Plan Your Nackawic Getaway
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Nestled along the Wolastoq (Saint John River), Nackawic offers a gentle pace, fresh air, and space to breathe. The river, forest, and small local places invite you to move slowly, walk, taste, explore, and connect with the landscape as part of your wellness time here.
Welcome to Nackawic, your base for river views, craft sips, trails, and snow/summer adventure. Use these official links to plan your day before or after your session at Rustic Bend.
Iconic Sights & Waterfront
World’s Largest Axe (landmark)
A 15 m (49 ft) stainless‑steel axe on the Nackawic waterfront celebrating the region’s forestry heritage. A perfect photo‑op and picnic stop. - Learn more: https://tourismnewbrunswick.ca/listing/worlds-largest-axe
- Address: 152 Otis Drive, Nackawic, NB
Big Axe Marina (marina & rentals)
A full‑service, 54‑acre waterfront hub with boat launch, docking, wash station, a fueling station, and kayak / water‑bike / paddleboard rentals. - Marina info & features: https://destinationnackawic.ca/tourism/big-axe-marina/
- Rental details: https://www.frederictoncapitalregion.ca/big-axe-marina-rentals
Eat & Drink (local, seasonal hours)
Local spots to pair with your thermal experience, perfect before or after your session.
Big Axe Brewery (taproom & kitchen) (~3–5 min drive from Rustic Bend)
Riverside taproom and kitchen serving award‑winning craft beer and hearty bites in a warm, rustic setting. -
The Waterfront Pub & Eatery (restaurant & bar) (~3 min drive from Rustic Bend)
A cozy, friendly pub offering comfort food, cold drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere. Great for lunch, supper, or gathering with friends. -
Saigon Garden (Vietnamese & Asian Cuisine) (~3–5 min drive from Rustic Bend)
Comforting soups, noodle bowls, stir‑fries, and flavourful Vietnamese dishes. Great for dine‑in or take‑out.
Pizza Twice (Pizza & Takeout) (~3–5 min drive from Rustic Bend)
Local takeout pizza, donairs, and family‑style combos — quick and easy before or after your day plans.
Robin’s (Coffee & Baked Goods) (~3–5 min drive from Rustic Bend)
A convenient stop for coffee, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and grab‑and‑go snacks. -
Yum Yums Dairy Bar (seasonal ice cream) (~3–5 min drive from Rustic Bend)
Trails, Nature & Waterfalls
Connect with the landscape, gentle walks, river lookouts, and quiet forest time.
Nackawic Nature Trail (easy riverside walk) (~5–10 min drive from Rustic Bend)
An easy, well‑maintained riverside trail (approx. 2.7–2.9 km) with viewpoints and boardwalk sections. - Trail guide: https://www.hikingnb.ca/Trails/LowerSJRiver/NackawicTrail.html
- Alt. maps: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/new-brunswick/nackawic-nature-trail–2
Shogomoc Falls & Suspension Bridge (short scenic hike) (~15–20 min drive from Rustic Bend)
A nearby short hike featuring multiple tiered falls and a pedestrian suspension bridge area. - Trail guide: https://www.hikingnb.ca/Trails/LowerSJRiver/ShogomocFalls.html
- Waterfall overview: https://www.waterfallsnewbrunswick.ca/waterfalls-of-new-brunswick-blog-archive-shogomoc-falls/
Mactaquac Provincial Park (beach, trails, golf & marina) (~25–30 min drive from Rustic Bend)
A large four‑season provincial park offering swimming beaches, hiking trails, a marina, campground, golf course, winter recreation, and stunning river views. - Park info: https://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/listing/mactaquac-provincial-park
Big Pokiok Nature Park (regional options) (~20–25 min drive from Rustic Bend)
Regional trail network with rapids and dam viewpoints—nice add‑ons to your day trip. - Overview: https://destinationnackawic.ca/tourism/hiking/
Golf
Nackawic Golf & Country Club (9‑hole course + seasonal restaurant)
A scenic 9‑hole course along Nackawic Stream; tee‑times available online. - Website & tee‑times: https://www.nackawicgolf.nb.ca/
- Tourism listing: https://tourismnewbrunswick.ca/listing/nackawic-golf-country-club
Four‑Season Adventure
Crabbe Mountain (alpine ski & ride)
Atlantic Canada terrain with the largest vertical in the Maritimes, a classic lodge, lessons, and events. Nearby stays: Crabbe Mountain Inn. - Official site: https://www.crabbemountain.com/
- Accommodations: https://www.crabbemountain.com/Accommodations—packages
- Crabbe Mountain Inn: https://www.crabbemountaininn.com/
ATVing (QuadNB)
Plan rides, permits, and routes across provincial trail systems. - Trail map & permits: https://quadnb.ca/discover/ / https://quadnb.ca/buy-permit/
Snowmobiling (NBFSC & local clubs)
Groomed trail network with live interactive maps and local warming huts. - Trip planning/map: https://nbfsc.evtrails.com/ / https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mapgears.nbfsc
- Destination overview: https://destinationnackawic.ca/snowmobiling
Stay Nearby
Nackawic Motel (~3–5 min drive from Rustic Bend)
A simple, locally‑run motel with clean rooms and convenient access to town amenities. - Info: https://destinationnackawic.ca/tourism/nackawic-motel/
Airbnb Stays in the Area
A range of cabins, riverfront homes, and guest suites are available nearby. - Browse: https://www.airbnb.ca/s/Nackawic–New-Brunswick
Location & Regional Access
Rustic Bend Retreat is centrally located between Fredericton and Woodstock, making it easy to plan a day trip before or after your 3‑hour thermal session.
· Address: 17 Rossville Rd, Nackawic, NB
· Best Route (use this map pin): Get Directions
· Note: Some GPS apps may route incorrectly. Use the link above or search the exact address above.
· Approximate Drive Times / Distances:
o To Woodstock: ~34–35 minutes • ~50 km
o To Fredericton: ~41–43 minutes • ~62–66 km
o To Crabbe Mountain: ~20 minutes • ~18–22 km
This places you right in the heart of the Saint John River Valley, close to trails, river access, and seasonal outdoor activities.
Regional Orientation
Destination Nackawic (official regional portal)
Regional hub for things to do, eat, and events around Nackawic and along the Wolastoq (Saint John River). - Website: https://www.destinationnackawic.ca/