Date: July 26, 2025
Location: Fundy National Park, New Brunswick
Trails: Matthew’s Head to Point Wolfe Beach, Third Vault Falls (both done as out-and-back hikes)
Weather: Warm and clear summer day
I grew up in New Brunswick, and spent years hiking and camping in Fundy Park, just outside of Alma, New Brunswick. Growing up, I went through Scouts Canada's Cubs, Scouts, and Venturer programs, and between camping trips and family trips, I think I've been on most of the trails in the park.
It had been years, though, since I set foot in the park - living in Ontario makes hiking in New Brunswick a logistical challenge. So, when the chance came up for a day trip of hiking, I jumped at the chance.
My friend and I set out from Moncton early in the morning and reached the park after a short coffee stop. We didn't have a clear plan in mind, so we grabbed a map from the gift shop and came up with a plan: hike from Matthew's Head to Point Wolfe Beach and back, head to Alma for lunch, then back into the park to hike to Third Vault Falls for a swim. All totally do-able in a very full day.
Fundy park is a big park, with some great hiking trails that range from easy to difficult, a golf course, a saltwater pool, some furnished cabins, a hotel, some campgrounds, and a lot more. It's a great place. The small village of Alma, which you drive through when coming from Moncton, has grown significantly in recent years and now has some great restaurants, the Holy Whale Brewery (a great brewery that also has a location in Riverview), some seafood shops, and is a great spot to watch the Bay of Fundy's world famous high tides (you can literally watch as boats go from floating on the water to resting on the ocean bed).
To plan your Fundy Park adventures, check out the park's maps and other important information on the Fundy Park website.
Trail 1: Matthew’s Head to Point Wolfe Beach
We began our hike at 10:45AM, setting out from the Matthew’s Head trailhead and choosing the direct route toward Point Wolfe Beach via the coastal trail. While its name suggests dramatic seaside views, the coastal trail is set several hundred metres inland, so ocean views are a bit rare and mostly peeking through the trees. Still, the forested path is lovely. It's quiet, shaded, and lined with coastal flora.
The trail is fairly narrow in sections and lightly technical, with uneven terrain requiring solid footwear and some experience. Toward the Point Wolfe Road end of the trail, the path steepens significantly, becoming rocky and requiring careful attention on both descent and return. The climb back up is steep and sustained, offering a challenge for hikers who enjoy a bit of elevation gain.
Once we reached Point Wolfe Road, we walked across the covered bridge - a beautiful and historic feature of the park that I remember vividly from when I was a kid. From there, we followed the Wolfe Trail to its viewpoint and down to Point Wolfe Beach, where expansive views and ocean breezes awaited. Be sure to check the tide schedule before venturing onto the beach, as tidal ranges in the Bay of Fundy are dramatic.
Lunch Stop: The Octopus’ Garden Café (Alma)
After hiking back to the trailhead, we headed into Alma for lunch at The Octopus’ Garden Café. This spot has a great patio, is dog-friendly, and the food was great with a laid-back vibe.
Trail 2: Third Vault Falls
Later that afternoon, we tackled the Third Vault Falls trail, one of the most popular hikes in Fundy, for good reason. The wide, well-maintained path is easy to follow and winds gently through the forest before descending steeply toward the falls. As you approach the final stretch, you’ll hear the roar of the waterfall before you see it. It's a nice sneak preview.
The last 200 metres of trail become significantly more technical, requiring a scramble along the rocky riverbed of Third Vault Brook. Here, hikers must navigate slippery, moss-covered rocks, often crossing parts of the brook and balancing over large, uneven boulders. This section requires careful footing, but the effort is rewarded with the dramatic sight of Third Vault Falls, a spectacular 16-metre cascade, the tallest in the park, plunging into a clear, cold pool.
The waterfall is fed by Third Vault Brook, a small but dynamic stream that originates in the forested highlands of Fundy National Park. It is part of the Upper Salmon River watershed, collecting runoff and groundwater from the surrounding Acadian forest. After cascading down the falls, Third Vault Brook continues downstream to join the Upper Salmon River, one of the park’s major waterways and an important part of its ecological system.
In July, the pool at the base of the falls was very cold, but refreshing. The pool isn't huge, but it's large enough for a float or swim. The return hike begins with steep stair climbs and switchbacks, retracing the riverside route before easing into a gentle forest ascent. Despite the technical terrain near the falls, the trail is well marked and manageable with proper footwear and caution.
Final Thoughts
Both hikes offered something unique: coastal forests, scenic bridges, quiet beaches, and thundering waterfalls. Each trail has sections that require attention and surefootedness, but they’re well worth the effort. Fundy National Park continues to deliver a top-tier hiking experience, balancing challenge and reward beautifully.
