Hiking Dalhousie Mountain In New Brunswick
Dalhousie Mountain may be a short 3-kilometre hike. However, the view alone makes it worth doing! Do not let the short trail sway you. This is one hike that you do not want to skip out on. It provides a slight challenge with a few inclines up the gravel trail to beautiful lookouts of New Brunswick.
Difficulty:Â Easy to Moderate
Length: 3.1km (1.56km one way)
Suggested Duration:Â 1-2 hours
Signage:Â None but easy to follow
Facilities: Bench at the peak of the trail, no public washrooms
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Key Features Of Dalhousie Mountain
- A well-known mountain in the region
- Offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
- A popular spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts
- View of Chaleur Bay and Eel River
- View of Restigouche River and Quebec
- Benches and rest points throughout
Before You Start Hiking Dalhousie Mountain
Dalhousie Mountain is a short 3-kilometre round-trip trail. It is well-maintained and groomed throughout the entire trail and offers multiple breathtaking look-offs.
Since it is a shorter hike, we recommend trying to get there for sunrise or sunset. You will not regret this!
There is a large parking lot located at the Ecole Aux-Quatre-Vents High School before the trailhead. The trail is not overly populated. Therefore, if you are hiking during the summer months, you should have no issue finding a parking spot.
We recommend bringing comfy running shoes or hiking boots. This trail is not overly hard on the feet. However, whenever you are hiking, you should wear comfortable and supportive footwear.
The trail is open and does not offer much shade or sun coverage. Therefore, if you are going during the peak of the day, be sure to take sunscreen and a hat to prevent too much sun exposure.
This terrain is a mainly flat dirt trail and would be considered accessible for mobility issues. There are added benches along the hike for breaks, lookouts, and to rest your legs.
Bug spray is also highly recommended, depending on the time of year. The first time we completed this hike was back in the summer of 2018, and we did have an issue with mosquitoes. However, insect repellent and a tick removal tool kit are always encouraged when out in the woods!
Dalhousie Mountain is not an overly popular trail and has light traffic. We have never seen anyone else on the trail either of the times we hiked it.
Additionally, this trail is dog-friendly and can also be used as an ATV trail.
Our Experience Hiking Dalhousie Mountain
Most recently, Arthur and I made the trip to Dalhousie, New Brunswick, to achieve our summer goal of hiking Mount Campbelton. It was a challenging and beautiful hike that left us feeling as though we wanted to relax for the rest of the weekend once we finished it.
However, the next day, Arthur’s family asked us if we wanted to do a short hike up Dalhousie Mountain with them. And, well… we could not pass up family time or a chance to hike!
We decided to hike closer to sunset as we heard it made for a more beautiful scenic hike. We did find we were on a time crunch to get back down before it got too dark.
The entrance of Dalhousie Mountain is located behind Ecole Aux-Quatre-Vents. The entrance is towards the left back corner of the high school. The trailhead is easily visible from the parking lot.
The trail is quite wide and continues like this for the hike, making it great for groups or families.
With the exception of wildlife, this trail is also safe for those wanting to hike alone.
The terrain is well-groomed, with little to no large rocks, stumps, or roots cutting through the path. The trail remains groomed and relatively flat for most of the hike, with a few gradual inclines along the way.
Throughout the trail, there are many different viewpoints of New Brunswick and Quebec.
Most hikes only have one peak look-off towards the end or middle of the hike.
The best part of Dalhousie Mountain? It has two!
One looks towards the Restigouche River, while the other looks onto the Eel River.
While these are the main two look-offs, there are many others all over this trail. Some even have benches to rest up or sit and enjoy the scenery.
Not long into the trail, you will reach the first peak point. There are a few larger rocks off the trail’s left side and the most breathtaking view of Eel River (close) and Chaleur Bay (far).
This is a perfect stop to snap some photos, have snacks, or relax and enjoy the incredible and calming view.
If you keep hiking, you’ll reach the second lookout that offers a beautiful view of Quebec.
To reach this one, there is a gradual incline that could be a bit more difficult for those with mobility issues. There are no flat rest spots until you have reached the top of the incline.
Once at the top, follow the trail until you have reached the last look-off.
The second peak of the hike looks onto the Restigouche River. Just on the other side of the Restigouche River, you can see Quebec.
The benches at the end of the second peak spot make this spot perfect for sunrise or sunset. It is a great spot to relax, stretch and enjoy the view with loved ones!
We noticed an ungroomed trail near the benches that we wanted to explore, though we decided not to due to the time and the sun already setting.
We are not sure what is down there, where it goes, or how long this trail is… but it seems worth exploring if you have the time!
We both agreed that the next time we are in Dalhousie, we will explore this additional trail.
Stay tuned!
Checklist And Recommended Gear
While this is a relatively short trail, we do recommend bringing some gear with you.
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle
- Hiking shoes – Women’s // Men’s
- Snacks
- Cascade Hiking Poles (optional)
- Atlantick Tick Removal Tool Kit
