AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 11, 2026
Crabbe Mountain Celebrates Autumn with the Fall Festival of Colours
Crabbe Mountain’s annual Fall Festival of Colours provided visitors with an elevated view of New Brunswick’s renowned autumn foliage during Thanksgiving weekend. The event, which concluded on Sunday, allowed guests to experience the region’s vibrant colours in a memorable and unique way before the onset of the winter ski season.
Chairlift Rides Offer New Perspective on Autumn Foliage
One of the main attractions at the festival was the opportunity to climb aboard a ski chairlift. As the chairlift carried visitors above the forest canopy, riders were treated to sweeping scenic views of orange, red, and gold leaves stretching across hills and valleys. This bird’s-eye vantage point provided a novel way to take in the natural beauty of the area, distinct from traditional trail hikes.
First-Time and Returning Visitors Share Experiences
For Kim and Anna Keenan from Saint John, this was their first visit to the festival. Anna Keenan remarked on the unique perspective, noting, “You can just sit and look at all the leaves around you,” and highlighted how the ride above the trees offered a different experience compared to being on the ground.
Sue Houston, who recently returned to the Maritimes after more than three decades away, also attended the festival. She reflected on her time living in Vancouver and observed that while the mountains there are higher, the fall colours in New Brunswick are more striking. Houston expressed her appreciation for being back, saying the return to regional autumn scenery felt like coming home.
Seasonal and Family Activities Engage All Ages
The festival was not limited to chairlift rides. Guests could explore the slopes, browse offerings from local vendors, enjoy a barbecue, and listen to live music. For families, there were engaging activities such as face painting and pumpkin painting, contributing to a festive and welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
Community Involvement and Looking Ahead to Ski Season
Aaron Fellows, the event planner at Crabbe Mountain, emphasized that the festival offers the community a chance to enjoy the mountain outside of the winter months. “You get to see the treetops instead of the underside of the trees,” he noted, highlighting the novelty of the fall experience.
General manager Jessica Spalding credited volunteers, staff, and board members for their joint effort in bringing the festival to life. She stressed that showcasing Crabbe Mountain year-round is important for the community and introduces new visitors to the mountain’s programs and offerings in other seasons.
Anticipation Builds for Upcoming Ski Season
As preparations continue for the winter ski season, organizers expressed hope that those drawn to Crabbe Mountain by the autumn foliage will return to experience its offerings in the snow. The Fall Festival of Colours has become a popular way for the public to engage with the mountain’s natural beauty, local culture, and seasonal activities before winter begins in earnest.
Source: cbc.ca.
