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![Person mountain biking in Minto New Brunswick, Minto MTB]()
![Person mountain biking in Minto New Brunswick, Minto MTB]()
![Man resting in his Class B Camper Van after a mountain biking trail ride at Rockwood Park New Brunswick]()
![Man resting in his Class B Camper Van after a mountain biking trail ride at Rockwood Park New Brunswick]()
![Mountain biker going off of a jump in Wentworth Mountain Bike Park, Nova Scotia]()
![Mountain biker going off of a jump in Wentworth Mountain Bike Park, Nova Scotia]()
![Man resting on the top of a granite rock with his mountain bike on McIntosh Run Nova Scotia]()
![Man resting on the top of a granite rock with his mountain bike on McIntosh Run Nova Scotia]()
![Man hooking his mountain bikes up to bike rack on the back of his RV (Class B Camper Van).]()
![Man hooking his mountain bikes up to bike rack on the back of his RV (Class B Camper Van).]()
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Carve the Coast: A Mountain Biker’s Maritime Trip Guide
Duration
8 days
Drive
2200 km
Plan
6 stops
Start
Minto, New Brunswick
End
Stoneham, Québec
Start
Minto, New Brunswick
End
Stoneham, Québec
Imagine a vacation where your only schedule is the trail map, your basecamp has a new backyard every day, and the post-ride celebration is always just a few steps from your door. The Maritimes are a burgeoning paradise for mountain bikers, and there’s no better way to link these world-class trails together than on a mountain biking RV trip.
My husband Rich and I live for mountain biking. We lead group rides out of our local bike shop and are always looking for new trail networks to explore. This was our first time travelling in an RV, and honestly, our first night sold us on the idea. We pulled into a campsite in a downpour, and instead of wrestling with a wet tent, we just parked and were instantly home a ready to prepare for our ride the next day.
This itinerary is a high-octane sampler of the best riding in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, with a grand finale in Québec. This trip guide are for those who believe the best souvenirs are a little mud on the tires and a whole lot of memories. So load up the bikes, chart your course, and get ready to ride.
1
Minto, New Brunswick
Mining for Singletrack Gold in Minto, New Brunswick
Where to Camp: Tiny Trails Co. was exactly what we were looking for. It’s geared toward mountain bikers, with a bike wash, a taproom, and a great firepit. Best part was that we could pedal right from our campsite to the trails in about five minutes.
What to Ride: The trails at Minto MTB are truly unique, built on the grounds of a former mine, which makes for some breathtaking topography overlooking these bright turquoise ponds. The trails are well-marked and so much fun – a perfect intro to Maritime riding and first stop on our route.
2
Alma, New Brunswick
Ocean Tides and Enduro Rides in Alma, New Brunswick
Where To Camp: Fundy National Park’s Campground. We chose this spot because we’d heard about the famous sticky buns at Kelly’s Bake Shop in the village of Alma below. The campground has a staircase leading right down to the village, and we walked it twice—once at night to see the ocean, and again in the morning for breakfast.
Where To Ride: A short drive away, Rockwood Park in Saint John was a highlight for us. We loved the mix of terrain – it had everything from fast enduro trails to the kind of old-school, twisty, rooty singletrack we grew up on.
Must-Do: Grab coffee from Buddha Bear Coffee Roasters and a sticky bun from Kelly’s, then find a bench and watch the Bay of Fundy tide roll in. It’s an incredible sight.
3
Shediac, New Brunswick
Lobsters and Lift-Access Laps in Shediac, New Brunswick
Where to Camp: Camping Oceanic in Shediac. We loved the quirky vibe of this town, the self-proclaimed “Lobster Capital of the World” (Side note: The Lobster Festival happens each year in early July!).
Where to Ride: The next morning we drove to Wentworth Mountain Bike Park for some lift-access laps. We started on the climb trail before the lift opened, then spent the day hitting fantastic downhill trails like the machine-built Oh Baby and the loamy, rocky Paradigm.
Must-Do: It felt only right to have a lobster-centric meal in Shediac. I had the chowder at Bistro le Moque Tortue, and my husband had the lobster roll, which he still claims is the best he’s ever eaten.
4
Graves Island, Nova Scotia
Granite Slabs and Ocean Air in Graves Island, Nova Scotia
Where to Camp: Graves Island Provincial Park. You get to it by driving over a little one-lane causeway, and our site backed right onto the woods with the ocean just behind. It was an incredible spot to wake up.
Where to Ride: McIntosh Run in Halifax was unlike anywhere we’ve ever ridden in Canada. It’s known for its granite “whalebacks”—huge, grippy slabs of rock that are an absolute blast to ride. If you’re a biker, you have to experience this.
5
Dieppe, New Brunswick
A Taste of Acadian Adventure in Dieppe, New Brunswick
Where to Camp: On our way back toward Québec, we stayed at Tiny Trails Co. again.
Where to Ride: Dieppe Rotary St-Anselme Park. We stopped here for a picnic lunch and a quick ride. It doesn’t have a huge network, but it was a great spot to stretch our legs. It’s also an ideal place for a picnic lunch, thanks to the freedom of having your kitchen right there with you in the RV. There’s even a beer garden, Le Barbu, right in the park.
Must-Do: Make two quintessential New Brunswick stops. First, visit Covered Bridge Potato Chips to stock up on their famous snacks. Then, take a photo at the Hartland Covered Bridge, the longest in the world. Keep your eyes peeled! We spotted a bald eagle soaring over the river from the bridge.
6
Stoneham, Québec
The Grand Finale in Stoneham, Québec
Where to Camp: Camping Stoneham is the perfect place to unwind for a couple of nights before the final push home. With amenities like a pool and river tubing, it’s a resort-like oasis to relax and recharge.
What to Ride: You’re in the heart of a mountain bike mecca. Empire 47 is a world-class network with rewarding climbs that lead to some of the most exhilarating and flowy downhills you’ll ever ride. For another epic day, the equally renowned trails of Sentiers du Moulin are just a short drive away.
