From awesome ski hills, vibrant communities and snowy family adventures to the best snowmobiling in the Maritimes, there is so much to explore in New Brunswick each winter. Whether you're pulling out the gear to get outdoors or prefer staying cozy inside, looking for a friends' or couple's getaway in the city or a special March Break moment, get out and explore everything New Brunswick has to offer this winter!
Family Fun in the Capital
When visiting the Fredericton Capital Region, stay at one of the many family-friendly hotels such as the Delta Fredericton, Crowne Plaza Fredericton-Lord Beaverbrook or Hilton Garden Inn to name a few. Check out the Stay a Night & Dinner’s On Us deal for featured packages from participating hotels, motels, and B&Bs to receive a bonus of $50 in Downtown Fredericton or Business Fredericton North dollars. Craft beer enthusiasts definitely won’t want to miss the iconic Taproom Trail.
Winter is a special time to be outside and what better way to enjoy the crisp air and fresh snow than at nearby Crabbe Mountain. It boasts the largest vertical in NB and has 34 trails, lessons for kids of all ages, and a new lodge to warm up in with delectable food and drink.
If downhill is not for you, you don’t have to go far in Fredericton before you come across a trail to cross-country ski or snowshoe. Head to Odell Park, Killarney Lake Park or the Kingswood and UNB Woodlot trails. Just a half-hour drive from downtown Fredericton, Mactaquac Provincial Park has groomed trails for cross-country skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing, a rink on the pond for skating, a charming ice trail for forest skating, as well as tube, fat bike, cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals. The local cross-country ski club, Wostawea, has many activities. You can even borrow skates at Officers' Square, and snowshoes at the public library. If you’ve brought your skates along, check out the many outdoor and indoor rinks you can choose from. You really can’t go wrong with a winter vacation in Fredericton.
Special March Break Happenings:
- Beaverbrook Art Gallery: Tom Thomson and Radical Stitch Exhibits
- Crabbe Mountain: Meet the Explore NB Street Team!
- Officers’ Square: Free skate loans
- Fredericton Craft Beer Festival: March 7-8 at the Fredericton Convention Centre
- Kings Landing: Maple, the First Taste of Spring
Visit Fredericton Capital Region for more March Break ideas.
Getaways in Saint John — Uptown and All Around
Saint John is chock-full of spots to explore this winter! Every trip here should begin with a visit to the Saint John City Market to sample local specialties in historic uptown Saint John. From there, discover funky cafes, creative galleries and delightful shops in the city’s charming brick buildings. If you’re game for some indoor activities, get in some family fun at Oasis Trampoline Park or Breakout Saint John. And if you’d like to take in Canada’s favourite sport, you’ve got to head to a Saint John Sea Dogs Game.
For some fresh air adventure in Saint John, head to Rockwood Park. It offers hiking, skating on the lake, snowshoeing (and snowshoes rental at Inside Out Nature Centre), and geocaching, topped off with hot chocolate and yummy treats (inside) at Lily’s Lakeside Casual Dining.
If you’re on the search for downhill skiing, Poley Mountain is less than an hour away and it’s the perfect spot to hit the slopes, with trails for all skill levels. While in the Sussex area, TimberTop Zip Tours at Snider Mountain Ranch is a must! Fly above the snow covered forest floor on a dozen of incredible zip lines, then enjoy homemade cookies and hot chocolate as you warm up by a crackling campfire. All this fresh air will work up an appetite, so hit the town of Sussex for some delicious food at one of the local favourites, like the Taste and See Restaurant, Knocks Cafe or the All Seasons Inn & Restaurant.
Discover more of Saint John and the Towns by the Bay
Experience Winter Joy in Moncton and Dieppe
For food, laughter, and celebration, head to Moncton-Dieppe! Stay a night and enjoy a dip in the pool at the modern Hyatt Place or Hilton Garden Inn, or the water slides at the Delta Hotels Beausejour and Hampton Inn & Suites. Indulge in some fantastic food via room service or a restaurant such as Gusto Italian Grill, Café Archibald, Tony's Bistro, Classic Burger or the Homestead (a family restaurant just across the river in Riverview), then go see the cats roar at a Moncton Wildcats hockey game.
