About the Motorcycle Route

Motorcycle Touring and the River The Lower River Passage could have been designed for motorcy- clists: pleasantly winding secondary highways with little traffic, plenty of places to stop where the views of river, farmland and forest are soothing, and inviting villages and small towns to explore. Add a city at either end, free cable ferries to cross the river on, farmers markets to graze through — welcome to a good ride!

Fredericton has all the amenities of a capital city, and then some: a downtown cathedral copied from a 13th century English church, a  Second Empire-style legislature, a beautiful riverside for strolling, a large park with centuries-old trees and one of the province’s best  Saturday farmers markets. And, of course, restaurants, pubs and shops. For a side trip, take the old highway (Route 102) west along the St. John River to Kings Landing, a replica 19th century village. On your way back, cross the Mactaquac Dam, turn right onto Route 105 and return to Fredericton on the north side of the river.

Oromocto is New Brunswick’s military town, tracing its heritage back to 18th century fortifications and owing its modern form to CFB Gagetown — the largest military base in the Commonwealth. The town is also a good launching point for  exploring the river. Sir Douglas Hazen Park offers canoes and kayaks for rent and features a Saturday farmers market.

The Village of Gagetown is a mecca for artists, birders and boaters. Start at RotaryPark Landing to learn some area history. Tour artists’ studios — Gagetown is noted for its distinctive pottery and  weaving. Enjoy a meal and visit shops housed in heritage buildings on Front Street. Some of the province’s best birding is also found here, including species rarely seen elsewhere.

Take Route 102 downriver. The Trans Canada Trail runs parallel to the road and is ideal for a leg stretch. Just past the city limits, a picnic site overlooks the river. This low-lying road passes leisurely through small communities that have grown together over the years, and it offers breathtaking river views. Lincoln  Road/Route 102 South. Access to Trans-Canada Highway.

This is a  beautiful ride through gently rolling countryside. The river here is wide and island-studded, changing its appearance with the seasons, as the islands and intervales flood in the spring, only to emerge as bright green marshes and summer pasture for cattle, before fading to waves of yellow grass in fall. Pass Pine Grove, where mature eastern white pines line both sides of the road. Walk at Babbits Meadows and glimpse eagles and osprey hunting from the silver maples by the river. Route 102 South.

This scenic winding road offers excellent stopping and picnic sites, including one overlooking historic Caton’s Island and one at the Nerepis River Marsh. This site and the George Slipp Legacy Marsh are exceptional for birding, especially waterfowl. Route 102 South.

Begin your visit of the charming town of Grand Bay-Westfield at the Brundage Point River Centre. It offers information on the heritage of this area, a guide to some of the best river views, and directions to walking trails, boat launches and a swimming beach. A summer cottage refuge for Saint Johners in the steamboat era, Grand Bay-Westfield has a rich Loyalist history, with such fascinating sites as Mount Hope Farm. Many of the houses  in Westfield were reconstructedin the 1920s after a catastrophic forest fire. Access to Route 1: St. Stephen/Calais, Maine (west) and Sussex/Moncton (east).

Whichever route you choose, Hampton is worth the visit. The Lighthouse Park River Centre offers canoe and kayak rentals, as well as boat tours. The nearby Hampton Marsh is one of the most fertile and productive wetlands in the province, with spectacular birding on well-worn park trails. This vibrant community also features heritage sites, artists’ studios and shops.

There are several scenic routes heading back to Fredericton, featuring low-traffic secondary highways. The communities along the way have public wharves or riverside parks. Jemseg boasts a Saturday farmers market and worldclass birding. Route 121 East (10 km) to Route 855 North (9 km). Then Route 124 West (21 km) to Route 705 West. Right onto Route 705 (32 km) to Route 710 North and then left on 710 (14 km). From Cambridge-Narrows, Route 695 North to Route 715 West (31 km). From Jemseg, Route 105 North (49 km) to Fredericton.

Route 121 East (10 km) to Route 855 North (9 km), across the Kingston Peninsula to Route 124 West (3 km). Then Route 695 North to Jemseg (34 km). Route 105 North (49 km) along the river to Fredericton.

Why not add a free ferry to your ride? It’s possible to bypass Cambridge-Narrows and Jemseg, returning to Route 102 by the Evandale cable ferry. Follow Route 124 West to its end at the Evandale Ferry landing

This route skirts east along the southern shore of Grand Lake, the largest inland body of water in the Maritimes. Churches and cemeteries provide a glimpse into the past. Stop by vegetable stands for local produce and treats, and picnic along the way. Spectacular vistas, boating, swimming and beaches add up to a grand day on Grand Lake. Route 105 South to Route 10 East. Access to the Trans-Canada Highway.