discover the gift of nature
Free public access
The Irving Nature Park sits on 600 acres of Fundy coastline, just minutes from downtown Saint John. It was created by J.D. Irving, Limited to help protect an environmentally significant area.
It's been here since 1992—protected, maintained, and opened to everyone who wants to walk the trails, watch the tides, photograph the wildlife, or just get out into nature.
Irving Woodlands takes care of the park—the trails, the programs, the upkeep—so it stays open and accessible for everyone.
What you’ll find at the Irving Nature Park
Saints Rest Beach
Found at the park entrance, this 1 km long beach is part of the park’s 11 km of Bay of Fundy coastline.
Hiking Trails
Seven trails take you through different parts of the park—some wind along the coast, others through the forest (0.4kms to 7.0 kms).
Marsh Boardwalk
A 300-meter boardwalk extending out into a tidal saltwater marsh is ideal for birdwatching.
Seal Observation Deck
An excellent opportunity to see harbor seals as they come out of the water and use the rocks to rest.
Children’s Forest
Playground and two life-size hedge mazes – a popular spot for families.
Picnic Sites & BBQ’s
Picnic tables, shelters, and free gas BBQ’s are available for use throughout the park.
Lookout Tower
The park's highest point with 360° view of land and sea. When the days are clear you can see for miles.
Forest Roadway Loop
A 6.5km roadway encircling the park is shared by walkers, runners, bikers, and motorists – accessible to all.
Coastal Beaches
Access points give visitors the ability to explore rocky beaches shaped by some of the world’s highest tides.
Grab a map of the park
Wildlife spotlight
Harbour Seals – a familiar park resident
Harbour seals can often be spotted from the Seal Observation Deck, resting on offshore rocks at low tide. Nicknamed “sea dogs” for their expressive faces and barking calls, they grow over four feet long and up to 200 pounds. Agile swimmers, they can dive for up to 15 minutes.
They gather here from late fall to early spring. Come summer, they are harder to find as they head out into the Bay of Fundy to follow their food supply.
Children's Forest spotlight
Getting Lost is Half the Fun
Tucked within the Children’s Forest at Irving Nature Park, two life-sized mazes invite families to have fun getting lost. Made from 3,800 Eastern cedar trees, the winding paths were planted in1996 by local school children.
It took patience to wait decades for the mazes to grow but that kind of long-term thinking is part of forestry. Today, along with a playground and picnic areas, the fully grown mazes are a park favorite for kids and families.
Did You Know?
1/3 of the park is saltmarsh
Saints Rest Marsh is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Bird Studies Canada and a Treasured Wetland by Ducks Unlimited. Located at the beginning of the park, it's part of what makes this place environmentally significant.
The marsh covers over 200 acres and is inundated twice daily by the tides of the Bay of Fundy. A boardwalk extends into the saltmarsh providing visitors with an up-close look, without disturbing the ecosystem.
More parks to explore
Have you seen the dune?
The Irving Eco Centre: La Dune de Bouctouche preserves one of the last great sand dunes on the northeast coast—and it's spectacular. Walk the 800-metre boardwalk out over the dune, feel the salt air, sink your toes in the sand.
It's free. It's unforgettable. It's yours to discover.
