Assuming we begin to the west, the starting location of the Border Quad Trail (Trail #10), is located at the Quebec / NB border, so most riders start about 45 kms to the east in the community of Saint Francois de Madawaska. Some will backtrack to the official starting point but do not worry if you do not want to as many also bypass this small section of trail and head east.  By the way, before you start your adventure, feel free to reach out to us if you would like to arrange to have your vehicle and trailer taken to the other end of the trail (Shippagan, NB) or we can also arrange to have you, and your ride brought back to the start point after you finish. A fee will typically be charged for this service by the club member(s) who steps forward to help.

The small community of Saint-Francois de Madawaska lies on the banks of the Saint John River and has a population of less than 500. The community offers limited amenities but does have lodging, food and fuel. The following information about Saint Francois is taken from Explore NB  ... Surrounded by lakes and trees, Saint-François is a charming little community bustling with local activity. Did you know that in Saint-François you can visit New Brunswick's only authentic blacksmith shop? After being in operation for 62 years, the Joseph B. Michaud Blacksmith Shop is now a museum where tools and equipment formerly used by the blacksmiths are on display. In the summer, outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of the rivers and lakes in the area. On one side is Glazier Lake, a protected natural environment that's ideal for wilderness camping and observing abundant wildlife, including rare species. On the other side, Unique Lake is a peaceful vacationing area with beautiful scenery where fishing and other water sports can be enjoyed. In the spring, the maple sugar bush érablière Unique invites visitors to indulge in something sweet, and maybe dance a jig or two! Last but not least is the Saint John River, a perfect waterway to paddle in a kayak or canoe. At the end of August, Saint-François organizes the Half Marathon Festivities. Join the pack and jog along the river with runners from all over the Maritimes, Quebec and Maine, or take part in the numerous family activities organized during the event. Come to Saint-François and enjoy the best the countryside has to offer!

The small community of Clair lies on the banks of the Saint John River and has a population of less than 1000. The community is directly across from Fort Kent, Maine, USA and a short drive/walk over international border bridge provides access to the start of US Route 1, marked by an historic landmark.  If you plan to do this, don't forget your passport. Clair and Fort Kent offer limited amenities including lodging, food and fuel. The following information about Clair is taken from Explore NB  ... Welcome to Clair, a picturesque crossroads of social and economic activity in upper Madawaska. An international bridge over the majestic Saint John River links Clair to the community of Fort Kent, Maine (U.S.) Visit the catholic church which houses noted religious artwork, including stained-glass windows from the workshop of Belgian artist José Gaterrath and the station of the cross by the famous Spanish ceramist Jordi Bonet. Forestry is the basis of the local economy.

At the 105 kms mark you are entering the western edge of Edmundston, a New Brunswick city with a population of approximately 17,000. Edmundston offers a large number of amenities along the trail including hotels, restaurants, fuel and services for your ride, if needed. For more information, visit the City of Edmundston. Also, the following information about Edmundston is taken from Explore NB ... Edmundston is the perfect place to take a moment and stop along the way of your travels. Nestled between sparkling rivers and mountains weathered by time, the city of Edmundston is sure to impress you. It's time to awake your senses by cycling the Petit Témis trail or the mountain biking trails, touring the Fortin-du-Petit-Sault-Petit-Sault-Blockhouse, tasting the traditional ployes or simply taking a relaxing walk downtown as you tour the city. Time to celebrate and create unforgettable memories at shows and festivals. Time to experience the herbalist's shop at the New Brunswick Botanical Garden… so many ways to take your time and savour the local culture!

The town of Saint Quentin is your first stop when entering Region 2.  The town is small with a population of less than 2500 and has limited amenities including lodging, food and fuel. The town is ~50kms west of the Mount Carleton Provincial Park, home of Mount Carleton the highest peak in New Brunswick at 820m or 2700ft. Although, no official local trails will take you to the park from Saint Quentin, the local ATV Club can arrange transportation for you to visit the park to enjoy trail hiking and views from the mountain top. The trails around Saint Quentin are managed by Club 1 - Club Sentier d'Amitie St-Quentin. See their Facebook page for local news in the area. You can also reach out the club via their email [email protected]. The following information about Saint Quentin is taken from Explore NB ... This small and modern town is brimming with joie de vivre and discoveries. Climb to the top of Mount Carleton, the Maritimes' highest peak. The Festival Western is one of the largest of its kind in eastern Canada and the only one in the Maritime provinces featuring a professional rodeo. Stop by the Old Train Station Tourist Centre to get information about local events and area attractions. We look forward to meeting you!

