Taking part in a Jamboree isn’t just about covering kilometers of trails, it’s also about meeting ATV enthusiasts from all over and sharing our stories and experiences. In short, it’s a full program of festivities, and we’ve decided to answer the call.
AN ADVENTURE THAT BEGINS LONG BEFORE DEPARTURE
The adventure begins several weeks in advance with the preparation, organization, and anticipation of discovering a new destination. As soon as the 2026 New Brunswick Provincial Jamboree was officially announced, finding lodging became a priority. Many accommodations quickly sold out, already demonstrating the excitement surrounding this event.
Since some of our friends were also participating, we chose to stay in the same place to make the experience last longer. After a long day on the trails, the moments shared among fellow enthusiasts are an integral part of the memories created at a Jamboree.
Our preparations also included purchasing access permits for New Brunswick’s trails. The process, quick and easy to complete online, ensured we were ready before we left.
The iQuad Québec and iQuad New Brunswick apps proved to be essential tools for planning our trips and exploring the region’s impressive trail network.
MEETING FELLOW ENTHUSIASTS AT THE 2026 QUADNB PROVINCIAL JAMBOREE
The New Brunswick Provincial Jamboree perfectly exemplifies the values that unite the ATV community: passion, mutual support, and commitment.
I had the opportunity to meet the president, Mr. Gaétan Sirois, an enthusiast who loves to connect with others and share his passion for off-road sports. His dedication to ATVing is remarkable; over the years, he has owned more than a dozen ATVs.
Discussions with the organizers, volunteers, and participants revealed the sheer scale of work required to pull off an event of this magnitude.
The 2026 New Brunswick Provincial Jamboree demonstrates that such a gathering relies first and foremost on a committed community where everyone contributes to the event’s success.
OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATION
The New Brunswick Provincial Jamboree is the result of nearly 18 months of preparation. The organizers hoped to welcome between 800 and 1,000 participants. In the end, nearly 450 enthusiasts turned out, despite another major event taking place simultaneously in the region.
Thanks to meticulous planning, the dedication of volunteers, and the collaboration of the four Madawaska ATV clubs, participants enjoyed a safe, friendly, and well-organized experience. Four clubs pitched in to prepare for the Provincial Jamboree:
- Club 53 – Mad-Vic ATV Club
- Club 54 – Madawaska Trail Voyageurs ATV Club
- Club 55 – Northwest 55 ATV Club
- Club 56 – Upper Madawaska #56 ATV Club
Their roles included ensuring participant safety, preparing and maintaining the trails, welcoming visitors, handling event logistics, and organizing social activities and guided rides.
The true strength of the Jamboree undoubtedly lies in its volunteers, who are at the heart of its success.
Some devote hundreds of hours to preparing for the event and attend monthly meetings for over a year to ensure that every detail is carefully planned.
From the youngest volunteer, around 30 years old, to the most experienced at 78, they all share the same goal: to help people discover the Madawaska trails and provide visitors with a memorable experience.
WELL-PLANNED SAFETY
Safety remains a top priority during the Jamboree.
Ambassadors patrol the trails to accompany participants, remind them of best practices, and intervene when necessary. First responders, firefighters, and emergency equipment are also on hand to ensure a rapid response if needed.
During the event, I also had the opportunity to talk with an enthusiast who always rides a three-wheeled vehicle. His passion for this machine clearly demonstrates that every enthusiast has their own connection to the world of ATVs.
VEHICLE TEST DRIVES: DISCOVER THE INDUSTRY’S LATEST INNOVATIONS
At the main venue, participants had the opportunity to test drive various models of off-road vehicles from Friday through Sunday at 5 p.m. This activity allowed enthusiasts to test the vehicles in a suitable environment and speak directly with industry representatives.
Several manufacturers were on hand to showcase their latest models, including BRP Can-Am, Honda, Polaris, Yamaha, and CFMOTO.
A contest also offered the chance to win a $100 gift card through a challenge featuring a tire and a rim.
