Natural Attractions
The diverse landscape of the Sackville area provides many opportunities for nature based activities. Start by visiting some wildlife interpretation centres to discover more about the flora and fauna of the area.
Sackville Waterfowl Park
Experience a guided walking tour of the Sackville Waterfowl Park and discover the area's natural and human history while viewing the many species of birds and plants in the Tantramar Marsh eco-system.
Guided tours are available June to September. Contact the Sackville Visitor Information Centre to register for a tour. Click the title link for more information on the Park.
Tantramar Wetlands Centre
223 Main St. behind Tantramar Regional High School • Tel. 364-4257
Open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the months of July and August
This unique indoor and outdoor facility offers you the opportunity to experience wetlands by participating in innovative educational programs or exploring the site's 2.5 km of trail. The centre was established in 1997 to promote wetland conservation through effective public education. The 15 hectare site provides quality habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species and functions as living laboratory for the study of wetlands. Visit this award-winning project and learn more about our wetland ecosystems. The Wetlands Centre Staff can provide the necessary tools (from hip waders to binoculars) to help you experience all of the excitement that wetlands offer. Features a public exhibit on the rich dyking history of the Tantramar Region.
Walking and Hiking Trails
Windswept marshes, boreal forests and Acadian dykes make for some good hiking and walking trails in the Sackville area. The following are some of the best:
Tantramar Rail Trail (Trans Canada Trail/Sentier NB Trail)
This trail links Sackville with the village of Port Elgin following the route of the Trans Canada/New Brunswick Trail. 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.
Moose, deer, fox and other woodland creatures can be observed from the trail route, as well as colourful wildflowers and a variety of songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds. eagles, osprey, hawks and great blue herons can often be seen feeding on the Baie Verte Marsh and along the Gaspereau River Estuary.
- Type: Linear
- Length: 33 km (8 hours one way)
- Surface: Crushed stone, raised rail bed
- Difficulty: Moderate (long distance hike)
- Marking: Follows abandoned railway line; route obvious
- Access:
- Tantramar High School (Highway 2, Exit 504)
- Folkins Drive turn-around (Highway 2, Exit 506)
- Church Street Middle Sackville
- Route 940, Midgic
- Parking:
- Tantramar High School parking lot
- Folkins Drive (side of road)
- Lillas Fawcett Park parking lot
Paunchy Lake Trail
This area is managed by the Canadian Wildlife Service and Ducks Unlimited. The trail follows dykes, skirts drainage canals, and traverses flat, grassy marshes and forests near Paunchy Lake. Elevated observation platforms allow easy viewing of wildlife. This area is well-known as a nesting area for black ducks. Watch for hunters during fall duck-hunting season (October). A detailed trail description can be found in A Hiking Guide to New Brunswick (Marianne Eiselt and H.A. Eiselt).
- Type: Linear
- Length: 14.4 km (4 hour return trip)
- Surface: Dirt road, dykes; wet in some places
- Difficulty: Easy
- Marking: Follows roads and path on dykes: route obvious
- Access: Highway 2, Exit 504, turn north on Main Street towards Middle Sackville. Turn right at Silver Lake (Morice Pond), then left at the T-intersection (next to the Middle Sackville Baptist Church) following Church Street for 1.2 km. Turn right onto High Marsh Road. Follow High Marsh Road for 10.5 km (crossing covered bridge) to Y-intersection. Take smaller road on left to Tintamarre National Wildlife Area.
- Parking: On side of road
Other Outdoor Activities
The following is an alphabetical list of the other outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in the Sackville area.
Beech Hill Picnic Park
Exit 500 Hwy#2
This wooded area just off the highway provides an excellent spot for picnicking and a good rest stop. Picnic tables and outdoor washrooms are available. The park also has walking trails and a panoramic view of the Tantramar Marsh. In winter, Beech Hill Park becomes the main area for cross-country skiing. Enjoy three trails covering 1.8, 3.0, and 5.0 kilometers through the forest area. Start at the signpost in the park and follow the coloured trail markers for a delightful scenic winter-escape.
Canoeing and Kayaking
The Sackville area boasts both lakes/rivers and coastal canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Lake and river opportunities include Gaspereau River, Silver Lake and Tintarmarre National Wildlife area. For more detailed information on these areas, contact the Sackville Visitor Information 364-4967. Coastal canoeing and kayaking can take place in Shepody Bay, Baie Verte and the Northumberland Strait. Please note our coastal waters have strong currents in some places.
Fishing
Try fishing at the Jolicure Lakes near Jolicure (on the way to PEI) and at Joe Brook, on MountView Road. Fishing on the Tantramar River in Sackville will also provide opportunities for catching trout and perch. Ice fishing on Silver Lake will reward the patient fisherman with Brown Trout. The local trout season extends from April 15 to September 30. Non-residents must acquire a valid NB Sport Fishing License. Three-day, seven-day and seasonal licenses can be obtained at the Service New Brunswick office in Sackville. Once purchased, these licenses may be used at any NB location.
Golf
Sackville Golf & Country Club
42 Fairfield Rd. • Tel. 536-3437
One of the oldest courses in New Brunswick, the nine hole Sackville golf course is very playable. Club rentals, power carts available. Licensed club house has a snack counter which operates on week ends.
Silver Lake
Route 940 (Main St.) Middle Sackville
Silver Lake provides the ideal spot for fresh water swimming, boating and fishing. During the summer months, the swimming area is clearly marked and a lifeguard is on duty during the afternoons. Boaters have access to the large lake via a public ramp. All motorized boats, sailboats and canoes must have proper safety equipment on board to use the facilities. Try trout fishing at Silver Lake with some easy access points along the bank or near the boat launch.
Snowmobiling
The Sackville Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club maintains 160 km of groomed trails in the Sackville area, with access to accommodations, food, fuel and neighboring trail systems.
Tennis
- Public tennis courts may be reserved at the Sackville Recreation Centre. Call 364-4955.
- Mount Allison courts are open to the public at scheduled times. Call 364-2408 or 364-2401.