Fall is my favourite season – the leaves change into beautiful colours making even the most “usual” of drives extraordinary. The temperature is ideal for outdoor activities and you get to cuddle up with a blanket on the sofa in the evening. Lastly, it’s when my little dude was born, so the fall is even more special now.
Fall temperatures are ideal for hiking in my opinion and with the colours to admire it makes any climb even more worth while when you get to the top of that mountain (you know, the one you were meaning to climb all summer) and see those colours! This leads me to today’s destination – Sugarloaf Provincial Park in Atholville, NB (next to Campbellton, NB).
Before our little dude came into our lives we made Sugarloaf Park a regular destination on Sundays. We would arrive around lunch time, climb the mountain and then stop at Moulin Cafe (as described in my Charlo by the bay post) on the way home for a late lunch/dinner. Any hike deserves a good meal as a reward!
Sugarloaf is ideal for hikers and walkers of all levels. You can choose to walk around the mountain (4km) on trails suitable for walking, biking or even pushing a stroller. About half way around the mountain you will have the option to go up the mountain or continue around. Going up the mountain is a bit more difficult – so if you are not used to climbing or are not in decent physical condition you might want to save this trail for a future visit. But for those ready to take on the challenge – it’s worth it!
The view is a unique perspective of the Restigouche River and the estuary where it meets the Bay of Chaleur. You will look across at the Gaspé region of Quebec and see the Van Horne bridge which connects New Brunswick and Quebec. Take a snack with you to enjoy at the top, get some pictures and then head back down.
We climbed sugarloaf this summer with our little dude. It was his first “real” hiking experience and the Mr. ‘a first time carrying him up a mountain! They both did awesome!
When you get to the bottom you can go into the lodge where you will find the T-bar restaurant. It’s a great restaurant with many options (and lots of high chairs!). We don’t usually stop here after hiking but have enjoyed a selection of their menu items for birthday lunches, work dinners and date nights.
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| Birthday Lunch with Nanny – June 2016 |
The park also offers downhill mountain biking, camping and a variety of winter activities including both downhill and cross country skiing. I think Sugarloaf Park is one that we take for granted when we live nearby and forget about when we don’t… so, consider this your little reminder to get out there and enjoy it!
Happy Hiking!
My shoes for that: Nike baby girl sneakers (not for my Little Dude, but how adorable are these?!)
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