Plaster Rock: Outdoor Adventures

Plaster Rock, a former village in Victoria County, New Brunswick, is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located on the Appalachian Range Scenic Drive, along the banks of the picturesque Tobique River, Plaster Rock offers a range of activities throughout the year. In the spring, summer and fall, visitors can enjoy hunting and fishing, as well as camping, swimming, hiking, canoeing and kayaking. The area is also known for its clear rivers and lakes, abundance of wildlife and breathtaking scenery. In the winter, Plaster Rock transforms into a winter wonderland with snowmobile and cross-country trails, as well as snowshoeing, sledding, skating and ice fishing. Plaster Rock is also home to the World Pond Hockey Championships and the Fiddlers on the Tobique festival, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Visit the Tobique First Nations Reserve

The Tobique First Nation is one of six Wolastoqiyik or Maliseet Nation reserves in New Brunswick, Canada. It is the largest rural Wolastoqiyik and Maliseet Nation reserve in New Brunswick, with a population of approximately 2500. The reserve is located on the north side of the Tobique River, where it meets the Wolastoq River, and comprises two lots: The Brother's #18 (4 hectares) and Tobique #20 (2724 hectares).

The Wolastoqiyik means "people of the beautiful river", and they have occupied this territory since long before European contact. The Tobique Indian Reserve No. 20 is at the heart of Tobique's identity. It is more than just a plot of land; it is a sanctuary where the community's cultural, economic, and social vibrancy flourishes.

The community is self-governed, with elected leaders such as a Chief and Council who manage resources and address the needs and aspirations of their members. The people engage in diverse economic activities, including fishing, hunting, forestry, agriculture, and cultural tourism. They also have the first indigenous-owned cannabis dispensary in the province and are pursuing clean energy projects such as the Wacawson Wind Farm.

The Tobique First Nation has a strong sense of community pride and is dedicated to advancing its education, culture, and traditions to secure opportunities for future generations. Visitors can discover the newly renovated Convenience & Gas Bar, the Gaming Centre, and Sunset Beach, among other attractions.

The Tobique River is a tributary of the majestic Saint John River, and the Tobique First Nations Reserve is located at the confluence of these two rivers. This area is known for its clear rivers and lakes, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. It offers a variety of hunting and fishing opportunities, including a spring Black-bear hunt and fishing for native brook trout and Atlantic salmon.

In addition to its natural beauty, the Tobique First Nations Reserve has a rich history and culture that visitors can explore. The Wolastoqiyik's vibrant cultural heritage includes traditional practices, languages, arts, and storytelling that are celebrated and shared by the community.

Explore Mount Carleton Provincial Park

Mount Carleton Provincial Park is a challenging mix of Acadian woods and mountain peaks, with more than 17,000 hectares of pristine wilderness to explore. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including at least 100 species of birds and 30 species of mammals. A number of rare plants can also be found in the park, such as Alpine blueberry and Bigelow's sedge on the slopes of Mount Carleton itself.

Hiking is a must-do activity at Mount Carleton Provincial Park, with 11 trails ranging from wheelchair-accessible routes to challenging mountain hikes. On a clear day, hikers can take in breathtaking views from the top of the Maritimes' highest mountain, Mount Carleton (820 m). Other challenging peaks include Mount Head (792 m), Mount Sagamook (777 m), and the more manageable Mount Bailey (564 m), which still offers a great view from the top.

The park also offers a range of camping options, with four different campgrounds catering to campers of all experience levels, as well as two heritage cabin sites. Armstrong Campground is Mount Carleton's largest campground, boasting spectacular views of Nictau Lake and Mount Sagamook, as well as a range of amenities. For a more extreme camping experience, the Headwaters Campground offers a more remote setting partway up the Mount Carleton Trail.

In addition to hiking and camping, visitors to the park can enjoy biking, fishing, and kayaking. The park also has a convenient lodge-café, offering a stunning view and all the essentials for campers.

