Dip your paddle into the Fredericton Capital Region - one of Atlantic Canada’s top destinations for recreational kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. With accessible launch sites across the Capital Region, it’s easy to get out on the water. Our waterways are a birdwatcher’s dream - look for soaring eagles as these routes guarantee encounters with spectacular wilderness. Used for millennia by the Wolastoqiyik Indigenous people, the paddling network ensures spectacular day trips on rivers and lakes ending with catching sunset from your luxury lakeside glampsite or a four-star riverside hotel.
Our ties to the Wolastoq Watershed run deep. In fact, the oldest birchbark canoe in the world, the Grandfather Akwiten, crafted with wood from the New Brunswick forests in the 1820s by the local Wolastoqiyik First Nation, is on permanent display at our local world-class art gallery, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. Additionally, the Chestnut Canoe Company was established in Fredericton at the end of the 19th century and became one of the pre-eminent producers of wood-and-canvas canoes. Our rich paddling heritage is yours to explore.
Loops & Point-to-Point Paddles
Paddlers can choose between loops and point-to-point paddles, each offering a unique experience. Loops conveniently bring you back to your starting point, making them an easy option for those without shuttle logistics. Point-to-point paddles, on the other hand, require planning for drop-off and pick-up, but allow you to cover more distance and experience a greater variety of scenery along the way. Keep an eye out for marked signage at various starting points in the Capital Region.
Wolastoq (Saint John River)
The Wolastoq (Saint John River), also known as the beautiful and bountiful river, is the heart of the watershed. Flowing through much of the region, including downtown Fredericton, it offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, the historic Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge, and the lush riverbanks of the Wolastoq islands. The river can be accessed from popular public launch sites within City limits at Angelview Park, Morell Park, the Small Craft Aquatic Centre, and Carleton Park.
For a shorter adventure, perfect for the recreational paddler, start at the Small Craft Aquatic Centre and paddle downriver to the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge before making your way back upriver. This gentle 3km loop offers stunning views of Fredericton’s riverfront and is an excellent introduction to paddling. Another great loop begins and ends at Angelview Park, where paddlers can make their way upriver (west) and weave through the Wolastoq Islands. This route can be adjusted to be anywhere from 3 to 10km depending on the paddler’s desire to explore a few or all islands in the area. Those looking for a longer point-to-point adventure can start at the Small Craft Aquatic Centre in Fredericton (or just a couple of kilometers upriver at Angelview Park) and follow the river all the way east to Oromocto, finishing at the Oromocto Boat Club. This scenic point-to-point paddle travels with the current and covers a variety of landscapes over approximately 24 kilometers.
No matter which adventure they choose, paddlers can expect to see herons, bald eagles, and the occasional beaver making its way along the shore. To top it off, the convenience of paddling in an urban setting allows for a quick stop at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Fredericton for a bite to eat on their seasonal patio between Angelview Park and the Small Craft Aquatic Centre, or the Picaroons Roundhouse near Carleton Park to refuel mid or post adventure.
Nashwaak River
The Nashwaak River is known for its natural, undeveloped beauty, completed with regular sightings of Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, Kingfisher, ducks and geese. It provides a scenic paddle through rolling hills and forested landscapes. With calm waters ideal for beginners, and a section of Class II rapids suited for intermediate or advanced paddlers a little further upriver, this route is a top choice for those looking to completely immerse themselves in a wilderness setting, close to the city.
Routes on the Nashwaak River are all point-to-point due to the swift water current. Intermediate paddlers may choose to launch from the former Penniac Bridge for a 4.5km journey to Marysville Heritage Centre, or start upriver from the River Road Bridge for a total of 7.5km. This is beautiful paddle with a rocky set of Class II rapids at a former dam site, starting about 750m upriver from the Marysville Bridge. Paddlers can choose to continue on for an additional 5km and complete their adventure at Carleton Park, or they can choose to finish at the Marysville Heritage Centre; the starting point for family-friendly paddling. While in Marysville, be sure to check out the The Landing – a delightful coffee shop in a historic building.
