Overview
Introduction
These impressive falls 140 miles/225 km northwest of Fredericton are a very popular destination and can be reached by taking the River Valley Scenic Drive west and north from Fredericton. (The falls are the most scenic part of the river drive, in our opinion.)
The Grand Falls gush through a 1-mi-/1.6-km-long gorge, plunging some 70 ft/20 m. Even in midsummer, when water levels are low, the scenic lookouts provide dramatic views of the gorge. Be sure to visit the Malabeam Interpretative Centre at the falls, then take time to walk Broadway, the main street of Grand Falls. It's lined with lively businesses and divided by a manicured park.
Plan to visit the Farmer's Market and the Grand Falls Historic Museum in the Community Cultural Centre. If you're in the area in late June or early July, don't miss the Potato Festival, which takes place at the same time as the Canada Day Weekend festivities at the beginning of July.
Overview
Introduction
These twin towns 165 mi/265 km northwest of St. John's grew large (in Newfoundland and Labrador terms) because of the paper mill built in 1905. The amalgamated town is located in the Exploits Valley, which offers outdoor adventures such as hunting, fishing and boating.
Fish, in particular, have much to do with one favorite area attraction. The Salmonid Interpretation Centre on the Exploits River is worth a visit for its displays on Atlantic salmon.
The Exploits Valley Salmon Festival is held for five days annually, during the third week in July, and is the largest outdoor celebration in Newfoundland and Labrador. Expect fine music, tasty salmon and a lot of dancing. You should also take time to see the Mary March Regional Museum, which focuses on the different peoples who have lived in Newfoundland and Labrador, including the Beothuk. Behind the museum is a replica of a Beothuk village.