Part of what makes the Ganong Nature Park so unique is the surrounding estuary. The estuary encompasses approximately 180 acres of inter-tidal beach zone and you are encouraged to explore the ocean floor at low tide. In total, the property is 350 acres, located just minutes outside of St. Stephen, New Brunswick. The surrounding forest, fields and beach provide a multitude of hands-on experiences.
Currently, the Ganong Nature Park has 11 hiking trails. Visitors are advised to wear suitable clothing and footwear and take a bottle of water with you. Hiking trails range from moderate to easy.
Click HERE to download a copy of the trail map. Come to the Park today and live, play, learn!
Hiking Trails:
1. Lookout Trail: This forest trail is relatively rugged. It passes the John Smith Farm Foundation and ends at a lookout with a spectacular view of Oak Bay to the north. Experienced hikers may wish to return by the Forest Pond trail. One-way trail distance is 1.2km.
2. Forest Pond Trail: Enter this forested trail from the Lookout Trail or Auk Hill Trail. For intermediate and experienced hikers. Features a small stream, a pond and a pleasant view of Pagan’s Cove. One-way distance is 1.0km.
3. Auk Hill Trail: This field trail provides a good hike up Auk Hill where you can enjoy a view of St. Croix Island and Passamaquoddy Bay looking south. One-way trail distance is 1.0km.
4. Berry Hill Road: Horse and buggies traveling to and from St. Andrews used a ferry from Todd’s Point to Bayside. One-way distance is 0.3km.
5. Ganong Cottage Road: Follow this dirt road to enjoy this unique little cottage and many of the original trees, shrubs and flowers planted by Eleanor Ganong. One-way distance is 0.4km.
6. Tide Pool Trail: At low tide this trail allows you to explore the inter-tidal area and its many unique marine creatures. If the tide is up, check out the tide pool in front of the Quoddy Kiosk. One-way distance is 1.0km.
7. Field Edge Trail: This popular trail goes along the field edge between the Learning Centre and Ganong Cottage. Cool breezes keep this trail virtually bug free and always pleasant. Great for dog walkers. Please keep them on the leash. One-way distance is 1.0km.
8. Echo Trail: Enter this trail near the entrance gates, following the mowed trail along the edge of the small field and enter the forest at the far end. This trail allows you to enjoy a mix of soft and hardwood forest and intersects the Field Edge Trail. One-way distance is 0.4km.
9. Lookout Extension: This trail begins at the top of the lookout. The path connects to Forest Pond and involves a narrow, steep and rocky path. One-way distance is 0.4km.
10. Ferry Cove: This short trail provides a quick path to the water. One-way distance is 0.1km.
11. Gazebo Trail: Short trail that leads to a multi-purpose gazebo. One-way distance is 0.2km.
Interpretative Learning:
The Park also provides guests with an opportunity to learn about the land and its history. Administration offices are inside the Park’s main building (‘A’ Quoddy Learning Center). Here you can get a trail map and speak with staff about the Park.
While you’re exploring, keep your eyes open for the following interpretative learning stations:
B. John Smith Farm: this is the foundation of one of the original settlers homes.
C. The Lookout: located on a granite bluff, this site looks out on Pagan’s Cove, Spoon Island, Oak Bay and to the right, Hill’s Point.
D. The Forest Pond: this vernal stream and pond supports interesting insects and plants. We’ve never seen fish in the pond. Can you spot one?
E. William Todd’s Farm: Mr. Todd owned this property for many years before it was purchased by Whidden Ganong. He operated a breeding farm for race horses and the foundations along the road are all that remain of his efforts. A fire demolished all of the buildings and led to Mr. Todd’s financial ruin.
F. The Gan
ong Cottage: this is the oldest surviving structure on the property. It served many families through the years and became Whidden and Eleanor Ganong’s retreat where they enjoyed the scenery and sea breezes. Mr. Ganong liked to farm and write here and Eleanor tended her many plants and exotic birds.
G. The Quoddy Kiosk: this retreat looks south into history with St. Croix Island, the site of the first European settlement north of Florida, a short distance away and Passamaquoddy Bay further to the south. This is a fantastic picnic spot in the shade with a million dollar view.
The Park operates on a leave no trace premise. Please minimize your impact and be respectful of the delicate ecology of the Park. Pack in, pack out all garbage, even if it’s not your garbage. This helps to keep the Park clean and litter free.
The St. Croix Estuary Project Inc., the parent organization of the Ganong Nature Park is a non-profit, registered charity and depends on donations, facility rentals and memberships to help maintain the Park. Please assist our efforts by donating, renewing your yearly membership or by becoming a registered Park member today.
Donate or purchase a Park membership today!