Fundy Footpath New Brunswick Canada

Hiking from Fundy National Park to the Fundy Trail Parkway

A True Wilderness Experience along the Bay of Fundy in NB, Canada

The Fundy Footpath is a challenging and scenic 64.3 kilometre backcountry hiking trail that stretches along the rugged Bay of Fundy coastline between the Big Salmon Interpretive Center and the Fundy National Park Visitor Center in New Brunswick, Canada. Suitable for experienced outdoor adventurers, this path immediately immerses hikers in a remote wilderness of steep ravines, mixed Acadian forests, and dramatic coastal cliffs. This strenuous backcountry route is marked with white blazes, and characterized with constant elevation changes as it descends into steep river valleys such as Walton Glen Gorge, Telegraph Brook, and Little Salmon River before ascending back to the top of forested coastal ridges. Interestingly, along its length hikers pass through a mix of ecosystems, including mossy, shaded forests with picturesque waterfalls and babbling streams, lofty viewpoints offering spectacular ocean views over the Bay of Fundy, and secluded pebble beaches that experience some of the highest tides in the world. Fortunately, designated backcountry campsites are spaced along the trail, making it ideal for a 3-4 day wilderness trek. However, due to its demanding terrain, limited amenities, and remote nature, the Fundy Footpath is recommended for experienced hikers prepared for a true wilderness adventure. Considered one of the 50 Best Hikes in the World, it offers a rewarding and truly epic once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who choose to accept the challenge.

Trail Amenities

The Fundy Footpath is a rugged backcountry hiking trail with minimal amenities, designed for experienced hikers seeking a remote wilderness experience. Along the trail, hikers will find designated campsites equipped with basic features such as fire pits, pit toilets, and bear proof lockers for safe food storage. These campsites are spaced out to support multi-day hikes and are typically located near freshwater sources, though water should always be filtered or treated before drinking. There are no shelters, food caches, or garbage disposal facilities along the trail, so hikers must be fully self-sufficient, practice Leave No Trace principles, and carry out all waste. Trail markers and occasional signage help guide the way, but navigation skills and a good GPS are essential due to the trail’s challenging terrain and very limited cell service.

Wildlife Viewing

The Fundy Footpath offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching, thanks to its remote setting and diverse ecosystems. Hikers may encounter a variety of animals along the trail, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, red foxes, porcupines, and the occasional black bear or moose. The coastal cliffs and dense Acadian forest also provide ideal habitats for over 250 bird species. Bird watchers can spot Bald Eagles soaring overhead, Peregrine Falcons speeding past along the cliffs, and various songbirds flitting through the trees. During migration seasons, the area becomes especially active with seabirds and shorebirds. The trail’s natural quiet and limited human disturbances make it an ideal location for observing wildlife in their natural habitats. Whether you're an avid bird watcher, a photography enthusiast, or someone looking to relax and reconnect with nature, this trail offers a true wilderness experience.

Route Description

The Fundy Footpath is a rugged coastal trail that traverses undeveloped wilderness along the world-famous Bay of Fundy. It is a linear route that is 64 km one-way, and it takes hikers through deep forested ravines, up to the top of 100 m tall sea cliffs, and across multiple creeks and waterways, including two tidal rivers that must be forded at low tide. The trail features constant ups and downs, many of which are extremely steep. Sometimes the footpath follows well-constructed switchbacks, at other times it takes a more direct route using steep wooden steps or ladders, and in a few places it requires scrambling on hands and knees up or down rocky, eroded earth slopes. All told, hikers must navigate a total elevation change of 3,000 m (10,000 ft) along its length, and sturdy footwear is an absolute must. When climbing or descending steeply the track often traverses gorgeous forested slopes, and in places gets the adrenaline pumping as it skirts the top of eroding cliffs only inches from the 100 m drop to the ocean below. Overall, the Fundy Footpath offers a strenuous, multi-day hike with intense physical challenges, which requires proper preparation, planning, and outdoor gear but rewards those who attempt it with spectacular views and memories that will last a lifetime.

Part of a Network

The Fundy Footpath is part of the 28,000 km long Trans Canada Trail, which is a network of pathways and waterways that link the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans. The Trans Canada Trail in New Brunswick includes many excellent hiking and cycling trails, including the Dobson Trail, the Wolastoq Valley Trail, and the Marshes Trail near Sackville, which appears on our list of Best Hiking Trails in Atlantic Canada. This connection with other trail systems offers hikers flexibility when designing custom itineraries. We walked the Fundy Footpath as part of our cross-Canada hike on the Trans Canada Trail and it was one of the most challenging sections in the country.

When to Go

This trail is best completed between May and October. Summer (June - August) is typically the warmest and driest season to hike the trail, but blackflies and mosquitos can be quite prevalent at this time of year. Fall (September - October) is generally cooler and wetter, but there are fewer insects and the fall colours can be stunning. Campsite reservations on the trail are not required, but it is unlikely that you will encounter many other hikers while on the trail, even during 'high' season. Hiking the trail in winter is not recommended, as snow, ice, and extreme temperatures could make the terrain highly dangerous. However, both the Fundy National Park Visitor Center and the Big Salmon Interpretive Center are open year-round, with reduced operating hours October-May.

Fundy Footpath

New Brunswick Canada Hiking Trails