a workout. Some of the climbs take you up 100m of vertical. You’re advised to tie up your food and keep watch of approaching weather systems. Some hikers recommend doing the trail in reverse – from Goose River to St Martins. After five hikers were evacuated in the summer of 2013, the volunteer group that maintains the trail issued a caution that the trail is too dangerous for novice hikers.