With its diverse wildlife, challenging hikes, and breathtaking scenery, Mount Carleton Provincial Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

See the World's Largest Fiddleheads Sculpture

Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, is home to the World's Largest Fiddleheads Sculpture. This 24-foot-tall (7.3-metre) wooden sculpture celebrates the fiddlehead, a type of vegetable fern that is considered a delicacy in the region. Fiddleheads typically grow near rivers and are only available in the spring, with a taste similar to asparagus.

The sculpture is located in the Plaster Rock Tourist Park, near the Tobique River. The park itself offers camping facilities and a swimming pool, and is a great spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Plaster Rock is known for its clear rivers and lakes, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.

Every year on Canada Day (July 1st), the park hosts the Fiddlehead Festival, where you can sample fiddleheads and enjoy live music and other entertainment. This festival is a great opportunity to indulge in local cuisine and experience the culture of Plaster Rock.

In addition to the sculpture, Plaster Rock offers a range of outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing. You can try your hand at fishing for native brook trout and Atlantic salmon, or even go on a spring Black-bear hunt. The area also boasts miles of groomed trails for snowmobiling and some of the finest cross-country ski trails in New Brunswick.

Whether you're visiting in summer or winter, Plaster Rock has something for everyone. The World's Largest Fiddleheads Sculpture is a unique attraction that celebrates the local culture and cuisine of this beautiful region. So, be sure to add it to your itinerary when exploring New Brunswick!

Go to the Fiddlers on the Tobique festival

If you're looking for things to do in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, going to the Fiddlers on the Tobique festival is a great option. This popular music festival, which takes place in June, features fiddlers playing in canoes while floating down the Tobique River. It's a unique and magical experience that you won't find anywhere else.

The festival usually attracts tourists and visitors from all over the world, with approximately 1300 canoes in the water, accompanied by the fiddlers and their Maritime music. It's the perfect event for those who want to immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy a day of music and community.

The Fiddlers on the Tobique festival has a rich history, with its beginnings rooted in the passion for fiddle music and the great outdoors. It was founded by Bill Miller, a third-generation canoe builder, and New Brunswick fiddle legend Ivan Hicks. The first year, Hicks and Miller simply decided to go out on the river in canoes with a few friends, and Hicks brought his fiddle. The next year, they invited more fiddlers and paddlers, and the festival grew from there.

Over the years, the festival has faced some challenges, including concerns about drinking and rowdiness, as well as protests against clearcutting in the area. However, the local community has worked hard to preserve this beloved tradition and address any issues. The festival is typically held over a full weekend, including a concert on Friday night, a dance on Saturday, and even a church service on Sunday.

If you're planning to attend the Fiddlers on the Tobique festival, make sure to bring your canoe, a friend, and your love for fiddle music! It's an event that embodies the spirit of Plaster Rock and the Tobique Valley, and it's sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Take part in the World Pond Hockey Championship

Plaster Rock in New Brunswick is a great place to visit, especially if you're a fan of pond hockey. The World Pond Hockey Championship takes place in this small, rural village every year and is a highlight of the local calendar. It is a true celebration of ice and snow, bringing together over 100 men's and women's teams from across the globe to compete on an outdoor rink on a frozen lake.

The tournament is held in February each year and features 120 teams from 15 countries, including the UK, Singapore, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, and Denmark. There are teams from all Canadian provinces and 35 US states. The event attracts over 8,000 spectators and participants, including media representatives from newspapers and television networks.

The World Pond Hockey Championship is played in a four-on-four, round-robin format, with 20 outdoor rinks enabling 40 teams to play simultaneously. Each team is guaranteed at least five 30-minute games over the four-day tournament. The tournament starts with a puck drop, which in 2007 was performed by the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper.

The rules of the game are a little different from traditional hockey. The nets are only 10 inches high, so players must keep their shots low to the ice. There are no goalies, and players must be over the centre line to score. If a penalty is called, the opposing team is awarded a goal.

The event was first held in 2002 and was created by Tom Chamberlain and Danny Braun, the current President and CEO of the tournament. It has grown from 40 teams to 120, and its popularity has enabled the construction of the Tobique-Plex recreation centre, which opened in 2007. The profits from the tournament continue to fund the operating costs of this centre.

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