Waterfalls Of New Brunswick: Exploring Nature's Wonders

New Brunswick is home to over a thousand waterfalls, with some estimates placing the number even higher. These waterfalls vary in accessibility, with some being easily reachable from the comfort of your car, while others require a challenging hike through the wilderness. The province's highest waterfall, measuring 33 metres (100 feet) is among its most notable. Grand Falls, with its 23-metre (75-foot) drop, is another impressive sight, featuring a deep gorge and an interpretive centre.

For those seeking adventure, there are waterfalls with challenging trails, such as Third Vault Falls in Fundy National Park, which offers a rewarding swim at the base of the falls for those who brave the journey. For an easier journey, Garden Creek Falls, located just outside Fredericton, is a great option with parking available near the brief Garden Creek Falls Trail.

New Brunswick's waterfalls offer a range of experiences, from the soothing to the intense, making it a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Grand Falls Gorge

The Grand Falls Gorge in New Brunswick is a must-see destination, offering breathtaking views of the Saint John River and its impressive waterfall. Located in Grand Falls/Grand-Sault, this natural wonder boasts a 1.6-kilometre walking trail that winds along the gorge, providing visitors with various lookout points to take in the scenery. For those seeking a more thrilling experience, zip-lining is also an option to explore the gorge from a different perspective.

The Grand Falls waterfall is a sight to behold, with water dropping 25 metres (75 feet) down the gorge. It is claimed to be the largest waterfall east of Niagara Falls, making it a significant attraction in the region. The well-maintained site offers easy access, with 401 steps leading down to the river for those who want to get closer to the action. The steps also provide an opportunity to witness the wells in the rocks, adding to the overall experience.

The Grand Falls Gorge is not just a natural wonder but also a place for adventure and recreation. Visitors can enjoy hiking, zip-lining, sightseeing, picnicking, and even kayaking. The site is equipped with various amenities, including picnic tables, shelters, information signs, guided tours, an interpretive centre, a gift shop, and washrooms. It is a family-friendly destination, providing something for everyone to enjoy.

Getting to the Grand Falls Gorge is straightforward. From Downtown Grand Falls, travellers should take Broadway Boulevard northeast over the St. John River Bridge. Staying left, continue on Madawaska Road, and the parking lot will come into view. The gorge is also accessible by car, providing a convenient way to experience the beauty of the falls without having to hike.

The Grand Falls Gorge is a hidden gem in New Brunswick, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and recreational activities. With its impressive waterfall, well-maintained trails, and various amenities, it is a destination that should not be missed when exploring this picturesque Canadian province.

St. George Falls

The falls are also a great place to observe nature. Visitors can watch Atlantic salmon manoeuvring the fish ladder and osprey flying overhead.

There is parking available nearby, and the falls are within walking distance of the town's restaurants and hotels.

Third Vault Falls

The hike to Third Vault Falls is rated as moderate to strenuous. The first 80% of the hike is on flat ground, but the last 20% is a steep downhill trek on the way to the falls and a steep uphill climb on the way back. The final 5% of the hike involves walking on the edge of the river at times, with wet and slippery rocks. There are manmade steps in places to make the hike a bit easier, but it is still challenging and hikers should wear appropriate shoes.

The best times to visit the trail are April through October, and dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. The trail can be accessed via Laverty Road, which is about 7.4 kilometres from the visitor centre near Alma on Route 114. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, and access is free so long as you have a park pass.

The waterfall area is rocky, but there are some places where hikers can set up a picnic. The small natural swimming pool at the base of the waterfall is popular for swimming in July and August, and hikers can also go for a dip in the cold water of Herring Cove. The area is also a very popular spot for birding, with many different species of birds spotted in the area, including black-throated blue warblers, blackburnian warblers, and woodpeckers.

Reversing Falls Rapids

The Reversing Falls Rapids, located in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, is a unique natural phenomenon where the river appears to run in reverse. This occurs due to the high tides of the Bay of Fundy, which collide with the Saint John River, resulting in a series of rapids and whirlpools. At low tide, the river empties into the bay, creating a powerful display of nature's force. As the tide rises, it briefly slows down the river current, leading to a slack tide. Then, as the bay's tide continues to rise, it gradually reverses the river's flow, forming rapids once again and peaking at high tide. This entire tide cycle, with a height of 8.5 metres (28 feet), occurs roughly every 12.5 hours.

The Reversing Falls Rapids serve as a reminder of the immense power of nature and attract visitors who want to witness this tug-of-war between the river and the bay. To view this phenomenon, visitors can go to the Reversing Falls Rapids Lookout Point near the bridge in Fallsview Park or opt for a bird's-eye view from Wolastoq Park. Timing is crucial, as the experience differs depending on whether it is high tide, slack tide, or low tide.

The rapids have also played a significant industrial role for over a century. The Canadian Pacific Railway constructed the Reversing Falls Railway Bridge in 1885, which was replaced in 1922 and is now used by the New Brunswick Southern Railway. Additionally, a foundry and other light industrial operations were established on the east side of the gorge, while a large pulp mill, operated by J.D. Irving since the late 1940s, occupies the west side. However, the presence of industrial structures has been a point of criticism for this prime tourism location.

In recent years, the Reversing Falls Rapids have also become a destination for whitewater kayaking enthusiasts, offering a unique challenge due to the changing formations of the rapids during incoming and outgoing tides.

Eel Brook Falls

To access the falls, nature enthusiasts can take Route 625 (Parker Ridge) off of Route 8 for about 4 kilometers before turning right onto Bloomfield Road. This route takes visitors across the Southwest Miramichi River and towards Holtville. A sharp right turn at the junction of this road and County Line Road will lead you straight to the Irving Forestry gate, where a gatekeeper will provide further directions and allow entry for a $10 fee. From there, it's a scenic 16-kilometer drive on a well-maintained woods road to the Fall Brook bridge, with the access road to the falls located about 100 meters before the bridge on the left.

The road leading to the falls is quite steep, and visitors are advised to park in the designated area before the steep pitch. A 500-meter trail, complete with footbridges, leads adventurous explorers to the bottom of the falls, offering unparalleled views of the powerful waterfall. The trail can be snowy even in spring, so proper footwear is recommended for a safe and enjoyable experience.

The surrounding area is also worth exploring, with a Grey Jay (or Gorbie) spotted screeching from a pine tree during one visitor's trip. The roar of the falls and the serene beauty of the surrounding nature make Eel Brook Falls a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to appreciate the natural wonders that New Brunswick has to offer.

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