10 Winter Activities in Northern New Brunswick

Winter – the season most of us like the least. BUT, what if you had 10 or more activities to do in your area that would be fun, include the whole family and support local business? Putting all of this white gold to use is what we aim to do here in northern New Brunswick!

There are many things you can do in the winter that I didn’t include on the list like cozy up with a good book, go snow mobiling, skiing, enjoy local coffee shops and of course read some of your favourite blogger’s blog posts… I tried to keep my 10 suggestions as family oriented as possible however to make sure we still take time to connect with each other, not let the cold keep us in and make the most of the season.

Here are some suggestions (10 to be exact) of ways to make your days a little brighter with some of my favourite family oriented things to do in Northern New Brunswick during the winter:

1. Skating in Belledune

There is public skating every Sunday evening from 6pm to 7pm for $2/person…no that is not a typo… $2! You can’t beat that! Of course there are many other arenas in northern New Brunswick with public skating options, but my favourite is in Belledune (my hometown) and is also the least crowded so is perfect for first time skaters like Little Dude was in the picture below.

2. Take to the trails

There are so many trails in Northern New Brunswick I cannot possibly list them all… the ones that make the top of my list are:

• Unadvertised, but absolutely awesome cross country ski-trail/snow shoe trail/walking trail in Belledune. Ask a local (or the Wellness Coordinator in Belledune) for directions to one of the starting points and enjoy the 4+km treck. There are rest stops along the trail and even a place to enjoy a campfire. The only rule is replace what you use and be friendly to other trail users.
• Daley Point Nature Reserve  in Bathurst
• Trails in Charlo – Les Aventuriers website has lots of information to get you started
• Atlas Park in Pointe-Verte

3. Walk the beach

This might not be what most of us think of doing in the winter, but as someone who lived along the shore and looked out onto the beach/water year round I can attest that there is a certain calming effect and sense of warmth walking through the sand in snow boots. The salt water beach smells mixed with the crispness of the ice that has washed up is simply delightful.

4. Paint a picture / Be creative

Whether you choose to paint with your little ones at home or attend a paint night this activity is a sure win. Paint nights are very popular as well as DIY type nights; Northern New Brunswick is no exception with the ladies at The Tipsy Artist, The Side Door, Fresh Fibres Studio and Crackle and Teal hosting paint nights / creative workshops regularly. There are even classes for kids at Mini Creations; again, fun for the whole family too 🙂

5. Go to a Titan hockey game

They have awesome family packages for Sunday afternoon games to make this an affordable option and offers entertainment for all ages!

Little Dude at one of his first games

6. Enjoy local festivals

We often think of our region as a summer festival region since we have so many fantastic ones, but luckily there are just as many great winter options to keep the family entertained throughout the year. Festival des Siffleux (Beresford), Sno-Fest (Campbellton), Ice Carnival (Shippagan), etc.

7. Sleigh Ride 

There are several people/small businesses offering sleight rides (and even tractor pulls!) in the area, but Sunny Side Sleigh Rides are my favourite. They are located in my hometown, take an “old school” approach to farming and have a really laid back atmosphere that makes you feel welcome all while having the chance to visit the horses that will be pulling the sleigh and the others that are roaming around. Since the trail conditions and snowfall amounts can vary in the region, be sure to check in with Sealy Sleigh Rides and Fletcher’s Sleigh Rides to make a reservation in the location of your choice.

8. Sliding at Sugarloaf Park

Sliding is one of those activities that everyone considers to be a child’s activity… until you go sliding as an adult and realize all the fun you’ve been missing out on! Sugarloaf Park is one of our favourite places to go hiking in the summer/fall months, but it is a pretty neat spot for winter activities (like skiing!) as well! While you’re in the Campbellton/Atholville area be sure to stop in to Cafe Europa for a tasty snack and delicious hot beverage.

9. Sugar Shack

Fresh maple syrup and maple EVERYTHING! Writing this is making me crave a “licherie” from Surerie Chiasson in Paquetville, NB or maybe the maple brunch, or maybe both… for today I satisfy my maple craving with maple spread that I (of course) have at home.

10. Enjoy the snow

In Northern New Brunswick we often refer to the snow as white gold since it attracts many tourists to our region. People come from all over the maritimes and beyond to enjoy our top ranked snowmobile trails, sled dog adventures and hospitality. Take advantage of all this white fluffy stuff… build a snowman, make snow angels, teach the kids to shovel, etc. (Side Note: It makes children sleep REALLY well when they’ve been outside! Another perk… haha)



My shoes for that: SOREL plus winter carnival boots