Lifestyle | Destination Nackawic

Destination Nackawic offers world-class fishing on the Saint John River and Mactaquac Lake, attracting anglers with trophy smallmouth bass, legendary muskies, and exciting tournaments. Beyond the thrill of the catch, fishing here provides therapeutic benefits while engaging your body and mind. Just upstream, boaters enjoy 100km of navigable waters across New Brunswick's largest man-made lake, with new marina facilities at the Nackawic waterfront perfect for sailing, paddling, or cruising.

Trail Adventures & ATV Exploration
Hikers discover breathtaking waterfalls like Stoney Creek Falls along our forested trails, offering both challenging routes and leisurely walks with stunning lake views. ATV enthusiasts access 500km of local trails connected to New Brunswick's 12,000km ITS network, delivering endless backcountry adventures. Whether you're chasing waterfalls on foot or exploring wilderness trails on four wheels, Destination Nackawic delivers unforgettable outdoor experiences across all seasons.

Snowmobiling
Whether you’re looking for a few hours on a run or a weekend-long convoy, there are trails and tours available for every journey. The NBFSC provides a fantastic interactive map that details current trail status and outlines a variety of recommended tours.

Ski at Crabbe Mountain

Forget hibernation—winter here means powder-packed slopes and cozy trailside cabins. With Crabbe Mountain's 260m vertical drop (the Maritimes' highest!) and 30km+ of Nordic trails, our region offers:

Destination Nackawic, a naturalist’s paradise in the scenic Saint John River Valley, sits where the Destination Nackawic Stream meets the Saint John River. Its name comes from the Maliseet word meaning “straight” or “not in the direction it seems,” referencing the bend where the river turns sharply southeast toward Fredericton. Covering about 9 square kilometers, the municipality is surrounded by Southampton, Queensbury, and Millville, and is home to 941 residents while influencing a regional population of roughly 8,000.

Perfectly positioned between Fredericton (30 minutes east) and Woodstock (25 minutes west), Destination Nackawic offers access to city amenities with the charm of country living. The community was reshaped in the late 1960s by two major developments: the construction of the Mactaquac Dam, which displaced residents and now powers much of southern New Brunswick, and the opening of the Nackawic Pulp Mill in 1970, which established it as New Brunswick’s first model industrial community.

About 80% of residents are English-speaking, with the rest identifying as French, bilingual, or other backgrounds, and most tracing roots to western Europe. The town has five churches and a rich history, detailed in The Nackawic Bend: 200 Year History, available through the municipal office (506-575-2241, office@nackawic-millville.com).

Fredericton Capital Region

Just 30 minutes east of Destination Nackawic, Fredericton is the lively heart of New Brunswick. As the provincial capital, it blends rich history with a modern, creative energy. Stroll the charming downtown streets lined with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, or wander the historic Garrison District, where cultural events and open-air markets bring the city’s heritage to life. The scenic Saint John River winds through the city, offering beautiful walking and cycling trails perfect for exploring in any season.

Fredericton is also a hub for arts and culture. The city boasts a vibrant gallery scene, live theatre, music festivals, and one of Canada’s most celebrated craft beer trails. From farm-to-table dining to cozy pubs and bustling breweries, food lovers will find plenty to enjoy. And with year-round festivals, from Harvest Music Festival to winter’s Frostival, there’s always something happening in the capital.

Whether you’re planning a day trip or an overnight stay, Fredericton offers an ideal balance of urban amenities and small-town charm. Its welcoming atmosphere, stunning riverside setting, and abundance of things to see and do make it the perfect complement to a visit to Destination Nackawic and the surrounding Saint John River Valley.