The gentler segment of this route starts at an excellent City-owned launch at the Marysville Heritage Centre. This easy, flowing paddle is perfect for those looking for a short trip or a summer evening adventure. The route ends at the confluence of the Wolastoq (Saint John River) with a short paddle to Carleton Park and the Picaroons Roundhouse.
Oromocto River
A bit more off the beaten path, the Oromocto River is a dream for those who enjoy wildlife spotting and serene paddling. Routes like the Oromocto Islands loop offer a calm, family-friendly experience while the Sunpoke Loop, another local favorite, features winding channels with opportunities to see the riverbanks from up-close. Whether you’re looking for a quick outing or an extended journey, the Oromocto delivers.
Leaving from the Oromocto Boat Club, paddlers can make their way around the spectacular Thatch and Oromocto Islands. The loop around both islands is a total of approximately 11 kilometers. Blue herons, beavers, and even cows are commonly spotted on this route.
Further down the Oromocto River, is the Sunpoke Lake and Creek Loop, starting at the Sunpoke Road Bridge. This 8km paddle travels through three different wildlife ecosystems: the wide and deep Oromocto River, the narrow, wooded Sunpoke Creek and the wide-open grassy wetlands of White Pond and Sunpoke Lake. Before leaving, be sure to check out Hanson Art Gallery, located next to the Sunpoke Road Bridge.
Lower Keswick River
The Lower Keswick River is a twisty, narrow river that moves with a flat, friendly-flowing current through the Keswick Valley’s agricultural landscape with lovely, wooded sections. The river is good fun for paddlers of all levels. The full route, running from Upper Stone Ridge Road bridge to the Route 105 Bridge can take as long as 8 hours and is tackled in sections by most people. The Lower Keswick River can be run throughout most of the paddling season, except in periods of drought, when it can get very shallow in places and may require walking a few sections. That said, the lowest section of the river connecting to the Wolastoq (Saint John River) from the Route 105 Bridge is accessible all season long.
Paddlers leaving from the Upper Stone Ridge Road bridge can expect to reach the Route 105 bridge by the end of the afternoon. The Lower Keswick River has many turns with some overhanging tree coverage. This creates spectacular views and plenty of opportunities for beach picnics, but paddlers should ensure that they are comfortable enough in their boat to steer away from any obstacles. After reaching the Route 105 bridge paddlers can choose to disembark or continue their journey. The Lower Keswick River connects to the Wolastoq (Saint John River) approximately 1 kilometer past the bridge allowing for an extended paddle around the Wolastoq islands.
Rusagonis Stream
For those seeking solitude and an off-the-grid feel, the Rusagonis Stream is a fantastic choice. Tucked away in a quiet, forested area, this stream is ideal for slow, meditative paddling. With crystal-clear water, hardwood drooping overhead, and an array of birds, Rusagonis offers a remote experience just a short drive from the city. It’s a great option for those looking to disconnect.
This loop begins east of the Rusagonis Road bridge offers options to paddle up to 20km, though most will choose to turn around sooner. Paddlers are taken back to their starting point by the end of this adventure. Heading east on the stream, the route crosses an NB trail bridge before opening up to wetlands around the bend. By following the channel to the right, paddlers are eventually led to a beaver dam where they will be forced to turn around. By going left, they will be led down a channel that connects to the Waasis Pond and the Oromocto River. To make their way back to the Rusagnosis Road bridge, paddlers should turn around and head back towards the NB trail bridge.
Common wildlife in the area includes muskrats, heron, beavers, and even the occasional deer along the shore. Before leaving the area, be sure to stop by Smiley Seahorse Ceramics on Rusagonis Road less than 500 meters away from the bridge.
Time to Start Exploring!
With many spectacular lakes, rivers and streams to discover, paddling in the Fredericton Capital Region is an experience like no other. Our waterways are conveniently located near our communities making it the ideal location for a paddling getaway. Check out our list of accommodations where you’ll feel right at home. While these are just a few of the region’s many paddling routes, exciting developments are on the horizon for paddlers looking to explore even more. Stay tuned, grab your paddle, and get out on the water!