Hartland

Hartland is a small town of about 950 people (2016) in New Brunswick that is famous for having the longest covered bridge in the world.

Understand

History

The first European settler in the area of what would become Hartland was William Orser (b.1762) and his son William Jr. William traveled there from New York with his wife and six children.

The town was named Hartland in 1874, to honour James R. Hartley, a surveyor and member of the province's legislature.

The town is best known for being the site of the Hartland Bridge, the longest covered bridge in the world. It opened on July 4, 1901. The bridge was covered as part of major repairs in 1921, and the pedestrian walkway added in 1945.

• Hartland Visitor Information Centre, 365 Main St, ☏ +1 506 375-4075. Mid-May to early Oct. Gift shops, clean toilets, free parking, close to the covered bridge. (updated May 2019)

Get in

Route 2 (Trans-Canada Highway) bypasses the town to the west. However there is an exit off the TCH that brings you onto Route 130 that will take you to Hartland. There is also Route 105, or Route 103 on the north and south side of the St John River respectively.

See

• 1 Hartland Covered Bridge. The longest covered bridge in the world at 391 m (1282 feet). The single-lane bridge was completed in 1901 for the princely sum of $75,000. You can still drive across, or walk across on the sidewalk that was added in 1945. The bridge is now a National Historic Site. (updated May 2019)

Legends When the bridge was mostly used by horse and wagon, couples would stop half-way across to share a kiss. The first wedding on the bridge was celebrated in September 1992 between Charmaine Laffoley and Dana Hunt from Toronto. It is thought by some locals to be good luck to hold one's breath the entire way across while driving.

Dr. Walter Chestnut Public Library

• 2 Dr. Walter Chestnut Public Library, 395 Main St, ☏ +1 506 375-4876, hartlandl@gnb.ca. Tu W F Sa 10AM-12:30PM, 1:30PM-5PM; Th 1-5PM, 6PM-8PM. Built in 1912 as a post office, it still has its historical features; dome shaped windows and a beautiful staircase. From the upper level, you can view both bridges. (updated Jun 2022)

Do

• Walk across the bridge: There is a pedestrian walking area that is separated from the cars. Park the car one side and walk to the other side and back again.
• 1 Covered Bridge Potato Chips Factory Tour, 35 Alwright Crt, Waterville, ☏ +1 506 375-2447. Mid-May to early Sep: M-F 8AM-8PM; early Sep to Mid-May: M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM (the production facility typically does not operate on Fridays during the winter months). Self-guided tour, gift shop. Adults $5, youth (age 6-14) $3, children age 5 and under free; plus taxes. (updated Jun 2022)
• 2 Covered Bridge Golf and Country Club, 190 Golf Club Road, toll-free: +1-888-346-5777. An 18-hole course overlooking the Saint John River. Green fees: 18 holes $50, 9 holes $30. (updated Jun 2022)

• Becaquimac Nature Trail. (updated May 2019)

Buy

• 1 River Valley Craft & Gift Shop, 10 Hartland Bridge Hill Rd, Somerville, ☏ +1 506 375-4849. Blown glass, clothing, giftware, and other souvenirs. (updated Jun 2022)

Eat

• 1 Tina's Kitchen, 538 Main St, ☏ +1 506 375-8574. Tu-F 11AM-8PM, Sa Su noon-8PM. Vietnamese restaurant. (updated Jun 2022)
• Covered Bridge Restaurant & Bar, 190 Golf Club Rd (at the Golf & Country Club), ☏ +1 506 375-1112. M (Jun-Aug) 11AM-7PM, Tu W 11AM-9PM, Th F 11AM-10PM, Sa Su 9AM-8PM. Pub food, burgers, wraps, etc. Mains $12-19. (updated May 2019)

Sleep

• 1 Ja-Sa-Le Hotel, 8293 New Brunswick Route 104, Bubartown (Intersection of route 2 and route 104), toll-free: +1-800-565-6433. Kitchenettes, air conditioning and a seasonal outdoor pool. Single $89, double $99, pet or extra person +$10, plus tax. (updated Jun 2022)

Go next

Visit Fredericton 200 km east, or cross over to scenic Maine, the border is minutes away at Woodstock.

Routes through Hartland

Edmundston ← Florenceville-Bristol ←

W  E

→ Woodstock → Fredericton