A GREAT GATHERING BEFORE SATURDAY’S DEPARTURE
On Friday evening, several members of the Club VTT L’Est-Quad in Rivière-du-Loup gathered at Chantal Steakhouse to enjoy some friendly company before the rides began.
This evening was a wonderful opportunity to socialize in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The decor, the warm welcome, and the quality of the food all contributed to making this gathering an excellent start to the adventure.
An interesting little anecdote: the three embossed flowers on the wall represent the three restaurants that Ms. Chantal has managed throughout her life. She began cooking at the age of 8, a passion that has been passed down over the years.
A REGION TO EXPLORE ON THE TRAILS
We’re now eager to explore the area via ATV trails. The excursions allowed participants to discover several remarkable areas of Madawaska:
- Baker Lake;
- Moose Valley;
- Glacier Refuge;
- Skyway;
- Rivière-Verte.
With its mountains, forests, and bodies of water, the region offers exceptional scenery that makes it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
OUR SATURDAY RIDE—AUGUST 1, 2026
Our group covered nearly 200 kilometers of trails with about 98 vehicles on the Green Trail.
We arrived at 7:45 a.m. for the start and discovered magnificent scenery along the entire route. The mountains, forests, and numerous scenic overlooks allowed us to fully enjoy the experience offered by Madawaska.
However, there were a few areas for improvement. Refueling stops sometimes resulted in longer wait times due to the large number of vehicles present. For our part, we planned ahead by filling up our tanks before departure and bringing extra gas.
We also noticed that some new drivers could have benefited from better guidance while traveling in a group. Despite these few potential adjustments, the organization remained efficient and the experience was very positive.
SUNDAY IN MOOSE VALLEY: TEAM SPIRIT IN ACTION
Sunday’s ride to Moose Valley took place in a particularly friendly atmosphere.
From the very start, participants demonstrated great team spirit and strict adherence to safety guidelines. The more relaxed pace of the day allowed everyone to fully enjoy the exceptional scenery of the Madawaska region.
Well-planned breaks encouraged interaction among participants and created wonderful moments of camaraderie.
Beyond the kilometers covered, the New Brunswick Provincial Jamboree reminds us that ATV riding is, above all, a human adventure.
The encounters, mutual support, and camaraderie among enthusiasts create memories that last long after returning home.
WOMEN ARE TAKING THEIR PLACE IN THE WORLD OF ATV RIDING
I had the opportunity to meet Nathalie Turcotte, secretary of Club VTT Nord-Ouest 55. Her commitment to the members and her ability to guide groups demonstrate the growing importance of women’s roles in the ATV community.
Long considered a predominantly male environment, the world of ATV riding is evolving rapidly. More and more women are now finding their place in it, whether by accompanying their partners, out of curiosity, or simply out of a personal passion for riding and the outdoors.
At the New Brunswick Provincial Jamboree, several sessions highlighted this positive trend. Some participants were introduced to ATVing by their families or partners before developing their own passion. Others have become experienced riders who cover thousands of kilometers each year.
Many women are also involved in clubs, event planning, and volunteer work. Their contribution goes far beyond riding on the trails: they actively participate in the development of ATV tourism and in creating a welcoming and safe environment.
Whether their adventure began through the influence of a partner or a personal passion, one thing is certain: women now play an important role in the world of ATVing.
CONCLUSION
The 2026 New Brunswick Provincial Jamboree is much more than just an ATV ride.
This event demonstrates what passion, collaboration, and volunteerism can achieve when a community works together toward a common goal.
Thanks to the organizers, the four Madawaska ATV clubs, and the many volunteers, participants were able to explore exceptional trails, experience unforgettable moments, and help promote a region that deserves to be discovered.
A human and athletic experience that confirms that the world of mountain biking is, above all, built on passion and the joy of sharing.
A special thank you to Ricky Emond for his magnificent photos taken with his drone. His generosity and passion play a major role in promoting th
