New Brunswick's Mighty Rivers

New Brunswick is home to three major rivers: the Miramichi, the Petitcodiac, and the Saint John. These waterways played a crucial role in the province's history, serving as travel routes and sources of food for the First Nations people and later becoming vital to the region's early economy, centred around the timber trade and salmon fishery. Today, these rivers continue to shape the province, offering a range of leisure activities such as fishing, boating, and tubing. The Saint John River, in particular, stands out for its breathtaking journey from the Edmundston region to the city of Saint John, where it meets the powerful Bay of Fundy. Joining the Saint John River in its fame are the Miramichi and Restigouche Rivers, known worldwide for their salmon fly fishing and stunning scenery. The Canadian Heritage Rivers System recognises the Upper Restigouche, Saint John, and the St. Croix as exemplary heritage rivers in New Brunswick, protecting and conserving their rich history.

Salmon fishing on the Miramichi River

The Miramichi River is home to the Atlantic Salmon, a highly prized sport fish. The river offers a variety of holding water, from gentle currents to rushing rapids, providing anglers with diverse fishing opportunities. Wilson's Sporting Camps, a well-known fishing outfitter in the area, offers guided fishing trips on a five-mile section of the river. They provide luxury jet canoes, experienced guides, and access to 16 "Private Pools" with a variety of holding water. Their rates for a full day of fishing, including lodging and guide service, are $475 per person.

The Miramichi River has a healthy population of Atlantic Salmon, and the fishing season typically runs from April to October. The river is divided into two main branches, the Southwest Miramichi and the Northwest Miramichi, with the former being more popular for salmon fishing. The river has a unique characteristic where it transforms from serene to powerful as it collides with the Bay of Fundy, providing a challenging and exciting fishing experience.

Fishing on the Miramichi River can be done using wet flies, dry flies, and streamers. Anglers often use traditional early flies such as the Silver Rat, Black Ghost, or flash tail Green Machine in sizes #2 or #4. A floating line is usually sufficient for salmon fishing on the river. The river's water levels and temperatures can vary, and anglers should be prepared for different conditions. The river has a number of gauges, such as the Blackville gauge, which provides information on the current water levels to help anglers plan their trips.

In recent years, there have been concerns about the impact of striped bass on the salmon population in the Miramichi River. Conservation groups have pointed out the sharp decline in salmon returns due to the explosion of striped bass in the estuary. Despite these challenges, the Miramichi River remains a top destination for salmon fishing, offering anglers the opportunity to experience the beauty of New Brunswick while pursuing the elusive Atlantic Salmon.

The Saint John River's accessibility and beauty

The Saint John River, also known as Wolastoq, is the longest river in Eastern Canada, stretching 673 kilometres (418 miles) from the Notre Dame Mountains near the Maine-Quebec border to the Bay of Fundy. The river is accessible from the town of Edmundston, where it meets the Madawaska River, through to the city of Saint John, where it meets the Bay of Fundy. The river also passes through Fredericton, Oromocto, and Victoria County, where visitors can marvel at the Grand Falls Gorge.

The Saint John River is a hub for outdoor activities, offering something for everyone. For those seeking a leisurely experience, gentle currents and calm waters provide the perfect setting for canoeing, paddleboarding, or a casual stroll along the riverbank. Adventurous souls can try tubing, sailing, or even daredevil kayaking in the rushing rapids. The river is also renowned for salmon fly fishing, attracting anglers from around the world.

The river's beauty is undeniable, with majestic waterfalls at Grand Falls and Beechwood Dam, and a spectacular gorge at Reversing Falls, where the incoming tide forces the water to flow against the prevailing current. The surrounding landscape is just as breathtaking, with rolling hills and fertile soils that are heavily farmed. The river's lower basin, stretching 140 kilometres to Saint John Harbour, features lakes, islands, wetlands, and a tidal estuary.

The Saint John River holds cultural significance for the Wolastoqiyik and Passamaquoddy First Nations, who inhabited the region prior to European colonisation. Even today, it remains a cultural centre for the Wabanaki Confederacy. The river has played a vital role in transportation and trade throughout history, serving as a travel route for the Mi'gmaq, Wolastoqiyik, and Peskotomuhkatiyik First Nations. It continues to be an important waterway, connecting communities and contributing to leisure and economic activities.

The river is regulated by hydropower dams at Mactaquac, Beechwood, and Grand Falls, which have impacted the migration of Atlantic salmon. Conservation efforts are underway to revive the salmon population and protect the river's ecosystem.

The Nepisiguit River's rapids and waterfalls

The Nepisiguit River is a major river in northern New Brunswick, Canada, which flows into the sea at Bathurst, in Nepisiguit Bay, part of the Bay of Chaleur. The river is known for its rapids and waterfalls, including Indian Falls, Nepisiguit Falls, and Pabineau Falls.

The Nepisiguit River's name comes from the Micmac Win-peg-ij-oo-ik, meaning "the river that dashes roughly along", a reference to the river's torrential character. The river's headwaters are in Mount Carleton Provincial Park, beneath the province's tallest hills. The river flows through a rugged landscape, with several waterfalls and rapids along its course.

