Shediac is most famous for its popular beach but the Association Plein Air Shediac/Shediac Outdoors Association Inc. (APASOA) is adding to the outdoor attractions.  This non-profit group of volunteers is leading the creation of non-motorized nature trails in the town.  Woodlands, rivers and salt marshes are added experiences for hikers, cyclists and winter enthusiasts on skis and snowshoes.

The trails are designed according to IMBA’s (International Mountain Biking Association) principles of designing and building sustainable trails. Among other elements of the philosophy of IMBA, this means the trails are developed while making every effort possible to ensure the protection of the land by minimizing impact to the environment and protection of the people through a safe infrastructure.

“Our volunteer-led non-for-profit organization is very happy to double the size of our trail network along the picturesque Scoudouc River with the support of Irving Woodlands through this land use agreement.,” says Sebastien LeBlanc of the APASOA.

“This partnership providing access to J.D. Irving, Limited lands on which the Shediac Outdoor Association will build a hiking and mountain bike trail will not only double the length of existing trails, but it will create a great attraction for our community!” says the Mayor of Shediac, Roger Caissie.  “I wish to congratulate the Shediac Outdoor Association volunteers for their work and their dream of creating trails for mountain bike and hiking enthusiasts as well as J.D. Irving, Limited for their participation to this vision of outdoor sport.”

The trail will be developed with making every possible effort to ensure protection of the land by minimizing impact on the environment and the areas that surround it.

The trails follow the Scoudouc River through poplar, red maple and white birch stands, and occasionally passing large white pine. 

"A cedar swamp just south of the trail system contains a large population of Showy Ladyslipper, an uncommon orchid in New Brunswick. This rare plant site is one of 617 rare plants sites in our company’s Unique Area Program", says Kelly Honeyman, Chief Naturalist with Irving Woodlands.

"The woods in our lives provide for many diverse benefits including jobs from the working forest as well as recreational experiences in the communities where we live and work.  This agreement highlights a number of shared priorities with APASOA: the importance of outdoor recreational spaces, conserving rare and unique species on the land and protecting the waterways.  We hope these new trails will provide enjoyment for many years to come.” says Robert Fawcett, Director of Corporate Relations with the Woodlands Division.

The construction of the new trail will begin this fall and will hopefully open to public in Spring 2021.