Experiences Catalogue

Indigenous influence in the Saint John area is largely overlooked.  Prior to the establishment of Canada’s oldest incorporated city, a flourishing culture already existed.

Discover the local history of the Wolastoqi and Mi’kmaq peoples from a unique Indigenous point of view while meandering along the harbor and the Beautiful River – Wolastoq. Walk along a historical portage route and over archaeological sites and become acquainted with the timeless wisdom of our ancestors. Learn how stewardship of the earth should look in a modern world while respecting and celebrating the traditions of the past. 

Prior to the landing of European settlers in what is now called New Brunswick, thriving cultures existed for thousands of years which lived in harmony with the land and the life that resided on it. Survival on this land depended on ingenuity and knowledge wrought from a sometimes harsh and unforgiving environment.

Passed down through the generations were the spoken teachings that served as lessons to the younger generations to ensure their survival into the future. Despite today’s world of modern conveniences and industrialization, respect and protection of the land is a way of life still followed today in every aboriginal community across Canada.

Prior to the establishment of Canada’s oldest incorporated city, Saint John, a flourishing Nation existed in the area already. Learn about how they lived along the “beautiful and bountiful river” in balance with nature and how it was integral to their movement around the region and province.

We’ll meet at the beach pre-sunset, taking some time to get you fitted with your gear before your guide goes over safety procedures and basic paddling instruction.

We launch into the lovely South Bay region of the Wolastoq (Saint John River) and follow the shoreline toward Grand Bay under the setting sun. We’ll be stopping along the way at a beach for a small bonfire to enjoy traditional Bannock as well as a smoked sturgeon platter.

For thousands of years, Indigenous people have traversed the natural landscape using snowshoes. Through this method of transportation, we can see the forest from a different perspective; walking previously unseen paths.

Both the Blueberry Hill Nature Preserve and Dutch Point Park are situated along waterways which are integral to Indigenous culture and traditional lifestyle, with the Wolastoq river in Grand-Bay Westfield, and Ossekeag Creek in Hampton. Come tread these paths, and join in the conversation about the Indigenous land on which we all stand.