Things to Do in Nackawic in May | A Local's Guide
May is when Nackawic shakes off winter for good. The hills around the headpond go from brown to that bright, almost electric green that only lasts a few weeks, the docks go back in the water, fiddleheads show up at the roadside stands, and the Victoria Day long weekend opens the summer season whether the weather cooperates or not. It's a month of firsts: first paddle, first round of golf, first ice cream, first evening on a patio. Here's how we'd spend it.
The Bass Open
If there's one thing that defines May on the headpond, it's fishing. The Destination Nackawic Bass Open is the biggest event of the spring here, drawing serious anglers and their boats from across the Maritimes and beyond for a weekend of competitive smallmouth bass fishing on the Mactaquac Headpond. Even if you've never held a rod, it's worth coming for. The waterfront is busy from dawn, the boats come roaring back for the weigh-in, and the whole town has a buzz to it. Check the Destination Nackawic events page for this year's dates and spectator details, and book accommodation early because the tournament fills things up.
If you'd rather fish than watch, May is prime time for smallmouth as the water warms. You'll need a New Brunswick angling licence, and the provincial regulations cover the season and limits. Shore fishing around the public areas of the waterfront is a good place to start if you don't have a boat.
The Marina Reopens
Big Axe Marina comes back to life in May as the docks go in and the season gets underway. The boat launch, docking and fuel are the first things running; kayak and water-bike rentals follow as the weather settles. Early in the month, call ahead to confirm what's open, because the marina ramps up over a few weeks rather than all at once. The water is still cold in May, so a paddle is the move rather than a swim, and the mornings are calm before the afternoon breeze picks up across the open headpond. For a full rundown of what the marina offers, see our first-time visitor's guide to Big Axe Marina.
The Big Axe in Spring Green
The World's Largest Axe looks its freshest in May. The grass in the park comes back, the maples along the waterfront leaf out, and the hills across the headpond turn that early-season green that photographers love. It's still quiet, so you can take your time with the photo. The axe is a tribute to the forestry industry that built the town, and it's a short walk from the marina, so the two fit together easily. The waterfront building and washrooms reopen for the season around this time.
Victoria Day Weekend
The May long weekend is the unofficial start of summer in New Brunswick, and Nackawic is no exception. Campgrounds in the area open, cottages around the headpond get their shutters off, and the first boats of the year are on the water. The weather is a coin toss, locals will tell you, anything from shorts to a frost warning, but the mood is good regardless. Book camping and cottages early, because the long weekend fills fast.
Golf Season Opens
The Nackawic Golf & Country Club on Trenholme Street opens for the season in spring, and by mid-May the course is usually in good shape. May is a nice time to play: the course is quiet, the greens are fresh and the long evenings mean an after-work nine is back on the table. Call ahead early in the month to confirm the course is open and the carts are out.
Trails, Waterfalls and Fiddleheads
May is prime waterfall season. The spring melt has the falls at Shogomoc and Coac running at their fullest, and the walking-bridge trail to Shogomoc Falls near Canterbury is the hike to do this month. Big Pokiok Nature Park has trails for every level if you want something closer to town. Expect mud on the lower sections early in the month, and watch for the black flies arriving by mid-May; bring repellent.
May is also fiddlehead season, and this part of the Saint John River valley is fiddlehead country. Look for them at roadside stands and in the local shops, and if you've never had them, steamed with butter and a squeeze of lemon is the way in.
The Loop Coming to Life
The Loop Scenic Drive, 75 minutes along both shores of the Saint John River with more than a dozen lookouts, changes week to week in May. Early in the month the hills are still mostly bare with a haze of green; by the end, everything has leafed out and the apple trees along the back roads are blossoming. The river runs high and fast with the melt, which makes the lookouts over the water especially good. It's a loop, so pick a direction and go.
First Ice Cream, First Patio
May is when the summer food spots open their windows. Lil Oddies Snack Shack on Route 102 in Dumfries opens for the season in May, and that first order of the year is a local ritual. Yum Yums Dairy Bar on Otis Drive is back for ice cream. Dumfries Maples is nearby if you want to take syrup home. For a proper meal, the Waterfront Pub on Route 105 has the view of the headpond and the patio comes out as soon as the weather allows, and Big Axe Brewery on Otis Drive is the place for a pint on the first warm evening of the year. Robin's Donuts handles the morning coffee.
Kings Landing
Kings Landing, the living-history village down the river, generally opens for its summer season in June, so May is a little early. Check their website for this year's opening date and any spring events; if your visit falls at the very end of the month, you may get lucky.
What's Happening in May
The Bass Open is the headline, with Victoria Day weekend close behind. May also brings Mother's Day, spring markets and plant sales, and the first community suppers and fundraisers of the season. Check the Destination Nackawic events page for this year's dates before you plan your weekend.
A May Day Trip
Coffee at Robin's on the way in. Visit the Big Axe and walk the waterfront while the morning is calm, and if the marina is renting, get out for a paddle. Lunch at the Waterfront Pub. Spend the afternoon on the trail to Shogomoc Falls while the water is high, or drive the Loop and watch the valley greening up. Finish with the first ice cream of the year at Yum Yums or a pint at the brewery.
Making a Weekend of It
If you can line it up with the Bass Open, do: a morning watching the boats go out, a day on the trails or the Loop, and the weigh-in in the afternoon. Otherwise the May long weekend is the natural choice, with camping at one of the area campgrounds or a cottage on the headpond; the Places to Stay page on this site will get you started. Either way, book early. May weekends are quieter than July, but the two big ones are not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit Nackawic?
Yes, especially if you fish, hike or just like watching a place wake up for summer. The Bass Open and the May long weekend are the highlights. Expect changeable weather and cold water.
When is the Destination Nackawic Bass Open?
It's held in May on the Mactaquac Headpond. Check the Destination Nackawic events page for this year's dates and spectator information.
Is Big Axe Marina open in May?
Yes, the season gets underway in May, starting with the launch, docking and fuel. Call ahead to confirm rental availability early in the month.
Can you swim in May?
Not comfortably. The headpond is still cold from the melt. Save swimming for late June onward and stick to paddling in May.
What should I bring for a May visit?
Layers for weather that can swing from frost to shorts in a day, waterproof boots for muddy trails, bug spray for the back half of the month, and a rain jacket. Bring a cooler for the fiddleheads.
Why May Is Worth the Trip
May is the month Nackawic turns back toward the water. The boats come back, the town fills up for the Bass Open, the valley goes green almost overnight and the first warm evening at the brewery feels like a reward for the winter. It's not the polished peak of July, and that's part of the appeal. Come in May and you'll see the season starting, which around here is a good thing to be part of.
