Quispamsis: A Beautiful Town In New Brunswick

Quispamsis is a suburban town located in Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada. It is situated about 14 miles north-east of Saint John city and is part of its metropolitan area. Quispamsis is a small community with a population of around 17,000-18,000 people. The town is located between the Kennebecasis River and Ritchie Lake, and it borders the town of Rothesay to form the Kennebecasis Valley. Quispamsis offers a typical residential lifestyle and is known for its picturesque natural environment and recreational opportunities.

Population

Quispamsis, New Brunswick, is a suburban town located in Kings County, Canada. It is situated 22 kilometres northeast of the City of Saint John, within Saint John's metropolitan area.

Quispamsis has a population of 18,768 as of 2021, a change of 2.9% from its 2016 population of 18,245. It is the sixth-largest municipality in New Brunswick.

The town's population density is 329.4 per square kilometre, with a land area of 56.97 square kilometres (or 57 square kilometres, according to another source).

The region was originally inhabited by the Maliseet First Nation, who were members of the Wabanaki Confederacy. The name "Quispamsis" is derived from the Maliseet language, meaning "little lake in the woods", specifically referring to the present-day Ritchie Lake.

In 1783, Acadians, British pre-Loyalists, and Loyalists settled in the area, receiving land grants along the Kennebecasis and Hammond Rivers. In 1998, Quispamsis amalgamated with the former Village of Gondola Point and a portion of the area formerly known as Wells.

History

The history of Quispamsis, New Brunswick, dates back to the original inhabitants, the Maliseet First Nation, who were part of the Wabanaki Confederacy and the great Algonquin Federation. The name "Quispamsis" is derived from the Maliseet language, meaning "little lake in the woods" or simply ""little lake", referring to the present-day Ritchie Lake. The Kennebecasis and Hammond Rivers were the main travel routes used by the Maliseet people.

In the 1500s and early 1700s, much of the land in the region was associated with Seigniories from Quebec, who were granted tracts of land. During the French colonial period, land grants were issued to individuals such as Pierre Chesnet sieur de Breuil and Sieur de Plenne, covering territories that would later become part of Quispamsis.

English settlement in the area began after the Seven Years' War, but it was the arrival of Loyalists in 1783 that significantly increased the population. These settlers, including Acadians, British pre-Loyalists, and Loyalists, received land grants along the Kennebecasis and Hammond Rivers.

In 1998, Quispamsis underwent amalgamation, merging with the former Village of Gondola Point and a portion of the area previously known as Wells. The name "Gondola Point" itself has historical significance, stemming from the type of raft ("gondola") used in the logging days to transport goods and people along the river.

Today, Quispamsis is a vibrant and progressive community, recognised for its recreational opportunities and natural beauty. It offers a range of residential options, quality schools, and abundant green spaces, making it a desirable place to live in Atlantic Canada.

Transport

Quispamsis is a suburban town located in Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada. It is situated 22 kilometres northeast of the City of Saint John and is accessible by road. The town is served by Route #52, the Kennebecasis Valley Comex, which provides weekday bus services to and from Saint John with five stops in Quispamsis. The bus fares can be paid per trip, or through 10- or 20-ride punch cards, or monthly passes. The town also offers a shuttle service for residents using wheelchairs, which covers the Kennebecasis Valley and Saint John.

The Gondola Point Ferry, the first underwater cable ferry in the world, links Quispamsis with the Kingston Peninsula. The town is also bordered by the Hammond River along its northeastern boundary.

Quispamsis is located within the Saint John metropolitan area and is part of the Kennebecasis Valley, which also includes the towns of Rothesay and Grand Bay. The valley is known for its picturesque waterways, including the majestic Kennebecasis River and the meandering Hammond River, which are popular for sailing, kayaking, and canoeing.

Geography

Quispamsis is a suburban town located in Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada. It is situated in the southwestern part of New Brunswick, about 14 miles north of Saint John City, or 22 kilometres to be precise, in the northeast direction. The town is nestled within the Saint John metropolitan area and borders the town of Rothesay to form the picturesque Kennebecasis Valley. The valley is formed along the lower Kennebecasis River, which, along with the Hammond River, provides breathtaking waterways for recreational activities. The town is also situated between the Kennebecasis River and Ritchie Lake, which is believed to be the "little lake in the woods" referred to in the Maliseet language name for the region, "Quispamsis".

The region enjoys warmer temperatures during spring and summer due to its proximity to the Fundy Fog belt and the cool breezes of the Atlantic Ocean. This unique microclimate, combined with its natural beauty, makes Quispamsis a desirable place to live and visit. In fact, in 2017, MoneySense named Quispamsis the best place to live in Atlantic Canada. The town offers a typical residential lifestyle and is known for its vibrant and progressive community, with abundant recreational areas, quality schools, places of worship, retail, and professional services all within the Kennebecasis Valley.

Quispamsis has a rich history, initially inhabited by the Maliseet First Nation, who were members of the Wabanaki Confederacy and part of the great Algonquin Federation. Around 1783, Acadians, British pre-Loyalists, and Loyalists settled in the area, receiving land grants along the Kennebecasis and Hammond Rivers. The town has grown and evolved over time, amalgamating with nearby communities, such as Gondola Point and Wells, in 1998. Today, Quispamsis covers an area of 60 square kilometres and had a population of around 18,245 in 2017, making it the sixth-largest municipality in New Brunswick.

Attractions

Located in Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada, Quispamsis is a suburban town with plenty of attractions for visitors. The town offers a range of recreational opportunities, from leisurely pursuits to more adventurous activities.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, the majestic Kennebecasis River is a popular spot for sailing, while the meandering Hammond River is ideal for kayaking and canoeing. The town also boasts several picturesque beaches, including Meenan's Cove Beach, a tranquil sandy beach nestled in a treed cove, and Gondola Point Beach, which offers a fenced-off dog beach section.

Quispamsis is also home to several parks, such as the Arts and Culture Park, which features walking trails, picnic and chess tables, and a stage for outdoor movies and music during the summer months. The town's Off Leash Park is a dedicated space for dog owners, with fenced-in areas, trails, and benches. Other parks include the Little River Reservoir Park, Ritchie Lake Park, and the Hammond River Park, which offers 40 acres of natural beauty, complete with a log cabin available for rent.

For those seeking more adventurous activities, TimberTop Adventures, located just 20 minutes from Quispamsis, is one of Canada's largest aerial adventure parks. The town is also within easy access of Magic Mountain, a theme park offering a variety of rides, and Magnetic Hill, which features natural phenomena, amusement parks, and a zoo.

Quispamsis also has a vibrant arts, culture, and heritage scene. Visitors can explore the local history, which includes the Maliseet First Nation and Acadian and British settlers. The town's Qplex features a swimming pool, sports fields, and an arena, ensuring there is something for everyone in Quispamsis.

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