Saint John River Valley Attractions
|
|
The Saint John River, 660km (410mi) long with a catchment area of more than 67,000sq.km (25,800sq.mi), rises in the U.S. state of Maine before flowing south-eastwards through the Canadian province of New Brunswick.
Edmundston, Canada
Set in an otherwise largely rural area the small industrial town of Edmundston lies at the center of the mainly French-speaking and Catholic "République de Madawaska", a relic of the old Acadia dating back to the end of the 18th C.The twin spires of Edmundston's Catholic cathedral are a striking landmark, visible for miles around. Also worth seeing is the Madawaska Historical Museumwhich traces the history of the area.
Grand Falls, Canada
An hour's drive beyond Edmundston, at the little town of Grand Falls (Grand Sault), the Saint John River is transformed into a thundering cascade as it squeezes through a picturesquely wild gorge. A large hydro-electric power station harnesses the water's energy.The most interesting section of the gorge is now a Provincial Park and a Visitors Center has been built beside the falls.
Grand Falls and Gorge
Grand Falls is the largest waterfall in New Brunswick. The water has carved out a unique natural feature known as the gorge. Pontoon boat tours are offered and a 250 step stairway leads to the Well-in-Rocks.
Florenceville-Bristol, Canada
South of Grand Falls, Highway 105 offers a pleasant alternative to the TransCanada Highway, passing through an attractive agricultural landscape with many lovely views down into the valley.One of the towns along this route is Florenceville-Bristol, a pleasant community in known for its potatoes. The town is the result of the amalgamation of the two former towns of Florence and Bristol, which became one in 2008.
Florenceville - Potato World
Potato World is located in Florenceville, the French Fry Capital of the World, next to the McCain Technology Centre. Potato World/New Brunswick Potato Museum is two acres of state of the art, hands on, displays, educational video theatres, antique potato machinery and a potato varieties garden. Experience the culture and history of potato farming in New Brunswick.
Hartland, Canada
Potato fields dominate the scenery around the village of Hartland. McCain's is one of the potato processing companies to have a factory here, products such as frozen potatoes being exported all over the world.The town of Hartland is most famous for its covered bridge, the longest of its kind in the world.
World's Longest Covered Bridge
Hartland used to be better known for its covered bridge, built over the Saint John River in 1897. At 391m (1280ft) it is the longest of its kind in the world. The bridge has suffered serious damage on a number of occasions in its lifetime and requires almost continual repair.The Hartland Covered Bridge is both a provincial and national historic site. It is open to traffic although some restrictions due apply.
Woodstock, Canada
The town of Woodstock is a major border crossing point with the United States. Nestled between the Trans-Canada Highway and the Saint John River which allows for many recreational activities.Woodstock proudly proclaims itself to be New Brunswick's first town. It contains a fine collection of 19th Century Victorian homes, as well as numerous other historic attractions.
Old Carleton County Court House
Old Carleton County Court House has been restored to its mid-1800s appearance. The old jury and prisoner's rooms as well as the main courtroom and judge's chamber are highlights of the tour.
Kings Landing Historical Settlement
The Kings Landing Historical Settlement outdoor museum south of Woodstock vividly re-creates village life in 19th C New Brunswick. The houses of the restored village, in an attractive setting at the mouth of a little creek, were originally built by King's American Dragoons who settled along the river after the American War of Independence. When the river was dammed some years ago all the buildings had to be moved to a more elevated site.The working sawmill and King's Head Inn (restaurant, refreshments) are particularly enthralling, the latter the epitome of a 19th C country coaching inn. Various scenes of "Living History" are enacted during the main tourist season.
Mactaquac Provincial Park
About half an hour's drive from the New Brunswick capital of Fredericton, Mactaquac Provincial Park (boating, walking and a variety of other leisure facilities) provides opportunities for relaxation in delightful surroundings.The area has walking trails, a beach, campsites, and offers opportunities for canoeing, fishing, or picnicking.
