Are you looking for a coastal hike by the Bay of Fundy? The Coastal Trail to Matthews Head is a nice option to stretch your legs and catch some scenic views! Whether in the shoulder seasons or during the summer months, the Coastal Trail in Fundy National Park offers visitors a beautiful New Brunswick hiking experience.
When I arrived back in New Brunswick (after four months of living and travelling abroad), I was itching for a shoulder-season hike in Fundy National Park. My sister, Sarah, and I drove over to Fundy to explore the Coastal Trail to Matthews Head, accessible year-round when the park is closed. Many of the Fundy trails are out of reach in the winter. The Coastal Trail is worth checking out whenever you have a chance to visit.
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About Coastal Trail to Matthews Head
Location: Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Distance: 11 km out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 530 metre elevation gain
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must remain on a leash.
Features: The Coastal Trail to Matthews Head is a well-maintained and rugged route above the Bay of Fundy coastline. If you’re ready for some exercise, follow the Coastal Trail up and down the forest with periodic coastal views from high cliffs. We turned around at Matthews Head viewpoint but the Coastal Trail continues on.
Coastal Trail to Matthews Head Trail Map
Directions to the Coastal Trail Trailhead
If you’re driving from Moncton, head south on Hillsborough Road (Highway 114) through Lower Coverdale and Hillsborough. Follow this route for about 77 km to the village of Alma, the gateway to Fundy National Park on the eastern side. After passing through Alma, continue straight into the park and turn left onto Point Wolfe Road. Drive for about 650 metres and find parking on your left-hand side (before the winter gate). Find directions for the Coastal Trail Trailhead on Google Maps.
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Coastal Trail to Matthews Head — Hiking in Fundy National Park
After parking in the Coastal Trail parking area, we hopped on the Coastal Trail’s east section. Right away, the trail climbs 145 metres in just under 2 km and then mostly downhill for a similar distance. We followed the route down to Herring Cove’s picnic area. If you’re a frequent hiker, you won’t trouble with this route but new hikers may have sore legs the next day. As an early-season hike in Fundy, I was impressed by the nice trail conditions. The parking lot at Herring Cove is accessible via Point Wolfe Road when Fundy National Park is open (between May 17 to October 31). Here you’ll find a lookout platform, picnic tables, and public washrooms available when the park is open.
We continued onto the west section of the Coastal Trail, passing by a small waterfall in the forest. It’s mostly uphill and then down to Matthews Head lookout, but less elevation gain than the previous section. I enjoyed the periodic views of the Bay of Fundy and two lookout points with Parks Canada red chairs. After the first lookout, you will need to head left at the junction toward Matthews Head (otherwise, you’ll end up at Matthews Head parking). We turned around at Matthews Head and completed 11 km out and back in about 3.5 hours with breaks. It was a bright and sunny day but very windy (and cold) hiking by the ocean!
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What To Bring — Hiking in Fundy National Park
The full Coastal Trail in Fundy National Park is a longer day hike and even hiking to Matthews Head takes some effort. This is rugged terrain and you should be self-sufficient for your adventure. Carry a day pack with enough water for the day — water bottle or a water reservoir will do. If you’re planning a longer trip or if it’s a hot sunny day, consider bringing a water filter or purification tablets. It’s always a good idea to have a few snacks, like these high-energy chews.
I was happy wearing my trail runners but you may want hiking boots and trekking poles for extra ankle support. Bring a first aid kit to deal with minor injuries. And don’t forget to toss your rain jacket in case it decides to rain (this is the East Coast, after all). While I had my jacket, I didn’t use more than my Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt and my L.L. Bean PrimaLoft Vest.
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Know Before You Go
Parks Pass: Don’t forget your Parks Canada Discovery Pass or purchase a day pass.
Parking: Parking is available year-round for the Coastal Trail (East).
Season: Fundy National Park is open from May 17 to October 31 but the Coastal Trail Trailhead (East) is accessible in the off-season.
Toilets: Outhouse toilets are available in the park but are closed during the off-season. Follow Leave No Trace principles to dispose of waste properly. If you dig a cathole, make sure you’re at least 70 feet away from trails, water sources, and campsites.
Pets: Dogs are permitted but must remain on a leash. Pack out your dog’s doody (check out this smell-proof bag).
Garbage: Garbage bins are available in the park but not open during the off-season. If you pack it in, remember to pack it out (including organic waste like apple cores and orange peels).
Family-friendly: The Coastal Trail isn’t the best option for toddlers, but young children may enjoy the moderately challenging and diverse terrain. Not stroller-friendly.
Navigation: You shouldn’t have much trouble finding your way on this well-marked and maintained trail. Download Fundy Coastal Trail on AllTrails for offline use.
Safety: Use caution and do not get too close to the cliff’s edge, as erosion can create weak terrain and a fall would be disastrous (and potentially fatal). Bring a first aid kit to deal with minor injuries on the trail. I suggest bringing a satellite communications device like InReach or Zoleo for emergencies.
Have you hiked the Coastal Trail to Matthews Head in Fundy National Park? Do you have another favourite trail in Fundy? Leave a comment below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
