Mount Carleton

There were a few places I wanted to be in peak "leaf peeping" season, and Mount Carleton Provincial Park was at the top of the list. My BFF and I headed out at 8:00am on Thursday morning and arrived almost exactly four hours later, just around noon. This ended up being really lucky as they "cut people off" from climbing Carleton at noon, since the days are getting shorter. It was a beautiful, beautiful drive. 

So, for our first day in the park, we decided to hike the highest peak in the Maritimes - Mount Carleton. Of the three mountain climbs in the park, this is actually the easiest. It's a nice loop trail. It's about 2.25 hours up and 1.25 hours down. 

The way up (if you go "clockwise") is less groomed and is quite beautiful. You go along this stream for a while on your way up: 

Once you get to this rocky section, you're almost at the top! 

You'll come to this view at the top of the trail: 

After continuing on the top over and around some boulders, you'll come to the fire tower that was used in the first half of the 20th century to spot fires. In 1968, the province began using air patrols, so the fire tower is no longer used. 

This is a great spot to enjoy a picnic and the view of 10 million trees. 

The way down is (obviously) easier and only takes 1.5 hours, but it is a little less scenic.

Definitely worth the hike to make it to the highest point in the Maritimes! 

We stayed in a B&B close by overnight and decided to hike another mountain on Friday! We landed on Mount Bailey as it is a bit shorter than Carleton, but a bit more strenuous. 

Before starting out, we checked out this waterfall: 

And spent some time at the lake: 

I can't wait to get back and spend some time swimming and canoeing on this beauty. 

So we set out to do Mount Bailey at around noon. The first 3/4 of the hike is through this enchanted forest: 

The way up was about an hour and a half and the way down about 45 minutes. We opted out of the loop, which is a bit longer and more difficult. Bailey was a wee bit steep, quite a bit steeper than Carleton, but the payoff was worth it. 

There are just two small lookouts on this trail. They say you can almost always see moose in the brooks below from the top. We weren't so lucky. :( 

I really enjoyed Mount Bailey, and can't wait to try it again and do the full loop. 

Things you should know about MCPP: 

Campgrounds close at the end of September. Check their website for dates.

The park "officially" closes mid-October. You can still go in after this point, but you'll have to walk in past the gate. 

They only accept cash!! 

There is no cell phone service, except on the top of mountains. :) 

Centennial Park

Let's keep this one short - get to Centennial Park ASAP, especially if you live in Moncton. This is one of the most beautiful places I've seen for fall foliage. Here's your incentive to make it at its peak: 

Did that convince you? :)

The Goutte d'Ô

I know my posts this summer have focused a lot on the Fundy coastal region, but I couldn't help but share the experience I had this past week. 

You may have seen our National Parks have been trying out some new accommodation options. This summer in Point Wolfe Campground (in Fundy) they were piloting the Goutte d'O. 

It was as cool as it looks! When staying in Point Wolfe a couple weeks ago, my friends and I were saying how it seemed like something out of The Hunger Games through the woods. 

I stayed in the Goutte d'Ô with another friend on Thursday night. It was a little late in the year so a little cold, and definitely private! I think there were only one or two other humans in the campground. 

It's a pretty neat setup. There's a futon that can sleep two people and a hammock that can sleep one short adult or a couple of kids. The weight restriction is 385 lbs., I believe! 

I slept up there until 5:30 when I went for my early morning bathroom break. I had a pretty good sleep, but it did hurt my back a little bit. But it's hard to beat waking up to a view like this: 

And eating your classic breakfast in your own "private" campground. 

It rained on our second day there, so we spent some time playing games and just soaking in the sweet space. 

I highly recommend checking it out! It's 70$ a night and is open until Oct 10 for this year. It's not heated so you'll have to wear lots of layers. Or, put it on your bucket list for next summer! 

For more information, or to book, check it out here.

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 . . .