FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY GUIDE TO EXPLORING NEW BRUNSWICK’S COAST

After almost a month travelling across New Brunswick in our RV, we finally reached one of the biggest highlights of our trip: The Fundy Trail Parkway. This scenic coastal drive completely exceeded our expectations, so we decided to put together this Fundy Trail Parkway Guide to help you plan your own visit.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know before you go, from entrance fees and opening hours to essential tips that will help you decide if the Fundy Trail Parkway deserves a spot on your New Brunswick itinerary.

WHERE IS THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY LOCATED?

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 driving from Saint John, the parkway entrance near St. Martins is only about one hour away, making it an easy day trip or the perfect next stop on your New Brunswick road trip.

You might be wondering, what is there to do along the Fundy Trail Parkway?
Well, plenty! Along this breathtaking drive you’ll find:

• More than 20 scenic lookouts,
• Over 20 hiking trails,
• 7 beaches,
• 4 waterfalls, and
• 12 observation decks with stunning views of the Bay of Fundy.

With so much to explore, it’s easy to spend an entire day (or more!) discovering this gem.

WHERE DOES THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY START AND END?

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

• The West Entrance is located near the coastal village of St. Martins, known for its fishing heritage, sea caves, and colourful waterfront. This is the most common starting point for visitors driving from Saint John or other parts of southern New Brunswick.
• The East Entrance connects to Fundy National Park and the town of Alma, another beautiful stop along the Bay of Fundy and a great place to continue your coastal adventure.

Most travellers begin at the West Entrance and drive eastward toward Alma, following the ocean views as they unfold along the 30 km scenic route.

HISTORY OF THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY

The idea of the Fundy Trail Parkway began in 1995, but it took several decades to fully complete. The parkway as we know it today officially opened in May 2020.

Construction happened in stages as funding became available, gradually expanding the route over time.

The first phase covered about 10 km and opened to the public in August 1998. In 2007, additional funding allowed work to begin on Phase II. By 2010, another 3.5 km section was completed, and in 2013 new financing helped extend the trail by an additional 3 km.

The west gate of the Fundy Trail Parkway first opened on August 29, 1998, while the eastern entrance, which connects to Alma and Fundy National Park, opened on May 15, 2020. Today, the parkway stretches approximately 30 km along the coast and is fully accessible from both entrances.

CAN YOU DRIVE THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY?

You can absolutely drive the Fundy Trail Parkway. Crossing it from beginning to end takes less than one hour, but that would mean not stopping anywhere along the way, which we definitely don’t recommend.

There are so many scenic lookouts, beaches, and trails that it’s worth dedicating a full day to explore at your own pace. To give you an idea, we spent about ten hours driving and stopping throughout the parkway, taking in every view we could.

If you want to know more about what to do once you’re inside, check out our post How to Spend a Full Day on Fundy Trail Parkway.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO DRIVE THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY?

You might be wondering what the cost is to access the Fundy Trail Parkway.

There is a small entrance fee of around 12 CAD per adult, which you can pay at either entrance gate. The ticket allows you unlimited access to the parkway from 8 am to 8 pm on the same day.

When you pay your entrance fee, you’ll receive a printed map highlighting all the lookouts, trails, and picnic areas so you can easily plan your stops along the route.

FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY NEW BRUNSWICK OPENING TIMES AND ACCESS

The Fundy Trail Parkway gates are open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October, providing access to more than 2,500 hectares of protected coastal parkland.

As mentioned before, the parkway is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm, so plan your visit with enough time to explore comfortably.

To access the parkway, you can enter from either side:

• From St. Martins or Sussex, you’ll reach the West Entrance, which is the most common starting point for visitors.

• From Alma, you’ll reach the East Entrance, near Fundy National Park.
  

FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY NEW BRUNSWICK PARKING

We visited the Fundy Trail Parkway in late July, during high season, with our 24 ft RV and had no issues finding parking.

Along the route, you’ll find multiple lookouts with spacious parking areas. Not everyone stops at every viewpoint, and since vehicles are constantly moving, spots open up often. There are also larger parking areas near the main trailheads where you can leave your vehicle and go for a hike or bike ride without any problems.

