Trade in four wheels for two and get ready to experience top trails and warm hospitality along the Rides & Welcomes Road Trip.
4-5 days, 155 km (96 mi.)
From the city of Edmundston to the community of Grand Falls-Grand Sault, you’re in for a delectable mix of outdoor adventure, fresh local flavours and distinct Francophone culture. You’ll be delighted by the wonderfully warm welcome of this border region, which you’ll likely hear as both hello and bonjour!
Days 1 - 3:
City of Edmundston and Region
~90 km (56 mi.)
Welcome to Edmundston, New Brunswick’s most westerly city. Bordering Quebec, Canada, and Maine, USA, the area known as Madawaska (Edmundston, Lac Baker, Rivière-Verte and Haut-Madawaska) is the entry point to New Brunswick and the gateway to the Atlantic provinces.
If you’ve been driving for a while, Edmundston is the perfect place to pause and kick off your stay in New Brunswick. Begin by wandering the downtown streets, punctuated by the distinct pedestrian bridge over the Madawaska River. The area is at its loveliest during dusk when sun begins to set over the city and locals stroll riverfront trails. As you wander, keep your eyes peeled for local art and Brayon culture. (For some extra insight, download the free downtown walking tour).
While in the city, be sure you set aside plenty of time for a stop at the Edmundston Arts Centre to see the current exhibitions or catch a show. Sample craft beers at Petit-Sault Brewery, enjoy a fairtrade, eco-friendly specialty coffee at roaster and exclusive coffee shop Brûlerie du Vieux Poste and try out local favourites at the delicious cafes and restaurants.
If you want to uncover the region’s history, there are many historical sites to choose from within an hour’s drive of the city centre in Saint-Basile District and Haut-Madawaska (Baker-Brook, Clair, Saint-François and Saint-Hilaire).
When you’re ready for awesome outdoor adventure, it’s time to hop on two wheels and hit the trails. Edmundston and its surrounding areas are a biking enthusiast’s dream. If you’re looking for a casual ride, the Petit-Témis Cycling Trail is an ideal place for an afternoon outdoors. For those looking for mountain biking thrills, you’ll definitely want to hit up the Madawaska Trails.
If you like to walk in nature, make sure to explore Le Prospecteur trails network, or consider walking a section of the 50-km Méruimticook Trail. Pair the latter with a luxurious stay at EKÖ Nature Glamping, located at the Baker Lake trailhead of Méruimticook Trail.
If you’re in the mood for exploring further, head to Rivière-Verte and hike all the way up to the lookoff at Mont Pointu. Then take a drive around to find two historic covered bridges in the area (Boniface in Rivière-Verte, and Quisibis in Sainte-Anne-du-Madawaska).
The New Brunswick Botanical Garden is a must-see in the fall. From September 29 to October 2, the Grande Grouille Festival will mesmerize the entire family with illuminated pumpkins throughout the gardens, enthralling decor with plenty of animation, circus acts and musical performances by local artists, and scrumptious food and drink (including hot gin cocktails!)
Looking for a place to stay? Take your pick of spots to rest up before you continue on your Rides & Welcomes adventure. And for a bit of fun and games, head out to Grey Rock Casino. Enjoy dinner at one of the casino’s two restaurants, and make a weekend of it by staying at the hotel on site.
Road Trip Eats
- 🥞 Enjoy a delish lobster risotto or try ployes, the famous local specialty, at L'Écluse - halte gourmande
- 🍕 Order an authentic firewood pizza and sit on the terrace at Le Patrimoine
- 🍽️ Unwind with a drink and a delicious dinner at Moonshin’hers Cafe Bistro
Visit Edmundston Tourism for even more ideas!
Days 4 - 5:
Grand Falls
~65 km (40 mi.)
When you arrive in Grand Falls, the first thing you'll want to do is visit the Grand Falls Gorge and Falls. Carved out by the force of the river, its walls reach 23 metres (75 feet) in height, creating a breathtaking sight that can be experienced up-close from several panoramic outlooks on the hiking trails alongside the gorge.
Everywhere you go in Grand Falls, you’ll be immersed in its rich bilingual culture. While you’re exploring the town, be sure to walk along the widest main street in eastern Canada; Broadway Boulevard! Here, you’ll discover many shops, restaurants, and more.
For any art lovers, the Galerie d’Art Acanthus is nearby, and features the work of many local artists and has a tearoom. If craft beer is more your style, stop in at the Grand Falls Brewing Company, a local artisanal micro-brewery with a wide selection of refreshing cold drinks.
If you’re visiting Grand Falls on a Saturday, be sure to stop by the Grand Falls Farmers Market to pick up some local creations or eats! This is a must when visiting the area, and is the best way to really get immersed in the local culture.
Road Trip Eats
- 🍕 Enjoy some pizza at Le Grand Saut Ristorante, a local favourite since 1969
- 🥗 Check out the daily vegetarian menu at The Mini Moose
- 🍔 Grab a tasty lunch at Jack Fries, Grand Falls' ultimate burger joint
Plan Your Route
Acadian Shores • Appalachian Outpost • Ferries & Farms • Fundy Coast • Hops & Harvest • Hub City • Miramichi River • Rides & Welcomes