River Valley Scenic Drive
Follow the mighty St. John River
Follow the mighty St. John River for 400km between Edmundston in the north and Sussex in the south as it wanders through a valley peopled with descendants of Loyalists, Scots and Brayon settlers. As you wind your way along the valley, discover the many surprising treasures that lie along the most picturesque river in Atlantic Canada.
As you pass through some of the most fertile farmland in Canada, you can also see the largest falls in the Maritimes with its towering gorge, cross the world’s longest covered bridge at Hartland, eat a fern shaped like a fiddle, and tuck in to chips in Florenceville-Bristol, the French Fry Capital of the World! Visit a re-creation of a 19th century New Brunswick settlers' village, a majestic gorge, jazz fests, hot-air balloon festivals and craft fairs without equal.
The St. John River Valley is home to world-class artists and artisans who enthusiastically want to teach you their craft. It’s also a region steeped in history where you can literally step back in time or learn about the rich potato belt and taste its world-class products.
Urban delights include the a lure of francophone-flavoured festivals in Edmundston, the historic architecture of the port of Saint John, and the cultural charm of our provincial capital, Fredericton. All three cities make excellent bases for exploratory journeys.
Take a break from driving and cycle or hike the breathtaking riverside trails, looking out for the wildlife that the flowing waters attract. The Gagetown area is particularly rewarding. Marvel at old-growth forests on three extraordinary trail systems that converge in Perth-Andover. Sit on the river’s banks, canoe or kayak its waters at, for example, Hampton, and if you feel like a swim, there are over a dozen freshwater beaches scattered along the River Valley Scenic Drive.
The friendly people who live in the valley represent a patchwork quilt of different cultures. You'll meet farmers and artists, wilderness guides and innkeepers, servers and shopkeepers, with a smile, a laugh or a story to tell. Roadside attractions include a giant fiddle at Harvey.
The province operates a number of cable ferries that take you and your car across the calm waters of the Lower Passage. Crossings take from five to twenty minutes.
The St John River is steeped in history and rich in culture: to best enjoy this beautiful region, just go with the flow!
