| New Brunswick has more covered bridges than any other province in Canada.
Though most of them are still in everyday use they are a valued part of
NB history. The most famous is of course the "Longest Covered Bridge
In The World" located in the town of Hartland in Carleton County, mid-way
up the St John River.
In horse and buggy days the covered bridges were known as "Kissing Bridges"
where young lovers could sneak a kiss in private. I understand the
Hartland Bridge was watched very closely by wary parents.
Kings County has the most covered bridges in NB, 16 of them. You
can pick up guidebooks at most tourist bureaus which map them all out for
you. Again, most are still in daily operation although on "back roads"
so remember to watch out for traffic.
St. Martins in St. John County is home to the twin covered bridges,
Vaughan Creek and Hardscrabble. This little fishing village is fast becoming
a tourist "must see". From the old homes and picturesque fishing
boats to the rocky beaches and flats. There you can walk on the bottom
of the sea and hunt among the rocks and seaweed for little sea creatures
and you can glimpse an idea of what life was like when the car was an oddity.
As you can see, the Pt. Wolfe bridge located in Fundy National Park
is a newer structure. The original was crushed a few years back by
highway crews blasting loose boulders nearby. When it was suggested
it be replaced by a modern concrete bridge the cry was so loud that the
original structure was faithfully duplicated.
by Wayne Pond
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