Dr. Lili Nasseri - Freelance Travel and Health Writer

Visit to Grand Falls is Just What the Doctor Ordered Maritime Traveller Times & Transcript, Moncton N.B. Published: Saturday Oct 7, 2006 Page: G2 Situated in mid-western New Brunswick, the Grand Falls Region is within easy reach to Maritimers and the New England states via the river valley scenic drive. Nestled on both sides of the Gorge, Grand Falls is a striking town. It is famous for the majestic and natural beauty of its falls. Dropping from a height of 23 meters, they are the largest waterfall east of Niagara. The native name given to Grand Falls was Chicanekapeag which means 'giant destroyer'. Today, it is the only town in Canada with a name in both official languages: Grand Falls / Grand-Sault. Moreover, Grand Falls is the first official bilingual town in New Brunswick. Interestingly enough, the town developed as a result of the contribution and collaboration of Acadian pioneers, French Canadians, Irish, Scottish and English Loyalists, dating back to the 19th century. Begin your journey with a stop at Auberge Pres du Lac, an icon of New Brunswick history and feast on a hearty homemade breakfast that won't be hard on your wallet, but will definitely satisfy your taste buds. Auberge Pres du Lac Address: Exit 75, left on Route 144 A plate of two eggs sunny side up, made to perfection, two large juicy sausages and melt in your mouth 'pain maison' are the perfect way to start any day. At Auberge Pres du Lac you will find the world's shortest covered bridge. Go for a stroll, stretch your legs and take a picture on the small island at the center of the lake. The Auberge was started up by the LaForge family and has welcomed guests since 1966- all the while adhering to its motto: "A satisfied guest is our greatest reward". It has won several awards, from the winner of the world tourism award in 1983 to NB business of the Year Award in 1988. Even more impressive, one of the co-owners and founders, Hectorine Hilda LaForge was appointed member of the order of Canada in 1998 by the governor general of Canada and in 2000, honoree of the international who's who of professional and business women. After this little break, and with a full stomach, head towards Broadway street - Grand Falls downtown and one of the largest streets in Canada. Quaint and charming there may be something here for everyone from music gear to acupuncture! Before heading off to the gorge, visit the Malabeam information center for a little history and a little bit of legend. Be sure to ask at the front desk for James Hannay's poem which describes how a Maliseet maiden saved her people from being killed by luring an attacking group of Iroquois over the Grand Falls. Malabeam Information Center Address: 25 Madawaska Rd Open May to October From the Malabeam information centre, drive to La Rochelle, the gateway to the descent into the gorge. La Rochelle 1 Chapel Street End of June to Beginning of September Tel. 1-877-475-7769 The gorge is one and a half km long and rises higher than 70 meters and there are two paths down into the gorge. The left path involves 250 steps with several outlook points and the right path takes you to the boat or pontoon. The highlight of any visit to Grand Falls is embarking on this blue pontoon with Captain Noel. The air is cool and crisp at the bottom of the gorge. The gorge walls were built over 10,000 years as the glaciers melted away. First you will pass a large rock in the centre of the gorge known as the camel's back. If you go to Grand Falls in the spring, the water level is raised enough to cover this entire rock and you will not be able to see it! You will also not be able to go on the pontoon ride. However, with the springtime high water, the Falls swell up offering a fantastic spectacle. Tons of water rush into the basin with incredible force and a thundering sound. Other interesting rock formations include the "Chief Indian head" and the "Gorilla's Face". Most fascinating are the "Wells in the Rocks" formed over thousands of years from the action of churning water and gravel. As you head back to shore, take one last glimpse behind you, take in the depth of the water, see if you can spot one the many different types of salmon and look up and allow yourself to be awestruck by the nature that surrounds you. Nowhere else in New Brunswick will you find such majestic beauty. To cap off a perfect day in Grand Falls – have some ice cream! Authors pick of the day, peanut butter cookie down and cotton candy. Bon voyage and till next time when we visit sunny Sussex, Dr. Lili Nasseri Distances to Grand Falls Moncton-384 km Montreal-592 km Fredericton-220 km PEI-464 km Bangor-323 km Quebec City-365 km

Visit to Grand Falls is Just What the Doctor Ordered

Maritime Traveller
Times & Transcript, Moncton N.B.
Published: Saturday Oct 7, 2006
Page: G2

Situated in mid-western New Brunswick, the Grand Falls Region is within easy reach to Maritimers and the New England states via the river valley scenic drive. Nestled on both sides of the Gorge, Grand Falls is a striking town. It is famous for the majestic and natural beauty of its falls. Dropping from a height of 23 meters, they are the largest waterfall east of Niagara.

