6 Hikes to Discover by Train in the Maritimes

What if you discovered the Maritimes by stepping off the train… and heading straight onto a hiking trail?

This initiative, led by Destination Canada—the country’s national tourism marketing organization—aims to encourage more sustainable, slower, and more meaningful ways to travel, with a deeper connection to the places you visit.

Here are six hikes you can access directly from train stations across the Maritimes.

1 – Halifax – Point Pleasant Park Loop – 7,40 km

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Destination Canada

This walk begins right on the steps of Halifax train station. The pleasant stroll to Point Pleasant Park takes you along the Halifax docks, offering stunning views of the city's harbor. A lively area with its bars and restaurants, it's considered one of the best urban walks in the region.

Located on the southern tip of the Halifax peninsula, Point Pleasant Park is a historic wooded park spanning 75 hectares, crisscrossed by 39 kilometers of trails accessible to most. Here, you'll discover the ruins of several fortifications and other memorial sites that tell the story of the city.

This loop ensures you'll discover the park's most iconic landmarks, such as Cambridge Battery, home of the Shakespeare in the Park theatre festival, and the historic Prince of Wales Tower. And of course, you'll walk along the waterfront, passing by Black Rock Beach (unsupervised swimming). Benches will allow you to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet facing the ocean.

Point Pleasant Park Loop – Halifax | hike | Komoot

2 – Truro - Walk in Victoria Park – 11 km

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Destination Canada

Victoria Park is a 3,000-hectare protected treasure nestled in the heart of Truro and accessible in just minutes from the train station. Among the park's natural wonders is a magnificent hemlock forest, a conifer easily recognizable by its distinctive silhouette and tiny pine cones.

The loop we suggest takes you around the park along a peaceful trail. You'll discover an impressive canyon, which you can explore via a network of wooden walkways. Admire the gorge from different levels and access viewing platforms at the base of numerous waterfalls, such as Waddell and Joe Howe.

The route includes descending the 175 steps of Jacob's Ladder, but the more adventurous can tackle the climb in the opposite direction for a challenge. And if you'd like to extend your visit, take advantage of the park's facilities to enjoy a picnic, go birdwatching, or attend one of the regularly scheduled cultural events.

Walk in Victoria Park – Truro | hike | Komoot

3 – Amherst - Exploring the Amherst Trail System - 6,8 km

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Destination Canada

Amherst's network of walking routes is ideal for exploring the city and ensuring you don't miss any of the must-see sights in this charming, wooded community.

The loop we suggest starts directly from Amherst train station and heads north, skirting Ball Park, where you might catch a local baseball game. The route passes through various parks with children's play areas, sports fields, and green spaces.

You'll also pass by the Cumberland County Archives, which chronicle local history, and the vibrant Victoria Square, the heart of Amherst's community and tourist activity. Easily adaptable to your needs and preferences, this urban walk is suitable for families.

Exploring the Amherst Trail System | hike | Komoot

4 – Miramichi – French Fort Cove - 4,56 km

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Discover Miramichi

This route in French Fort Cove Nature Park is a 40-minute walk from Miramichi Station. Since the loop is relatively short, it's perfectly possible to add this short walk.

The trail circles French Fort Cove Lake, passing by a pleasant boardwalk over the water. A pontoon with benches offers a peaceful place to rest. Why not take advantage of your visit to go kayaking, paddle boating, or even try the zipline that soars over the lake?

You then leave the water behind as the trail winds into the forest and follows the Fish Quarry Trail. This loop can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace with the family or with a more energetic approach, if you prefer.

French Fort Cove – Miramichi | hike | Komoot

5 – Bathurst – Daly Pointe Nature Reserve – 4,16 km

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Chaleur Tourisme

This loop trail doesn't start directly at Bathurst Station, which is about seven kilometers from the Pointe Daly Nature Reserve. The park entrance has a parking lot, so it's possible to reach the reserve by car (rental or taxi).

Once there, immerse yourself in the reserve's ecosystems, recognized as vital ecological areas. The trail winds through beautiful salt marshes, wide open fields, and several mixed forests. During your hike, you'll discover a rich array of flora and fauna, with hundreds of species of flowers, plants, and animals that have made this sanctuary their home.

Birdwatchers will be in paradise, as Canada geese pass through each autumn during their migratory journey. Another rarity is the Maritime Ringlet, a butterfly species found in only ten salt marshes worldwide, which can also be observed here.

Daly Point Nature Reserve – Bathurst | hike | Komoot

6 – Campbellton – Loop around Prichard Lake - 16,4 km

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: New Brunswick Tourism

This loop trail starts right at the Campbellton train station. Upon arrival, you can already enjoy a superb view of the inlet that flows inland to become the Restigouche River. You then cross Campbellton to reach the base of the impressive Sugarloaf Mountain. This wooded peak has a very distinctive and spectacular profile.

The route leads you through the forest to the shores of Prichard Lake, steeped in the history of the Prichard family. Along the way, you'll find a small family cemetery before joining the loop trail that circles the lake on a narrow forest path.

This hike is accessible to everyone. However, if the distance seems too ambitious, it's possible to get closer to the base of Sugarloaf Mountain by taking public transportation.

Loop around Prichard Lake – Campbellton | hike | Komoot