Shiphaven Trail
Quick Facts
Difficulty | easy |
Trail Type | linear |
Distance | 600 metres |
Estimated Time | 30 mins |
Surface Type | crushed rock, boardwalk |
Elevation Change | 38 metres |
Features | lookouts, covered bridge |
Trail Markers | signs |
Scenery Rating | must see |
Maintenance Rating | well maintained |
Cell Reception | not checked |
Dog Friendly | on a leash |
Fees | yes |
Description
The Shiphaven Trail is a short trail with a lot to see. It is mostly a wide, crushed rock trail with intermittent steps and sections of boardwalk. When you first enter the trail by the covered bridge you will see a side trail on the left that goes down to a lookout area. From here you will see the covered bridge from a different angle, and what remains of an old forestry dam on the other side of the river. There are several interpretive signs explaining the history of the area and the impact of the high tides (see gallery). You will also get a narrow view of where the river flows into Point Wolfe Bay. Make sure you look up in the trees and cliffs surrounding the river. On my last visit a couple of bald eagles were hanging out in the spruce above.

The next section of trail meanders through some fields of ferns before climbing up to another lookout looking back towards the covered bridge and dam from a higher point. More interpretive signs describe the history of the park. The next lookout provides views of Point Wolfe Bay. The bay is surrounded by the high cliffs of Point Wolfe on the left. This long narrow bay will either be filled with water or a large beach depending on the tides. It's hard to believe that the whole bay fills with water twice a day. The Bay of Fundy tides never cease to amaze me and Point Wolfe is a great place to experience them. To get a closer look take the Point Wolfe Beach Trail down to the beach.

The last section of the trail travels through a beautiful coastal spruce stand. If you want to get a sense for what Fundy Park has to offer, this short trail will give you a very good idea.
Map
Directions
For directions to the park go to the Fundy National Park page.
From the visitor centre near Alma, take the Point Wolfe Road. Drive for 7.5 kilometres and you will come to the famous red covered bridge. On the other side of the bridge you will see a parking lot on the right. Park here and cross the road next to the covered bridge to access the trail.

To get to the other end of the trail, continue for another 500 metres and turn left into the Point Wolfe parking lot. You will find the other end of the trail on the left in the corner of the parking lot.
Other Trails in the Park
- Bennett Brook Trail
- Black Hole Trail
- Black Horse Trail
- Caribou Plain Trail
- Coastal Trail
- Coppermine Trail
- Dobson Link
- Dickson Falls Trail
- East Branch Trail
- Foster Brook Trail
- Goose River Trail
- Herring Cove Beach
- Kinnie Brook Trail
- Laverty Falls Trail
- Marven Lake Trail
- Matthews Head Trail
- Maple Grove Trail
- Moosehorn Trail
- Point Wolfe Beach Trail
- The Forks Trail
- Third Vault Falls Trail
- Tippen Lot Trail
- Tracey Lake Trail
- Upper Salmon River Trail
- Whitetail Trail
Trail Last Hiked: September 18, 2021.
Page Last Updated: December 25, 2022.