Florenceville: New Brunswick's Hidden Gem

Florenceville-Bristol is a town in the northwestern part of Carleton County, New Brunswick, Canada. It was formed in 2023 when the former town of Florenceville-Bristol, the Village of Bath, the Village of Centreville, and surrounding local service districts merged to become the town of Carleton North. The town is situated along the Saint John River and is known for its agricultural heritage and the presence of McCain Foods' world headquarters. Florenceville was originally known as Buttermilk Creek but was renamed in 1855 to honour Florence Nightingale.

Florenceville-Bristol's history

Florenceville-Bristol, formerly known as Buttermilk Creek, is a town in Carleton County, New Brunswick, Canada, along the Saint John River. The town was formed by the amalgamation of two villages, Florenceville and Bristol, in 2008 and became part of the town of Carleton North in 2023.

The history of Florenceville-Bristol dates back to the 19th century, when the area was known as Buttermilk Creek. In 1855, the name was changed to Florenceville to honour Florence Nightingale, the famous nurse who served in the Crimean War. The village's first post office and commercial district were established on the west side of the Saint John River. Over time, East Florenceville, formerly Buckwheat Flats, became the commercial hub, with grocery stores and small businesses.

The former village of Bristol is located approximately 5 kilometres north of Florenceville. It was originally called Shiktehawk, derived from the Maliseet name for "where he killed him," as it was a legendary battle site between the Micmac and Maliseet tribes. Bristol, named after the English city, was selected by the New Brunswick Railroad Company for a station they built in the 1870s. The area was strategically located at the confluence of the Big Shiktehawk and Little Shiktehawk Streams, making it an essential stopping point for Native tribes travelling to the eastern coast of New Brunswick.

Florenceville's growth and development have been closely tied to McCain Foods Ltd, which has grown from a small dealer in potatoes to an international frozen food company. The town is also home to other businesses, such as Mountain View Packers, specialising in potato and cauliflower processing, and H.J. Crabbe & Sons Lumber Mill, a longstanding family business producing softwood lumber.

Florenceville-Bristol is situated within the Appalachian Mountain Range, in the Saint John River Valley. The town is surrounded by rolling mountains, with the borough of Florenceville known for its rich soil due to past volcanic activity, and the borough of Bristol lying lower, making it prone to flooding during spring. The town experiences a fair amount of precipitation, with snowfall common between late November and early April.

Things to do in Florenceville-Bristol

Florenceville-Bristol, a former town in northwestern Carleton County, New Brunswick, Canada, offers a range of attractions, from museums and art galleries to outdoor adventures and historical sites. Here are some of the top things to do when visiting:

Explore Potato World Museum

Florenceville-Bristol, known as the "French Fry Capital of the World," is home to the Potato World Museum. This museum celebrates the history and science of potatoes, with interactive displays, antique machinery, and guided tours. After learning about potatoes, visitors can enjoy hot fries and unique potato recipes at the cafe.

Visit Hunter Brothers Farm

The Hunter Brothers Farm is a well-known destination in New Brunswick for its sweet corn and other produce. During the summer, visitors can stop by their farm market for fresh vegetables, preserves, baked goods, and homemade fudge. In the fall, the farm comes alive with a Fall Festival, featuring a sunflower field, pumpkin patch, corn maze, and fun activities for children.

Stroll through the Shiktehawk Walking Trail

The Shiktehawk Walking Trail is a picturesque 2km trail that follows the Shiktehawk Stream. It offers a scenic and easy walk or hike through the forest, with bridges, steps, and lookout spots along the way. It's especially beautiful during the autumn season when the forest is filled with vibrant colours.

Discover the Shogomoc Railway Site

The Shogomoc Railway Site showcases the history of Canada's railways. Visitors can explore the restored 1914 CPR train car, browse the gift shop, and enjoy the train-themed play equipment. Additionally, there are three other train cars on-site, including the Shamrock Train Inn & Suites, providing unique accommodation options.

Appreciate Art at the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery

Located in downtown Florenceville, the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery showcases the best visual arts in the St. John River Valley. With exhibits, workshops, guest speakers, and artistic events, it's a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. The gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday, with extended hours on Thursdays.

Explore Historic Buildings and Sites

Florenceville-Bristol is home to several historic buildings and sites, including the Old Florenceville Bridge, a unique covered bridge combining wooden construction with steel trusses. Other notable sites include the Andrew and Laura McCain House, the Old Baptist Church, the Bristol House Hotel, and the Church of the Good Shepherd. These sites offer a glimpse into the rich history and architecture of the area.