WHERE TO EAT ON THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY

There is a rest area around the Interpretive Centre located roughly halfway along the trail, where visitors can take a break and grab a bite to eat. However, as vegans, we didn’t find many options, so we chose to cook in our RV instead.

If you plan to spend the full day exploring, we recommend bringing your own snacks and plenty of water, especially if you’re hiking or biking before reaching the centre.

You can also stop for food before entering the parkway in St. Martins or Alma, depending on which direction you’re travelling from. But if you want to make the most of your day inside the parkway, packing your own food is the best option.

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY?

There are so many things that make the Fundy Trail Parkway special, but here are the highlights from our visit:

• Stunning views of the Bay of Fundy:
  We spent about ten hours covering the entire trail, stopping at many of the lookouts along the way. A few of our favourites were Fox Rock Lookout, Melvin Beach Lookout, Pangburn Beach Observation Deck, Pejepscot Lookout and Martin Head Lookout where we took some of our favourite photos of the day.

• Great hiking trails:
  The parkway offers more than 20 trails of varying difficulty, so there’s truly something for everyone. One of our favourites was the Long Beach Brook Falls Loop, it was challenging but so rewarding, especially when we reached the waterfall at the end. Another unforgettable stop was the Walton Glen Gorge, also known as the “Grand Canyon of New Brunswick.” It was an amazing way to finish our day here.

IS THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY IN NEW BRUNSWICK WORTH VISITING?

If you’re planning your New Brunswick road trip and wondering if the Fundy Trail Parkway is worth visiting, our answer is absolutely yes.

After spending a full day driving, hiking, and taking in the views, we can confidently say this place is one of the most beautiful parts of the province. It’s not just a quick stop, it’s a destination worth dedicating an entire day to explore at a slower pace.

You’ll find trails for every skill level, from short easy walks to longer, more challenging hikes. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, the parkway has something for everyone.

IS IT SAFE TO WALK AROUND THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY?

During our visit, we felt very safe driving and walking through the Fundy Trail Parkway. The roads are well maintained, and there are clear signs at most intersections and trailheads.

There are a few points where you need to cross the main road (the parkway itself), so always look both ways and stay alert, especially if you’re travelling with children. If you’re driving, keep an eye on your speed, with more than 20 lookouts, cars often pull in and out slowly.

While hiking, stay aware of your surroundings and watch for wildlife. We only encountered small animals like squirrels and rabbits, but it’s always good to stay alert when exploring nature.

WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY, NEW BRUNSWICK (HOTELS AND RV OPTIONS)

The Fundy Trail Parkway is conveniently located near several main cities, making it easy to find a place to stay nearby. Since there are two entrances, your best option depends on which side you plan to start your visit.

If you’re entering from the west side, you can stay in Saint John, St. Martins, or Sussex, all within a short drive to the gate. If you’re entering from the east side, the towns of Alma or Moncton make great bases.

HOTELS IN SAINT JOHN AND SURROUNDINGS

If you’re flying in or simply looking for a comfortable base before or after your Fundy Trail Parkway adventure, here are some popular choices:

• Crowne Plaza Saint John Harbour View by IHG
• Days Inn by Wyndham Saint John
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Saint John Harbour Side by IHG
• Amsterdam Inn & Suites Sussex
• Fundy Footprints - St Martins
• Beach Street Inn - St Martins

HOTELS IN MONCTON AND SURROUNDINGS

If you’re entering from the east, Moncton offers plenty of options with easy access to restaurants and shops before heading toward Alma.

• Alma Shore Lane Suites & Cottages
• Hilton Garden Inn Moncton Downtown
• Chateau Moncton Trademark Collection by Wyndham
• Rodd Moncton

CAMPGROUNDS

If you’re travelling by RV or tent, one of the best options near the east entrance is staying at Fundy National Park Campground, located between Alma and the East Entrance of the Fundy Trail Parkway.

We didn’t stay overnight, but we did stop by to use their dumping station on our way to Moncton. It looked quite busy, so if you’re visiting in summer, make sure to book your campsite in advance.

