HOW TO SPEND A FULL DAY ON THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY: A COMPLETE GUIDE

You’ve planned your trip to New Brunswick and decided to include the Fundy Trail Parkway. That’s amazing! In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to spend a full day on the Fundy Trail Parkway, including our favourite stops, trails, lookouts, and tips to make the most of your visit.

We spent nearly 10 hours exploring this beautiful coastal drive, stopping at every lookout and trail that caught our eye so we could create this guide for you.

We’ll take you through the Fundy Trail Parkway from the West Entrance to the East Entrance, sharing what to see, where to stop, and what you shouldn’t miss along the way. If you’re doing the route in the opposite direction, no worries, you can simply follow this itinerary in reverse.

After driving the Fundy Trail Parkway from west to east, here’s how to spend a full day on the Fundy Trail Parkway, exploring one of New Brunswick’s most scenic drives.

Keep in mind that this post is a continuation of our Fundy Trail Parkway Guide to Exploring New Brunswick’s Coast, in case you want to read more details before planning your trip.

Fundy Trail Parkway Map And Attractions

The Fundy Trail Parkway is located along the Bay of Fundy, on the southeast coast of New Brunswick, Canada. This scenic 30 km coastal route stretches between the fishing village of St. Martins on one end and the town of Alma on the other.

If you’re planning how to spend a full day on the Fundy Trail Parkway, start from the west entrance near St. Martins. Along the way, you’ll find more than 20 lookouts, 7 beaches, 4 waterfalls, 12 observation decks, and plenty of spots to enjoy incredible ocean views.

Where To Start The Fundy Trail Parkway

The Fundy Trail Parkway has two main entrances: the West Entrance and the East Entrance.

Most travellers begin at the West Entrance, coming from Saint John, and drive east toward Alma, following the ocean views as they unfold along the 30 km scenic route. This was exactly the route we took, and we highly recommend it for first-time visitors.

Stops Along The Fundy Trail Parkway

The Fundy Trail Parkway opens daily from 8 am to 8 pm. We recommend waking up early and trying to reach the entrance close to 8 am. We spent the night in Sussex, so by the time we drove to the West Entrance, paid the fee, and received our map, it was around 9 am when we started our adventure.

FOX ROCK LOOKOUT

Our first stop was Fox Rock Lookout, the perfect place to warm up and enjoy the first stunning view of the day. We parked right beside the viewpoint, took a short walk to the platform, snapped a few photos, and kept going.

SEA CAPTAINS’ BURIAL GROUND TRAIL

Our next stop was the P2 parking lot, which we found to be the most convenient for completing two short trails:

• Trail B: Sea Captains’ Burial Ground Trail
• Trail C: Flowerpot Rock Scenic Trail

We left our RV there and started with the Sea Captains’ Burial Ground Trail, a short 400 m walk that’s historically significant. It shares the story of families who lived and worked here generations ago, many of whom were shipbuilders.

Over time, remains were discovered and carefully marked to preserve this site as a place of respect and remembrance.

FLOWERPOT ROCK SCENIC TRAIL

At the end of the first trail, we followed the signs that connect to Trail C: Flowerpot Rock Scenic Trail. It’s about 1.5 km long, mostly flat, with sections that open to views of the sea and a flowerpot rock formation at the end.

It took us a moment to find the right path since several trails meet at that point, but once we did, it was easy to follow. These trails may not be the most impressive in the Fundy Trail Parkway, but they’re a good way to start the day with shorter walks before moving on to the main highlights.

MELVIN BEACH ACCESS TRAIL

After finishing Trail C, we moved our RV to Parking 3 (P3) to reach Trail D: Melvin Beach Access Trail. This one is short (about 100 m) but steep, so it can be challenging if you have mobility issues.

Once we reached the end, we were rewarded with a stretch of beach surrounded by rock formations and small caves. It wasn’t crowded at all, just a couple of families having picnics, and it felt peaceful.

If you bring your own food, this is a great place to stop for a snack before heading back up to the parking lot.

PANGBURN BEACH OBSERVATION DECK

Next, we drove to P4, where you’ll find the Pangburn Beach Observation Deck. From here, you can admire beautiful views of the beach. There are also picnic tables available if you’d like to take a short break.

FULLER FALLS

From the same parking lot (P4), we walked a short distance to reach Fuller Falls. The trailhead is right by the parking area, but you’ll need to cross the main road, so be careful and watch for vehicles.

To get closer to the falls, you descend a series of wooden stairs that bring you to a viewing platform. It’s a short and easy walk, but take your time going down since the steps can be slippery.

