Tourism
Peace, tranquility and the opportunity for awesome outdoor adventure are trademarks of the Plaster Rock and Tobique River area. Our location at the northern end of the Appalachian Mountain Range has blessed the area with breath taking scenery, clear cool rivers and lakes, an abundance of wildlife and the appropriate infrastructure to support a great number of family outdoor pursuits.
During the spring, our annual "Fiddlehead Festival" takes place during the first weekend after Victoria Day. This festival celebrates the abundance of the ostrich fern or "fiddleheads", which can be found in abundance in low-lying areas adjacent to our rivers and streams. This wild vegetable is a delicacy and a number of tried and true recipes can be sampled at the festival while enjoying a variety of entertainment and family activities. Later in June the annual "Fiddles on the Tobique" event attracts participants from far and wide. This unique event includes a number of local concerts, suppers and jam sessions featuring old time fiddle music. The weekend is highlighted by the huge "flotilla" of canoes that journeys down a length of the Tobique River with the sound of music echoing off the nearby hills.
Spring and summer also offer a variety of hunting and fishing opportunities including a spring black bear hunt and fishing for native brook trout and Atlantic salmon (dependant upon government regulations). A number of professional guides and outfitters offer services to visitors and Fraser Papers Inc., has a "Blue Ribbon Lakes" program that affords anglers the opportunity to fish for trout in lakes within their properties and land holdings. For those who like to camp or tent, the Plaster Rock Tourist Park offers a modern 20 site campground complete with a Visitor Information Center, heated swimming pool, tennis courts, volleyball courts, walking trails, a museum and Roulston Lake. You will enjoy a wilderness setting, right in the middle of town. Other campgrounds exist along the Tobique River and Mount Carleton Provincial Park is nearby as well. Camping, fishing, cycling and hiking are traditional activities enjoyed at Mount Carleton. You can literally hike to the top of New Brunswick on the Mount Carleton trail. A variety of recreational to challenging trails exist throughout the park.
Deer & Bear photo courtesy Northview Lodge, snowmobile photo courtesy Tobique View Motel
Canoe and equipment rentals are available for those interested in water related activities throughout our region. The Tobique River watershed offers challenging to leisurely opportunities for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts. The Plaster Rock Golf Club is often referred to as "New Brunswick’s Finest Nine". It offers cart and club rentals and extremely reasonable green fee rates.
Fall brings with it the beautiful foliage, hunting seasons for upland game birds, migratory birds, deer, moose and black bear. Many trophies have been taken on the Tobique over the years and there are more out there. Local hotels, motels, campgrounds and outfitters are ready to meet the needs of interested visitors.
Winter on the Tobique is a celebration of ice and snow. Our now famous, World Pond Hockey Championships highlight a winter carnival season in January and February. Maritime Snowmobile Drag Racing and miles of groomed NBSF trails are available for snowmobilers. Again, outfitters, hotels, motels, and restaurants are ready to meet the needs of any travelers. Plaster Rock and Mount Carleton Park offer some of New Brunswick’s finest groomed cross-country ski trails. Snowshoeing, sliding (tube) and downhill skiing opportunities exist nearby.
Regardless of the season, Plaster Rock has a lot to offer. Local shops and services supplement our tourism sector, providing everything one would ever want.
