Best Motorcycle Routes in New Brunswick, Canada
Photo by Griffin Wooldridge via Pexels
New Brunswick doesn't get nearly enough credit as a motorcycle destination. It sits in the shadow of Nova Scotia's Cabot Trail marketing machine, but the roads here — especially along the Bay of Fundy coastline — are genuinely world-class for riding. Better pavement, lower traffic, and scenery that earns its keep.
I live here and ride here regularly on my Indian Pursuit. These are the routes I actually recommend — not a list scraped from a tourism brochure.
The Top Routes
1. Fundy Trail Parkway
This is the one. The Fundy Trail Parkway hugs 30 km of rugged Bay of Fundy coastline north of St. Martins — tight curves, dense forest, and ocean views that open up without warning. The road is fully paved, low traffic, and well-maintained.
From Saint John, take Route 111 east to St. Martins rather than the Trans-Canada — better pavement, better scenery, and it puts you in the right headspace before you even hit the Parkway. Entry fee is around $10 per motorcycle (as of 2025). There's no fuel between St. Martins and Alma, so fill up before you go in.
Highlights: St. Martins sea caves, Fuller Falls, Long Beach, the Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge, Walton Glen Gorge. Bring a camera — there are dozens of safe pullouts along the route. Budget a full day with stops.
2. Hopewell-Fundy Loop (Route 114)
Route 114 from Moncton down to Alma is one of the most underrated rides in the Maritimes. The road winds through Hillsborough, Riverside-Albert, and into Fundy National Park, passing antique shops, historical landmarks, and some genuinely satisfying sweepers through farmland and river valleys.
The destination at the end — Hopewell Rocks — is worth the stop. The tidal formations are unlike anything else in Canada, and on a clear day the Bay of Fundy at low tide is a sight. From Alma you can loop back through Sussex on Route 1 or retrace 114 — both are solid options depending on how much time you have.
3. Fundy Coastal Drive (St. Stephen to Aulac)
This is the full Fundy Coastal Drive — a designated scenic route that runs from the New Brunswick/US border crossing at St. Stephen all the way to the Nova Scotia border near Aulac. It's a longer commitment but covers the full breadth of what the Fundy coast has to offer.
You're not going to be hitting sport-bike speeds here. The appeal is the landscape, the bay views, and the small coastal communities you pass through. Saint John makes a good midpoint stop for fuel and food. Pair it with the Fundy Trail Parkway as a day-two detour and you've got a solid two-day trip.
4. Acadian Coastal Drive (Northumberland Shore)
A completely different side of New Brunswick — warmer water, flat coastal roads, and the French Acadian culture that defines this part of the province. The Northumberland Strait has the warmest saltwater north of Virginia, which changes the whole feel of the coastline compared to the Fundy side.
This route runs up the east coast through Shediac (lobster capital of the world, worth a stop), Bouctouche, Kouchibouguac National Park, and up to Bathurst and Campbellton. Longer and flatter than the Fundy routes, but excellent for relaxed touring days.
What to Know Before You Ride
- Road conditions: New Brunswick winters are hard on pavement. Early spring (April–May) can have rough patches, especially on secondary roads. By June things are generally good.
- Wildlife: Moose are a real hazard, especially at dawn and dusk on forested roads. Keep your speed in check on tree-lined sections — this isn't just advice, it's survival.
- Fuel gaps: Some sections of the Fundy coast have long stretches without fuel. Always fill up before heading into the Parkway or any stretch of Route 114 away from towns.
- Weather: The Bay of Fundy coast generates its own microclimate. It can be 25°C in Moncton and cold and foggy at the Parkway. Pack layers even in summer.
- Season: May to October is the window. June through September is peak season. October riding is excellent if you catch a good weather window — fall colours on Route 114 are exceptional.
My Gear Setup for NB Riding
I ride a Indian Pursuit — a big touring bike that's well suited for these kinds of routes. For camera work I've been using the Insta360 GO 3S mounted on my helmet for POV footage. The Fundy Parkway in particular makes for great riding content — the road is clean, the corners are predictable, and the scenery earns its keep in video.
For gear, layers are essential on the Fundy coast. A good mid-layer under your jacket makes the difference between a great ride and cutting a day short. Wind protection matters more than temperature on this coastline.
