Grand Falls, New Brunswick: How Far?

Grand Falls, or Grand-Sault in French, is a town in New Brunswick, Canada, with a population of around 6,000. It is located on the Saint John River in Victoria County, in the northwestern part of the province. The town is known for its impressive waterfall, from which it gets its name, where the river drops 23 metres (75 feet) over a series of rock ledges. The waterfall has been harnessed to provide hydroelectric power for the province. Grand Falls is also notable for being the most bilingual town in Canada, with 78.5-81.5% of its residents speaking both English and French. The town's main industries include potato farming, potato processing, and tourism.

Grand Falls Waterfall

The Grand Falls Waterfall in New Brunswick is a spectacular sight and the largest waterfall east of Niagara Falls. With a drop of 23 metres (75 feet), the falls were first described in writing by Monsignor de Saint-Vallier in 1686, who recounted his trip to the region in his diary. The native name given to Grand Falls was Chicanekapeag, meaning "giant destroyer".

Today, the falls are a popular tourist attraction, with a visitor centre, free parking, picnic tables, and several viewing platforms. The power of the waterfall also has a long history of being harnessed for economic benefit. In the 1800s, the falls powered local wood mills, and today they continue to play a significant role in the provincial economy, with a hydroelectric generating plant providing 66 MW of electricity.

The best time to visit Grand Falls is during the spring freshet when the amount of water flowing through the falls is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of cubic meters per second. However, the water level can vary depending on the season, with lower levels in the summer due to a hydro dam regulating the flow.

For the adventurous, there is a zip line that crosses the gorge, and for those who prefer a more relaxed experience, there is a 1.6 km walking trail along the gorge with breathtaking views from various lookout points. The Malabeam Information Centre and La Rochelle are two tourist attractions located by the river, providing information and access to the gorge and other local sites.

Grand Falls is located in the town of Grand Falls, in the valley of the Saint John River, south of Madawaska, and is a must-see destination when exploring the natural wonders of New Brunswick.

Grand Falls Gorge

The Grand Falls Gorge is a spectacular natural wonder located in Grand Falls, New Brunswick, Canada. Grand Falls is a town in the northwestern part of New Brunswick, on the Saint John River, known for its impressive waterfall and gorge. The gorge is one of New Brunswick's best-kept secrets, offering breathtaking views and a range of outdoor adventures.

The Grand Falls Gorge features a 1.6-kilometre-long walking trail that winds along the edge of the gorge, providing visitors with stunning viewpoints of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. The trail is easy to navigate and suitable for families, with various lookout points along the way. For those seeking a more thrilling experience, the gorge also offers zip-lining, allowing visitors to soar across the canyon and enjoy the exhilarating views from above.

To get a closer look at the waterfall, visitors can descend the 401 steps that lead down to the river. At the bottom, one can witness the powerful currents of the river dashing past the rocks, forming wells in the stone, and creating a thrilling atmosphere. The paths are easy to navigate, and the stairwells are well-constructed and provide multiple lookout spots for a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Grand Falls Gorge is also a great place for picnics, with picnic tables and shelters available. Additionally, there is an information centre, guided tours, an interpretive centre, a gift shop, and washrooms, making it a well-equipped and informative attraction. The gorge is easily accessible from the town of Grand Falls, with a short drive or walk from the centre.

The waterfall itself is a significant feature, with a drop of 23 to 25 metres (75 feet), making it the largest waterfall east of Niagara Falls. The falls have a long history, with the first written mention dating back to 1686 by Monsignor de Saint-Vallier of Quebec. The powerful currents of the river have played a role in the region's history, impacting transportation and settlement patterns. Today, the falls continue to awe visitors with their beauty and strength.

Grand Falls attractions

Grand Falls, New Brunswick, is named after the magnificent waterfall at its heart, which was first described in writing in 1686 by Monsignor de Saint-Vallier of Quebec. The waterfall is part of the Saint John River, which drops 23 metres (75 feet) in height over a series of rock ledges.

Today, the Grand Falls Waterfall is one of the town's main attractions, along with the Grand Falls Gorge, a spectacular natural wonder. Visitors can explore a 1.6km walking trail along the gorge, taking in breathtaking views from various lookouts, and walk down 401 steps to witness the wells in the rocks. For the adventurous, there is also the option to zipline across the gorge or go kayaking, canoeing, or boating along the Saint John River.

