3 Must-Ride Snowmobile Loops in Northern N. B.

The snowmobile season has officially begun, and there's no better time to start planning your winter escapade in the Chaleur Region.

In this story, two experts shared three of their favourite loop recommendations with us. We've also paired them with three top-notch accommodations renowned among sledders.

Come try one (or all!) of these loops; they’re yours to discover!

Loop 1: Road to Piston Alley

(1 day, including return trip; about 280 km)

For our first loop, we asked Dave Brewster, former Vice President of the Nepisiguit Sports Lodge, to lay out a cool trip for us.

Here’s what our seasoned snowmobiler came up with:

The best starting point for this trip is at the Atlantic Host. While you’re there, have a great breakfast at their restaurant and prepare for a nice day out on the impeccably groomed trails.

From the hotel’s site, take trail 19 North in direction of the Chaleur Snowmobile Club. Stop at the club for a coffee and a chat with other snowmobile enthusiasts.

Hop on trail 19 again and then turn right on trail 22, which will lead you to Island Lake Lodge, where you can have a rest, tank up and have a snack or a comforting lunch.

Take some time to relax and admire the fantastic winter scenery by the frozen lake.

Take back trail 22 South to get to 19 West and turn left on trail 503. You’ll then reach beautiful trail 23 East that runs along the shoreline of the Nepisiguit River.

As you reach trail 23 arriving from 503, you’ll ride on a section of the trail that is referred to as “Piston Alley”, a wide and relatively straight passage that is about 30 km long between Governors Lodge and Rogers Lake Lodge, both found on this trail.

This passage is well appreciated by snowmobile fanatics as it allows them to let their engines do the talking.

This trail also allows you to marvel at beautiful elevations nearby, especially if you decide to go explore down by Serpentine Lake. (Trail 23 West and trail 58)

To get back to Bathurst, you can take trail 23 East to reach Rogers Lake Lodge where you’ll find food, gas and a nice place to rest.

Finish your ride on trail 19 North that will lead you back to Bathurst. On your way, drop by the Nepisiguit Sports Lodge to say hi!

Store your sled away and then go eat at one of our many local restaurants.

• Starting point: Atlantic Host on trail 19 North
• Coffee break at Chaleur Snowmobile Club
• Reach Island Lake Lodge via trail 19 and trail 22
• Take trails 22 South, 19 West and 503 to reach trail 23
• Take trail 23 East to get to Rogers Lake Lodge for a rest
• Visit Dave’s club on your way back to Bathurst!
• Get back to Bathurst on trail 19 and relax with a great meal

Accommodation suggestion # 1: Atlantic Host

(Bathurst)

[Atlantic Host Hotel]

Well-known for its remarkable snowmobile-centred services, the Atlantic Host is a favourite among hard-core snowmobilers. With their venue directly located on trail 19, the hotel staff knows all about snowmobilers’ needs.

They provide secure indoor sled parking, loading ramps, heated repair bays, pressure wash and fuel on-site. Their double occupancy snowmobile package also includes breakfast.

You can also enjoy their indoor pool and sauna by night or hang out with friends at the lounge.

(Just like their slogan says: always the perfect host!)

Their staff will always welcome you with a smile and cater to your needs. They also have a wonderful restaurant that includes a great selection of seafood dishes.

Here’s the review that Michelle B left on TripAdvisor about her experience at this hotel:

“Just want to say that if you are sledding or just visiting the area this place is amazing. Very clean, great staff, delicious food. Great little bar area that serves the  same food as the beautiful restaurant.”

Loop 2: Sweet ride around the Sugarloaf

(1 day, including return trip; about 400 km)

For our second loop, we reached out to Valmond Hachey, former President of the Chaleur Snowmobile Club.

Here’s our true trail fanatic’s recommendation:

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, hop on your snowmobile and prepare to discover the most northern part of our beautiful province.

Starting from Danny’s, head on trail 304 to reach trail 19 West. Follow this beautiful trail until you reach trail 22

Turn right on trail 22 and ride until you reach the Island Lake Club for your morning break. Take a coffee or a light snack in the company of other sledders.

Once you’ve had a good chat with fellow enthusiasts, hop back on trail 22 and head north in the direction of Campbellton.

As you approach Campbellton, take a detour by turning left on trail 259 instead of heading straight downtown.

Believe us, you won’t regret it!

Once on trail 259, look for trail 255 and take a right. Trail 255 connects to trail 17. These trails run adjacent to Sugarloaf Provincial Park.

Take a right on trail 17 and you’ll pass right by Sugarloaf Mountain!

