Rothesay: A Gem In New Brunswick's Crown

Rothesay is a suburban town located in Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada. It is part of Saint John's metropolitan area and borders the town of Quispamsis to form the Kennebecasis Valley, situated along the lower Kennebecasis River. The town has a rich history, initially developing as a shipbuilding centre and later becoming a summer home community for the wealthy elite of Saint John following the arrival of the European and North American Railway in 1853. The population of Rothesay was 11,977 as of 2021, and it is known for its beautiful natural parks, heritage architecture, and modern amenities. The town offers a mix of charming and tranquil neighbourhoods, with quiet streets and scenic water views.

Things to do in Rothesay

Rothesay, New Brunswick, is a charming "community of communities" situated along the Kennebecasis River. The town boasts heritage architecture, scenic water views, and quiet streets, as well as a vibrant commercial district with independent businesses, boutiques, restaurants, and microbreweries. Here are some of the best things to do and see during your visit:

Explore the Outdoors

Rothesay offers a range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Enjoy the beautiful parks, beaches, and wharves along the Kennebecasis River. Take a stroll or go hiking on the trails, or relax in the green spaces. For a unique experience, join the 2SLGBTQIA+ Sunset Paddle led by KV Adventures, or explore the Little River Reservoir Park. During the winter months, you can go ice fishing and walk on the frozen sea, and enjoy winter biking or fat biking.

Discover Heritage and Culture

Appreciate the town's rich heritage by exploring its architecture, including structures that pre-date Confederation. Visit the Renforth Lighthouse, a popular landmark, especially during the winter months when you can see cars fishing and walk on the frozen sea. Rothesay also hosts a variety of cultural events, such as the Annual Dragon Boat Festival and the KV Jazz/Blues Fest.

Indulge in Food and Drink

Sample the local cuisine and craft beverages that Rothesay has to offer. The Foghorn Brewing Company is a top attraction, known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious beer. For dining, consider the Shadow Lawn Inn Restaurant, offering Canadian cuisine with vegetarian options. The town also boasts boutique shopping, including the local favourite, Just Seafood Inc.—a fresh seafood store!

Entertainment and Leisure

Rothesay has something for everyone when it comes to entertainment. Catch a movie at the Cineplex Cinemas Rothesay, or try Ground Zero Laser Tag for some indoor fun. If you're a book lover, explore the Central Branch of the Saint John Free Public Library. You can also attend special events like the CAA Travel Showcase or join a yoga class at one of the local studios.

Explore Nearby Attractions

There are plenty of interesting places to visit near Rothesay as well. Take a tour of the Bay of Fundy, including the Fundy Coast to Fundy Shore Tour or the Bay of Fundy Tour by Bus. Saint John, the largest city in the province, is nearby and offers attractions such as the Saint John Walking Tour and the Saint John Highlights & History Cycling Tour.

Rothesay's history

The suburban town of Rothesay is located in Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada, within Saint John's metropolitan area. It borders the town of Quispamsis to the northeast and the city of Saint John to the southwest. The town is named after Rothesay on the Isle of Bute in Scotland, which is said to have reminded the visiting Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, of the area when he toured North America in 1860. The parish may have been named in honour of the Duke of Rothesay, one of the hereditary titles of the Prince of Wales.

Rothesay was first developed as a shipbuilding centre and later became a summer home community for Saint John's wealthy elite after the arrival of the European and North American Railway in 1853. The town was erected from Hampton Parish in 1870, and in 1873, the boundary with Hampton was clarified among the islands of the Hammond River and altered to run along grant lines on the mainland.

Rothesay has a rich history and is home to many historical landmarks, including the Rothesay Common, the former train station (one of the last remaining examples of early railway architecture in Canada), the Rothesay Yacht Club, and many homes that pre-date Confederation. The town also has a bustling commercial district, featuring independently owned community businesses, boutique and local shopping, restaurants, and microbreweries.

In 1998, the former communities of East Riverside-Kinghurst, Fairvale, Renforth, Rothesay, and Wells amalgamated. Today, Rothesay is known for its natural beauty, with parks, beaches, wharves, hiking trails, and sports fields. The town offers a range of community events, including a weekly Summer Concert Series, Canada Day Celebrations, the KV Santa Claus Parade, and the Fundy Winterfest.

Rothesay's location

Rothesay is a suburban town located in Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada. It is part of the Saint John metropolitan area and borders the town of Quispamsis to the northeast, with which it forms the Kennebecasis Valley. The lower Kennebecasis River runs along the northwest boundary of Rothesay. To the southwest, Rothesay borders the city of Saint John.

Rothesay was first developed as a shipbuilding centre and later became a summer home community for Saint John's wealthy elite following the arrival of the European and North American Railway in 1853. The town may have been named after the visiting Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, who toured the area in 1860 and reportedly remarked that it reminded him of Rothesay on the Isle of Bute in Scotland. Alternatively, it may have been named specifically in honour of the Duke of Rothesay, one of the hereditary titles of the Prince of Wales.

Rothesay is known for its heritage architecture, scenic water views, and quiet streets. The town boasts a mix of charming and modern attractions, including natural parks, green areas, and modern amenities. Some structures in Rothesay even pre-date Confederation. The community offers numerous places of worship, recreation areas, and local retail options, with larger-scale commercial developments available in the nearby city of Saint John.

Rothesay is accessible via New Brunswick Route 100 and New Brunswick Route 111, which both run through the town and connect with New Brunswick Route 1. While the town is served by Saint John Transit, the primary mode of transportation for residents is the car, as many daily needs are challenging to meet without one. The town also has a secondary mainline of the Canadian National Railway, although there is no longer any passenger service on this line.

Transport in Rothesay

Rothesay is a suburban town located in Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada. The town is served by a secondary mainline of the Canadian National Railway, although there is no longer any passenger service on this line. The town is also served by Saint John Transit. Both New Brunswick Route 100 and New Brunswick Route 111 run through Rothesay and connect with New Brunswick Route 1.

Rothesay is located along the lower Kennebecasis River valley, and residents can make use of the Gondola Point Ferry, which crosses the river. The ferry is one of the oldest in the province, dating back to 1825. The crossing is 0.7 kilometres long and takes just 5 minutes to get from one side to the other. Two ferries operate on the crossing, each carrying up to 24 cars at a time. The service is free of charge and operates 24 hours a day, all year round.

Rothesay is a "community of communities" with a bustling commercial district. The town has a rich history, with some structures pre-dating Confederation. It first developed as a shipbuilding centre and later became a summer home community for Saint John's wealthy elite.

Rothesay's housing

Rothesay, New Brunswick, is a suburban town in Kings County, Canada, within the Saint John metropolitan area. The town is known for its beautiful parks, beaches, hiking trails, and modern amenities.

The housing market in Rothesay is primarily composed of single-detached homes and townhouses, with a mix of older and newer constructions. About 80% of the population owns their homes, with renters making up the remainder. The town has a variety of housing options, from smaller residences to large estates.

Many of the homes in Rothesay have been built to take advantage of the town's natural beauty, with scenic water views and quiet streets. The area is known for its heritage architecture, with some structures predating Confederation.

For those looking to rent or buy in Rothesay, there are several real estate options available, including residential homes, vacant land, and commercial properties. The town's population was recorded as 11,977 in the 2021 census, with a land area of 34.59 km2, resulting in a relatively low population density.

Rothesay is an excellent choice for those who value quiet surroundings, as the streets are generally tranquil. However, it is not very conducive to those who prefer to travel by foot, as many daily needs are challenging to meet without a car.

Frequently asked questions