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Below are some of the most popular questions asked by hikers. Review the page carefully as it is full of good advice and will sometimes direct you to other informative pages on our web site. Questions not found here can also be directed to our Facebook hiking community or email address at info@migmaqtrail.ca.
Answer: Yes, if you are planning to spend one or more nights on the the trail. No, if you are planning just a day outing.
Answer: Click here to register .
Answer: Maps and guidebooks can be purchased at the Nepisiguit River Company in Bathurst and most outdoor stores in New Brunswick. If you want to buy a copy online, they are available at www.hikingnb.ca or at www.exploreeverywheremedia.com/collections/maps
Answer: Yes, you can buy a digital copy of the map for your applications at Avenza Maps. Follow this link to purchase the downloadable map online https://www.avenzamaps.com/maps/1120517/sentier-nepisiguit-migmaq-trail
Answer: Yes, there are 3 types of designated campsites along the trail.
Answer: No, all campsites are on a first come, first serve basis.
Answer: Although not associated with the Sentir Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail, Go Taxi in Bathurst has two vans equipped with puncture resistant tires and dedicated to the "hiker trade". It offers a shuttle service from Bathurst to various access points on the trail. Each van can accommodate 6 people. Phone number: 506-546-4666.
A sample of rates and destinations:
- $150 from Bathurst to Access L (ie. trail mid-point and food drop-box location)
- $300 from Bathurst to Access U (ie. trailhead at Mt. Carleton Provincial Park)
- $365 from Bathurst first to food drop-box at Access L and then to Access U.
Although the taxi service is flexible with drop-off and pick-up points, it is strongly recommended to take the service from Bathurst to your starting point (ie. Access L or Access U) and hike back to Bathurst.
As much as possible, try to reserve in advance. If you make known your willingness to share the shuttle, Go Taxi will try to match you with other hikers. Hikers have an option to park their cars at Go Taxi’s office, 1275 King Ave, Bathurst, NB E2A 1R7.
Answer: No, more than 85% of the trail is without cell service. Only in proximity to the City of Bathurst will intermittent connectivity be received. We recommend you use a SPOT or InReach GPS locator device.
Answer: No.
Answer: Please visit our Interactive Map and sections on Camping and Access Points for more information.
Answer: No, the Sentier Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail was designed as a single-track backcountry hiking trail. It cannot accommodate bikes, strollers or horses due to the rugged terrain.
Answer: No, as of 2020, NB Power is no longer permitting hikers to cross the Power Dam bridge at their facility. Hikers will have to get to Access G from the Taylor Brook Road, south of the Nepisiguit River. It is a long and circuitous route, accessible only with a truck and not recommended.
Answer: Yes, you can leave your car at the Daly Point Nature Reserve parking lot for the duration of your hike. There is no fee but Daly Point asks that you contact them at 506-546-0778 or via Facebook Messenger (https://www.facebook.com/DalyPointNature) and provide your name, licence plate number and hike start/end dates. Daly Point cannot be held responsible for your car nor its contents.
Answer: Yes, you can leave your car near Access U for the duration of your hike but there is a fee. For more details contact Mount Carleton Provincial Park or inquire at the Park's Information Centre at the Park entrance upon arrival. Mt. Carleton Park cannot be held responsible for your car nor its contents.
Answer: Typically the Sentier Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail opens each season around June 1st. Openings can be delayed if spring clean-up efforts are hampered by deep snow, excessive tree blowdowns or flooding. Follow the SNMT Facebook site for updates.
The last date for hiker registrations is October 15th and multi-day and thru hikers must complete their trips by November 1st. Please take note that Mount Carleton Park typically closes around mid-October. Hikers arriving after this date will have an additional 11 km walk to get from the trailhead at Bathurst Lakes (Access U) to the Park’s main gate.
Sections of the Trail closer to Bathurst are open year-round (snowshoeing in winter).
Answer: Yes, there is a bear proof food drop-box on the trail approximately 100 metres west of Access L. The box is at the trail's mid-point (ie. Km 79). Its coorinates are 47° 22' 28"N, 66° 04' 20"W
(or in digital format = 47.374444, -66.072222). Obviously, using these GPS coordinates is the easiest way to find the box but remember, a cell phone GPS will likely not work in this area because of poor coverage. Only a real GPS device (ie. satellite feed) will work.
Please label your food supplies as you will likely be sharing the drop-box with other hikers. Do not leave garbage in or near the box.
Answer: No. All fires have been banned along the trail including at campsites. We recommend you cook your food with a proper lightweight hiking cooking stove. Please help us protect the Trail's wonderful natural environement!
Answer: To come.
Answer: If it gives you an extra sense of security then by all means but, to offer some assurance, no dangerous encounters with black bears have ever been reported on the trail. However, to ensure a safe trip, all hikers are encouraged to follow our safety tips, including food storage.
Answer: For an average hiker, it takes between 6 and 12 days. Bad weather, fatigue, etc can easily add several days to the trip. Be prepared!