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History of our parks

The history of provincial parks in New Brunswick is deeply rooted in conservation, recreation, tourism and community. These parks were established to preserve the province’s natural beauty, provide spaces for outdoor activities and promote environmental stewardship, while fostering opportunities for tourism and economic growth.

New Brunswick’s first provincial parks were created in the mid-20th century to conserve landscapes of ecological, cultural and historical importance. These parks safeguarded vital habitats and biodiversity while also becoming key destinations for residents and visitors alike to explore the province’s forests, rivers, beaches and coastal areas. Over time, they have played a crucial role in attracting tourists and showcasing New Brunswick’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

Today, New Brunswick boasts a network of provincial parks offering a wide range of activities, from hiking and camping to swimming and wildlife observation. Many of these parks embody the province’s history and culture, including spaces that honour the traditions of First Nations communities. Beyond recreation, provincial parks are a cornerstone of New Brunswick’s tourism industry, drawing visitors from across Canada and beyond to discover the province’s scenic landscapes and outdoor experiences.

As we look to the future, New Brunswick’s provincial parks continue to evolve, striving to balance the increasing demand for recreation and tourism with the need to protect the natural environment. The goal is to ensure these valued spaces remain vibrant, accessible and sustainable for generations to come.

Where we are now

Under the Parks Act, the departments of Tourism, Heritage and Culture and Natural Resources manage a total of 59 properties.

In the last decade, Parks NB has partnered with private and public sectors to ensure that our parks are accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Significant improvements have been made to infrastructure and services, leading to more than one million visits annually.

33,000 hectares preserved

350,000 trees planted

Hosted 21 major events including the PGA Tour of Americas

Four seasons of Race Against the Tide filmed at New River Beach Provincial Park

Parks NB brand launched

1,000 newcomers taught to camp

Hosted 18,000 students for climate change education

$3.4M+ invested in making parks more accessible

11,000+ free parks passes distributed in partnership with NB Libraries and Social Development

Living retaining walls, rain and pollinator gardens built, and innovative erosion control measures implemented

Added the Christmas Snowmobile Trail Network to Mount Carleton Provincial Park

Extended the season at many parks

Moving forward

Parks NB has experienced record increases in visitation, highlighting their value for recreation, relaxation, and connecting with nature. With this momentum, we are committed to working closely with partners, including government departments, communities, schools, not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions and First Nations communities, to envision the future of our parks.

Future Priorities

  • Improving accessibility to ensure everyone can enjoy our parks.
  • Enhancing the visitor experience through upgrades and innovative features.
  • Strengthening conservation efforts to protect ecosystems and biodiversity.

By fostering collaboration and embracing diverse perspectives, we aim to create innovative solutions that ensure our parks remain welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable for future generations.

The Parks Act now includes a mandatory 10-year review process to ensure our parks evolve to meet the needs of all visitors. As part of this review, we want to hear from you. Your feedback is vital in shaping the future of our parks. Together, we can create spaces that are vibrant, accessible and cherished by everyone.