The small village of Kedgwick has a population of less than 3000 but does offer limited amenities including logging, food and fuel. The trails around Kedgwick are managed by Club 2 - Club des Tout-Terrain de Kedgwick. See their Facebook page for local news in the area. You can also reach out the club via their email [email protected]. The following information about Kedgwick is taken from Explore NB ...The village of Kedgwick sits in the heart of the Appalachian-mountain country, where you will find a rich history, breathtaking beauty and endless opportunities for exploration! Kedgwick’s history dates back to the early 1900s when many French-Canadian families were drawn to the area by the county’s rich forest and plentiful waters. The natural beauty and wide-open spaces in the Kedgwick area provide an excellent setting to enjoy a variety of terrific outdoor experiences… fish or kayak the rivers and hike or bike the surrounding mountains. Anglers looking to get a few tips need look no further than the experts at our fishing camps, and hunters will delight in the bounty provided by our woods. In the fall the beauty of the area is second to none as the trees turn brilliant shades of orange and red. Join us as we celebrate the changing of the season with the "Festival d'automne" (Fall fest). Take part in the many organized activities, offering something for all interests and all ages and discover the warmest welcome of the local residents!

The City of Campbellton lies on the banks of the Restigouche River, which is world renown for salmon fishing.  The city has a population of over 10,000 people and amenities including lodging, food and fuel. The town is home to the Sugarloaf Provincial Park containing hiking trails, a campground with cabins to rent, restaurants and a ski hill in the winter months. Campbellton is across the river from Pointe-a-la-Croix, Quebec, which is accessed by crossing the J.C. Van Horne interprovincial bridge.  A short distance away on the Quebec side you will find the Battle of the Restigouche National Historic Site Museum. The trails around Campbellton are managed by Club 3 - Club VTT/ATV Restigouche. See their Facebook page for local news in the area. You can also reach out the club via their email [email protected]. The following information about Campbellton is taken from Explore NB ... Set along the renowned Restigouche River and surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, the thriving regional community of Campbellton offers a unique combination of abundant forests, scenic trails, majestic mountains and stunning waterways. This inspiring natural environment is ideal for activities like hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing and more, as well as cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Only 30 kms further along the trail from Campbellton are the small communities of Balmoral, Eel River, Dalhousie and Charlo. All the trails in this area, including the local trails needed to see many of these communities, lie within the responsibility of Club 4 - VTT Club 2000 ATV inc. and offer wonderful locations for lodging, food and fuel. The Club is also responsible for some of the longest, most heavily forested portions of the Border Quad Trail so your chances of seeing wildlife (including birds, moose, deer and even black bear) are fairly high depending on the season. See the Club's Facebook page for local news in the area and you can also reach out to the Club via their email [email protected]. The following information about Dalhousie is taken from Explore NB for the town of Dalhousie.  Go to Explore NB for information on all the small communities in this area. ... In Dalhousie, rolling hills, rivers, lakes and streams provide a scenic backdrop for New Brunswick’s most northern community. This is the perfect place to unwind, with a beach, campground, playgrounds, and a leisure centre featuring an indoor pool. There are also tennis courts, soccer fields, ball fields and walking trails. Attend a concert or go birdwatching amidst the inviting landscape, which is equally tempting for photographers, artists, rockhounds and watersports amateurs alike. Take your choice of sea kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing or sailing. If you are looking for something more fast-paced, mountain biking or go-cart racing may be just the thing. In winter there is a always a variety of cool activities; ice fishing, skating, snowshoeing and snowmobiling; or you could try some downhill or cross-country skiing. If team sports are more your thing, you can always find a curling rink or a hockey game here.The Inch Arran Park and Campground is a full-service campground. Perhaps the most unique fact about the park is the unexplainable lack of flies and mosquitoes! (We’re not complaining!) We have the only marina in Restigouche County, accommodating up to 100 boats. See the sunrise at Inch Arran Lighthouse, view the sunset from Dalhousie Mountain and take pictures at Inch Arran Point.

