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The Most Definitive Guide to Hiking in New Brunswick

Laverty Falls Trail, Fundy National Park

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Shiphaven Trail

Gallery

Shiphaven Trail gallery

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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.

Shiphaven Trail at Fundy National Park

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.

View of Point Wolfe from the Shiphaven Trail at Fundy National Park

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.

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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.

Shiphaven Trailhead at Fundy National Park

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.

Trail Last Hiked: September 18, 2021.

Page Last Updated: December 25, 2022.