Trip Planning for the Fundy Footpath
Wilderness Safety Advisory
The Hiker's Guide Book
The use of this primitive footpath is at your own risk. Having the Fundy Footpath – Hiker’s Guide Book is considered essential for hiking the Fundy Footpath. Do not attempt hiking the Fundy Footpath alone or without adequate backcountry experience, skills, and awareness of the dangers of the Bay of Fundy tides, some sections of the Footpath border 100 metre cliffs, be aware of coastal climate variations. This wilderness trail is not groomed to Provincial or Federal Park standards. At certain points there are no residences within 20 kilometres. We recommend a trip plan of 4-5 days for this rugged 49.3 km trail, the Trail guide which includes maps and tide chart, regional map. Include in your kit a compass, backpack stove, first aid kit, light footwear for camp or river crossings, hiking poles, a friend; and a trip plan at home. Do not attempt this trail in the winter seasons as dangerous conditions are increased due to river crossings, the descent in 100 meter deep ravines may be ice or snow covered. Blazes may also be obscured by snow and ice. Wood Roads are not plowed . Rescue attempts will also be time consuming and complex. Hypothermia is the greatest danger in the colder seasons from October 15th to April 30th.
Wilderness safety advisories are updated and based on recommendations and experiences of past hikers.
Recommended travel time
The total distance you will cover is 49.3 kms. (Goose River Trail 7.5 km + FFEast 23.5 km+ FFWest 17.9 km =49.3) The recommended travel time is a minimum of 4 days, due to countless ups and downs (0 meters at sea level ascents to 300 meters, descend to 0 meters and back up to 300 meters). You may have to add in the wait time at the two tidal rivers for crossing if your arrival does not coincide with low tide.
Tidal rivers
Goose Creek is a tidal river and crossing is only feasible during low tide. The other watercourses where the footpath crosses are above the tidal water zone. There is an alternative overland link at Goose River crossing that brings hikers above the high tidal zone. However, Quiddy River, Wolfe Brook, and Little Salmon River have been rendered impassable in heavy rainstorms or spring run- off. There are no bridges with the exception of Rapidy Brook and Big Salmon River. Hikers should always carry a day of extra supplies, and have an alternate exit route plan in case the rivers are overflowing. The trail conditions can become extreme due to weather conditions, in all seasons.
Weather
The giant tides of the Bay of Fundy generate a unique microclimate, dress for wet-dry conditions, usually good weather, however can be fogged -in, rain or local thundershowers. The temperature varies between 10-28-8 degrees centigrade spring, summer, and fall. The cooler coastal climate is ideal for hiking and backpacking.
Access Points
- Eastern Access:
Fundy National Park (paved highway) – use of parking or camping facilities is not allowed within the Fundy Park boundaries unless registered. The Goose River Trail which leads to the Fundy Footpath is accessed at Point Wolfe in Fundy National Park. - Central Access:
Seasonal wood roads after the junction of Shepody Road and Cross Road) – From Sussex Corner proceed to Poley Mountain (Route 121) past the village of Waterford, Walton Lake, Adair’s Wilderness Lodge, turning right at the Shepody Rd Junction, onto Cross Road, and continuing to the Dustan Brook – Little Salmon River side trail. - Western Access:
Big Salmon River Interpretative Center (paved highway) the footpath can be accessed from the community of St Martins (route 111), via the Fundy Trail, and starts at the Interpretive Centre. Check for season (mid-May to early October) and hours of gate opening, entrance fees , extended parking. When the entrance gates are closed this adds another 11 kms to your trek for a total of 60.3kms.
Please note:
Registration is required to use the Fundy Footpath wilderness trail. There are no reservations required for the primitive campsites.
For registration or more information on the Fundy Footpath (Eastern and Western Section) please contact by email at: info@fundytrailparkway.com or by telephone at: 1 -866- 386-3987.
Updates on the condition of access roads are available on the FHTA Facebook page.
Links
- Fundy Trail Parkway : this is the Western Access, there is an entrance fee, parking is available.
- Fundy National Park: this is the Eastern Access , if you are camping within the Park you will need to register. If you are leaving your vehicle at the Goose River access trail there is a daily fee. Tel 1 -506- 882- 6000
- Adairs Wilderness Lodge: this is the closest lodging facility to the Central access, shuttle service is available.
- Official site of the Bay of Fundy Tourism: the most informative site we have found- Map, Tide Charts, Weather, Events.
- Tourism New Brunswick 1-800-561-0123
Gateway Towns
- Village of Alma: Eastern access the village is located at entrance to Fundy National Park
- Town of Sussex: the town is located near the Central Access to Shepody road via Cross Creek Rd.
- Village of St Martins: Western Access the village is located 9 kilometers before entrance to Fundy Parkway
Access Options
- Start at any of the access points and have someone pick you up at the exit point.
- Leave a vehicle at the exit point.
- Shuttle service: local shuttle service costs are comparable to shuttle services when hiking the Applachian Trail and the Chic Chocs.
- Adair’s Wilderness Lodge will pick up hikers where they leave their car (at exit) and drive them to the start point.
- Diamond Taxi Service, St. John, NB.
- Fundy Footpath hiker shuttle; www.gofundytours.ca, phone 1-866-999-2914