After driving through some of the most heavily forested parts of the Border Quad Trail, you will have an opportunity to take a short 1 km local trail to visit the Jacquet River Gorge lookout. This section of the trail is maintained by Club 5 - Club VTT/ATV Chaleur and they can be reached via email at [email protected] or visit their FACEBOOK page for local news and events.

The ride from Jacquet River Gorge to the City of Bathurst runs close to the main highway (#11) and passes through several small communities such as Belledune, Petit Rocher, Nigadoo and Beresford. Along this part of the trail there are many opportunities to take local trails into these communities to find lodging, food and fuel. In Beresford, you will also find Brunswick Powersports, one of the largest ATV sales / service centres in northern New Brunswick. As you continue past Beresford you will find the City of Bathurst, which lies on the shores of the Neptsiguit Bay, and feeds into the larger Chaleur Bay.  The city has a population of over 13,000 people and many amenities including lodging, food\ and fuel. The trails around Bathurst are managed by Club 5 - Club VTT/ATV Chaleur. See their Facebook page for local news in the area. You can also reach out the club via their email [email protected]. The following information about Bathurst is taken from Explore NB ... Situated on beautiful Chaleur Bay, Bathurst is a bustling hub of urban adventure framed by the natural saltwater beach and nearby Daly Point Nature Reserve. Come see our local vendors and their products at the Farmers Market, play 18 holes at Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club and 9 holes at Squire Green Golf & Country Club, or indulge in a urban spa. For a truly unique experience, visit the downtown eateries, boutiques and local artists situated at La Promenade Waterfront next to our Visitor Information Centre. From hiking scenic city trails to exploring the picturesque Bathurst Marina, there are endless opportunities to experience idyllic Maritime moments. A few of our favorites include strolling back in time on the city's Heritage Walk and perusing the art collection at the Bathurst Heritage Museum.

Leaving Bathurst, the 60 kms ride to Paquetville is mostly through dense forest although there are many areas that have been clear cut for logging (one of the largest industries in New Brunswick).  The village of Paquetville, population less than 100, has amenities for food and fuel and marks the entrance to an amazing local trail system for the Acadian Peninsula of New Brunswick. The trails around Paquetville are managed by Club 11 of Region 3. The following information about Paquetville is taken from Explore NB ... The village of Paquetville, birthplace of singer/songwriter, Édith Butler, is situated inland and is surrounded by the Caraquet and Pokemouche rivers, which are well known to sport-fishing enthusiasts. The stately Saint-Augustin church, atop Du Parc street, is one of the largest stone churches in the Maritimes. Paquetville is known for its restaurants, stores and maple products. During maple season, don't miss the Paquetville Maple Carnival.

Leaving Paquetville you enter the heart of the Acadian Peninsula with hundreds of kms of local trails that will take you to every coastline and scenic town along the way.  Following the Border Quad Trail will eventually conclude in the town of Shippagan, NB.  With a population of 4000 people, the town offers a wide array of amenities for lodging, food and fuel.  The trails around the town are maintained by Club 12 of Region 3, but the surrounding Acadian Peninsula is managed a large number of volunteers from Club's 6 through 12.  The following information about Shippagan is taken from Explore NB ...Come celebrate marine life in New Brunswick's Commercial Fishing Capital! Nestled between Chaleur Bay and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Shippagan's seafaring tradition is as alive today as it was in the past, with the largest fleet of inshore and offshore fishing vessels in New Brunswick calling the harbour home. The residents of this charming seaside town know how to have a good time and welcome you to join in the fun! Partake in the festivities at the New Brunswick Fisheries and Aquaculture Festival, held each summer in celebration of the town's impressive maritime heritage. Winter visitors won't want to miss the magical Ice Carnival. Visit the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre to discover all the wonders of marine life in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Young explorers will love to take the captain's helm in the modern wheelhouse and plunge their hands into the touch tank filled with sea creatures! Take a walk or a bike ride on the trails that wind through the region to fully appreciate Shippagan's natural beauty and to discover wonderful birdwatching opportunities. Miles of sandy beaches along the coastline offer the perfect spot to go swimming and to relax alongside the sparkling blue waters of the sea. Be sure to take advantage of the services at the Shippagan Visitor Information Centre, just steps from downtown. They'll provide you with maps and information about events, attractions and festivals – everything you need to know to experience the best Shippagan has to offer!