JANUARY 2025
Winter in New Brunswick
Things to do in New Brunswick this winter extend from getting the most out of the snow and spending time outside with loved ones, to cozying up next to a fire on a weekend getaway. New Brunswick in January, February and March can be the best times of the year with the right activities. Do you want to learn to ski or go snowshoeing in the forest? Maybe attend a winter festival and hibernate with loved ones inside? Plan your next adventure with our winter activities in New Brunswick list to find what sparks your interest and has you excited about our frozen wonderland.
Skiing and Snowboarding
New Brunswick is a hidden gem for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, offering a mix of family-friendly slopes for first-time adventurers and thrilling runs for all skill levels. With the largest vertical descent in the Maritimes and crazy amounts of snow, New Brunswick skiing and snowboarding is a great way to get outside and have some fun. Whether you're carving through fresh powder, enjoying night skiing, or braving the bunny hill, New Brunswick ski resorts deliver a memorable experience. Besides, cozy cottages and apres-ski parties are always the highlight of any ski trip, right?
• Poley Mountain Resorts - Sussex - 1 hour from Saint John and Moncton
• Crabbe Mountain - Hainesville - 40 minutes from Fredericton
• Sugarloaf Provincial Park - Atholville - 1 hour from Bathurst
• Mont Farlagne - Edmundston
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
New Brunswick is a haven for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, offering incredible trails that showcase the province’s natural beauty. From groomed tracks to untouched snow, you’ll find the perfect trail to explore while surrounded by tranquil winter scenery. Every town in New Brunswick has somewhere for you to explore with snowshoes or cross-country skis, here is a list of highly recommended trails. Grab your gear and start exploring!
• Sugarloaf Provincial Park - Atholville
• Le Sureau Blanc de Tracadie-Sheila - Tracadie-Sheila
• Wostawea Cross Country Ski Club - Fredericton
• Snow Bears Cross Country Ski Club - Bathurst
• Mount Carleton Provincial Park - Saint-Quentin
• Fundy National Park - Alma
• Centennial Park - Moncton
• Elmhurst Outdoors - Erbs Cove
Snowmobiling
New Brunswick is home to over 8,000km of groomed snowmobiling trails. Northern New Brunswick alone offers 1,500 km of trails connecting communities like Edmundston, Campbellton, Bathurst, and the Acadian Peninsula. The Christmas Mountains near Mount Carleton Provincial Park are home to 500 km of epic, must-visit terrain. Whether you want to ride along New Brunswick’s iconic Miramichi and Saint John rivers, or explore our forests on a wild ride, snowmobiling in New Brunswick is a great way to embrace the Canadian winter. Grab your trail permit, and start planning your snowmobiling adventure today!
Take a look at Snowmobile NB interactive map to plan your next adventure.
Ice Skating
Lace up your skates and glide into the magic of winter in New Brunswick! From charming outdoor rinks in community parks to picturesque frozen lakes, ice skating is a beloved winter tradition across the province. There's no better way to spend the season than having fun outside with friends and family. There is a skating spot in every town and county across New Brunswick, so grab your skates and hit the ice for some frosty fun! Here are some skating rinks near you.
• Mactaquac Forest Skate - Mactaquac
• Officer’s Square Outdoor Rink - Fredericton
• Lily Lake - Saint John
• The Gathering Space - Saint John
• Sugarloaf Provincial Park - Campbellton
• Public Skating - Moncton
• Richelieu Park Skating Loop - Neguac
• Dieppe City Hall Oval - Dieppe
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing in New Brunswick is a cherished winter tradition, combining outdoor adventure with the tranquility of frozen lakes and rivers. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying it for the first time, the province offers countless spots to drop a line. Imagine the crisp air, the sound of the ice beneath your boots, and the thrill of reeling in a catch from the icy depths. With rental options, cozy fishing shacks, and opportunities to connect with fellow anglers, ice fishing in New Brunswick is the perfect way to embrace winter and make lasting memories. Here are a few businesses that are great for first-timers to try ice fishing.
• The Shacks - Saint John
• Off the Charts Outfitters - Minto
Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
Discover the magic of New Brunswick’s winter wonderland with hiking and snowshoeing adventures that showcase the province’s stunning snowy landscapes. From peaceful forest paths to scenic coastal trails, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Parks like Fundy National Park and Irving Nature Park come alive in winter, offering peaceful trails blanketed in snow for a truly serene escape. Whether you’re chasing panoramic lookouts or simply wandering through snow-dusted woods, winter hiking and snowshoeing are the perfect ways to stay active while enjoying the beauty of the season. Here are some highly recommended trails in New Brunswick.