When we visited, there wasn’t much water, but the place was still worth a stop. The view of the small waterfall surrounded by forest felt quiet after a busy morning.

lunch break

By this point, it was around 1 pm, so we decided to stop for lunch at P4, the same parking area near the falls. We cooked in our RV, rested for a bit, and reviewed our map before continuing our way through the rest of the Fundy Trail Parkway.

PEJEPSCOT LOOKOUT

After lunch, our next stop was Lookout 7: Pejepscot Lookout. It’s a quick pull-off with an open view of the Bay of Fundy and the rugged cliffs below. We didn’t stay long, but it was a nice spot to stretch our legs and take a few photos.

BIG SALMON RIVER

We kept driving until P9, where we parked and took Big Salmon River Trail. The walk took about an hour and led us to the Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge.

Unfortunately, the bridge was closed for repairs when we visited, but the walk was still enjoyable and offered great views of the river and valley.

CRANBERRY BROOK LOOKOUT

We tried a section of this trail but turned back halfway because the signs weren’t very clear. It’s one of the few areas along the parkway where the trails could be better marked.

LONG BEACH

Our next stop was Lookout 13 – Long Beach, one of the best views on the entire Fundy Trail Parkway. Depending on the tide, the beach looks completely different. When we passed by, the tide was out, revealing a wide, flat beach with waves. It’s definitely a stop worth making.

LONG BEACH BROOK FALLS LOOP

Then we drove to P13, a large parking lot that easily fit our 24 ft RV, and started the Long Beach Brook Falls Loop. It’s a 2.2 km trail marked as difficult, and it really was. The first five minutes were a steep uphill climb that got our hearts racing right away.

The trail took us about an hour to complete. Along the way, we reached Long Beach Brook Falls, a small but beautiful waterfall between trees. The trail was well marked, quiet, and not busy at all. We only crossed paths with one hiker going up and a family on our way down. Challenging, but definitely worth doing.

LONG BEACH

After the hike, we moved to P12 to access Long Beach again from another point. The parking here is smaller, so we were lucky to find a spot. We recommend leaving your vehicle at P13 and walking to the beach.

It was windy that afternoon, but we still went for a short walk along the beach and even took our cat out on her leash for a quick stretch before heading back to the RV.

MARTIN HEAD LOOKOUT

At first, we passed Martin Head Lookout because it looked busy, but we turned back and were glad we did. From this viewpoint, you can see the coastline stretching eastward. It’s an easy stop with one of the most panoramic views on the drive, so make sure to add it to your list.

WALton Glen gorge Observation DecK

Our last stop of the day was P15, where we parked and started walking to the Walton Glen Gorge Observation Deck, also known as the Grand Canyon of New Brunswick.

The signage wasn’t very clear, and there’s almost no cell service in this area, so don’t rely on Google Maps. Follow the park signs instead to stay on track. It took us longer than expected because we accidentally took a wrong turn, but we eventually reached the observation deck.

Before entering the trail, you’ll find a cleaning station to remove any dirt from your shoes to help protect the park’s ecosystem. Please take a moment to use it.

When we finally reached the gorge, the view was worth every step. The canyon is deep and covered in greenery, with a lookout platform that gives you a clear perspective of its size.

It was the last stop of our day at the Fundy Trail Parkway, and it couldn’t have ended better.

How Long Do You Need To Drive The Fundy Trail Parkway?

You can technically drive the entire Fundy Trail Parkway in less than an hour if you don’t stop along the way. But that would mean missing out on most of what makes this route so special.

Our recommendation is to dedicate at least one full day to explore the parkway at your own pace. With so many scenic lookouts, beaches, waterfalls, and hiking trails, it’s worth taking your time to enjoy it properly.

To give you an idea, we spent about ten hours driving, stopping, and walking through the main points, and honestly, it still felt like there was more to see.

Suggested Itineraries

If you’ve read this far, you probably noticed that we spent around 10 hours covering the Fundy Trail Parkway, but we know not everyone has a full day to explore. So, depending on how much time you have, here are a few itinerary ideas to help you make the most of your visit.

If you have 1 hour:

Drive straight through the parkway from one entrance to the other and stop only at the main lookouts.
If you’re going from West to East, we suggest:

• Fox Rock Lookout (1): A great first stop with a panoramic view.
• Park at P4 – check out Pangburn Beach Observation Deck and Fuller Falls (both close to each other).
• Lookout 13 – Long Beach: One of the most scenic views of the Bay of Fundy.
• Martin Head Lookout (16): An easy final stop before continuing east.

