News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail in northern New Brunswick has received international recognition as one of the world’s top 25 most exciting destinations for 2022.

National Geographic Traveler, an international travel magazine, recently included the trail on its list of 25 Amazing Journeys for 2022 in the Adventure category. Other destinations recognized in this category include the Seine River in France, Palau, Costa Rica, and the Arapahoe Basin in Colorado.

“It is exciting to see a location in New Brunswick featured so prominently in a publication that is read around the world,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace. “Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail is among the many top-quality tourism destinations we have in our province. With this prestigious ranking, more people from all over the world will be drawn to explore and experience the trail and discover the beauty of New Brunswick.”

The trail extends 150 kms from Daly Point Nature Reserve in Bathurst to Mount Carleton Provincial Park. Following the path of the Nepisiguit River, the trail allows hikers to experience the ancient portage trails used by the Mi’gmaq people of the area.

“This recognition is beyond my wildest dreams,” said Rod O’Connell, president of the trail council. “Since 2004, I have been involved in re-establishing the Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail and this acknowledgment from a magazine I have been a yearly subscriber to for 57 years will generate publicity for the trail worldwide.”

To promote respect for the relevance of the trail to the Mi’gmaq people, the route’s restoration, completed in 2018, included incorporating Mi’gmaq language and culture, such as teepee campsites along the route, as well as a logo inspired by Egomoqaseg, the “turtle” rock of Mi’gmaq legend that appears to be climbing out of the river when water levels drop.

“The cultural significance of the Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail was clearly a major influence on it being featured in this way,” said Aboriginal Affairs Minister Arlene Dunn. “The people responsible for turning this once-vital migration path into a world-class destination for hikers that honours the history and language of the Mi’gmaq people deserve a great deal of credit.”