Arcadia, derived from Greek meaning “in harmony with nature and pastoral beauty,” perfectly captures the essence of this stunning region. This drive traces a romantic, historic route through the riverfront communities of Jemseg, Cambridge-Narrows, and Gagetown, offering a glimpse into a bygone steamboat era amid lush countryside.

Starting at the Fredericton Visitor Information Centre (494 Queen Street), cross the Westmorland Street Bridge and take the Union Street exit, and head south on NB-105. Continue through Devon, where you’ll pass Carleton Park, Picaroons Brewing Company, and the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge.

Stay on NB-105 towards Jemseg and enjoy picturesque views along the east bank of the Wolastoq (Saint John River) through Maugerville and Sheffield. The route features farmlands, open rural landscapes, and historic churches. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as eagles, osprey, and moose and enjoy these notable landmarks:

• Dykeman’s U-pick – A seasonal strawberry farm on Route 105.

• Silver Valley Farms (aka Big Potato) – Snap a selfie with the world’s largest potato and find fresh produce and local goods inside (open seasonally).

• McKinney’s U-pick & Bee Store – Seasonal U-pick for blueberries, red & black currants, gooseberries, yellow & green beans and tomatoes. Honey is also available.

• Moxon’s Country Pumpkin – Find fresh produce, local products and baked goods inside and a playground and lots of furry and feathered friends to meet outside. Don’t miss the “Farmland of New Brunswick” mural by Ron Sajack. 

• McGowan’s Corner - The gateway to cottage country and the Grand Lake Meadows Protected Natural area. This is a bird watcher’s paradise and New Brunswick’s largest freshwater wetland.

• Bridges Farm (at McGowan’s Corner) – A self-serve farmstand with an honesty box offering fresh produce. 

As you near the end of NB-105, take the NB-2E and Exit 339 to Cambridge-Narrows/Jemseg

Welcome to Jemseg, where more local gems await:

• Turner’s One Stop - A great spot for a quick bite or homemade baked goods.

• Floyd’s Coffee 61 - Local coffee roasters, plus Ben’s Big Scoop Ice Cream - A seasonal treat. Both are located by Lakes Auto Care.

• Raymond Young Fruit & Vegetable Stand - Seasonal berries and fresh local produce.

• Jemseg Lions Club Farmers’ Market - Open Saturdays in the summer, offering breakfast, farm-fresh produce, meats, baked goods, plants, crafts and antiques.

• Jemseg Community Garden - A peaceful community space, once home to the Old Country Store (1855-1987).

Next, follow 695 next toward LavenHop - an agri-tourism destination with lavender, hops and U-pick organic produce. Wander the wildflower trails and gardens teeming with birds and butterflies. Nearby, enjoy McCabe’s Ice Cream – a family-owned shop serving hand-scooped delights.

In Cambridge-Narrows, explore more local treasures:

• Cambridge-Narrows Visitor Information Centre - A beautiful heritage building (1854-58), community centre and library that also operates as a Visitor Information Centre during the summer months.

• Acacia Gallery - Stunning multi-media artwork by local artist Richard Flynn.

• The Pines Conservation Park - A serene old-growth forest perfect for picnics with groomed trails for cross-country skiing in the winter. Be sure to check out the Peace Sculpture by Fetiye Boudevin, part of the International Sculpture Trail.

• Nove’s Place – A weekly Friday market, coffee shop, and local community gathering spot. Ice cream available seasonally.

• Robinson Trail - A 3.4 km old growth forest hiking trail.

• My Three Son’s Blueberry U-pick – A seasonal blueberry farm on Route 715.

• Norwood on the Washademoak – A charming B & B and the “Artisans at Work” stop during the annual Life at the Lakes Festival in August.

• Hendry Farm Lighthouse - Built in 1879 to guide river steamers, now a historical landmark.

• Humphrey’s, Mott's and Colwell’s Wharves – Heritage steamboat wharves offering great birdwatching and perfect launch points for paddlers. Mott’s also features a small beach, and Colwell’s provides stunning sunset views.  

Next, head towards the Gagetown Ferry for a free, quick river crossing. On the way, admire landmarks like Saint James Church, a stone replica of an English church, and the Fort Jemseg Monument, a National Historic Site marking a battleground between the British, French, and Dutch. Look for osprey nesting platforms, as you approach the ferry.

Once across, discover the charm of Gagetown. Along the way, swing by U-pick orchards, perfect for a fall adventure or spring blossoms. At Hazen Cameron’s Family Apple Orchard, enjoy apple picking and seasonal produce, or visit Charlotte’s Family Orchard for apples, pears, plums, cherries and vegetables.

Gagetown is home to many artists and artisans. In early September, the Queens County Fair is a longstanding, traditional agricultural fair that offers a wide range of attractions, entertainment, and local culture in the area. The village’s annual Christmas in the Village event in late-November is a testament to the local talent. 

Enjoy a stroll in the village and explore these local spots: 

• Greig Pottery - A mainstay of almost 50 years. Pop into the shop and peek into the studio next door, where Flo greets visitors as she works. 

• Juggler’s Cove Fine Arts & Crafts* - Unique raku pottery by Peter Thomas and paintings by Karen Shackleton.

• Maja Padrov Ceramics* - Sculptural and functional pottery by an internationally exhibited artist. 

• The Weaving and Fibre Arts Shed* - Find fibre arts such as dyed scarves, woven table runners, towels, and rag rugs for sale. Meet a local weaver and try your hand at weaving. 

• Rustic Reflections Antiques & Collectibles* – Specializing in primitive antiques.

*Open by chance or appointment.

• Gagetown Farmers' Market - A seasonal Sunday market with fresh produce, baked goods, plants, crafts, and food vendors. Don’t miss the granite sculpture “Formations” by Rafail Georgiev, part of the International Sculpture Trail. 

• Gagetown Marina – A full-service marina with docking space and amenities. 

• Tilley House - Birthplace of Samuel Leonard Tilley, Father of Confederation, now showcasing memorabilia, local art, and Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik artifacts.

• Loomcrofters - Known for its hand-woven designs, including the Royal Canadian Air Force and New Brunswick Tartans.

• Queens County Court House Museum - A preserved 1836 courthouse, where you can sit in the judge’s chair and hear local stories and explore exhibits of local heritage and culture.

Finish your visit with a local cider or spirit at Gagetown Distilling & Cidery and enjoy lunch at one of the village eateries such as: Gagetown Grill & Smokehouse, The Old Boot Pub and Dockside Bar, The Reed & Thistle in the century-old Steamers’ Bed & Breakfast or Gulliver's World Café in a historic 1860’s farmhouse with a dock for boat arrivals.

When you’re ready to return to Fredericton, you have a few options. For a quicker route, take NB-102 N to NB-2 W. For a scenic detour, stay on NB-102N, cross the Burton Bridge and retrace your journey along NB-105, or continue through Oromocto and Lincoln. These scenic routes follow the east and west banks of the river, adding just 15 minutes to your trip but offering a tranquil conclusion to your journey. Be sure to catch a sunset along the way!

Enjoy your Arcadia Scenic Drive!