Carleton County: Covered Bridges, History and Nature

Carleton County combines distinctive covered bridges with historic buildings, museums and trails. The Hartland Covered Bridge is the longest covered bridge in the world and was built in 1901. In Florenceville, the Florenceville Covered Bridge was built in 1910; it is 45.3 metres long. The construction years provide a sense of the timeline, while the length gives a concrete measure of the bridge in Florenceville.

Covered Bridges and Construction History

The Florenceville Bridge crosses the Saint John River and combines a steel truss span with a wooden covered bridge. As a Local Historic Place, it represents a significant moment in the development of the former community of Florenceville. The Hartland Covered Bridge and the Florenceville Bridge show different aspects of bridge-building history: the former is the longest covered bridge in the world; the latter combines a steel truss span with a wooden covered bridge.

Local History on Foot and in Museums

The Woodstock Victorian Heritage Walking Tour is self-guided and includes 40 properties. The Old Carleton County Court House in Upper Woodstock, built in 1833, offers tours and exhibits. Visitors can sit in the dock there. The Honourable Charles Connell House was built for Honourable Charles Connell in 1839 and is a National Historic Site. St. David’s Presbyterian Church is considered one of only two surviving early Presbyterian churches in Carleton County.

The Carleton County Military Museum displays artifacts, uniforms, helmets, badges, handmade military models and flags from the pre-First World War era to the present day. It also traces the development of the Carleton Light Infantry through the Carleton York Regiment and on to other regiments in New Brunswick. Here, the objects on display stand alongside a history spanning several regiments.

Potato History and Local Gathering Places

Potato World offers insights into the history of potatoes and agriculture. Visitor offerings also include a famous potato cannon, French fries, interactive hands-on exhibits and guided experience tours. The Hall of Recognition honours outstanding achievements and contributions by people from New Brunswick to the potato industry. The subject therefore ranges from agricultural history to individuals’ contributions to the industry.

In downtown Woodstock, Cross Creek Brewing has a public taproom, entertainment and a licensed patio. The Florenceville-Bristol Outdoor Summer Market takes place on Thursdays in July and August. As dates can change, check the current market dates before visiting.

Nature, Water and Trails

The Meduxnekeag River is suitable for canoeing and kayaking along substantial stretches when water levels are high or moderate. Water levels are an important factor in planning. Nearby, the Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preserve has nine hiking trails across 1,150 acres of protected land.

The Woodstock section of the Wolastoq Valley Trail follows the river and passes the Woodstock Farm & Craft Market. Riverside Park provides access to the Sentier NB Trail and the lower Shiktehawk Stream via a nature trail. At the Shogomoc Railway Site, there is access to walking trails and a public, non-motorized boat launch. The site also has three historic railway cars and the town’s original 1914 CPR station.

When planning your trip, you can first consider whether bridges and construction history, museums and local history, or trails and water-level-dependent activities should take priority. These interests give your search for a hotel in Carleton County a clear direction without requiring you to limit yourself to just one type of stay.

Discover more destinations: Wakefield, Jacksonville, Centreville, Hartland, Wilmot, Florenceville-Bristol, Westmorland County, Albert County.

For the broader travel overview: New Brunswick.