Discover Moncton’s history with a side of creativity and science by heading to Resurgo Place. If outdoor fun is more your speed, go for a skate at the Ian Fowler Oval outside of the Avenir Centre or the Place 1604 Skating Oval by Dieppe's City Hall. For some awesome urban trails, you can head to Centennial Park to snowshoe or cross-country ski or Mapleton Park for some fat biking or snowshoeing (rentals available at both locations). The same winter activities are available at Dieppe's Rotary Saint-Anselme Park, plus sleigh rides on Sundays and a sliding hill.
Looking for a full day of activities? Go to Broadleaf Ranch, a 40-minute drive from Moncton. It’s ready to welcome you for a fun-filled winter experience with an abundance of winter activities available such as horseback riding, sleigh rides, the Adventure Barn, tobogganing & sliding, skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Continue another 30 minutes along NB-114 and you’ll reach the charming Village of Alma, gateway to the iconic Fundy National Park. This is the perfect spot to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, and spend the time immersed in New Brunswick’s natural beauty. Snowshoes and skishoes are available to rent at the park, so bundle up and get ready to play!
March Break happenings:
- Moncton Wildcats: Home games at Avenir Centre, Feb. 28 and March 1
- Place 1604: Fun on Ice, Feb. 28
- Casino NB: Mini Pop Kids - The Celebration Tour, March 2
- Capitol Theatre: The Alphabet of Awesome Science, March 9
Discover More of Moncton and Dieppe
Unwind and Reconnect in Southwest NB
Snow adds a special sparkle to the coastal towns of Charlotte County, nestled along the Bay of Fundy’s western shores. From St. Stephen and Saint Andrews to the coastal isles, winter is a totally different way to experience this stunning area without the summer crowds.
For an extra-special winter retreat, head to the Algonquin Resort in Saint Andrews. From an epic water slide at their indoor pool, to unforgettable dining experiences, to a splurge-worthy spa, you’ll be guaranteed to have a relaxing, classic family getaway. While you’re there, don’t forget to explore the town. You’ll find boutique shops, local eateries, and you’ll be sure to spot a deer along the way.
Cool Ways to Chill in Miramichi
One of the best ways to make some warm memories in the cold of winter is with an escape to the Miramichi. With cozy hotspots, outdoor activities, and genuine hospitality at every turn, you’re sure to bask in the best the season has to offer.
One of the best ways to wake up is with crisp air brushing your face as you explore. Try snowshoeing at French Fort Cove or cross-country skiing at the Miramichi Cross-Country Ski Club. This region is also popular for snowmobiling or winter ATVing, with many lodges providing the perfect home base for your ride.
Continue your outdoor adventuring with a trip to Kouchibouguac National Park, a short 30-minute drive from the city. If you didn’t bring your gear, don’t worry – the park rents out cross-country skis, snowshoes, and fat bikes. And there’s plenty of space for you to enjoy the snow: 15 km (9 mi.) of marked classic and skate cross-country ski trails with seven warming huts along the way, plus two spots to try out fat biking or to go tobogganing.
Family Adventures in Chaleur
Searching out a new activity that you’ve never done before? Then look no further! The Chaleur region has you covered. At Birch Bark Adventures, you can try ice fishing, go on a guided snowshoe adventure, or experience the thrill of dog sledding with an expert guide and adorable, hard-working dogs leading you along forest trails.
You'll find plenty of other family activities in the Chaleur region, including fat biking, cross-country skiing at Snow Bears Club, indoor climbing at Chaleur Climbing Club or indoor skating in Bathurst, Beresford and Petit-Rocher. More than one day is needed to fit in all those activities. Thankfully, the region has a variety of hotel options (with indoor pools) such as Atlantic Host or Best Western Plus. Bonus: if you’re arriving via snowmobile, you’ll be just as welcomed!
