Mill Creek Nature Park

Imagine a vast emerald ocean of forest stretching over 133 hectares. Mill Creek Nature Park is a picturesque municipal reserve located in Riverview, just a stone's throw from the city of Moncton. This corner of untouched nature in Canada serves as an ideal sanctuary for those seeking peace and solitude.

The park lies between the majestic Petitcodiac River and the ancient Wabanaki-Acadian forest. Sugar maples, yellow birches, and the rare eastern yew grow here, creating a unique ecosystem.

This place is rightfully considered a significant natural landmark of the region. Mill Creek is home to many inhabitants, including white-tailed deer and dozens of species of songbirds. A walk here allows you to feel the true rhythm of Canadian nature while remaining within walking distance of urban infrastructure.

For more information before your visit or to contact the park administration, you can use the official contact details below.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers over 7 kilometers of well-maintained trails, perfect for both hiking and running. As you travel along them, you can appreciate the diverse flora and feel the cool air of the thick forest, which persists even on hot days.

One of the park's main highlights is the lookout point located above the local reservoir. This spot is officially recognized as one of the "Amazing Places" of the Fundy Biosphere Reserve. It offers a panoramic view that is especially breathtaking during the autumn foliage transformation.

Visitors can also spend time wildlife watching. Thanks to its rich ecosystem, rare birds and forest dwellers are often spotted in the park. It is an excellent spot for a family picnic, meditative relaxation in the fresh air, or learning about the local ecology through special information boards.

Getting to this natural sanctuary from downtown Moncton is easy. The car ride takes only about 10–15 minutes. Head toward Riverview, following signs to the west entrance off the boulevard or to Hillsborough Road, where convenient park entry points are located.

For those who prefer public transport, buses run from Moncton with a transfer in Riverview. Taxis or rideshare services are also readily available, providing maximum comfort and quick delivery right to the park boundaries. Exact coordinates for navigation systems: 46.0582287, -64.7632221.

The history of this land is full of unexpected turns. In 1943, it was home to the Royal Canadian Navy base H.M.C.S. Coverdale, and in the late 1950s, a 55-meter dam on Mill Creek was constructed at the initiative of the Department of National Defence. This structure was necessary to create a backup reservoir in case of large-scale forest fires.

In 1981, the land was transferred to the Town of Riverview, but it remained largely undeveloped for a long time. The situation changed in the early 2000s when the local community began actively advocating for the creation of a proper park. A decisive contribution was made in 2011 by teacher Pamela Fowler and her students from Riverview High School, whose development project won a competition and gave the park its current name.

The official management plan was adopted in 2016, and in 2024, the territory's status was finalized—it is now a protected conservation area, ensuring it remains an untouched natural oasis for future generations.

For a standard visit to the park, which includes walking the main trails and visiting the lookout point over the reservoir, visitors usually need about 2–3 hours. This is plenty of time to enjoy the fresh air and take some beautiful photographs.

If you plan to have a full day of outdoor recreation, engage in birdwatching, or explore the more remote corners of the forest, it is worth setting aside half a day. The park's quiet atmosphere encourages a leisurely pace and full immersion into the region's ecosystem.

Mill Creek Nature Park is hospitably open to visitors daily and around the clock. This allows guests to admire sunrises over the reservoir or enjoy evening walks in the rays of the setting sun any day of the week, including weekends and holidays.

Despite 24/7 access, it is recommended to visit during daylight hours for your safety. Before your trip, it is advisable to check the official Town of Riverview website to ensure there are no temporary restrictions due to weather conditions or scheduled trail maintenance.

After a stroll along the shaded trails of Mill Creek, it is worth taking time to explore other interesting locations nearby. The town of Riverview and neighboring Moncton offer many places to relax, from historical monuments to modern entertainment centers.