• Parlee Brook Amphitheatre - Sussex
• Midland Ice Caves Trail - Midland
• Ganong Nature Park - St. Stephens
• Fall Brook Falls - Hayesville
• Claire-Fontaine Trail - Kouchibouguac
• Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail - Mount Carleton - Bathurst
• Dobson Trail - Riverview - Fundy National Park
• Sussex Bluffs Trail - Sussex
• Mapleton Park - Moncton
• Caribou Plain Trail - Fundy National Park
• Sugarloaf Provincial Park - Atholville
• Irishtown Nature Park - Moncton
Aurora Viewing
In northern New Brunswick, we are able to see the aurora borealis on clear winter nights. For the best chance of witnessing the aurora borealis in New Brunswick be sure to be far from any city lights and observe on a cloudless night from September to March between 10PM and 2AM, particularly during solar storms. These are the months when the nights are longest, and the sky is darkest. Dress warmly and be patient!
Glamping
There are so many amazing glamping spots throughout New Brunswick. From domes with skylights to see the stars to cozy cabins to take in the woods, this is a fantastic way to enjoy our snowy months. Winter glamping in New Brunswick offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, letting you experience the magic of the season without sacrificing modern amenities. Whether nestled in the heart of a national park or perched near a frozen lake, glamping sites across the province provide a front-row seat to winter’s beauty. With activities like snowshoeing, stargazing, or simply enjoying a cup of hot cocoa by the fire, winter glamping is your chance to relax, recharge, and embrace the season in style. Ready to cozy up to nature? Let’s explore winter glamping in New Brunswick!
• Old Church Cottages - Campbellton or Salisbury
• Cielo Glamping Maritime - Haut-Shippagan
• Glamp Camp - Waterborough
• Ponds Resort - Porter Cove
• The Ledges Inn - Doaktown
• Balsan Ridge Forest Domes - Portage Vale
• Park Place Retreats - Grand Manan
• La Belle Cabane - Kingston
• Chalets Restiguche Log Cabins and Camping - Kedgwick River
• Halcomb Moose Barn - Halcomb
• Quisibis Domes - Riviere-Verte
• Off Grid Domes - Prince William Station
Enjoy the Local Theatre
Exploring the theatre scene in New Brunswick is an exciting journey into a world of creativity, culture, and community. Known for its rich artistic heritage, New Brunswick offers a diverse array of theatrical experiences, from local productions in intimate settings to professional performances in grand venues. Whether you're a seasoned theatre enthusiast or a curious first-timer, you'll find something to captivate your imagination. Prepare to immerse yourself in compelling stories, vibrant performances, and the unique charm of New Brunswick’s theatre culture. Let’s set the stage for an unforgettable experience!
• The Playhouse - Fredericton
• Capitol Theatre - Moncton
• Imperial Theatre - Saint John
• Centre des Arts - Edmundstun
Festivals and Events
Winter in New Brunswick comes alive with vibrant festivals and events that celebrate the season’s magic. From festive holiday markets to thrilling outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Experience the charm of local traditions at winter carnivals, marvel at sparkling light displays, or embrace the cold with unique events like pond hockey championships. Whether you’re looking to explore cultural festivities or join in on the winter fun, New Brunswick’s calendar is packed with ways to make your season unforgettable. Bundle up and join the celebration!
• Tracadie Winter Carnival - Tracadie - January 17-25
• Fundy Winter Fest - Southern New Brunswick - January 18-March 9
• Fredericton Frostival - Fredericton - January 23-February 9
• Edmundston Winter Carnival - Edmundston - January 24-26
• Flocon Magique Winter Carnival - Grand-Bouctouche - January 29-February 2
• Winter Carnival - Riverview - January 31-February 9
• Shippagan Ice Carnival - Shippagan - February 6-9
• Snowmobile NB Tourism Weekend - New Brunswick - February 14-17
• PolarFest 2025 - Moncton - February 15-17
• Chocolat Moncton - Moncton - February 15-March 2
• World Pond Hockey Championship - Plaster Rock - February 20-23