Rivers & Inland Waterways (1:25)
Explore the natural wonder of the St. John River! It’s an ideal touring route starting in the city of Edmundston, the Legendary Republic of Madawaska, alive with stories of its Brayon past. Then discover the heart of the river valley, brimming with beauty and bounty, cascaded by lush rolling hills. Experience the vibrant culture of the city of Fredericton, Atlantic Canada's Riverfront Capital. And discover the lower river route with its tiny islands and scenic trails that wander down to the final forces of the Fundy shores.
Let the River Valley Scenic Drive be your guide on a 400-km (249-mi.) tour of inspiration.
Kissing Bridges
Experience the charm and romance of covered bridges – from the longest in the world at Hartland to Kings County – the Covered Bridge Capital of Atlantic Canada. Covered bridges have been around since the 19th century and New Brunswick has 64 still standing. You can imagine why covered bridges were the best places for young lovers riding in a horse and buggy to steal a kiss at the turn of the century. All you needed was a slow horse and a long covered bridge. And maybe it still works today.
Canadian Heritage Rivers of New Brunswick
The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) was established by the federal, provincial and territorial governments to conserve and protect the best examples of Canada’s river heritage, to give them national recognition, and to encourage the public to enjoy and appreciate them. New Brunswick is home to two such rivers – the Upper Restigouche and the St. Croix. These rivers carry the history of Aboriginals, Acadians and Loyalist settlers. The waters of the Upper Restigouche were originally used by the Migmag and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) Nations as a travel route and rich source of food. Today it’s still a salmon angler’s paradise, and now attracts canoeists and nature lovers alike. The St. Croix offers opportunities for boating and camping, lake and river fishing, touring, and for the more skilled, whitewater canoeing.
Famous River Visitors
- Millionaire railroad magnate William Vanderbilt purchased land with riparian rights on the Restigouche River.
- Charles, Prince of Wales, has spent time at a Miramichi fishing lodge.
- Ted Williams, the late Boston Red Sox player, used to spend his summers fishing on the Miramichi River.
- American test pilot Chuck Yeager and U.S. Army General Norman Schwarzkopt also fished the Miramichi.
- Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter and his wife formed a close bond with their Restigouche River guide in the 1980s.
- George Bush Sr. was fishing salmon on the Restigouche River as recently as 2002.
- Golf Legend Jack Nicklaus and actor Tom Cruise have also enjoyed salmon fishing on the Restigouche River.