In my river adventure blog, we’ve covered paddling, but the adventure doesn’t end there! As I’ve mentioned before, Fredericton has one of the best multi-use trail systems in the country, making it one of the most incredible outdoor playgrounds you’ll come across. Mountain bikers, road cyclists, and gravel riders alike have been falling in love with the region and everything it has to offer to the cycling world. Whether you are looking for a leisurely ride with food and beverage stops, or for something a bit more challenging, Fredericton is where you’ll want to be!

Trail Excursions

You don’t have a bike handy to use this season? Fear not, there are a few spots to rent from in town! Check out Second Nature Outdoors, The Landing by Milltown Roasters & The Radical Edge, and Savage’s Bicycle Centre for all of your rental needs! Second Nature Outdoors even has e-bikes available!

Now let’s get to planning, shall we?

The Gibson Loop

This loop is one of my favourites in the city. Whether I am running, walking, or biking, it has been one of my go-to routes for years. This easy 10km loop is perfect as a leisurely standalone adventure or to tack onto longer routes. I recommend using a gravel bike, hybrid, or road bike with wider tires since this trail is a mix of pavement and crushed gravel.

To make the most of it, start from the Downtown Trail and make your way across the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. Once you’ve taken the first right after the bridge, follow the trail all the way to Marysville, cross the Nashwaak River on Bridge Street and make your way back down on the Nashwaak Trail. Be sure to slow down and have a look at the Gibson Landing, the old cotton mill, and the Marysville Heritage Centre while out on your adventure!

Need to refuel after your adventure? The Picaroons Roundhouse is the perfect spot to do so! With craft beverages on tap and a menu by 540 NORTH that will leave you wanting more, this is a great place for those looking to enjoy a food and beverage stop during their adventure!

Oh, and did you hear about the region’s upcoming addition, The Landing? The Radical Edge and Mill Town Roasters have partnered to open a new bike café in Marysville! Right off the trail on Mill Street, this location will have coffee, tea and treats from Mill Town Roasters, a taproom serving local craft beverages and kombucha, as well as a bike shop run by The Radical Edge Bike & Ski where you’ll be able to get your bikes serviced, purchase some items, and even rent some bikes. Keep an eye out on The Landing’s social media pages to learn more about opening dates as more information becomes available!

Mountain Biking at MVP

Located just off of Route 8, a few hundred meters north of the Marysville Exit, the MVP trail network is managed by River Valley Cycling, and offers over 35km of single-track trails to ride. With a mix of machine-built and hand-built trails, this network offers flowy riding, perfect for beginners and those who prefer to take it easy, as well as enduro trails for riders who are looking to develop progressive skills. If you are visiting the MVP trails, you’ll need to get your hands on a mountain bike. The terrain is a mix of dirt with roots and rocks, which will require a bicycle with a suspension and wider tires with a good tread. Parking is available at the trailhead but can get quite busy on nice summer days. If you’re having a difficult time finding a spot, you may park down at Marysville Place (1km away) and cycle over to the trails.

Woolastook Park Trails

Looking for more mountain biking trails? You’ll want to check out the Woolastook Park Trails. Located in a former Provincial Park, this network is also managed by River Valley Cycling. Surrounded by tall forests and incredible views of the water, options are available for both beginner and advanced riders at this location as well. Be sure to make your way to the lookout at the top of Mountain Road while you’re visiting. The view of the valley will take your breath away!

Did you know? Woolastok will be getting an exciting investment that will lead to new and upgraded trails! Keep an eye on the RVC website to learn more about this project!

If you’re visiting the trails this summer, be sure to grab your River Valley Cycling membership! This helps support the work that they do to keep the trails in tip-top shape.

Riverfront Excursion

Now, this is a fun out and back! Grab your gravel or hybrid bike and get ready for a riverfront adventure! Beginning from Downtown on the Southside Riverfront trail, you’ll be following the path along the Wolastoq for approximately 12km until reaching Hartt Island Resort - a vibrant and dynamic local RV resort. This is the perfect spot to have a little break. Enjoy a view of the local islands while having a bite by the river or make your way up to the resort to enjoy a game of mini-golf or have a dip in the water park!

Once you’ve replenished yourself, you may make your way back to the city on the trail. Keep an eye out for some spectacular wildlife sightings while riding your bike! Low flying bald eagles, herons, and ospreys are often visible from the trail.

Mountain Bike Minto Trails

Arguably one of the best in the Maritimes, Minto’s trail network offers a goldmine of trails, views, and features like no other. Sculpted by massive earthmovers during its coal mining days, the network became Dr. Sean Morissy’s project in 2012, after coal mining ended in 2010. Huge ridges of overburden, steep-sided ravines, turquoise lakes, and hundreds of kilometers of underground tunnels, turned into fast, flowy trails, punctuated by steep descents, sharp climbs, and endless waterfront views. 

With over 40km of some of the best single-track in Eastern Canada, Mountain Bike Minto Inc. hosts over 4000 riders a year, mountain bike races, Fondo events, hikers, skiers, snowshoers, and more. If you’re stopping by, consider buying a trail pass to help support the incredible work of this non-profit group and ensure that this network is able to remain one of the bests around.

The Fredericton Taproom Trail

No adventure list is complete without the #FredTapTrail! As Atlantic Canada’s Craft Brewing Capital, Fredericton has an impressive number of options when it comes to craft beverages. With 10 participating taprooms and over 120km of trails in the area, the Taproom Trail makes for a perfect afternoon of cycling and beer. Sip your way through the city by following the Taproom Trail map this summer. How many locations will you be visiting?

While this is by no means an exhaustive list, I think it’ll help you get a real taste of Fredericton’s best river and trails excursions. With lush Acadian forests, a wide variety of water conditions, incredible landscapes, and a million hidden gems, Fredericton is an outdoor adventurer’s dream.

Looking to make a weekend out of your adventures? Book a room with one of the city’s Stay & Play Packages, and receive $50 in Downtown Dollars or Fredericton Business North Dollars (and parking will be covered during your stay!). I look forward to seeing you on our local rivers and trails this season. Happy adventuring!