From February 24 to 27, I had the chance to go snowmobiling for about 1 100 km on trails in New Brunswick.
I rode mostly in the northern part of the province, in areas between the Province of Québec, Grand Falls, Nepisiguit Falls and Bathurst, on trails 12, 130, 23, 19, 22, 259, 250, 17 and 135.
Signage is quite different here from Québec trails and it takes some time to get used to it. You must rely on trail numbers rather than the name of your destination and upcoming curves are not always indicated. Sometimes, if you see a sign that says to slow down, listen to it because it means that a sharp bend is ahead. In fact, we must ride looking ahead as far as we can to avoid surprises. There is no speed limit in New Brunswick, so some curves may get close very fast.
Also, there is no standard signage. Some clubs, mostly in northern New Brunswick, have perferct signage except for a few local trails. As we get closer to the center of the province, we noticed the absence of markers in fields and lack of informations at some intersections. But I met some directors of the New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs who told me that the Federation is actually working hard to offer standard signage and to make sure it is placed at every strategic points.
The quality of northern trails was perfect, very well groomed and wide. However, in the center between Grand Falls and Serpentine Lake, we have been told that the surfacer was broken and that trail #23 was in bad conditions, but after this, like highways.
I heard before about the Piston Alley on trail #23 from Popple Depot and now I know it is up to its reputation, extra wide carpet even if we were in the middle of a snowstorm when we rode on it.
I stayed at the Quality Inn in Grand Falls, at the Atlantic Host in Bathurst where indoor snowmobile parking is available and finally at the Moose Valley Sporting Lodge in Edmunston, also with indoor parking. I received a warm welcome at each place, people were friendly and happy to see Quebecers snowmobiling on their trails and I really loved their accent. By the way, they all speak French and English.
To conclude, I just adored my experience and you can believe me when I say that I will go back.
