Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A 40km drive east of Saint John, St Martins is a winsome seaside hamlet surrounded by
steep cliffs and flower-studded pastureland. Once a sleepy wooden shipbuilding center, it
now draws hikers, bikers and scenic-drive takers to the 11km Fundy Trail Parkway
( www.fundytrailparkway.com ) , which winds along a jaw-dropping stretch of coastline. In
town, check out the impressive red sandstone sea caves of Mac's Beach, accessible by
foot when the tide is low. The village's twin covered bridges are a popular photo op, so
bring your camera.
River Bay Adventures ( 506-663-9530; www.riverbayadventures.com ; tours from $50,
kayaks half-/full day $33/52) runs two- to three-hour guided sea-kayaking trips to the caves
and islands along the coast.
St Martin's Country Inn ( 800-566-5257, 506-833-4534; www.stmartinscountryinn.ca ;
303 Main St; r $110-165; ) , the towering mansion overlooking the bay, is the most
deluxe place in town and also offers delectable meals (mains $19 to $24) in its delightful,
caught-in-time dining room.
Right on Mac's Beach, the resort-style Seaside Restaurant (81 Mac's Beach; mains
$8-18; 11am-7pm) serves fish and chips, scallops, chowder and more. Now you know
you are on holiday.
DON'T MISS
SCENIC DRIVE: FUNDY TRAIL PARKWAY
This magnificent parkway ( www.fundytrailparkway.com ; adult/child/family $5.50/3.50/13;
6am-8pm May-Oct) traverses a rugged section of what has been called the only re-
maining coastal wilderness between Florida and Newfoundland. The 11km-long
parkway to Big Salmon River put an end to the unspoiled wilderness part. There is
now a lovely stretch of pavement with numerous viewpoints, picnic areas and park-
ing lots. Eventually, it will extend to Fundy National Park. Nova Scotia is visible
across the bay. There is also a separate 16km-long very steep and hilly hiking/bik-
ing trail.
On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, a free hourly shuttle bus operates from
noon to 6pm, ferrying hikers up and down the trail between the parkway entrance
and Big Salmon River. In the off-season, the main gate is closed, but you can park
at the entrance and hike or pedal in.
At Big Salmon River a suspension bridge leads to a vast wilderness hiking area
beyond the end of the road. Hikers can make it from Big Salmon River to Goose
River in Fundy National Park in three to five days. At last report, no permits or per-
missions were required to do so. But beyond Big Salmon River, be prepared for wil-
derness, rocky scree and even a rope ladder or two.
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