The Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail is one of the most sought-after winter hikes in New Brunswick. In the heart of winter, the natural amphitheatre transforms into a dramatic ice-filled valley waiting at the end of the trail. For a relatively short hike, the payoff is exceptional. I’ve heard it called the best winter hike in New Brunswick, and honestly, I’m not sure I disagree.
Last Updated: January 2026
I’ve been enjoying exploring winter hiking trails in New Brunswick. After moving back to the East Coast in December, I started searching for cold-season hikes near Saint John that were still worth the effort. After hearing several strong recommendations, I finally made my way to the Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail. It didn’t take long to see why this spot is quickly gaining popularity!
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Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail Map
About the Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail
Location: Parlee Brook, New Brunswick (near Sussex)
Distance: 7 km out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 140 m elevation gain
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes
Features: The Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail is considered one of the top winter hiking and snowshoeing destinations in New Brunswick. A scenic forested trail leads to an impressive frozen waterfall tucked inside a natural rock amphitheatre, drawing hikers and ice climbers throughout the winter months. If you’re looking to extend your day, consider adding the hike to Friars Nose Lookout, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the rolling hills around Sussex. For a relatively short outing, this winter hike offers a lot of variety and an impressive payoff.
How to Find the Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trailhead
About 15 minutes outside of Sussex, you’ll find the Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trailhead in the small community of Parlee Brook. To get there, take Route 111 from Sussex Corner toward St. Martins. Keep left onto Dutch Valley Road/Waterford Road, and after about 6 km, turn right onto Parlee Brook Road. Continue until the last house on the right (the little abbey). It’s an hour’s drive from either Moncton or Saint John, so fairly accessible for those in southern New Brunswick. If you’re coming from Fredericton, plan for 1.5 hours. There are no toilets and no garbage bins at the trailhead or along the trail.
Note: Trail infrastructure is somewhat lacking relative to the number of visitors. Parking is very limited (no designated parking area). You’ll notice “no parking” signs along the road, so it’s best to park after the trailhead. Continue down the road to where the plow stops (but don’t take up the plow turnaround).
Parlee Brook Amphitheatre — One of the Best New Brunswick Winter Hikes
The Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail begins just off Parlee Brook Road, near the small “abbey” house. From the trailhead, expect a steady and moderate incline for the first kilometre. With a fresh dusting of snow on a sunny day, this opening stretch feels downright magical.
After about a kilometre, you’ll reach a clearing with a signed intersection. Here, you can turn left to follow the Friars Nose Trail, or continue straight toward the amphitheatre. Staying straight, you’ll pass a private cabin before turning left back into the forest. Watch for the handwritten “Parlee Brook Amphitheatre” sign. From there, the trail follows Parlee Brook through the woods to the frozen falls. While the brook itself isn’t very deep, I’d recommend waterproof boots and merino wool socks (especially in winter conditions).
All in all, it took me about two hours to complete this 7 km out-and-back hike, including extra time at the amphitheatre for photos. After a heavy snowfall, snowshoes are a good idea for breaking trail, and you’ll want to budget a bit more time. Much of the route follows the old Arnolds Hollow Road with orange ribbons marking the way.
Read next: Ski Poley Mountain Near Sussex in New Brunswick
Frozen Waterfalls & Ice Formations at Parlee Brook Amphitheatre
The Parlee Brook Amphitheatre is an impressive sight in winter. Towering cliffs crowned with spruce trees funnel hikers toward the frozen waterfall, creating a dramatic (almost cathedral-like) approach. Thick walls of ice glow with subtle shades of yellow and blue, adding depth and colour to this ice valley. It’s not uncommon to spot ice climbers here.
Standing at the base of the falls, I couldn’t help but think of the ice walk through Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park. A similar feeling of being surrounded by winter.
Know Before You Go
Parking: For such a popular hike, parking is fairly limited. Follow posted “no parking” signs and plan to park toward the end of Parlee Brook Road. Arrive early on the weekends if you can.
Toilets: There are no toilets at the trailhead or along the trail. Please practice Leave No Trace principles. If you can’t dig a cathole (well away from the trail and water sources), be prepared to pack it out.
Garbage: Pack out everything you bring in, including food scraps like fruit peels. Help keep this area beautiful and accessible for everyone.
Pets: Dogs are permitted. Please pick up after your pet and pack it out. Not all hikers are comfortable around dogs, so keeping your pup on a leash is the courteous choice.
Hazards: Use caution near the frozen falls. Give ice climbers plenty of space, and be aware that falling ice can be extremely dangerous.
ATVs: This is a shared trail with motorized all-terrain vehicles. Step to the side and allow ATVs to pass safely when encountered.
Winter Hiking Tips for New Brunswick
You can post-hole through deep snow in boots, but it doesn’t exactly leave a pleasant trail for the hikers behind you. Snowshoes, on the other hand, quickly pack down fresh powder and create a much nicer track for everyone. If you’re getting into winter hiking (especially if you like being out early or breaking trail), I really think snowshoes are worth the investment. You’ll have more fun, and so will the people who come after you.
Staying warm and dry comes down to layering. For this hike, I wore a solid base layer, my Arc’teryx Atom AR jacket, and packed a shell jacket in case the weather turned. I also brought my Jetboil so I could stop and make a hot drink if needed. When the snow is firm and well packed, I like hiking in insulated winter boots with trail crampons instead.
Before heading out in the winter, I always do a bit of extra research and leave my plan with someone I trust. Winter conditions add a layer of seriousness to even familiar trails, so it’s important to carry the right gear and know your limits. Avoid unnecessary risks like avalanche terrain, thin ice, or anything that feels questionable. A little preparation goes a long way toward making winter hiking both safe and fun.
Read more: Winter Hiking for Beginners: How To Stay Warm on Winter Hikes
More New Brunswick Winter Hikes
It’s been fun discovering places to go winter hiking in New Brunswick. Here are a few more hikes near Saint John that might pique your interest:
- Midland Ice Caves: Family-Friendly New Brunswick Hike
- Friars Nose Lookout Near Sussex, New Brunswick
- Sam Orr Pond Trail in the Caughey-Taylor Nature Preserve
- Ganong Nature Park Near St. Stephen, New Brunswick
Thanks for reading! Have you hiked to Parlee Brook Amphitheatre in winter? What was your trip like? Let me know in the comments.
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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.
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