Snowmobiling in New Brunswick
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| The Trails Await1 |
A sure cure for the winter
blues, recreational snowmobiling is an ideal way to enjoy the inevitable winter
weather of Eastern Canada.
And where better to make the most of the snow than in New
Brunswick, the snowiest of all the Atlantic
provinces. Here, winter is an extensive season that runs from November
to April. Heavy snowfalls and an impressive, interconnected system of over 7,000
km (4,349 mi) of groomed trails make for excellent conditions for both beginner
and seasoned riders. Local and provincial trails, complete with an array of
snowmobile-friendly amenities, await.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Prior to heading out on the trails, snowmobilers must ensure that they follow
the regulations as outlined by the province and the sport's governing agency,
the New
Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. Firstly, all snowmobiles operating
on the province's trails must be licensed and registered from the point of origin.
Liability insurance is mandatory and it is also recommended to have theft, collision
and fire coverage. U.S. visitors
bringing sleds into Canada must conform to all customs regulations as they apply
to regular automobile border crossings. The province has implemented a mandatory
trail permit system and passes are available—in daily, three-day, seven-day
and seasonal denominations—at all Service New Brunswick offices, an array
of business outlets and snowmobile clubs province-wide.
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| Group Ride2 |
For the benefit of all riders,
safety is top priority while exploring the trail systems. Planning and common
sense are imperative for any adventure via snowmobile. Trails operate much like
an automotive roadway, complete with traffic signs. Riders should be familiar
with basic hand signals, observe posted speed limits and be aware of the dangers
of riding in darkness and navigating ice crossings. All riders (and their passengers)
must wear approved helmets and it is recommended to travel in groups, in case
of mechanical failure or other urgent situations.
Preparation for cold temperatures—which shift according to wind chill,
snowmobile speed and actual thermometer readings—is vital. Dressing in
layers with a wind- and water-proof outer layer, warm boots, goggles and substantial
mitts will ensure comfort and decrease the chances of frost bite.
SNOWMOBILING ZONES
Traversing the winter landscape aboard a high-performance snowmobile is a thrilling
and unique way to enjoy the season and the outdoors, and New Brunswick offers
these experiences like no other. Thousands of kilometres of snowmobile-only
trails criss-cross the province. High snowfalls, especially in the northern
regions, are conducive to excellent riding. Depending on the region, annual
snowfall amounts can range from 200 cm (6.5 ft) to 400 cm (13 ft).
Eight trail zones comprise the system and are organized into north-western,
north-eastern, south-western and south-eastern sections. The zones are maintained
by over two dozen volunteer-led clubs, some of which operate lodges with snowmobile-friendly
amenities. Many of these clubs also put on an array of fundraising riding events
and family-friendly get-togethers throughout the season.
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| Riding Out of Edmunston3 |
Zones One & Two
Located in the north-western region of the province, these zones interconnect
numerous towns and villages and offer riders an intimate encounter with nature.
Notable stops within the zones include Campbellton,
home of the annual Sno-Fest
winter carnival, and Edmundston,
which co-hosts the International
Snowmobile Festival with Maine.
The pristine, snow-covered wilderness of the Appalachian
range provides access to the mountainous regions surrounding Mount
Carleton Provincial Park and towns along the upper St.
John River valley, including Grand
Falls and Perth
Andover. Chalets
Restigouche in Kedgwick
is located directly on trail #17 and offers rustic self-contained cottages,
on-site dining and a selection of stay-and-play packages.
Zones Three & Five
The heart of snowmobile country lies in this north-eastern district, where snow
is known as white gold and consistent, heavy snowfalls ensure favourable riding.
Bathurst, the indisputable
snowmobiling capital of New Brunswick, offers an ideal starting point for many
snowmobiling adventures. The trail-side Atlantic
Host Hotel offers snowmobile loading ramps, heated self-repair bays
and access to some of the best trails in the province. Not far from Bathurst
are many snowmobile lodges providing gas, food and warm beds. Trail #23 is home
to the popular Governor's
Wilderness Resort, which features modern, equipped log cabins, a licensed
restaurant, fuel and impressive views of the Appalachian range. Also along this
trail is Serpentine
Lodge, which offers amenities 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and
Rogers
Lake Campsite, which provides seasonal sled storage and food services.
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| Snowmobilers Arrive at Governor's Lodge4 |
The areas surrounding Miramichi
and trails along the Miramichi
River valley also offer an array of trail pit stops and amenities for
snowmobilers, including the Country
Haven Lodge and Cottages in Blackville.
Located on 40 ha (100 acres) of private land and offering direct access to trails,
this property features all-inclusive lodge accommodation and private two- and
three-bedroom cottages. The all-season O'Donnell's
Cottages and Expeditions resort located in Doaktown
offers convenient Sled n' Snooze packages for snowmobile enthusiasts who wish
to explore the central areas of the province. The resort features direct access
to groomed trails, kitchenette suites and self-contained cottages overlooking
the Miramichi River.
Zones Four & Seven
The trail system of south-western New Brunswick, which includes stops in and
around Woodstock,
McAdam,
Mactaquac,
Fredericton, Oromocto
and the covered-bridge capital of Hartland,
offers a diverse selection of itineraries. This wide-ranging area provides access
to picturesque landscapes, quaint villages and well-maintained, meandering routes
through Acadian forests.
Located minutes from the trail system in Woodstock, the Best
Western Woodstock Inn and Suites is ideal for visitors travelling with
children or larger groups. Another notable lodging destination, located near
Mactaquac
Provincial Park outside of Fredericton, is the Riverside
Resort and Conference Centre. Visitors will appreciate its proximity
to trail systems, full-service dining and its relaxing indoor hot tub, perfect
for warming up after a day on the trails.
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| Exploring the Woods5 |
Zones Six & Eight
The high elevations of the Caledonia Highlands, paired with snow accumulations
churned by the onshore winds of the Bay
of Fundy and the Northumberland
Strait, make south-eastern New Brunswick another excellent destination
for snowmobiling. Its proximity to the seaside and rolling uplands provide unique
coastal experiences.
Situated near Fundy
National Park is Adair's
Wilderness Lodge in Sussex,
a prime destination for winter enthusiasts. Just minutes from the popular downhill
ski area, Poley
Mountain Resort, the lodge offers comprehensive year-round adventures,
accommodation in log cabins, on-site dining and access to all-terrain vehicle
and snowmobile trails. Falcon
Ridge Inn, in the coastal village of Alma,
is a snowmobile-friendly property located near the spur 30 trail, which offers
access to trail #34 leading to Moncton. Ideal for a couple's getaway, the home-style
inn boasts cozy and fun winter stay-and-play packages. Moncton
is a perfect destination for those seeking a mixture of urban convenience and
access to the trails of the Acadian shores. Here, a notable snowmobile-friendly
hotel is the trail-side Hampton
Inn and Suites by Hilton, located just minutes from many dining and
shopping opportunities and activities.
If you enjoyed this
feature, take a look at these WorldWeb.com
articles:
• Best
of Winter in Canada
• North
America's Top 10 Family Ski Resorts
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- c/o New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs; The Trails Await; New Brunswick, Canada
- c/o New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs; A Group Ride; New Brunswick, Canada
- c/o New Brunswick Department of Tourism and Parks; Riding Out of Edmundston; Edmundston, NB, Canada
- c/o New Brunswick Department of Tourism and Parks; Snowmobilers Arrive at Governor's Lodge; Bathurst, NB, Canada
- c/o New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs; Exploring the Woods; New Brunswick, Canada
