The Hartland Covered Bridge makes a striking landmark in Carleton County: it is the world’s longest covered bridge and was built in 1901. Building history can also be explored in Florenceville. There, the Florenceville Covered Bridge was built in 1910 and is 45.3 metres long. The Florenceville Covered Bridge was built nine years after the Hartland Covered Bridge and is 45.3 metres long.
Covered Bridges and Building History
Another structure is the Florenceville Bridge. It combines a steel truss span with a wooden covered bridge and crosses the Saint John River. This brings different construction methods together: the standalone Florenceville Covered Bridge and a different bridge whose design combines steel and wood.
Local History in Buildings and Collections
The Carleton County Military Museum displays artefacts, uniforms, helmets, insignia, handcrafted military models, and flags from the pre-First World War era to the present day. It also explores the development of the Carleton Light Infantry, the Carleton York Regiment, and other regiments in New Brunswick. The collection thus focuses on both pieces of equipment and military history.
Built in 1833, the Old Carleton County Court House offers tours and exhibits. In Upper Woodstock, visitors can also take a seat in the prisoners’ dock. St. David’s Presbyterian Church is considered one of two surviving early Presbyterian churches in Carleton County. The Honourable Charles Connell House also tells a story of the region’s architecture: it was built for the Honourable Charles Connell in 1839 and is a National Historic Site.
In Woodstock, the self-guided Victorian Heritage Walking Tour takes visitors to 40 sites. The format draws attention to individual buildings and offers a different way to explore local history than a guided tour. You can decide for yourself which stops interest you most.
Potato Culture and Local Experiences
Potato World combines insights into the history of potatoes and agriculture with an activity featuring the famous potato cannon and French fries. The New Brunswick Potato World Museum also offers interactive, hands-on exhibits and guided experience tours. The Hall of Recognition at Potato World honours the outstanding achievements and contributions of people from New Brunswick to the potato industry. As activities may change, check the current programme before your visit.
A seasonal event is also part of the local calendar: the Florenceville-Bristol Outdoor Summer Market takes place on Thursdays in July and August. As dates may change, it’s a good idea to check them before visiting. In downtown Woodstock, Cross Creek Brewing has a public taproom, entertainment, and a licensed patio.
River and Trails
Significant sections of the Meduxnekeag River are suitable for canoeing and kayaking when water levels are moderate or high. Near the destination, the Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preserve has nine hiking trails across 1,150 acres of protected land.
In Woodstock, a section of the Wolastoq Valley Trail runs along the river and passes the Woodstock Farm & Craft Market. This gives visitors two distinct ways to experience the area: the riverfront and a local market. Along with its covered bridges, historic buildings, and museums, Carleton County offers discoveries ranging from architecture and collections to rivers and trails.
Discover more destinations: Florenceville-Bristol, Wakefield, Jacksonville, Centreville, Hartland, Wilmot, St John County, Westmorland County.
Return to the main travel guide: New Brunswick.