FREE RV OVERNIGHT SPOTS (BOONDOCKING Near Fundy Trail Parkway )

There aren’t many free overnight options close to the parkway, but we found a few good ones that worked perfectly during our road trip:

• Walmart Sussex: The parking lot was quiet and spacious. We arrived late at night and left early the next morning. It’s about a 50-minute drive to the West Entrance, so it’s a good option if you’re planning to start your day early on the parkway.

• Walmart Saint John: This lot is a bit hilly but manageable. The location was convenient since we could even walk to the Reversing Falls from there.

• Witness Wellness (Harvest Hosts): We found this place through Harvest Hosts. Although they were fully booked when we asked, we still went for a massage there and had a wonderful experience. If you’re a Harvest Hosts member, it’s definitely worth checking availability ahead of time.
  

HOW TO GET TO THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY, NEW BRUNSWICK (ROAD TRIP AND FLIGHT OPTIONS)

There are several ways to reach the Fundy Trail Parkway depending on your travel style. Whether you’re on a New Brunswick road trip in your RV or arriving by plane, it’s an easy and scenic destination to include in your itinerary.

FROM MONCTON (YQM)

You can fly directly into the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM), located about 110 km (1 hour and 45 minutes) from the Fundy Trail Parkway.

If you’re driving from Moncton, we highly recommend turning this into a day trip with scenic stops. On your way, you can explore the Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park, and the charming town of Alma before reaching the east entrance of the parkway. It’s one of the most beautiful drives in the province.

FLYING INTO SAINT JOHN AIRPORT (YSJ)

You can also fly directly into Saint John Airport (YSJ), located about 15 km (20 minutes) from downtown Saint John. It’s a small but convenient airport with direct connections to major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.

Once you arrive, renting a car is the best option if you want to explore at your own pace.

If you’d rather not drive, you can also book a day tour from Saint John to the Fundy Trail Parkway.

HOW TO GET AROUND THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY

We recommend planning your route ahead of time and marking the stops you don’t want to miss. You’ll receive a detailed map at the entrance, and you can also check our post How to Spend a Full Day on the Fundy Trail Parkway for ideas on what to see and do.

DRIVE YOUR OWN VEHICLE (RV OR CAR)

Driving your own vehicle is the most convenient way to explore, since you can decide where to stop and how long to stay at each viewpoint.

If you’re travelling in an RV or campervan, don’t worry, there are plenty of parking spaces available throughout the parkway, and we had no trouble maneuvering our 24 ft RV even in peak summer.

CAR RENTAL IN SAINT JOHN OR MONCTON

If you’re flying in or prefer driving a smaller vehicle while your RV is parked, you’ll find rental car agencies such as Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and Hertz at both Saint John Airport (YSJ) and Moncton Airport (YQM), as well as in the downtown areas.

BIKING THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY

If you’re feeling adventurous, biking the Fundy Trail Parkway is a fantastic way to experience the scenery at a slower pace. There are long stretches suitable for cycling, and the Fundy Footpath, especially from trail markers F1 to F7, offers incredible views of the Bay of Fundy.

We didn’t get the chance to bike it ourselves, but it’s definitely on our list for next time, just be ready for some hills and bring water and snacks!

WALKING IN THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY

We definitely walked more than 20,000 steps that day because we were determined to visit as many stops as possible along the Fundy Trail Parkway.

Here are some of the trails we completed:

• Sea Captains’ Burial Ground Trail
• Flowerpot Rock Scenic Trail
• Melvin Beach Access Trail
• Long Beach Brook Falls Loop
• Trail to Walton Glen Gorge

Each one offered something different. The Walton Glen Gorge Trail was the most challenging because we were tired but also the most impressive, and it was the perfect way to end our day.

If you’re planning to hike multiple trails, make sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and pack snacks. Most trails are clearly marked and well maintained, but a few have steep sections, so take your time and enjoy the views.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY?

Since the Fundy Trail Parkway is open seasonally, the best time to visit is between mid-May and mid-October. During this period, the gates are open daily from 8 am to 8 pm, and all trails and lookouts are fully accessible.

Summer is ideal if you want warm weather and long daylight hours, though it can be busy. Early fall must also be beautiful, especially when the leaves start changing colour.

The weather near the Bay of Fundy can change quickly, and foggy mornings are common, so check the forecast before your trip and plan for a sunny day if you can, it makes the views even more spectacular.

