Fundy Trail hopes to boost local traffic

A campaign is underway to drive up the number of local visitors at the Fundy Parkway development outside St. Martins.

"We want to see a lot more locals from the greater Saint John area out at the Fundy Trail, and we also want to get the tourists that are in the province to include the Fundy Trail on their itinerary while they are here," said Helen Jean Newman.

Newman is working with the parkway's board to promote the site, including creating a list of 10reasons to visit. The list includes things to do if a person does not enjoy hiking or walking, like visiting the heritage sawmill, or pulling up at lookouts along the road.

"In some ways people may say, 'Look, I'm not really a hiker, it's not for me,' and there is a lot more to do than the hike and the walk," said Newman.

The number of families visiting the trail is "a little disappointing," said Newman, so they have created a treasure hunt check list of special objects and places that children can tick off as they explore.

"After an hour [children] are kind of saying, 'We're bored,' so that's why we've created this checklist to keep them moving along as they walk the trail looking for things, even things like moose poop, kids giggle and think it's wonderful if they can find some moose poop," said Newman.

The Fundy Trail Parkway is currently 16kilometres long, winding along the coast. The final stretch of the trail, which is expected to be completed in 2018 will link the parkway to provincial roads at both ends, creating a scenic loop.

The federal and provincial governments announced $22.8 million to complete the final 14 kilometres last year.

In the meantime, Newman says the organization would welcome more visitors.

"Fundy Trail is operated by a non-profit, and they need revenue by people coming through the gate, so more revenue is good," she said.