Local attractions

Florenceville-Bristol, located in the northwestern region of New Brunswick, has plenty of attractions for locals and tourists alike. Known as the "French Fry Capital of the World", the town is home to McCain Foods, the largest producer of French fries globally. Aside from its famous potatoes, Florenceville-Bristol offers scenic views, outdoor adventures, arts and culture, and historical sites. Here are some of the top local attractions:

Potato World Museum

Florenceville-Bristol celebrates its potato heritage with Potato World, a museum dedicated to the history and science of potatoes. Located just off the highway, it features interactive displays, antique machinery, and informative signage. Visitors can opt for a guided tour or explore at their own pace before indulging in potato-based treats at the cafe.

Hunter Brothers Farm

The Hunter Brothers Farm is renowned in New Brunswick for its sweet corn and other produce. During the summer, visitors can stop by their farm market for fresh goods, including preserves, baking, and homemade fudge. In the fall, the farm offers a Fall Festival with a sunflower field, pumpkin patch, corn maze, and wagon rides. The farm also has fun activities for children, such as games, races, and farm-themed swings and slides.

Shiktehawk Walking Trail

This 2-kilometre trail follows the Shiktehawk Stream and offers a scenic, easy walk or hike with bridges and steps along the way. The trail boasts beautiful views of the river and autumn colours in the forest. It has picnic tables and lookout spots, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day in nature.

Shogomoc Railway Museum

The Shogomoc Railway Site showcases the history of Canada's railways. It features a restored 1914 CPR train car, a gift shop, and train-themed play equipment for children. Additionally, there are three other train cars on-site, including a fine dining car and two that have been converted into the unique Shamrock Train Inn & Suites accommodation.

Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery

The Laura & Andrew McCain Library and Art Gallery, located in downtown Florenceville, is a free public art gallery showcasing some of the best visual arts in the St. John River Valley. The gallery hosts approximately nine exhibitions annually, ranging from loaned pieces from the National Gallery of Canada to works by local schoolchildren.

Florenceville Covered Bridge

The Florenceville Bridge is a unique covered bridge in New Brunswick that combines wooden construction with steel trusses. Built in 1907, it spans the Saint John River and is open to vehicular traffic, allowing drivers to cross over to Main Street and downtown Florenceville-Bristol.

Getting to Florenceville-Bristol

Florenceville-Bristol is located in the northwestern region of New Brunswick, along the banks of the Saint John River in Carleton County. The town is accessible by car, bus, or plane, with the nearest major city being Fredericton, approximately 130 km away.

By Car

If you are driving to Florenceville-Bristol, the town is accessible via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 2) or the Highway 110. The drive from Fredericton will take approximately 2 hours, while the drive from Moncton will take about 3 hours.

By Bus

There are also bus services that serve the area. The Maritime Bus service offers a route from Fredericton to Florenceville-Bristol, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

By Plane

For those travelling by air, the nearest major airport is the Fredericton International Airport (YFC), located about 130 km from Florenceville-Bristol. The airport offers daily flights to and from major Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax. Alternatively, the Florenceville Airport, operated by McCain Foods, has a single paved runway located amid agricultural fields on the west side of the river. However, this airport primarily serves small private planes and charter flights.

Once in Florenceville-Bristol, the best way to get around is by car. The town has a compact centre, but the surrounding areas and attractions are best explored with your own transportation. There are local car rental agencies available, and the town also offers taxi services.

Accommodation in Florenceville-Bristol

Florenceville-Bristol has a range of accommodation options, from hotels to bed and breakfasts, cabins, apartments, and houseboats.

Hotels

Hotels in the area include the Amsterdam Inn & Suites, Florenceville Inn, Restaurant & Pool, and Shamrock Suites. The Amsterdam Inn & Suites is a new property that offers a cooked-to-order breakfast and free self-parking. The Florenceville Inn, Restaurant & Pool is currently undergoing renovations, but guests praise the staff for their helpfulness and accommodation. Shamrock Suites has unique train carriage stays, charming riverside locations, and clean, detailed rooms.

Bed and Breakfasts

Paul's Place Bed and Breakfast is a dog-friendly B&B with large rooms, free wifi, and cable TV. Kringle's Bed & Breakfast is another option, praised for its lovely rooms and central location.

Vacation Rentals

For those looking for a more private stay, Travelocity offers comfortable and private vacation rentals, including cabins, apartments, and houseboats.

Frequently asked questions