In 2017, we ( the boys and I) spent our summer in Quispamsis, caring for my mom after her stroke. Exploring beaches was one of the things we did to get away from the hospital and get the boys outside. We went to the Irving Nature Park a few times over the summer, and here are some of our photos and the details on the park.
Discover NB Beaches – Irving Nature Park
The beaches pictured below are part of the Irving Nature Park, located on the West side of Saint John, off Sand Cove Rd. There is parking just before the park, at Saints Rest Beach (upcoming beach profile), but I would suggest taking the ten minute drive around the park to see it on your first visit, before deciding on where to stop and explore.
The Irving Nature Park consists of 8 walking trails, 11 km of coastline and a road that runs around the park, with rest areas, BBQ’s, Toilets and an information center.
There is no entry fee to the park. You can drive the loop around the park, or stop and explore the various trails, lookouts and beaches.
As the summer progressed, Mom joined us, and our new pup Bo entered the picture. He will be in most of our #DiscoverNBBeaches posts, because we want to showcase lots of pet friendly places on the blog. Below was some more images of the same beach at low tide, and some of a beach further along the trail. My favourite spot (in the first photos here) is this rocky beach where you can enjoy a view of Lorneville or the bay of Fundy.
Location: 45°12’44.4″N 66°08’32.1″W
There are wooden benches placed along the trails and on the beaches, for taking a rest. This beach has a small parking lot that would fit about 4-5 vehicles. Walking trails enter on one side of the beach and continue on the other.
A kite is a must have when heading out to the beach, and here is a great list of other things to pack for a day at the beach.
The next few are from another beach in the Irving Nature Park. There is a small parking area at the top of a cliff with small deck and benches. There are stairs down to this beach.
Location: 45°12’16.8″N 66°08’17.8″W
The Irving Nature Park is located approximately 1.5 hours drive from Moncton, NB, making it a nice day trip. There is plenty to see and do right in the park. Or make a weekend getaway and explore more of what Saint John has to offer. (watch for our other day trip destination in SJ, coming in details soon) You can see some examples here.
Just before reaching the beaches and coastline, the Children’s Forest is accessible along sand Cove Road. There is a lovey playground and two cedar hedge mazes. Excellent for children of all ages! Picnic area and BBQs are available in this area of the park as well.
Irving Nature Park features:
- 11 km (7 mi.) of rugged Bay of Fundy coastline
- Six different ecosystems with a diversity of flora and fauna
- Eight walking trails of varying lengths
- Boardwalk extending into the salt marsh
- Seal Observation deck
- Lookout Tower – the park’s highest point with 360° view of land and sea
- Free interactive educational programs and activities
- Free picnic sites and gas barbecues.
- Children’s Forest with a playground and mazes.
Here are some other beaches in our #DiscoverNBbeaches series:
- Tuft’s Point and Long Beach (Fundy Trail)
- Point Wolf Beach (Fundy National Park)
- Herring Cove Beach (Fundy National Park)
- Irving Nature Park (Saint John, NB)
- Gardner Creek Beach (Gardner Creek, NB)
- Reed’s Beach (Simonds, NB)