Today marked the launch of the Wolastoq Watershed Paddling Trails, a tourism development initiative of Fredericton Capital Region Tourism, aimed at encouraging visitors and local residents to explore the Wolastoq (Saint John River) watershed in central New Brunswick.
The paddling trails offer easy-access routes, some used for millennia by the Wolastoqiyik People, into some of Atlantic Canada’s most spectacular natural environments.
The innovative project draws on the area’s deep paddling heritage and positions the Capital Region as a top destination for recreational paddlers. The Trails development includes new launch sites, signage, environmental stewardship and a website with mapped paddling routes.
Visit the new Wolastoq Watershed Paddling Trails website here: www.paddlewolastoqawatershed.ca.
The logo for the paddling trails was created by renowned Wolastoquey artist Percy Sacobie.
"As a city and a region close to nature, we're blessed with an abundance of waterways and awesome paddling opportunities for residents and visitors. We’ve been working to increase river access, and we now have 10 municipal launch and landing sites inside the City,” said Fredericton Mayor Steven Hicks.
Communities throughout the region have also added new and improved public launch sites, including Oromocto, Central York, Nackawic and Grand Lake.
“With the Wolastoq Watershed Paddling Trails, we’re now positioned to welcome visitors from around the world to discover the amazing paddling experiences we have to offer," Mayor Hicks added.
The paddling trails include more than nearly two dozen excellent flatwater routes, with more routes to be added over the next year.
The trails showcase routes on the Wolastoq (Saint John River), the Oromocto River, the Nashwaak River, the Nashwaaksis Stream, and the Salmon River.
“These trails are all close to the City, but they offer paddling on beautiful rivers, lakes and streams. These are incredible wetland environments with amazing wildlife and birdwatching opportunities,” said David Seabrook, Director of Fredericton Capital Region Tourism. “It’s a perfect paddling environment for recreational paddlers and families.”
“We can be one of Atlantic Canada’s premier paddling destinations for recreational and family canoeists and kayakers”, he said. “But until now, many of these routes have been unknown and quite inaccessible to visitors,” said David Seabrook, Director of Fredericton Capital Region Tourism.
The new Wolastoq Watershed Paddling Trails website provides maps and launch site information and connect paddlers to local amenities, restaurants, hotels and campgrounds.
“Few destinations have focused directly on recreational and family paddler, with multiple routes and providing all the logistics information for safe day trips. We want to build their confidence to explore further on flatwater routes safe for the family,” Seabrook says.
The project began with efforts to improve river access. Several communities like Fredericton, Central York, and Oromocto have added new authorized launch sites, opening new paddling areas.
Environmental stewardship is an important theme of the project. The City introduced a river keeper program, and the Paddling Trails launch sites will include a signage program aimed at ensuring care for the waterways and slowing the spread of invasive species.
“In the coming years, we’re hope to see new businesses offering rentals, river shuttles, guided tours and paddling events,” Seabrook says. “There’s an opportunity to package these paddling experiences with accommodations, cool activities in campgrounds and unique culinary experiences.”
Paddling highlights the Region’s relationship to the natural environment, which is part of the Fredericton Capital Region Tourism’s Life Well Crafted brand.