Pro Perspectives: Fundy Trail Provincial Park

July 28, 2023


With stunning views of the world-renowned Bay of Fundy, the Fundy Trail Park has been carved out of the Fundy escarpment, one of the last remaining coastal wilderness areas between Florida and Labrador.

Visitors can drive the paved parkway that hugs 250 meters of coastal cliffs, explore trails that connect to paths or stairways leading to pristine beaches and river estuaries, cross an 84-meter suspension footbridge, see tumbling waterfalls, or stop by the interpretive centre and discover the rich history of a once-thriving lumber industry.

Anyone who has explored the Park will tell you how unique and special a spot it is, but we wanted to hear it straight from the pros. We sat down with three staff members to hear their Fundy Trail stories:

“The Whole Park is a Hidden Gem”

Wally began working for Fundy Trail Park before it was a park. He was part of the crew that helped build the 10 km multi-purpose trail, clearing out rocks, stumps, and old debris. They built the trail and put in the fencing even before the footpath bridges were built. In 2000, he officially joined the Fundy Trail staff, and later became the Assistant Maintenance Supervisor. He now works part-time for the park.

 

“What I like to do in the park depends on who I am bringing to see it. There is so much beauty here. The whole park is a hidden gem. The beauty and flora and fauna are all around you.” Wally was reluctant to highlight any one place, however, when pressed, he indicated he felt that a spot where two brooks come together on the multi-purpose trail is just one of the special places. “Anytime I see a couple strolling hand in hand on a trail, I think where else would they want to be?

 

“You can’t come to work in a bad mood. It’s a beautiful drive both to work and while at work. All our guests are on vacation. It makes you feel great when guests compliment the park – about how nice and how clean the park is. People appreciate the park and help to keep it clean by respecting it. I am very happy to work here.”

Experience a Calm, Cool Woodland Hike

Bette has been enjoying the trails of the Fundy Trail Parkway since it opened in 1998 and has worked for the Park for the past 7 years. This year, she can be found working at the Big Salmon River Interpretive Centre.

 

“My favourite activity working here is talking and meeting people from all over the world. I love to help people – giving them advice on how to spend their day enjoying the trail makes me happy, too.”

 

For Bette, the best places to enjoy in the ark can all be found along the multi-purpose trail. “From parking lot 4 to parking lot 5, you can experience a calm, cool woodland hike with frequent peeks at the beautiful Bay of Fundy. From parking lot 4 to parking lot 3, you can enjoy Fuller Falls and a peaceful walk in the woods.”

Walton Glen Gorge – A Must-See

This is Dustin’s second season with the Fundy Trail Park as a member of the cookhouse team. The work he does with his team, combined with the individuals he meets along the way, has made his experience very rewarding. “Growing up in St. Martins, I have known quite a few people who have worked for the park, many of them friends. I had always wanted to work here and now I get to do just that.”

 

“Easily one of my favourite activities to do in the park is hiking, most notably the trail to Walton Glen Gorge lookout, which is a must-see!”

 

When asked about a hidden gem others should explore in the park, Dustin shared a few suggestions: “Melvin Beach is a wonderful beach to explore, and not too many people seek it out. However, it’s not too hidden. So, in my opinion, a great hidden gem is following along the river at the base of McLeod Brook Falls until you reach the top of the larger falls peering down into the gorge itself.”

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Join Wally, Bette, and Dustin at the Park this summer, and take in adventures that are truly spectacular!

 

Purchase your day pass here.

Find a list of upcoming Fundy Trail events here.

Land acknowledgement

The Saint John Region is situated on the traditional and unceded territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Mi’Kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati Nations. This territory is covered by Peace and Friendship Treaties signed with the British Crown in the 1700s. The treaties did not surrender the territory and resources, but recognized Wolastoqiyik, Mi’Kmaq, and Peskotomuhkati title, and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.

Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency pays respect to the elders, past and present, and descendants of this land, and is committed to moving forward in the spirit of truth, collaboration, and reconciliation.