Don’t hesitate to pull over to stretch your legs and take a few photos!

Keep on trail 17 and it will lead you downtown. At the very end of this trail, you’ll find the Brasserie 1026 where you can stop for a delicious meal!

After lunch, take back trail 17 to get on trail 22 towards Jacquet River.

Stay on trail 22 until you reach trail 285. Glide on 285 for a while until you reach trail 24. Turn left on trail 24 and it will lead you to the Supervillage Trailblazers’ beautiful clubhouse for a coffee break.

Now, head back on trail 24 that connects to trail 19 East, and you’re on your way back to Beresford.

To close the day, you can then stop at Danny’s (trail 304) to taste their fantastic signature Danny Burger and have a great night's rest.

• Start at either Danny’s or Atlantic Host
• Take trail 19 West until you reach trail 22
• Turn right on trail 22 and stop at the Island Lake Club
• Take back trail 22 in direction of Campbellton
• Detour on trail 259 that leads to 255 to reach trail 17
• Glide by Sugarloaf Mountain and keep going until the end of the trail
• Stop at Brasserie 1026
• Take trail 17 to reach trail 22 in direction of Jacquet River
• Take 285 that will lead you to trail 24
• Coffee break at Supervillage Trailblazers snowmobile club
• Come back to your starting point through trails 24, 19 and 304

Accommodation suggestion # 2: Danny’s

(Belle-Baie - Beresford)

[Danny's Hotel Suites SureStay Collection by Best Western]

If you’re looking forward to a relaxing stay after all the stir on the trails, Danny’s is the perfect spot for you. Located in Beresford, this recently renovated hotel is directly connected to the Chaleur trail system via trail 304 that leads straight to trail 19.

You can also take advantage of their snowmobiling package all cut out for your needs.

With this package, you get to use their new garage specifically made for sled storage and their loading ramp for free. This way, your sled is secure for the night.

You also get dinner vouchers and free breakfast. They even sell trail passes on-site in case you forgot to get yours!

Perfect spot for a meal before or after hitting the trails.

They also provide complimentary shuttle services to their guests to most nearby attractions and services.

Here’s what Edith L. had to say on TripAdvisor about her stay at Danny’s during a snowmobile trip:

“Great stay - the staff at Danny's was wonderful and helped with all our concerns right away. Great food at the restaurant. Rooms and the entire property is very clean and the beds are very comfortable after a long day on the snowmobile trails. Lots of room to park Trucks and snowmobile trailers. Thanks Everyone at Danny's for a great stay!!!! :)”

Loop 3: Mount Carleton and the wilderness

(1-day trip, including return trip; about 350 km)

Also put together by our trail expert Valmond Hachey, this loop will bring you to the heart of the Acadian forest.

This loop will offer even more amazing unforgettable views after a heavy snowfall.

After a good breakfast, get on your snowmobile and hop on trail 19 East this time. Then, take trail 23, and stop for a coffee and a friendly chat at the Nepisiguit Sports Lodge.

Continue on trail 23 and have a blast on Piston Alley!

Admire the elevations as you approach Serpentine Lake. Get on trail 58 where you’ll find Serpentine Lake Lodge to take a break for food and gas.

After you've built up your strength again, get back to trail 23 West. At Shelter 23-3, go up north.

On this trail, you’ll pass across through Mount Carleton Provincial Park. You’ll get to admire the Acadian woods, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by mountain peaks and wilderness.

Have a picnic there if you’ve packed your lunch and enjoy the scenic views by the Nictau Lake.

To return to your starting point, take trail 19 East. Take a short detour on trail 22 to stop at Island Lake Lodge if you’re in need of a coffee or a rest. Then, take trail 308 to reach back trail 19.

Of course, you should drop by the Chaleur Snowmobile Club on your way back to Bathurst.

• Get on trail 19 East to reach trail 23
• Coffee Break at Nepisiguit Sports Lodge
• Follow trail 23, go nuts on Piston Alley.
• After Piston Alley, reach the Serpentine Lake Lodge on trail 58 for lunch and gas
• Once you’ve passed Shelter 23-3, go up north to the Mount Carleton Provincial Park
• Connect with Trail 19 East in direction of the Chaleur region
• Take a short detour on trail 22 to stop at Island Lake Lodge for a rest
• Get back on trail 19 East via trail 308
• Drop by Valmond’s club to say hi! Follow trail 19 until you reach Bathurst

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Will we see you on the trails?

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sledder, the Chaleur region offers an amazing variety of trails, loops and accommodations.

Find more accommodations here.

Have a great snowmobile season!