HOW MANY HOURS DO YOU NEED IN THE FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY?

If you’re short on time, you can technically drive the entire parkway in less than an hour, but you’d be missing out on what makes this place so special.

We spent about 10 hours exploring, walking the trails, and enjoying the views. It was a full day of hiking, photography, and just being around nature.

If you don’t have a full day, you can still make the most of it by choosing a few key lookouts and shorter trails, in that case, plan around 3 to 5 hours.

For ideas on how to plan your route and prioritize stops, check out our detailed post How to Spend a Full Day in the Fundy Trail Parkway: A Complete Guide, where we share our exact itinerary and highlights.

EASY DAY TRIPS FROM FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY

So, you planned your visit to the Fundy Trail Parkway, what’s next? If you have extra time in your itinerary, there are several incredible day trips just a short drive away. These are some of our favourite nearby spots worth adding to your New Brunswick road trip.

VISIT ST. MARTINS SEA CAVES

St. Martins is a fishing village located about 7 km from the western entrance of the Fundy Trail Parkway, along the scenic coastal Route 111.

The highlight here is the St. Martins Sea Caves, naturally carved by the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy. At low tide, you can walk right inside the caves and explore the red sandstone formations up close. At high tide, the water fills the caves completely, transforming the view into something dramatic and peaceful at the same time.

We arrived late in the day and could only admire the caves from a distance since the tide was high, but if you plan ahead, make sure to check the tide schedule before you go.

The village itself is also worth exploring, it has two covered bridges, a picturesque harbor, and a few local restaurants serving fresh seafood and homemade pies. Even if you’re just passing through, it’s a lovely stop for photos and a short walk along the beach.

VISIT THE HOPEWELL ROCKS

The Hopewell Rocks are one of the most iconic attractions in New Brunswick and a perfect next stop after visiting the Fundy Trail Parkway.

Located about 1.5 hours from the east entrance (near Alma), the Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park lets you witness one of the highest tides in the world. When the tide is low, you can walk on the ocean floor among the giant “flowerpot rocks.” When the tide rises, up to 12 meters, those same rocks become small islands surrounded by water.

If you want to know more about this place, visit these posts:

• Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park Guide (2026): All You Need to Know Before You Go
• Hopewell Rocks Itinerary: Low + High Tide Guide (How to Plan Your Day)

We spent about half a day exploring this park, watching the tide change from low to high, and it was absolutely worth it. The park is well maintained with facilities, walking trails, and clear signs showing tide times.

If you’re already visiting the Fundy Trail Parkway, make sure to add Hopewell Rocks to your New Brunswick itinerary, it’s the perfect complement to your coastal adventure.

CONCLUSION:

We hope this Fundy Trail Parkway Guide helped you gather all the information you need to plan your visit and decide to include this incredible coastal drive in your New Brunswick road trip itinerary.

Next time, we’ll definitely take more time to explore the hikes we didn’t complete and relax longer on the beaches, there’s just so much beauty in every corner of this parkway.

We truly believe that adding the Fundy Trail Parkway to your East Coast Canada itinerary is a must. It was one of the absolute highlights of our New Brunswick adventure, and we’re so glad we dedicated an entire day to explore it at our own pace.

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:

• How to Spend a Full Day on the Fundy Trail Parkway: A Complete Guide
• Is St. John Worth Visiting? Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip
• 32 Things To Do In The Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick
• Is The Acadian Historical Village Worth Visiting? A First-Timer’s Guide
• Where to Stay in New Brunswick, Canada: Best Hotels by area
• Is New Brunswick Worth Visiting? 5 Weeks Exploring The Province
• 50 Best Things to do in New Brunswick (Complete Travel Guide)
• Is Mount Carleton Provincial Park Worth Visiting? Everything You Need to Know.
• Is Bathurst, New Brunswick Worth Visiting? Things To Do In 48 Hours
• 18 Best Things To Do In Miramichi In Summer
• What to Do in Edmundston, New Brunswick
• Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park Guide (2026): All You Need to Know Before You Go
• Hopewell Rocks Itinerary: Low + High Tide Guide (How to Plan Your Day)
• Is Prince Edward Island Worth Visiting? A Complete Travel Guide