About

Destination Nackawic offers the best of both worlds. You’ll enjoy the comfort of small-town living with easy access to larger urban centres. Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, is just a 30-minute drive east. Woodstock lies 25 minutes to the west and brings you close to the U.S. border.

The Saint John River Valley leading into the region is one of the most scenic stretches in the province. The Saint John River, also known as the Wolastoq, winds northeast from Maine through Destination Nackawic, with colourful forests lining its banks.

Nature and outdoor living are part of daily life here. Route 105 and Route 102 both follow the river and run parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway. For a more relaxing drive, try the Loop Scenic Drive and take in panoramic views and peaceful countryside.

Nearly three million vehicles pass by Nackawic on the highway every year. If you’re one of them, ask yourself this: why watch transport trucks when you could be driving along a sparkling river bend? Choose the road less travelled and enjoy historic bridges, charming towns, and natural beauty along the way.

Did you know that Over 80% of New Brunswick is covered in trees? That’s more than six million hectares, or roughly 15 million acres of forest across the province.

New Brunswick’s forestry roots run deep. As early as the 1800s, the province supplied lumber for shipbuilding and repairs. Today, forestry remains the largest industry in New Brunswick, and the Destination Nackawic region is home to some of the most extensive and diverse hardwood forests in the province.

The local mill has long been the town’s largest employer and continues to be one of the largest in the province. In recognition of its deep connection to the forest industry, Nackawic was named the Forestry Capital of Canada in 1991.

Axes have long played a role in New Brunswick’s forestry heritage, used for generations to split wood and harvest timber. In honor of being named the Forestry Capital of Canada, the Town of Nackawic created the World’s Largest Axe as a tribute to that legacy.

This towering structure stands 15 meters tall and attracts visitors from near and far. More than just a roadside curiosity, it represents the lasting importance of the forest industry to this region and to the province as a whole.

You’ll find the axe at the heart of Nackawic, right on the scenic Saint John River headpond. With new developments and waterfront concessions, the area is fast becoming a top spot for tourism and community gatherings.

Destination Nackawic is shaped by both its natural beauty and its history. The name “Nackawic” comes from the Maliseet language and refers to the visual effect created at the meeting point of the Saint John River and Nackawic Stream. It means “straight” or “not in the direction it seems.”

The town of Nackawic, formerly called Otis, was incorporated in 1976. It was established to resettle families displaced by the flooding caused by the Mactaquac Dam, which at the time was the largest infrastructure project in Atlantic Canada.

The region’s story begins even earlier, with Loyalists arriving in 1784. Visitors today can explore this history at Kings Landing Historic Settlement, located just 20 minutes from Nackawic. This living-history museum showcases 19th-century life in the Saint John River Valley and preserves the legacy of the area’s early settlers.

The beauty of Destination Nackawic is entirely natural—and absolutely unforgettable. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll feel right at home. From public beaches, boating, and camping in the summer to snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter, the region is perfect for year-round outdoor activities.

It’s also more than just a destination. Destination Nackawic is a great place to live, raise a family, start a business, or make an investment in a growing and connected community.