Quiddy Falls

This adventure was one of my last of summer 2016, but I thought I'd save sharing it for the beginning of this summer! This swimming hole is just a beauty. It's a little bit of a drive to get there, but it's worth it. 

One of my best friends and best cousins were here and I wanted to show them one of my favourite NB spots. After visiting my sister in Sussex, we headed out for an end of August swim. The hike in is only about 15 minutes and it's really quite beautiful. Some parts look enchanted! 

There are sections that are quite steep that you have to shimmy down on a rope, but where it's so short, I wouldn't say it's very difficult. I know kids around kindergarten age have been fine on it. 

It was a little overcast that day, but it was warm enough for a dip. I find the water here not super cold, compared to a lot of swimming spots (ex: Crooked Creek).

(iPhones come in handy sometimes!)

I have seen people jump from on top of the waterfall, but I can't say I'd recommend it! Seems kinda silly to me. :) But, the view from the top is really nice! It reminds me of a quarry. 

We opted to spend our time under the waterfall instead.

That's some pure joy right there! 

There's also another little waterfall before the big one - bonus! 

Sadly, I haven’t been here since they’ve redone all the roads around there for the Fundy Trail Parkway so I can’t provide up to date directions, but I’m sure they are out there somewhere!

PS - this is also known as Wallace Falls. 

Happy adventuring. 

Pointe-Du-Chêne Wharf

It is hard to beat wharf vibes. I remember wharf nights as a kid, driving through, getting ice cream, and climbing on the rocks at sunset. Mmmmmm 

I fell in love with swimming at the wharf just last summer. I think it was my first time trying it. I've always been a little scared of swimming in water where I can't see the bottom, but I overcame my fear and have been loving it since. :) 

I love wharf nights at Captain Dan's, followed by a little sunset swim. It's a great weeknight activity. Send a quick text and meet some friends after work! 

Somebody missed the memo . . . :)

Where else can you drive up, jump in, and watch the sunset at eye level in some of the warmest salt water in the country? Well, there are probably other places, but THE VIBES!! 

PS - I recently discovered the millions of tiny fish there that swim all around you. Eek! Still worth it though. I guess the "fishing" section should have tipped me off . . . 

Got more than just a weeknight? Why not spend a day at Parlee Beach, and then head to the wharf for sunset . . . 

Moosehorn - Laverty Loop

This is probably one of my top two favourite locations in New Brunswick. It’s usually the first place I bring my friends who are visiting Fundy. I feel like the ratio of hiking to payoff is perfect. :) 

There are lots of ways to do this hike. My sister, friend, and I spent a few days in Fundy and decided this time to start out on the downhill Moosehorn side to avoid the switchbacks on the way out. 

It brings you out to views like this:

Up the trail a little ways, which is a bit of climbing over those otherworldly white rocks, you’ll find this little swimming hole with its own mini cliff to jump from. It can be a little hard to find this particular swimming hole as there are lots of little pools leading up to it (all of which are fun to check out), but keep going until you see something like this: 

Then go for a swim! 

Soak in the view.

And this waterfall.

And slow down and relax.

The adventure continues as you figure out a way to change out of your wet clothes and continue on the hike to Laverty Falls! 

Unfortunately I didn’t time each section, but I would guess the first hike down to the water takes about 45 mins, and this next section about 30. It's pretty scenic as well: 

Laverty Falls is also another popular fresh water swimming spot in Fundy, and a pretty great one if you ask me. Like I said, there are lots of ways to to do this trail - lots of people just hike into the falls and go for a swim and hike back out, cutting your trip almost in half. 

The last section is probably another 45 mins to the end. It is a steady incline - not gonna lie it always feels a little bit like you’re never going to reach the parking lot. :) All a part of the fun. 

And so worth it. 

Try it, if you haven’t! 

CROOKED CREEK

Looking for a free and "private" swimming hole? I've got just the thing . . .

I knew Canada Day was going to be a hot one, so I thought it would be a perfect day for the fresh water of Albert County. I was a little worried it would be crowded, but when we got there, we were the only ones there. Paradise. 

This was actually only my second time at Crooked Creek, but it is one of my favourites because I'm obsessed with rocks, trees, and fresh water swimming.

You can jump in here: 

Or here, if you're more daring: 

Fair warning though: it is the coldest water I have swam in! I would only recommend going if it's a pretty hot day.

There are beautiful views at the top and bottom. 

The trek in isn't too bad . . . 

I think it only took about 8 minutes. It's just a wee bit steep . . . 

Which makes the way out a little more taxing. 

Just take a couple of breaks, and you'll be fine. If only there was another swimming hole at the top!

Want to check it out? 

Drive to the village of Riverside Albert via Route 114 and then take the Forestdale Road towards the Crooked Creek Lookout. Just before you get to the lookout, you will see a new road on your right. Across the road from there is an opening in the trees to the path down to the creek. Park on the road or up at the lookout and start your adventure! 

Oh yeah, you get to see a waterfall while you're there too!