Off-road vehicle access in Bathurst
Parts of Bathurst are open to ATVs and side-by-sides under Municipal By-Law 2024-03. Here's where you can ride, what you'll need before you go, and how we keep these routes working for everyone.
Where you can ride
The map below shows every road section in Bathurst where ATVs and side-by-sides are allowed. Yellow lines are special access we've opened on city streets. Navy lines are provincial trails passing through the city.
Before you ride
To ride your ATV or side-by-side legally on any of the road sections shown above, you'll need:
- A valid trail permit sticker from a federated New Brunswick ATV club (or from a province with a reciprocal agreement with NB), displayed permanently on your ATV or side-by-side.
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance, available on request.
- A visible licence plate with the current year sticker.
- A helmet that meets the standards under the Motor Vehicle Act — for the driver and every passenger.
- Your ATV or side-by-side outfitted as required by Sections 22 and 23 of the Off-Road Vehicle Act.
Rules of the road
When you're riding your ATV or side-by-side on a designated road section in Bathurst:
- Keep your speed at 50 km/h or under. The one exception is the quad trail at the far east end of the Route 11 right-of-way.
- Travel with traffic, single file, on the far right of the road.
- Signal your turns and obey every traffic sign and signal, just like any other vehicle.
- Other vehicles have the right of way. Yield at crossings and intersections.
- Come to a full stop before reaching the travelled portion of the road at every crossing.
- Murray Avenue can be crossed at a 90° angle only, and only at the location shown on the map.
Ride respectfully
These routes pass through neighbourhoods, near schools, and across busy intersections. A few small habits go a long way:
- Keep noise and speed down in residential areas — even when you're under the limit.
- Watch for kids, pets, cyclists, and pedestrians, especially near parks and crosswalks.
- Stay on the designated route. Riding across lawns, sidewalks, or private property isn't allowed.
- Be patient at crossings and give other drivers a clear signal of what you're doing.
We've opened these routes because riders, neighbours, and visitors all care about Bathurst. Let's keep it that way.
If the rules aren't followed
Breaking this by-law is an offence under the provincial Off-Road Vehicle Act, and can lead to fines or charges. To report a concern, contact the Bathurst Police Force.
More information
- Read the full By-Law 2024-03 (PDF) — the legal text, including all designated road sections and schedules.
- New Brunswick Off-Road Vehicle Act — the provincial law that governs ATVs and side-by-sides.
- QuadNB (New Brunswick ATV Federation) — where to buy your trail permit and find a federated club.
- QuadNB Interactive Trail Map — explore the full provincial trail network beyond Bathurst.
- Have questions about a route in Bathurst? Get in touch — we're happy to help. To report an enforcement concern, contact the Bathurst Police Force.
This page is a plain-language summary of Municipal By-Law 2024-03. If anything here differs from the by-law or from provincial law, the legal text takes precedence.