Tipping season in New Brunswick marks another change in the woodlands as fall settles in. Anyone taking part needs a Tipping Permit and the appropriate Land Use Pass.
Tipping is the seasonal harvesting of balsam fir branch tips, commonly used to make wreaths, garlands, and other Christmas greenery. On Acadian Timber woodlands, tipping begins in late October.
If tipping is part of your fall plans, here’s what to know about the season, permits, access requirements, and woodland rules before you head out.
What Is Tipping Season?
Tipping involves harvesting the tips of balsam fir branches for use in wreaths, garlands, and other Christmas decorations. The activity is part of a seasonal industry closely tied to New Brunswick.
Balsam fir has an important place in the province. It is New Brunswick’s official tree and accounts for 97% of the province’s Christmas tree industry. The Government of New Brunswick also identifies balsam fir tips as an essential material for producing wreaths and other Christmas decorations.
On Acadian Timber woodlands, tipping is a permitted activity with specific access requirements. Visitors need to have the appropriate permits in place before taking part.
When Is Tipping Season in New Brunswick?
On Acadian Timber woodlands, tipping begins October 26.
Tipping Permits become available on October 1 each year, giving visitors time to arrange their permit and Land Use Pass before tipping begins.
For the latest season, property and access information, check the Acadian Outdoors Recreation Guide when planning your visit.
Do You Need a Tipping Permit?
Yes. Anyone who tips in Acadian Timber woodlands must purchase a Tipping Permit.
- Riley Brook General Store
- Midtown Grocery
- Saint-Quentin Checkpoint
A Tipping Permit covers the tipping activity itself. Access to Acadian Timber woodlands requires a separate Land Use Pass.
A Land Use Pass Is Also Required
Anyone purchasing a Tipping Permit must have at least a Partial Season Land Use Pass to access Acadian Timber woodlands.
Visitors must carry their valid Land Use Pass and photo ID while on the property. Acadian Timber Patrol personnel perform regular pass checks throughout the woodlands.
Land Use Passes are available through several regional vendors or can be purchased online through Acadian Outdoors.
Know the Rules Before You Head Out
A Tipping Permit allows visitors to harvest balsam fir tips on Acadian Timber woodlands. It does not permit trimming or cutting other living trees.
No other trimming or cutting of living trees is permitted on Acadian Timber lands.
Visitors must also follow Acadian’s property and access rules. Pass holders cannot provide access to anyone without a valid Land Use Pass. Do not alter or tamper with gates, locks, roadblocks, or other structures used to control access.
Following these rules helps protect the woodlands while maintaining safe and responsible access for visitors.
Remember: These Are Working Woodlands
Acadian Timber’s New Brunswick woodlands cover approximately 761,000 acres of the Acadian Forest Region. Timber production has been part of these lands for more than a century.
The property is also home to 65 lakes and numerous rivers and streams. Visitors come to the woodlands year-round for fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Because these are working woodlands, visitors may encounter logging trucks, forestry equipment, and changing road conditions.
Follow posted speed limits and adjust your speed for road conditions. Keep vehicle headlights and taillights on, and always yield to logging trucks and forestry equipment.
When approaching heavy equipment working along the roadside, stay at least 30 metres back. Do not pass until the equipment has moved to the side, the boom or attachment has been lowered, and the operator signals that it is safe to proceed.
Before Your Tipping Trip
Before heading into the woodlands, make sure you have:
- A valid Tipping Permit
- At least a Partial Season Land Use Pass
- Photo ID
- The latest property and access information
Conditions can change, so review current access information before your trip.
Acadian Timber is committed to protecting its forest resources, including its trees, wildlife, and water. Respecting the property and following access rules helps protect these resources while keeping the woodlands available for recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tipping Season
When does tipping season begin on Acadian Timber woodlands?
Tipping begins October 26. Tipping Permits become available October 1, giving visitors time to arrange their permit and required Land Use Pass before the season begins.
Do I need a Land Use Pass to go tipping?
Yes. Anyone taking part in tipping must have a Tipping Permit and at least a Partial Season Land Use Pass to access Acadian Timber woodlands. Visitors must also carry photo ID while on the property.
Can I trim other trees while tipping?
No. A Tipping Permit allows visitors to harvest balsam fir tips only. No other trimming or cutting of living trees is permitted on Acadian Timber lands.
Plan Your Visit for Tipping Season
For 2026, Tipping Permits become available October 1, and tipping begins October 26.
Before heading out, make sure your permits and access requirements are in order, review the latest property information, and follow all woodland rules while on the property.
Get your Land Use Pass and plan your visit to Acadian Timber woodlands.
