Our Parks

World-class parks at your own pace

While Sackville’s parks, trails and nature preserves are some of the best in the world, our crown jewel is the Sackville Waterfowl Park.

This award-winning 55-acre park, which is minutes from the highway and a short walk from downtown, features:

  • 3.5 kilometres of accessible trails and boardwalks, including a section of the Trans-Canada Trail
  • 160 bird species (including 26 confirmed breeding species)
  • 200 species of plants
  • Free admission
  • Guided tours May to August
  • Self-guided tour map
  • Accessible via the Trans-Canada trail

Waterfowl Park Guided Tour

This 1 1/2-hour accessible walking tour includes binoculars, hands-on activities, and a tasty, locally-made snack. Discover the history of Tantramar and of the Mi’kmaq and Acadian settlements in our area, the Acadian dyking system, the importance of our agricultural history, and methods used to restore marsh areas to wildlife habitats.

Identify the species of waterfowl, birds and plants that inhabit the park, and learn to calculate a tree’s age with a hug. Our knowledgeable guides have a backpack full of tools and demonstration items including a 360-degree bug viewer, dragonfly eye lenses and fake muskrat droppings.

Details:

  • Available mid-May to late August
  • Walk-ins welcome, seven days a week, depending on availability of staff
  • Reservations preferred for larger groups
  • Price: $6 Adult, $4 Seniors and Children (12 and under), $12 Family (2 adults, 2 children).
  • Departure point is the Sackville Visitor Information Centre
  • Book a tour: E-mail visitor@sackville.com or call (506) 364-4967, toll-free: 1-800-249-2020
Waterfowl Park Map

Useful links

Get Outside

Other parks & outdoor spaces

Tantramar Wetlands Centre

This unique indoor and outdoor facility offers you the opportunity to experience wetlands by participating in innovative educational programs or exploring the park’s 2.5 kilometre trail system. Visit this award-winning project and learn more about our wetland ecosystems. The Wetlands Centre Staff can provide everything from hip waders to binoculars to help you experience all of the excitement that wetlands offer.

223 Main St., behind Tantramar Regional High School
(506) 364-4257
Hours: Open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in July and August

Tantramar Rail Trail (Trans-Canada Trail/Sentier NB Trail)

The Tantramar Rail Trail links Sackville with the Village of Port Elgin following the route of the Trans-Canada/New Brunswick Trail eastward. The Trail begins at a dyked wetland behind Tantramar Regional High School, then skirts the Tantramar Marsh. The trail crosses several working farms near Midgic, then passes through an isolated stretch of boreal forest, before emerging at Highway 16 near the community of Baie Verte. It ends at a working fishing wharf on the Gaspereau River in Port Elgin.

Length: 33 km
Surface: Crushed stone, raised rail bed
Terrain: Moderate
Marking: Follows abandoned railway line; route obvious

Bill Johnstone Memorial Park

This recently revamped park, situated in the heart of downtown Sackville, includes a splash park, playground, tennis courts, basketball court, bandstand, activity centre, an artistic fountain, public washrooms (open seasonally), and hosts several events & activities. To book the Activity Centre, call (506) 364-4955. The facility is free for not-for-profit community groups offering a public recreation-based program. All private or for-profit users are required to pay $40 per hour as per the Bill Johnstone Memorial Activity Centre Rental Contract.

Lillas Fawcett Park and Silver Lake

Voted the second-best family beach in the province in 2015 by Today’s Parent, Lillas Fawcett Park and Silver Lake provides the ideal spot for freshwater swimming, boating and fishing, with changing stations and playground equipment. During the summer, the swimming area is clearly marked and lifeguards are on duty from 11am to 7pm. Boaters have access to the large lake via a public ramp.

Beech Hill Park

This wooded area, just off the Trans-Canada Highway, exit 500, provides an excellent spot for picnicking and is a good rest stop. Picnic tables and outdoor washrooms are available, along with disc golf, guided tours and an annual Shakespeare in the Park. The park has walking trails and a panoramic view of the Tantramar Marsh. In winter, Beech Hill Park becomes a fabulous launch pad for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Enjoy three trails covering 1.8, 3.0, and 5.0 kilometres through the forest area. Start at the park and follow the coloured trail markers for a delightful scenic winter adventure.

Extreme Bike/Skate Park

Dufferin Street is home to our skateboard and extreme bike parks. Each year we host several competitions, programs and events at the park. Come down and check it out!

Hours of operation: Sunday – Saturday: 8:00am to dusk. For summer skateboard and bike programs visit the Skatepark Leader onsite or contact 364-4930. For park information, contact our parks & recreation facilities department at 364-4955.

Beech Hill Disc Golf Course

The Town of Sackville is proud to host what has been dubbed the most challenging Disc Golf Course in the Maritimes.  Whether in the heat of the summer or the chill of the winter, our 18 hole course will provide you with the challenge and great time that players of all skill levels are looking for!

Playing is free. Contact 364-4930 if you would like to borrow a set of discs.

Crooked Tree and Ogden Loop Trails

Located at the top of Walker Road off of Exit 500 on Highway 2, these well marked wilderness trails offer a unique all-season experience for any nature lover. Built and maintained by the Tantramar Outdoor Club, spend the day with your family exploring several kilometers of trails and the forest surrounding them.

The Tantramar Outdoor Club also grooms the trails in the winter time for cross country skiing and provides a well marked snowshoeing course. Don't forget to stop in and check out the ski hut to warm your hands and toes while on your adventure!

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