leslieq

We're staying in Alma the second week in October, and might have to choose between Fundy Trail Parkway and Fundy National Park. We like hiking more than driving and stopping for views. What is the Fundy Trail like? Sounds like you pay an entrance fee and then drive through. Hard to get a picture of what it's like. We'd love to do both, but have a long drive to Bar Harbor after to meet friends and might have to choose one over the other. Can someone who's been there describe these two places? If you've been to Fundy National Park, do you have a 5-6 mile hike you can recommend? We're really eager to see this beautiful area.

Thanks from a Californian!

Capetien

Hi California!

If time is short, and if I were interested in hiking along places with a Fundy view, I'd pick the Fundy Trail Parkway, about 20 miles east of St. John, New Brunswick.

The Fundy Trail right now is about six miles long (they're in the process of adding to it). There is a modest fee to get in, about $4 per car (no per-person charge). You can drive and stop, drive and stop, if you want, but the coast is lined with hiking trails. Some stay atop the cliffs, while others descend to the water's edge. If you're so inclined, you could walk the entire way in and out, or select a segment to explore.

At the current end of the Trail is the 20-plus rooms "cottage" built by William Randolph Hearst in the early part of the Twentieth Century when he was a Congressman from New York City. It's now a tea room, and definitely worth the hike up for a visit.

Fundy National Park is a much larger acreage, with both coastal and inland walks to explore.

Not far from Fundy National Park is Hopewell Cape with its famed Flower Pot Rocks, around the base of which you can wander at low tide. There's a stiff charge, about $9/person, which may reduce the enthusiasm of some.

Fundy Trail Parkway is a few miles from St. Martin's Sea Caves, which you can walk out to and even enter at low tide.

Another spot for some walking, in the city of St. John, New Brunswick, is Irving Nature Park, just west of the St. John Harbor Bridge. To reach it, take Exit 119 off the Route 1 freeway. This park features mud flats exposed at low water and a boardwalk into the marsh.

Happy travels, and let me know if I can help further!

David

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