Indian Falls is located approximately 51 miles up the river from Bathurst and is one of the many waterfalls on the Nepisiguit River. The river becomes progressively more turbulent through the rapids that start at the upper falls and culminate in a 2-metre drop at Indian Falls. This section of the river is a challenge for canoeists, who must navigate the rapids and portage around the falls. The Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail, an ancient pathway used by the Mi'kmag people, bypasses the falls and follows the river's shoreline for 80 miles to Mt. Carleton.

Nepisiguit Falls is another notable feature of the river. The falls have been developed for hydroelectric power generation since the early 1920s. In recent years, a restocking programme has been implemented to restore the salmon population in the river, which had been impacted by acid rain and toxic run-off.

Pabineau Falls, located near Bathurst, is the largest waterfall on the Nepisiguit River. This section of the river is known for its rough water, with long rapids and rocky drops. Pabineau Falls has claimed the lives of several paddlers in recent years.

The Nepisiguit River is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. The river is known for its Atlantic Salmon fishing, and other types of fishing, including trout. The surrounding area also offers hunting opportunities for various species, such as moose, deer, and grouse. During the winter months, the Nepisiguit region attracts individuals from across Canada for its snowmobiling trails.

The Petitcodiac River's tidal bore

The Petitcodiac River, located in southeastern New Brunswick, Canada, is known for its distinctive brown waters and mud floor, earning it the nickname "Chocolate River". The river stretches across 79 kilometres (49 miles), flowing through Westmorland, Albert, and Kings counties, and draining a watershed area of approximately 2,071 square kilometres (800 sq mi).

The Petitcodiac River is particularly famous for its tidal bore, a unique phenomenon that occurs twice a day. The tides from the Bay of Fundy push against the river's flow, creating a visible wave that moves upstream. This tidal bore is influenced by various factors such as river slope, downstream flow, river basin morphometry, moon phases, seasons, and winds. Before the construction of a causeway in 1968, the Petitcodiac River boasted one of the largest tidal bores in the world, reaching heights of 1 to 2 metres (3.3 to 6.6 feet) and speeds of 5 to 13 kilometres per hour (3.1 to 8.1 miles per hour).

The construction of the causeway significantly impacted the river and its ecosystem. It restricted the movement of fish, leading to an 82% reduction in salmon catches, and caused a decline in water quality due to industrial expansion. However, since the opening of the causeway gates in April 2010, the river has been flushing itself of ocean silts, and the tidal bore is gradually returning to its former glory.

The tidal bore has fascinated visitors and residents alike for centuries, with written testimonies describing the phenomenon dating back 250 years. In recent years, surfers have been drawn to ride the wave, attracting thousands of spectators and gaining international recognition for Moncton as a surfing destination.

The Petitcodiac River holds cultural and historical significance as well. The Mi'kmaq were the first to settle near the river, using it as a portage route. The river also played a role in the colonisation of the region, with early European explorers sailing into the Bay of Fundy in 1604. Additionally, the river was utilised for shipping and transportation in the 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing to the growth of the shipbuilding industry in Moncton.

Today, the Petitcodiac River continues to be an important recreational site, offering activities such as boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The river's unique characteristics, including its tidal bore, make it a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.

The Restigouche River's military importance

The Restigouche River, which flows across the northwestern part of New Brunswick and the southeastern part of Quebec, played a significant role in the historical conflict between British and French forces during the French and Indian War (also known as the Seven Years' War). The Battle of Restigouche, fought on the river in 1760, was a decisive British victory that shaped the outcome of the war and the future of North America.

The river's strategic importance was evident as the French sought to relieve their troops in New France after the fall of Quebec. A French flotilla, led by Lieutenant Francois La Giraudais, sailed from Bordeaux with provisions and troops, aiming to resupply their forces. However, they faced challenges during their journey, including the need to disperse to evade the British blockade off the French coast and the capture or grounding of some of their vessels.

Upon reaching the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the French flotilla found that a British fleet had already arrived in Quebec. They sought refuge in the estuary of the Restigouche River, anchoring near the Mi'kmaq settlement of Listuguj. The French enlisted the support of the local Mi'kmaq and Acadian refugees, providing them with arms and supplies.

Captain John Byron led a force of Royal Navy ships from Louisbourg to intercept the French. Arriving in Chaleur Bay, they blockaded the French flotilla, preventing their escape. La Giraudais responded by sailing further up the Restigouche River, where the deeper-draft British ships would have difficulty manoeuvring. He positioned his frigate, Le Machault, broadside, scuttled some schooners as a barrier, and established a shore battery to strengthen his defensive position.

Despite the challenges posed by the shallow waters and French defences, Byron successfully navigated the British ships upstream and confronted the French on July 3, 1760. The battle commenced at close range, and the French inflicted heavy damage on the British before Byron silenced the shore batteries. The French vessels then withdrew further upriver, with the British in pursuit, leading to a running battle over several days.

Recognising the futility of continued resistance, La Giraudais ultimately ordered the scuttling of Le Machault and another merchant ship, Bienfaisant, to prevent the capture of their valuable cargo. The remaining French force retreated to the safety of Listuguj, while Byron returned to Louisbourg.

The loss of the French vessels and their provisions had significant consequences. It marked the end of France's attempts to retain control of its colonies in North America and accelerated the fall of New France. With no outside support and surrounded by British forces, Montreal fell soon after, and La Giraudais eventually surrendered.

The Battle of Restigouche highlighted the Restigouche River's strategic value during the conflict and demonstrated how naval engagements and supply lines could influence the outcome of wars and shape the course of history.

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