Tourism Information

River Valley Scenic Drive, New Brunswick

The Most Picturesque River Experience in Atlantic Canada

It starts with a mile-long rock-sided gorge, tumbles down and slips under the longest covered bridge in the world - drifts gently past emerald meadows and turn-of-the-century towns, travels through the Capital City to engage in a battle of tidal forces at the Bay of Fundy. It is the St. John River, the Rhine of North America and the pride of New Brunswick. And it's yours to enjoy all along the River Valley Scenic Drive.

To begin your journey, start in Edmundston where you can sample some traditional French Brayon flavours at La Foire Brayonne, stroll amidst a stunning setting at the New Brunswick Botanical Gardens. The Petit Temis offers spectacular biking and walking trails. At Grand Falls/Grand-Sault, the town's Falls and Gorge are a bold statement about the power of this amazing river. Let the thundering water and the awe-inspiring vista of the mile-long rock-sided ravine take your breath away!

The longest covered bridge in the world, which straddles the St. John River at Hartland., sample a celebration of rural life in New Brunswick's Hospitality Town of Woodstock during Woodstock Old Home Week.

Just west of Fredericton, Kings Landing Historical Settlement re-creates life in rural New Brunswick in the 1800s. This living museum has the largest and finest collection of New Brunswick Furnishings, tools and fashions displayed in context. Enjoy a delicious 19th century meal at the Kings Head Inn.

Flows through the Centre of the Capital City

Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, is a fitting home for the treasured Beaverbrook Art Gallery, a stunning collection of British, European and Canadian art, including one of Salvador Dali's most famous masterpieces.

Fredericton has plenty of reasons to celebrate, join in the rich and diverse fun of the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, immerse yourself into the sound of the pipes, the swirl of the kilt and the beauty of the dance at the New Brunswick Highland Games and Scottish Festival. In September, the city hosts a craft festival that you won't want to miss.

At Saint John, the mighty Saint John River has its flow actually reversed when it meets the Bay of Fundy's powerful tides.

Who can resist the awesome spectacle of over 30 hot air balloons taking flight over the skies of Sussex during the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta. Sussex and the surrounding Kings County are also known as the Covered Bridge Capital of Atlantic Canada. Local Treasures to Take Home

In Fredericton, you'll find award-winning pewter pieces, everything from picture frames to trinket boxes.

In the nearby Village of Gagetown, look for pottery and handmade quilts. Also look for hand-woven scarves, shawls, blankets, stained glass and jewelry.

Our riverside menu is a diner's dream come true
Try pancakes drenched in syrup, Springtime fiddleheads fresh from the riverbanks, served with butter and a splash of vinegar French-flavoured Brayon foods of Edmundston - like tourtiere and tarte au sucre, Hodge Podge - a traditional autumn dish of potatoes and vegetables cooked in milk and butter.

For lovers of history, legends and lore, the Saint John River is yours to explore! Whether you cruise it length or hike its shoreline, you'll find the journey is a rewarding as the destination.