Just 30 minutes north west of Fredericton (via Route 105) is a beautiful area called Mactaquac Country, situated on both sides of the Mactaquac headpond on the St. John River. This reservoir was created by the New Brunswick Electric Power Company in 1967, and is named for the Mactaquac Stream, near the community of Millville. The word is Maliseet for ‘big branch’ in reference to either the Saint John River itself or to
the first tributary above the tide water.
Attractions
Mactaquac Provincial Park
1265 Route 105, Mactaquac
(on Route 105, 8 kilometres from the Trans-Canada)
(506) 363-4925, 1-800-561-0123
https://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/Parks/MactaquacProvincialPark/
Mactaquac Provincial Park is 567 hectares (1,400 acres),of open land and forest overlooking the magnificent headpond above Mactaquac Dam. The provincial government established the park immediately following the completion of the dam in 1968. During the summer season there are two supervised beaches, a beach canteen, a power boat marina with 40 individual moorings, and a sailboat marina, a championship 18 hole golf course with pro-shop, several nature trails, and a recreation program. A new 1 km trail has also been opened at the park; highlights include: a bridge that goes over a large beaver pond, trail information stands, picnic sites, tables, and more. Sailing, boating, swimming and small-mouth bass fishing are popular on the Headpond.
Mactaquac Provincial Park Administration Office, open daily 8 am-4:30 pm (506) 363-4747, includes evenings and weekends. Other phone numbers: Mactaquac Golf Pro-Shop (506)363-4926, Mactaquac Provincial Park Campground (506)363-4916
Mactaquac Lodge
(506)363-4145
The course’s 19th hole – boasts a pro-shop, changing rooms, 2 lounges and a licensed dining room. It is not the exclusive domain of golfers, however. It is open year-round and a popular spot for those who appreciate hearty home-style fare and a great view.
Mactaquac Generating Station
451 Route 105, Mactaquac, NB, E6L 1B2
(20 km north of Fredericton)
(506) 462-3800
The largest hydroelectric Generating Station in the Maritime provinces which went into operation in 1968 and now produces in excess of 670,000 kilowatts (20% of New Brunswick’s power needs). The dam, which raised the water level almost 40 metres, is a rock-filled structure with a watertight clay core. On a 1 hour guided tour you’ll learn about the powerhouse with the turbines and generators, and how electrical current is transmitted. Free Tours June to Labour Day, daily 9 am to 4:30 pm, by appointment the rest of the year. Tours are not appropriate for toddlers, preschool-aged children or pets. No open toe shoes allowed.
Mactaquac Fish Culture Station
Keswick Ridge, NB E6L 1A8
(20 km west of Fredricton on Hwy 105)
506-363-3021
One of the largest Atlantic salmon hatcheries in the world. Learn how migratory fish resources, particularly Atlantic Salmon, are protected at Mactaquac, and tour the unique salmon rearing facility where about 400,000 juvenile salmon are raised.
Keswick No 6 Covered Bridge
Morehouse Corner Road, off Route 104 at Upper Stone Ridge
Keswick River No 6 Covered Bridge was built in 1914, and is located approximately 4.8 km off Route 104, going north from Fredericton. It has a span of 123’4″ and a length of 126’4″ .
Mactaquac Golf Course
1265 NB-105, Mactaquac, NB E6L 1B5
(Hwy 2, Exit 274, then 7 km on 105)
506 363-4925
18 hole golf course