Irving Nature Park, Maritimes Travel Guide

4.8 (1494)

Discover the natural beauty of the Bay of Fundy at Irving Nature Park: hiking trails, diverse ecosystems, and stunning coastal views await!

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Irving Nature Park

Escape to the Irving Nature Park, a 600-acre natural haven on the Bay of Fundy near Saint John. Explore diverse ecosystems, hike scenic trails, and enjoy stunning coastal views. A perfect spot for nature lovers and families seeking outdoor adventure.

A brief summary to Irving Nature Park

1790 Sand Cove Rd, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2M 4Z8, CA
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Monday 8 am-8 pm
Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
Thursday 8 am-8 pm
Friday 8 am-8 pm
Saturday 8 am-8 pm
Sunday 8 am-8 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Irving Nature Park.

Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing, especially at the Seal Observation Deck and Lookout Tower.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on trails and potentially uneven terrain.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's designated picnic areas.
Dress in layers, as the coastal weather can be unpredictable.
Check the tide schedule before visiting to make the most of the coastal areas and beaches.

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Explore Irving Nature Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Irving Nature Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Saint John's city center, head west on Route 1, then take exit 119A toward Bleury Street. Turn right onto Sand Cove Road and follow it to the park entrance. Parking is free and plentiful within the park. Note that Sand Cove Road has a quarry with active truck traffic. Drive carefully.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Saint John. A taxi from the Port of Saint John to Irving Nature Park will cost approximately $28-$35 CAD and take around 23 minutes. Taxi services include Vet's Taxi, University Cab Inc, Saint John Taxi, and Diamond Taxi. Confirm the metered rate with the driver before starting your trip.
Public Transport

While there isn't a direct bus route to Irving Nature Park, you can take a bus from the Saint John Airport to the park with transfers at McAllister Place and Lancaster Mall. From Lancaster Mall, take the bus to Manawagonish Rd & Ridge Row. From there, it is still several kilometers to the park, so this option is not ideal. The total journey takes approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes and costs $6 - $12 CAD.

Discover more about Irving Nature Park

The Irving Nature Park, a 600-acre (243-hectare) park on the west side of Saint John, New Brunswick, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Bay of Fundy coastline. Established in 1974 by J.D. Irving, Limited, the park protects an environmentally significant area, showcasing six distinct ecosystems and a diverse array of flora and fauna.Explore 11 km (7 mi) of coastline via eight walking trails that wind through forests, salt marshes, and along rocky shores. The trails cater to various fitness levels, with options for both leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes. Don't miss the boardwalk that extends into the salt marsh, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching.For panoramic views, head to the Lookout Tower, the park's highest point, offering a 360° vista of the land and sea. The Seal Observation Deck is another popular spot, where you can watch harbor seals diving for food or basking on the rocks. Families will appreciate the Children's Forest, featuring a playground and two cedar mazes. Picnic sites with gas barbecues are available for visitors to enjoy a meal amidst nature's beauty.The park's history is also fascinating. Originally named Taylor's Island, it was home to the Taylor family in the 1780s. Later, the Danells family rented the island in the early 20th century. The park's geology includes Devonian to Carboniferous bedrock and sediments from the last ice age.Irving Nature Park is open year-round, offering different experiences depending on the season. In the summer, enjoy lush greenery and warm temperatures. In the fall, witness vibrant autumn colors. Even in winter, the icy coastal vistas provide a unique charm. Special events, such as meteor showers and geological history tours, are offered free of charge.