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Fresh Air Fun in Edmundston and Grand Falls
For a one-stop-shop for outdoor fun, head to Edmundston's Centre Plein Air Mont Farlagne. Tucked away in the snowy northwestern corner of the province, this outdoor centre is not only famous for its ski and snowboard slopes, but also for snow tubing, fat biking, and snowshoe trails. Ski and lodging packages make your getaway easy as pie. When the sun sets on your daytime fun, you'll find apres-ski options aplenty - from the cafeteria at Mont Farlagne, to famous Pizza le Patrimoine downtown, to great seafood options at Le Pirate de la mer. If snowmobiling is your winter vibe, don’t miss the iconic Moose Valley Sporting Lodge outside the city.
A 40-minute drive south in Grand Falls, just behind the E.P. Sénéchal Center, Kahoutek Club has cross-country ski, snowshoeing and fat bike trails. One stand-out is Grand Tube, an outdoor tube slide on a snow slope with a mechanical lift. Make sure to stop by the falls and gorge, spectacular in the winter with its dramatic rock formations covered in ice and illuminated at night. For a bite to eat, Jack Fries, Pizza Boy, and Bullpen Steakhouse definitely are family favourites!
Special March Break Happenings:
- Mont Farlagne: Extended opening hours and March Break programming
- Edmundston Arts Centre: Game Night, March 6
- Edmundston Arts Centre: Concert - Sylvie Boulianne et les Bluecharms, March 8
Discover More of the Edmundston Region
Appalachian Adventures with the Family
If you or your kids have lots of energy to burn, look no further than the Restigouche region. Sugarloaf Provincial Park has fantastic downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Don’t miss Adrenaline SnoFest during March Break!
For some indoor fun, head out to the Memorial Regional Civic Centre in Campbellton. There you can swim in the semi-Olympic size pool that has a water slide and kiddies pool, or hit the ice of the two Olympic ice surfaces. For a snowy getaway in the heart of nature, book a log cabin at Chalets Restigouche and go snowshoeing or snow tubing in the Appalachian winter wonderland around Kedgwick, or venture further afield to Mount Carleton Provincial Park – one of New Brunswick’s most magical winter destinations.
Discover More of the Restigouche Region
Seaside Winter Fun in the Acadian Peninsula
Discover the Acadian Peninsula in its true winter spirit. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at Sureau Blanc ski club and Les Gailurons outdoor centre in Tracadie, Club plein air in Caraquet, Arpents de neige in Shippagan, Aca-Ski in Lamèque, and more. Experience the Village historique acadien under a blanket of snow as you explore the historical site's walking and fat biking trails.
Planning to explore the region by snowmobile? Great choice! Many provincial trails weave throughout the northern regions of the province, including the stunning Acadian Peninsula. Book a stay at a snowmobile-friendly accommodation such as Tabusintac Chalets in Tabusintac, Auberge de la Baie in Caraquet, and Deux Rivières Resort in Tracadie.
And don’t miss March Break Week in Caraquet - a must for family fun!
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Wintertime Fun in the Valley
Whether you want to watch a game at the famous World Pond Hockey Championships in Plaster Rock, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride near Hartland or get a treat at Creek Village Gallery & Café or at the Farm & Craft Market in Woodstock, the upper Saint John River Valley has great winter options for anyone looking to explore New Brunswick.
Plan an overnight stay in a castle-inspired manor at Pathsaala Inn in Perth-Andover (explore nearby trails then take a dip in their indoor pool). In Florenceville-Bristol, you can take an art class with the kids at the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery, cross-country ski at the Valley Outdoor Centre, then spend the night in a train car at the Shamrock Train Inn. West NB really shines in winter!
Ready for your next adventure? Find the perfect place to stay, pack up the family and discover everything New Brunswick has to offer this winter.
