Canadian Heritage River Route (Wolastoq/Saint John River)

The Wolastoq (Saint John River) is a designated Canadian Heritage River, recognized for its rich history. Starting in Maine and flowing all the way to the City of Saint John on the Bay of Fundy, it is part of one of the largest watersheds in North America.

Named “Wolastoq,” meaning “the good and bountiful river,” by the Indigenous Wolastoqiyik people, its connection to this First Nation dates back 10,000 years or more.
This historic waterway also served as an important transportation route, first for European explorers and later as a corridor for commercial goods and services throughout the histories of New France and Upper and Lower Canada.

The river played a key role in the settlement of the region, first by the French and later by the British. Called “the road to Canada” by one historian, the Wolastoq (Saint John River) was a vital communication route between Upper and Lower Canada and the Atlantic. It also figured prominently in Canada’s military history, including the War of 1812.

Although rarely attempted due to its length, some ambitious paddlers have travelled the entire river, navigating several significant portages around hydroelectric dams and waterfalls.
The section of the river within the Capital Region of central New Brunswick is more accessible, but still best suited to experienced, ambitious touring paddlers.

On open stretches of the Mactaquac headpond, between Nackawic and the Mactaquac Dam, wind conditions can change quickly, and a strong upriver wind can make paddling strenuous.
The section from the dam to Fredericton is somewhat more wind-protected, but downriver between Fredericton and Arcadia (Village of Gagetown), paddlers may also encounter headwinds.

Key Highlights

Community: Nackawic, Hanwell, Central York, Fredericton, Oromocto, Arcadia
Route Type: Canadian Heritage River Route
Number of Segments: 4
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Total Distance: 110 km
Seasonal Information: All-season, spring until late fall

Nackawic Marina to Mactaquac Dam

The first long stretch, from the Nackawic Marina to the Mactaquac Dam, is 37 km. It’s a spectacularly picturesque area of farm and cottage country, popular with houseboats, sailboats, and motorboats, but the river is wide and exposed to wind.
This segment can be broken up with stops at several campgrounds along the way. Also along the route is the Kings Landing Historical Settlement, which is well worth a visit. Mactaquac Provincial Park requires a couple of extra kilometres of paddling but offers many amenities and camping options appealing to touring paddlers.
The Mactaquac hydroelectric dam requires a long 4.5 km portage and a vehicle, so it’s best to make arrangements in advance.
- Kings Landing
- Mactaquac Provincial Park

Nearby Amenities

Kings Landing
Mactaquac Provincial Parks
Bear Island King Domes

McKinley Ferry to Fredericton

This section of the Wolastoq (Saint John River) is magical. A Canadian Heritage River, the area is sacred to the Wolostoqwik people, in particular Eqphahak Island which was an important gathering ground and known as the area “where the tide turns.” It is part of the Wolastoq National Historic Site of Canada.
It’s a signature trip in the region, perfect for short paddle or a full day trip. With multiple launch sites on both sides of the river, paddlers can pick their own route. Winding around several undeveloped islands, essentially wildlife preserves, you’ll feel completely surround by nature.
Regardless of whether you take the northside or southside route, you emerge from end up in the centre of the City with all it’s hotels, restaurants galleries and shops.
The basic route runs from just below the Mactaquac Dam through to Downtown Fredericton. Paddlers can choose to travel from the south or north side of the River, starting at a launch or finish at a take out of their choice.
It’s a surprisingly wild paradise where paddlers will explore the area the islands and grasslands. This is a bald eagle and Great Blue Heron playground with a high likelihood of seeing several of these magnificent big birds. Pick your own route meandering through the almost two dozen islands in this 20km segment. Most paddles will choose a shorter route.
Stop on Ross Island, owned by the City of Fredericton for a picnic.
- Kings Landing
- Mactaquac Provincial Park

Nearby Amenities

Kings Landing
Mactaquac Provincial Parks
Bear Island King Domes

Nackawic Marina to Mactaquac Dam

After completing the 4.5 km vehicle portage around the Mactaquac Dam, touring paddlers enter a scenic section of the river marked by undeveloped islands that provide habitat for herons, eagles, ducks, geese, beavers, and otters.
Launching from McKinley Ferry, it’s a picture-perfect 14.5 km paddle to downtown Fredericton and the Fredericton River Centre.
The islands include Eqbahak, an important gathering place for the Indigenous Wolastoqiyik people. It was known as the last point where ocean tides from the Bay of Fundy could be felt by paddlers.
There are several launch sites on both the north and south sides of the river leading into the city, but most paddlers choose either the Delta Hotel or the Fredericton River Centre as their take-out for this section of the river.

Nearby Amnenities

Delta Hotel
Wolastoq Adventures

Fredericton River Centre to Oromocto Marina

Oromocto Marina to Village of Gagetown (Arcadia)

From Oromocto, it’s a scenic 31 km paddle to the charming Village of Gagetown.
The river narrows somewhat here as it winds between several large, undeveloped islands, including Oromocto Island, Middle Island, Gilbert Island, and Grimross Island. You’ll often see people rough camping on Middle Island.
This stretch offers excellent birdwatching, with eagles, osprey, and herons frequently seen fishing along the river.
At km 27, paddlers should keep to the right channel at a narrower passage leading into the Village of Gagetown.
The village is picturesque, with restaurants, accommodations, and craft shops, as well as a popular weekend market on Sundays.

Nearby Amenities

Gagetown Marina