Fundy Footpath – Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds on the Fundy Footpath?
There are a number of established campsites on the Footpath:
- Seely Beach (km 8, privy, food hang)
- Cradle Brook (km 12.1, privy, food hang)
- Little Salmon/Dustin Brook (km 17.2, privy, food hangs) • Wolf Brook (km 22.5, privy, food hang)
- Telegraph Brook (km 26, no facilities)
- Quiddy River (km 29.1, no facilities)
- Brandy Brook (km 33.1, no facilities, small area)
- Goose Creek (km 34.7, privy, food hang)
- Jim Brook (km 38, no facilities, small area)
- Rose Brook (km 40, privy, food hang)
- Primrose Campsite (km 40.8, no facilities, small area) • Goose River (km 42.7, no facilities)
How can I access the trail?
There are various access points to the Footpath. Note that the woods roads outside of the provincial park are unmaintained and in places very rough.
- Big Salmon River (km 0, Fundy Trail Prov. Park, P8)
- Long Beach (km 5, Fundy Trail PP, P13)
- McCumber Brook Access Trail (Fundy Trail PP, 2.6 kms, km 14.7)
- Dustin Brook Access Trail (woods roads, 2.3 km, km 17.2)
- • Rapidy Brook Access Trail (woods roads, 1.7 km, km 19.4)
- • Telegraph Brook Access Trail (woods roads, 1 km, km 27.2)
- • Goose Creek Access Trail (woods roads, 2.1 km, km 34.8)
- Jim Brook Access Trail (woods roads, 1.5 km, km 38.1)
- • White Car Access Trail (woods roads, 1.3 km, km 40.8)
I’ve heard there are tidal crossings that must be planned around. Where are they?
There is only one tidal crossing on the Footpath that must always be planned for, at Goose Creek. There is
approximately a 3-hour window on either side of low tide where it is possible to safely cross the creek. The area fills in quickly once the tide comes in so take extreme care in crossing late in the window. If in doubt, it is better to wait. Even when the tide is out, the creek bed is always slippery and muddy so exercise caution.
High “supermoon” tides can also affect other crossings such as at Wolf Brook and Little Salmon River. Take note of the tide charts and plan accordingly.
Tide chart is available at:
https://www.tidetime.org/north-america/canada/fundy national-park.htm
What are the other water crossings along the trail? Are they dangerous?
All water crossings on the Footpath can run high after a major rain event and caution is always warranted. The following are the more significant ones:
- Long Beach Brook
- Seely Brook
- Little Salmon River
- Wolf Brook
- Telegraph Brook
- Quiddy River
- Goose Creek
- Goose River
Using hiking poles and good water shoes are recommended for all water crossings. If the crossing looks dangerous due to high water, do not cross!
Where can I get water along the trail? Do I need to filter it?
There are water sources of various flows at many places along the trail and there are reliable streams and rivers at every main campsite except Goose Creek. Here are the
major water courses that are considered perennial. Remember that periods of extremely dry weather may impact some of the smaller ones:
- Long Beach Brook
- Seely Beach Brook (above the high tide line)
- Cradle Brook
- Dustin Brook
- Rapidy Brook
- Brothers Brook
- Wolf Brook (above the high tide line)
- Hunter Brook
- Telegraph Brook
- Quiddy River
- Brandy Brook
- Jim Brook
- Rose Brook
- Goose River
All water should be treated with either a filter or with chemical treatment.
What are the requirements for entering the national and provincial parks?
Both Fundy National Park and Fundy Trail Provincial Park require permits for entry into their parks and parking for using the Fundy Footpath. Please do not leave your vehicle in either park without the hiker parking permit, which allows park staff to determine that you are leaving it over multiple nights and what day you are expected to return. Note that although park staff may be able to address specific questions about your hike or the trail, they should not be expected to do planning for your entire trip.
Fundy Trail Provincial Park – Permits for entry and hiker parking are available at the entry kiosks. Please advise the park staff you will be using the Footpath and your expected date of return. Access points are at Big Salmon River (parking lot P8), Long Beach (parking lot P13), and via the McCumber Brook Access Trail (parking lot P15). Note that the park gates are locked during hours the park is closed. Please verify these times.
More info at:
https://www.nbparks.ca/en/parks/35/fundy-trail provincial-park
Fundy National Park – A permit for the days you will be in the park should be available for purchase either from the entry kiosks or at the visitor centre. You will also need a hiker parking permit available at the Headquarters Visitor Centre. Note that a separate permit and reservation is required for backcountry camping within the park, for example at the park’s Goose River Campground near and on the beach. This permit must be obtained before your hike. Vehicles should park at the day use area (P3) after the covered bridge before arriving at Point Wolfe. Hikers should avoid parking at the parking area at the end of the road to free up space for day traffic.
More info at: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/fundy
Is there a shuttle that can take me from one end of the trail to the other?
The available shuttle services offered right now are through: • Adair’s Wilderness Lodge, 1-888-895-9233
You may sometimes be able to arrange a ride with other hikers by posting your itinerary on our Facebook group page. (Fundy Footpath Dobson Trail)
How long will it take to hike the Footpath? Can I even do this trail?
Most people take about 4 days/3 nights to hike the entire Footpath, though some people may take more or less. The trail is rough, remote, and difficult so prior backcountry hiking experience is strongly recommended. A typical hiker will travel on average about 1.5-2 km/h. Know your abilities and plan accordingly!