The native name given to Grand Falls was Chicanekapeag which means 'giant destroyer'. Today, it is the only town in Canada with a name in both official languages: Grand Falls / Grand-Sault. Moreover, Grand Falls is the first official bilingual town in New Brunswick. Interestingly enough, the town developed as a result of the contribution and collaboration of Acadian pioneers, French Canadians, Irish, Scottish and English Loyalists, dating back to the 19th century.

Begin your journey with a stop at Auberge Pres du Lac, an icon of New Brunswick history and feast on a hearty homemade breakfast that won't be hard on your wallet, but will definitely satisfy your taste buds.

Auberge Pres du Lac Address: Exit 75, left on Route 144

A plate of two eggs sunny side up, made to perfection, two large juicy sausages and melt in your mouth 'pain maison' are the perfect way to start any day.

At Auberge Pres du Lac you will find the world's shortest covered bridge. Go for a stroll, stretch your legs and take a picture on the small island at the center of the lake.

The Auberge was started up by the LaForge family and has welcomed guests since 1966- all the while adhering to its motto: "A satisfied guest is our greatest reward". It has won several awards, from the winner of the world tourism award in 1983 to NB business of the Year Award in 1988. Even more impressive, one of the co-owners and founders, Hectorine Hilda LaForge was appointed member of the order of Canada in 1998 by the governor general of Canada and in 2000, honoree of the international who's who of professional and business women.

After this little break, and with a full stomach, head towards Broadway street - Grand Falls downtown and one of the largest streets in Canada. Quaint and charming there may be something here for everyone from music gear to acupuncture!

Before heading off to the gorge, visit the Malabeam information center for a little history and a little bit of legend. Be sure to ask at the front desk for James Hannay's poem which describes how a Maliseet maiden saved her people from being killed by luring an attacking group of Iroquois over the Grand Falls.

Malabeam Information Center Address: 25 Madawaska Rd Open May to October

From the Malabeam information centre, drive to La Rochelle, the gateway to the descent into the gorge.

La Rochelle
1 Chapel Street
End of June to Beginning of September
Tel. 1-877-475-7769

The gorge is one and a half km long and rises higher than 70 meters and there are two paths down into the gorge. The left path involves 250 steps with several outlook points and the right path takes you to the boat or pontoon. The highlight of any visit to Grand Falls is embarking on this blue pontoon with Captain Noel.

The air is cool and crisp at the bottom of the gorge. The gorge walls were built over 10,000 years as the glaciers melted away. First you will pass a large rock in the centre of the gorge known as the camel's back. If you go to Grand Falls in the spring, the water level is raised enough to cover this entire rock and you will not be able to see it! You will also not be able to go on the pontoon ride. However, with the springtime high water, the Falls swell up offering a fantastic spectacle. Tons of water rush into the basin with incredible force and a thundering sound.

Other interesting rock formations include the "Chief Indian head" and the "Gorilla's Face". Most fascinating are the "Wells in the Rocks" formed over thousands of years from the action of churning water and gravel.

As you head back to shore, take one last glimpse behind you, take in the depth of the water, see if you can spot one the many different types of salmon and look up and allow yourself to be awestruck by the nature that surrounds you. Nowhere else in New Brunswick will you find such majestic beauty.

To cap off a perfect day in Grand Falls – have some ice cream! Authors pick of the day, peanut butter cookie down and cotton candy.

Bon voyage and till next time when we visit sunny Sussex,
Dr. Lili Nasseri

Distances to Grand Falls
Moncton-384 km
Montreal-592 km
Fredericton-220 km
PEI-464 km
Bangor-323 km
Quebec City-365 km