Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN FREDERICTON (NEW BRUNSWICK)
Planning a cycling vacation? Fredericton, the charming capital of New Brunswick, is a dream spot for bike lovers. With over 120 km of trails and a tight-knit network of greenways, you can cruise through riverside views, lush forests, and heritage streets all in one ride. Whether you're a casual cyclist or a seasoned tourer with panniers packed, this guide breaks down the best cycling and bike touring routes Fredericton has to offer. Grab your helmet — adventure is just a pedal away!
Riding along the Saint John River
The heart and soul of Fredericton’s cycling scene is the Saint John River, and riding along its banks is a must for any bike tourer. The city's Riverfront Trail, part of the greater Sentier NB Trail system, offers a smooth and scenic ride with minimal elevation and maximum wow factor. This is the route where bikes and nature vibe in perfect harmony.
What to expect on the Riverfront Trail
Stretching around 25 km in Fredericton proper, the Riverfront Trail is mostly paved or finely crushed gravel, making it accessible for all bike types. You'll ride past historic buildings, the iconic Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge, and multiple riverfront parks like Carleton Park and Officer's Square. Don’t be surprised if you share the path with joggers, dog walkers, and the occasional local with a coffee in hand — it’s a social space as much as a cycling route.
For an unforgettable sunrise ride, start near the Westmorland Street Bridge and pedal east toward Marysville. You’ll catch morning mist rising off the river and the soft glow on the water — pure magic.
Length: ~25 km (loop options available)
Surface: Paved & gravel
Skill level: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Bill Thorpe Bridge, Officer’s Square, Carleton Park
Pro tip: Bring a lock. Stop for a riverside picnic or a cappuccino at a downtown café just steps off the trail.
Exploring the Nashwaak Trail and Marysville
If you’re chasing a mix of history and nature, the Nashwaak Trail will hit the sweet spot. It follows an old railway line northward from Fredericton through the historic mill town of Marysville, blending scenic tranquility with cultural detours. It’s flat, friendly, and a little off the beaten path — perfect for a relaxing day tour.
Cruising through heritage and green space
The Nashwaak Trail runs for about 10 km one-way, offering a low-traffic alternative to busier city trails. You’ll roll alongside the Nashwaak River, cross wooden bridges, and pass through pockets of shaded forest. The highlight is Marysville, a 19th-century company town with red-brick buildings, a classic water tower, and the Marysville Cotton Mill — now a National Historic Site.
Once you reach Marysville, lock up the bike and explore on foot. There are picnic spots, local diners, and photo ops everywhere. You can loop back the way you came or continue deeper into rural New Brunswick for a longer ride.
Length: 10 km one way (20 km return)
Surface: Crushed gravel, mostly flat
Skill level: Beginner-friendly
Highlights: Nashwaak River views, Marysville Cotton Mill
Pro tip: Bring a camera — Marysville’s architecture is stunning in golden hour light.
Long-distance tours and multi-day routes
If you’ve got the legs and the gear for a multi-day ride, Fredericton is a solid launching pad. Several long-distance cycling routes fan out from the city, connecting you to backcountry roads, small towns, and epic natural beauty. This is where bike touring goes from hobby to full-blown adventure.
Building your own touring loop
One of the best long-distance options is to follow the Sentier NB Trail network northwest toward Mactaquac and beyond. From downtown Fredericton, you can piece together a loop that runs through Kingsclear, out to Mactaquac Provincial Park, and back down via Route 102 — covering approximately 65–80 km depending on your exact path.
Expect hills, riverside views, and farm country. Mactaquac is a perfect halfway point for camping or cabin stays, with a beach, hiking, and even a golf course if your legs need a break from pedaling. Continue onward to Woodstock or Grand Falls if you're planning a 2–3 day tour with overnight stops.
Distance: 65–200+ km depending on route
Surface: Mixed (paved roads, gravel trails)
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Highlights: Mactaquac Park, Route 102 river views, rural NB charm
Pro tip: Use Ride with GPS or Komoot to plan your route and track elevation. Also, pack bug spray — rural NB has a lot of personality (and mosquitoes).
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