Irving Nature Park

The Irving Nature Park (Taylor Island) and the Sheldon Point Trail, located in west Saint John on the shore of the Bay of Fundy, provide an oasis from the noise and traffic of the city. Created by J.D. Irving Limited, the park provides recreational opportunities including walking trails, sandy beaches, bird watching, and just plain relaxation.

It's one of those gems that you don't really notice until you open your eyes and seek out the beauty of the place. After having spent three years on the West Coast, I learned to look for and appreciate the beauty of my surroundings. Upon my return to Saint John in October of 2004, I set out to find this beauty around the city and found a great example of it in this park. Saint's Rest beach at low tide near sunset is almost magical, with the low sun turning the sand into an expanse of gold.

Having moved back here from a small island (Saturna Island, BC) that had a wide array of hiking opportunities, from shoreline to mountain to rainforest, I appreciate having this park available as an escape and a means of maintaining my fitness. I make a 25km loop of all the trails, and walking from home to the Sheldon Point trailhead and back, at least once or twice per week.

Sheldon Point Trail, the newer of the trails in the Irving Nature Park, winds its way 4 kilometers through mixed woods, along rugged Fundy coastline, through an alder grove and, finally, onto a sand and gravel beach backed by sandy cliffs. The trail is a little more undulating than the Taylor Island Trail but is still accessible for most. The trail is well-maintained but may need steps installed in a couple of places to prevent erosion.

Sheldon Point itself offers a panoramic view of the Bay of Fundy and its rugged shoreline, as well as a view of the beach. It's a nice spot for a picnic (sheltered table available) or a short rest stop if you're doing the full Sheldon Point-Taylor Island loop. You can also go down to the rocks below although they can be quite slippery when yet, so use caution.

The beach can, at certain times of the year, be impassable due to extreme high tides. Even during moderate high tides, the waves can wash up to the base of the sandy cliffs (wet feet are a possibility.) Be aware of the tides so you can avoid having to scramble up the cliff (although that's not so bad in itself.)

The Taylor Island Nature Trail was opened in 1992 by J.D. Iriving Limited to protect an environmentally significant and sensitive ecosystem on the shores of the Bay of Fundy. This 243 hectare (600 acre) urban park also provides residents and tourists of Saint John, NB, a haven from the noise and traffic of the city, providing a natural setting with the relaxing sounds of waves and wildlife.

The park sits on a peninsula of volcanic rock laid down about 300 million years ago and also comprises mud flats, salt marsh, bog, beach, and forest. There are about 15km of walking trails providing access to each of the various ecosystems in the park. There are no fees to access the park or use its recreational resources. All maintenance and park improvements are carried out by J.D. Irving Ltd. at no cost to the public.