This route gives you a good overview of the parkway’s beauty, even if you’re short on time.

If you have 3 hours:

With three hours, you can include a short hike or two and still enjoy several lookouts.
From West to East, we recommend:

• Fox Rock Lookout (1)
• Park at P2 – hike the Sea Captains’ Burial Ground Trail (B) and Flowerpot Rock Scenic Trail (C), or take the Melvin Beach Access Trail (D) and relax by the water.
• Stop at P4 – check out Pangburn Beach Observation Deck and Fuller Falls.
• Continue to Lookout 13 – Long Beach for another incredible view of the Bay of Fundy.
• End at Martin Head Lookout (16) – perfect for photos before heading out.

This version lets you stretch your legs, enjoy a bit, and still see some of the park’s most scenic stops without feeling rushed.

If you have 5 hours:

Five hours gives you time to enjoy the highlights plus one longer hike.
From West to East, here’s our suggested route:

• Start at Fox Rock Lookout (1)
• Park at P2 – hike Sea Captains’ Burial Ground Trail (B) and Flowerpot Rock Scenic Trail (C), or take Melvin Beach Access Trail (D) if you prefer some time by the beach.
• Stop at P4 – visit Pangburn Beach Observation Deck and Fuller Falls, then take a break for lunch here if you’re traveling with your RV.
• Continue to Lookout 13 – Long Beach for one of the most beautiful viewpoints along the trail.
• Stop at Martin Head Lookout (16) for a wide view of the coastline.
• Leave your vehicle at P13 – complete the Long Beach Brook Falls Loop (H), a moderately challenging but rewarding trail.
• Finish at Walton Glen Gorge – one of the most stunning stops in the entire parkway.

If you have the full day:

Start early, ideally around 8 a.m., and plan for plenty of stops, photos, and hikes along the way.
If you’re wondering how to spend a full day on the Fundy Trail Parkway, follow the full west-to-east route, taking your time for lunch, rest breaks, and to truly enjoy the views.

End your day at Walton Glen Gorge, it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset and finish your adventure through one of New Brunswick’s most scenic drives.

We reached our parking spot close to 8 p.m., right as the park was closing. From there, we continued driving east toward Moncton, which took about two hours.

Depending on your route and energy level, you could also stop for the night at Fundy National Park or in Alma, both of which are great options to rest before continuing your New Brunswick road trip.

8. Practical Tips For Visiting The Fundy Trail Parkway

After spending a full day exploring, here are a few practical tips we learned that can help you make the most of your time on the Fundy Trail Parkway in New Brunswick.

Arrive early

If you want to enjoy every stop at a slower pace, plan to arrive close to the park’s opening time (8 a.m.). That way, you’ll have enough daylight to stop at several lookouts, do a few trails, and still have time to relax without rushing.

Bring snacks and water

There are very limited food options inside the park, so come prepared, especially if you’re vegan or prefer plant-based meals. Pack a picnic or bring food to cook in your RV or campervan. The park has several picnic areas and parking lots where you can stop for lunch with a view.

Wear proper footwear

Expect to walk a lot! Between trails, beaches, and lookouts, we easily covered more than 20,000 steps during our visit. Comfortable hiking shoes (or sneakers with good grip) are a must, as some trails can be steep or uneven.

Don’t rush

There’s a lot to see and you likely won’t cover it all in one day, and that’s okay. Choose your stops in advance using the official Fundy Trail Parkway map, mark the ones that interest you most, and adjust your plan according to your energy levels and timing.

Plan your fuel and restroom stops

There are no gas stations inside the parkway and only a few rest areas with washrooms, so plan accordingly before entering. Fill your tank in St. Martins or Alma, depending on which side you’re starting from.

Check the weather before you go

Fog is common along the Bay of Fundy, and visibility can change quickly. If possible, visit on a clear day to make the most of the scenic views and photo stops.

Conclusion

We hope this guide helped you plan how to spend a full day on the Fundy Trail Parkway and make the most of this incredible scenic drive.

If we could give one piece of advice, it would be to take your time, enjoy the views, stop often, and don’t try to rush through it. The Fundy Trail Parkway truly deserves a full day to explore at your own pace.

For us, it became one of the highlights of our New Brunswick road trip, and we’d do it all over again. Next time, we’ll probably plan to revisit a few trails we missed and spend even longer by the beaches.

If you’re planning more road trip stops across the province, make sure to check out our other New Brunswick travel guides:

If you’re planning more road trip stops across the province, make sure to check out our other New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island travel guides:

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• Is Prince Edward Island Worth Visiting? A Complete Travel Guide