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The first known inhabitants of the River Valley were the Maliseet Indians. Although named the St. John River by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1604, the Maliseet many years before used the name ‘Woolastook’ for the River. The word meant “Good” River. A better name could not be chosen. The magnificent St. John is indeed a “Good” River.
An excellent anchorage for boaters lies close by called Whelpley Cove is a good place to stop, after passing the picturesque Isle of Pines. After passing the Isle of Pine, Oak Point with its stately lighthouse and fine beach is seen here on the portside. The River at this point takes on a different character—gone are the shorelines of rocky boldness and fine beaches, replaced by pastural low lying islands and lush grassy intervals. Much farm livestock can be seen on this part of the River.
Passing Grassy Island, the outline of Gorham’s Bluff appears to the starboard. Passing this bluff, the mouth of beautiful Belleisle Bay is evident beyond the two low lying islands. The River now turns northwestward to the area of Evandale, where the second cable ferry crosses the River.
Once past Evandale Ferry, Spoon Island splits the River into two navigable parts, as do many islands on upriver. Passing Spoon Island, the cable ferry at Hamstead makes its longest crossing of the River, again causing no problem with boaters.
The River is again divided into two waterways by the presence of Long Island, joining together approximately five miles further upriver. Off to the northeast, Colwell’s Creek is found with its opening to Washademoak Lake. This lake is excellent for boating, with picturesque scenery rivaling that of Belleisle Bay.
The River now takes boaters northwestward to the area of Gagetown, the main boating centre for supplies on this section of the River. It has a marina with guest moorings available. A short distance from Gagetown, the Jemseg River enters the St. John River.
This river leads to Grand Lake, the largest lake in New Brunswick. The Lake is bounded by many fine sandy beaches and few places can match its beauty and value to boaters.
A short distance from Gagetown, along what is known as Gagetown Creek, is found a narrow deep inlet to starboard, known as Mount Creek. Boaters can stop here and tie to a tree for a quiet stay. It’s a good place to stop on think back on what you have seen and felt on your voyage up the St. John River to this point. The voyage from here to Fredericton can be described at a later time.
Along the River,there are many nesting osprey, eagles, loons and waterfowls of all kinds, which speak to the cleanliness of the River.
Also the return of the wild Atlantic salmon in small numbers is an important sign.
Having spent many of my childhood summers on the shore of the River and travelling its waterways well over 60 years, my fascination with the River only increases as time goes by. This ever changing beautiful river is certainly a “Good River.”
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