Beautiful river valley
Explore the natural beauty of the St. John River Valley and take in the breathtaking views from the water.
Boating
Thanks to fresh air, vitamin D and scenic vistas, boating promotes happiness and relaxation.
The natural rocking motion of the water soothes and comforts us. Tourists can create wonderful memories with friends and family by boat—or enjoy some peace and quiet floating along the water alone, reflecting on what matters most.
Destination Nackawic offers some of the most exceptional boating, paddling, sport-fishing and other waterfront experiences in all of Atlantic Canada! While you’re in the region, be sure to visit the beautiful Big Axe Marina, complete with docking space for boaters, a fueling station, kayak rentals, water bikes, concessions, and more.
Multiple marinas + launches
Choose from two well-equipped marinas or a variety of local boat launches. There is an active boating community in the Destination Nackawic Region.
100km of navigable waters
Spend time exploring the length of the headpond along the beautiful St. John River.
Great for sailing
Come explore the St. John River and discover why so many locals sail the headpond. You will find the best inland boating conditions in the region.
Eastern Canada’s Longest River
The magnificent Saint John River (or Wolastoq River, its original Indigenous name) runs through Destination Nackawic. Eastern Canada’s longest river, the Saint John River enters New Brunswick from northern Maine and flows 673 kilometres (418 mi) northeast through our bountiful forests. The river eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean through the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world.
The expansive body of water above the Mactaquac dam is perfect for fun-filled water activities, including:
- World-class fishing
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Motorized boating (speedboats, powerboats, jet skis)
- Sailing
- Houseboating
Mactaquac Marina’s
Whether you are peacefully gliding along these waters by sailboat or cruising through wakes on your speed boat, there is no shortage of boating, or docking in the region. The Mactaquac Provincial Park has not one, but two marinas for your boat to call home.
The York Centennial Sailboat Marina is a mooring facility nestled in Walinaik Cove. Not to worry, your sailboat will be protected from excessive wind and waves here.
The Mactaquac Marina is located at the perimeter of the the provincial park. It uses a breakwater structure to protect dock anchorage within. Make friends with neighbouring boaters on the dock and enjoy a day floating on the Headpond together.
Feeling sea-sick? Tie-up at either of these marina’s and take full of advantage of the activities and accommodations within the provincial park. Equipped with a 300-site campground, its own championship golf course and restaurant, TreeGo, several hiking trails and a public beach with volleyball nets and canteen, you won’t know what to do first!
The Beautiful Nackawic Waterfront
The Town of Nackawic’s waterfront is the cornerstone of the region and a hot spot for those exploring the area by boat.
Destination Nackawic is in the process of developing a 54-acre recreational and tourism area on the waterfront, which is specifically-designed for boaters. It will include:
- Marina and fueling station
- Boat launch and docks—even a special spot for docking houseboats!
- The World’s Biggest Axe
- Waterfront walking trail
- Sports fields
- Civic arena
- And more!
The Nackawic waterfront is the perfect place to visit while you’re out on a Saint John River adventure. Take in the beautiful scenery and visit the Nackawic shopping mall (which includes a grocery store and a liquor store) before you hit the open water again!
You can boat peacefully without worry of currents or tides in Destination Nackawic. Your worries will slide away like water off a duck’s back. Come experience it for yourself!
Explore the beauty…on the open water!