Grand Falls, New Brunswick: Where's The Waterfall?

Grand Falls, or Grand-Sault in French, is a town in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, nestled on the Saint John River in the valley south of Madawaska. The town's name comes from a grand waterfall that plunges 23 metres over a sequence of rock ledges. The first recorded mention of the falls was by Monsignor de Saint-Vallier of Quebec in 1686, who described the site as Grand Sault St-Jean-Baptiste, where the river cascades from a height of 60 feet. Grand Falls is known for its natural wonders, including the falls and gorge of the Saint John River, as well as its bilingualism, with 78.5-81.5% of its nearly 6,000 residents speaking both English and French.

Grand Falls' history and name origin

Grand Falls, New Brunswick, Canada, is a town in the northwest of the province, on the Saint John River. The name Grand Falls is derived from a waterfall created by a series of rock ledges, which cause the river to drop 23 metres (or 75 feet).

The first known written mention of the falls was by Monsignor de Saint-Vallier of Quebec in 1686, who described the "magnificent falls" in a travel journal. He wrote of the "Grand Sault St-Jean-Baptiste", where:

> "the river falls madly from a height of 60 feet, forming a huge waterfall that thick fog envelops... [and which] far warns mariners descended in canoes."

In 1763, the region passed into British hands, and the French population diminished due to the Expulsion of the Acadians. In 1785, the Acadians in Fredericton and nearby areas were evicted from their land, and a group decided to establish the region of Grand Falls and the rest of Madawaska, with the agreement of the Maliseet people.

In 1791, Thomas Carleton, then Governor of New Brunswick, built a fort at Grand Falls. The region was disputed between Quebec, New Brunswick, and the United States, and the War of 1812 highlighted the unsafe roads in the area. In 1875, the colonial government decided to build a road from Woodstock to Grand Falls.

In 1842, Grand Falls was included in Colebrook Township, named after the Governor of New Brunswick, William MacBean George Colebrooke. The town plan was designed by Colonel Beckwith, and the first survey was done for the British Army in 1844 by Deputy Gordon.

The Grand Falls Regional Municipality

Grand Falls, or Grand-Sault in French, is a town in the northwest of New Brunswick, Canada, with a population of around 6,000 people. The town is named after a grand waterfall on the Saint John River, which drops 23 metres over a series of rock ledges. The first recorded mention of the falls was by Monsignor de Saint-Vallier of Quebec in 1686, who described the "magnificent falls" in his writing. The town of Grand Falls has a rich history, dating back to the settlement of the region by French colonists in the 17th century. In 1763, the region came under British control, and the French population diminished. The town became a part of the province of New Brunswick in 1842 after the Aroostook War and the signing of the Webster-Ashburton Treaty.

Today, Grand Falls is known for its potato farming, potato processing, and tourism industries. The town is also a commercial hub for Victoria County, serving nearby communities. The Grand Falls Generating Station, completed in 1931, provides 66 MW of electricity through a hydroelectric dam. The town is also home to a variety of attractions, including the Malabeam Information Centre, La Rochelle, and the Grand Falls Golf Course. The Malabeam Centre is of particular historical significance, as it is associated with the legend of Malobiannah, a young Malecite woman who sacrificed herself to save her people from an Iroquois invasion.

Tourism in Grand Falls centres around the Saint John River's falls and gorge, with the Malabeam Information Centre and La Rochelle being two popular attractions along the river. La Rochelle offers camping sites and access to the gorge via a stairwell, as well as a pontoon boat ride through the gorge. The Grand Falls Waterfall is also a popular attraction, with visitors able to zip line, kayak, canoe, or boat along the river. The Grand Falls Regional Municipality offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds, to cater to the varying needs and preferences of visitors.

The town is known for its bilingualism, with 81.5% of the population speaking both English and French. Grand Falls is one of only two municipalities in Canada with an official bilingual name, the other being Greater Sudbury. The town also has a diverse range of educational institutions, including schools for elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students. Overall, Grand Falls is a vibrant and historic town, offering a range of cultural, natural, and recreational attractions for visitors to enjoy.

The Grand Falls Waterfall

Today, the Grand Falls Waterfall continues to play a significant role in the local economy and tourism. The rushing water is harnessed by a hydroelectric generating plant, providing 66 MW of electricity to the region. Visitors can explore the falls through various activities such as walking trails, zip-lining, kayaking, and canoeing. The Malabeam Information Centre and La Rochelle offer interpretive information, camping sites, and access to the gorge for a more immersive experience.

The Grand Falls Gorge

Along the trail, there are several viewing platforms and lookout spots that offer breathtaking views of the gorge and waterfall. One can also choose to walk down the 401 steps to get closer to the river and witness the wells in the rocks. The path down offers a different perspective of the gorge and allows visitors to appreciate its beauty up close.

In addition to the trail and lookout points, there are other amenities and services located around the Grand Falls Gorge. These include picnic tables, picnic shelters, information signs, guided tours, an interpretive centre, a gift shop, and washrooms. The nearby Malabeam Information Centre and La Rochelle Centre also offer tourist information and activities such as camping, stairwell access to the gorge, and a pontoon boat ride.

Grand Falls' tourism industry

Grand Falls, New Brunswick, is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its natural wonders, including its famous seasonal falls and captivating gorge. The town offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors, making it one of the top tourist draws in the province.

One of the key attractions in Grand Falls is the Grand Falls Gorge, a breathtaking natural wonder that offers spectacular views. The gorge features a 1.6 km walking trail with lookouts, allowing visitors to admire the beauty of the area. For the adventurous, there is also the option to explore the gorge via a zip line, providing a thrilling experience and a unique perspective of the falls. The zip line is a popular activity for both locals and tourists, adding an element of excitement to the Grand Falls experience.

Another highlight of Grand Falls is the Grand Falls Waterfall, which offers several viewing platforms for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the falls. The Malabeam Tourist Information Centre, located in the centre of town, provides valuable information and assistance to visitors, helping them navigate the various attractions and festivals that the town has to offer. The centre also offers free travel assistance and counselling from a dedicated and bilingual staff, ensuring that visitors have a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Grand Falls also boasts a vibrant downtown area, with Broadway Boulevard being the widest main street east of Winnipeg. Visitors can explore local shops, dine at various restaurants, and stroll along the broad avenues. The town's bilingualism adds to its unique character and charm, making it a fascinating cultural destination.

In addition to its natural wonders and downtown attractions, Grand Falls offers a range of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. These include activities such as downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter biking. Visitors can also explore the rich arts, culture, and heritage of the area, including film, theatre, dance, music, and performance arts. Grand Falls also has a variety of culinary offerings, with apple orchards, wineries, and local restaurants showcasing the region's culinary delights.

Frequently asked questions