The Malabeam Tourist Information Centre and La Rochelle are two tourist attractions located along the river. The Malabeam Centre offers guided tours of the falls and gorge, and provides access to the 75-metre gorge via a stairwell containing 401 steps. La Rochelle is another access point to the gorge and the Camel's Back, an impressive rock formation.

In addition to its natural attractions, Grand Falls also offers cultural and recreational activities. The Galerie Acanthus Gallery showcases the talent of local artists, while the Grand Falls Golf Club provides an 18-hole championship course for golfers of all levels. For those seeking a thrill, Exit 88 Go-kart Racing offers a fun and fast-paced experience.

Every year, the town celebrates its Regional Potato Festival, coinciding with the end of June and the beginning of July. The festival includes a carnival, a Broadway block party, live entertainment, fireworks, and various other events.

Grand Falls history

Grand Falls, or Grand-Sault in French, is a town in the northwestern part of New Brunswick, Canada. It is located in the valley of the Saint John River, which forms a waterfall that the town is named after. The waterfall drops 23 metres (75 ft) over a series of rock ledges.

The first known mention of the falls was in 1686 by Monsignor de Saint-Vallier of Quebec, who described the area in his writings:

> "On May 16 we arrived at a place called Grand Sault St-Jean-Baptiste. Here the river falls madly from a height of 60 feet, forming a huge waterfall that thick fog envelops. The tumult of the falls from afar warns mariners descended in canoes. It also notes the presence of some French settlers in the region."

In 1695, the territory between Grand Falls and Médoctec was granted to Sieur Rene D'Amours. French missionaries visited the falls in 1691, and a fort in the region was mentioned by Antoine de Lamothe Cadillac in 1693. This fort was used as a supply stop for travellers during the Seven Years' War.

In 1763, the region came under British control, and the French population diminished due to deportation. With the creation of New Brunswick in 1784, Loyalists settled in Acadia. The following year, Acadians in Fredericton and nearby areas were evicted, and a group of them settled in the Grand Falls region with the consent of the Maliseet people.

In 1791, Thomas Carleton, the Governor of New Brunswick at the time, constructed a fort at Grand Falls. The region of Madawaska was disputed between Quebec, New Brunswick, and the United States. Safety concerns during the War of 1812 led the colonial government of New Brunswick to build a road from Woodstock to Grand Falls in 1875. Territorial disputes culminated in the Aroostook War in 1838, and the Webster–Ashburton Treaty in 1842 awarded Grand Falls to the province of New Brunswick.

Today, Grand Falls is known for its potato farming, potato processing, and tourism industries. It is a commercial hub for Victoria County and serves neighbouring communities. The town's population is nearly 6,000, and it is recognised as the most bilingual town in Canada, with 78.5% to 81.5% of its residents speaking both English and French fluently.

Grand Falls hotels and restaurants

Grand Falls, New Brunswick, is a town in northwestern Canada, on the Saint John River. The town is named after a waterfall created by a series of rock ledges over which the river drops 23 metres (75 ft). The waterfall is a major tourist attraction, and there are several hotels and restaurants in the area.

Hotels and Restaurants in Grand Falls

Grand Falls has a range of accommodation options, from hotels to bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds. Here are some of the top-rated places to stay in Grand Falls:

• Best Western Plus Grand-Sault Hotel & Suites: This hotel offers spacious rooms, a breakfast buffet, and amenities like a pool and gym. It is also conveniently located near the highway.
• Hill Top Motel & Restaurant: Hill Top provides spacious rooms with personal amenities like a Keurig coffee maker, a mini fridge, and a microwave. It also offers river views and on-site dining.
• Maple Tourist Home Bed & Breakfast: This B&B offers clean and comfortable accommodations with delicious, freshly cooked breakfasts.
• Cote's Bed & Breakfast - Inn: Cote's B&B is a quiet and pleasant place to stay, with a welcoming host and well-maintained rooms.
• Falls & George Campground: This campground offers clean sites with excellent views of the Falls and nice walking trails.

In addition to these options, other popular choices include Daigle's Motel & Restaurant, the Old Iron Inn Bed and Breakfast, and the Settlers Inn and Motel.

When it comes to dining, Grand Falls has a variety of restaurants and eateries to choose from. While some accommodations, like Hill Top Motel & Restaurant and Daigle's Motel & Restaurant, offer on-site dining, there are also other restaurants in the central drag of the town. The Waterfront Cafe & Bistro is one such example, located in Perth-Andover.

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