florenceville bristol tourism facebook

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Florenceville-Bristol (Carleton North)

Who can say their ‘main street’ is essentially a river? Florenceville-Bristol can, a gem within the St. John River cultural experience. The French Fry Capital of the World is built upon emerging culinary experiences, agricultural heritage and the presence of McCain Foods’ world headquarters. McCain is also the namesake of one of the province’s most important art galleries, central to the town’s arts scene. Nature is the other half of the equation, as the River Valley Scenic Drive, the Trans-Canada Trail, and ‘half-secret’ rural roadways unveil vistas of river and agricultural landscapes.

Listing Information

Florenceville-Bristol

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Climate
• 2.3 By plane
• 3 Get around

Florenceville-Bristol is a town of 1,600 people (2016) in the Saint John River Valley . Visitors come to see the town's covered bridge, and a 2/3-scale replica of Noah's Ark.

Understand [ edit ]

Florenceville-Bristol lies within the Appalachian Mountain Range. The town sits in the Saint John River Valley. On each side of the town lie rolling mountains peaking at 300–400 metres.

Florenceville-Bristol was created by merging the towns of Florenceville and Bristol in 2008. Florenceville-Bristol is home to the corporate headquarters for McCain Foods.

The former village of Bristol is located on the Saint John River, approximately 5 km north of Florenceville.

History [ edit ]

The settlement of Buttermilk Creek was renamed Florenceville in 1855 to honour Florence Nightingale, the famous Crimean War nurse.

Bristol was the site of a battle between Mi'kmaq and Maliseet peoples. The Maliseet called the area Shiktehawk" , for "where he killed him". The name was changed when the New Brunswick Railway was constructed and railway officials were unable to pronounce the name correctly. Bristol sits where the Big Shiktehawk and Little Shiktehawk Streams empty into the Saint John River. This was an important stopping point for First Nations (Indigenous) peoples as it was the start of the cross-province route. They would canoe up the Big Shiktehawk Stream to Divide where they would portage a short distance to the Miramichi River and make their way to the eastern coast of New Brunswick.

Climate [ edit ]

The town gets a fair amount of precipitation, although major paralyzing snow and rain storms such as blizzards and hurricanes are uncommon but do happen on occasion. Snowfall is common between late November and early April, and snow usually stays on the ground beginning in December. Flooding occurs during the spring of most years and affects the low-lying areas of Florenceville-Bristol.

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

Florenceville-Bristol can be reached from Route 2 ( Trans-Canada Highway ) by turning east on Route 110.

It is 140 km south of Edmundston and 140 km north of Fredericton .

By bus [ edit ]

• From Saint John with a transfer in Fredericton
• From Bathurst , Campbellton , Halifax , Miramichi with a transfer in Moncton
• From Charlottetown ) with transfers in Amherst and Moncton
• From Antigonish , North Sydney , Sydney with transfers in Truro and Moncton

By plane [ edit ]

• Florenceville Airport ( TC LID: CCR3 ). Florenceville Airport is a private airfield located 0.7 nautical miles (1.3 km; 0.81 mi) southwest of Florenceville. ( updated May 2019 )
• Fredericton International Airport ( YFC  IATA ) is 140 km from Florenceville-Bristol.

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ].

• A total solar eclipse on Monday 8 April 2024 starts at 4:32PM local time and lasts three minutes. The chances of a clear sky are 25%. The track of totality is northeast from Mexico and Texas to Ohio, straddling the Canada–New England border, then across Maine, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
• Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery , 8 McCain Street, Unit 1 ( downstairs ), ☏ +1 506 392-6769 , [email protected] .  
• 46.5186 -67.6824 1 Shogomoc Historical Railway Site , 9189 Main Street ( Exit 153 on TCH, follow Hwy 105 River Valley Scenic Drive ), ☏ +1 506 392-8226 , [email protected] . Late May to late Aug . Museum showcases a restored Canadian Pacific Railway station and three CPR cars.  
• Replica Noah's Ark . A 2/3-scale model of the Biblical Ark that Noah is said to have built, as described in the Old Testament. The replica ark contains the offices and student dorms for a private Bible school, the School of the Spirit, run by the Burnham Road Ministries. The sight of a 300-foot boat in the middle of potato fields within sight of Bristol and Oakland Mountain often attracts curious visitors. It's just outside the town limits. ( updated Apr 2019 )

Do [ edit ]

• Festival of Flavour . Early to mid-August . Fourdays of wine seminars, beer tastings, cooking demonstrations and delicious foods. ( updated Apr 2019 )
• Canada Day-July 1st
• National French Fry Day , Potato World Museum (385 Centreville Rd.) . Mid-July . French fry cutting competition, music, food, children's activities, free French fries. ( updated Apr 2019 )
• Snow Blast . Second Saturday in February . A day of winter activities for adults and children. ( updated Apr 2019 )
• Haunted Train October,
• Buttermilk Creek Fall Festival in September.

Buy [ edit ]

• Outdoor Summer Market , at the Riverside Park . Jul-Sep: every Thursday from 10AM-2PM . Food, produce, craft, woodworking, flower, baked goods, local meat and jewellery vendors. Each week showcases a different musical performance from local entertainers. ( updated Apr 2019 )

Eat [ edit ]

• Potato World , 385 Centreville Road , ☏ +1 506 392-1955 , fax : +1 506 392-1956 , [email protected] . Gourmet French fry cafe and potato museum (summer only)  
• Fresh , 9189 Main Street ( Shogomoc Dining Car ), ☏ +1 506 392-6000 , [email protected] . Tu-Sa 5:30AM-10PM . It's in an elegant 26-seat rail car. Mains $25-33 . ( updated May 2019 )
• Lai Restaurant , 17 McCain St , ☏ +1 506 392-5397 . Daily noon-9PM . Chinese restaurant. ( updated May 2019 )
• French Fry Hut , 322-346 Centreville Rd , ☏ +1 506-392-5400 . Daily 11AM-8:30PM . Fries, burgers, poutine. ( updated May 2019 )

Drink [ edit ]

• A.C. Sharkey's Pub , 2 Curtis Road , ☏ +1 506 392-6675 . Su-Th 10AM-10PM, F Sa 10AM-midnight . Pastas, wraps, burgers, salads and mains $11-27 . ( updated May 2019 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• Florenceville Inn , 239 Burnham Road , ☏ +1 506 392-6053 , [email protected] . Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, continental breakfast, indoor heated swimming pool, guest laundry, and self-service business centre. Restaurant and lounge. From $130 . ( updated May 2019 )
• Tannaghtyn Bed & Breakfast , 4169 Route 103 Connell , ☏ +1 506 392-6966 . Canada Select 4 Star. $125 . ( updated May 2019 )
• 46.470119 -67.575354 1 Shamrock Suite , 8 Curtis Hill Road , ☏ +1 506 391-5274 , [email protected] . A 19th-century home conversion on six acres of manicured grounds, accented by unique heritage gardens, in a quiet residential neighbourhood. Rooms available on the first floor for those not wanting to climb stairs. Private bath; continental breakfast. Laundry and shared kitchen. From $99 . ( updated May 2019 )
• 46.470119 -67.575354 2 Shamrock Train Inn , Route 105, Shogomoc Railway Site, Cars # 9195-2 & 9195-3 , ☏ +1 506 391-5274 . Stay in one of two authentic train cars at the Shogomoc Railway Site in downtown Florenceville-Bristol. Electric fireplace and seating areas, en suite washroom, a kitchenette with continental breakfast, Wi-Fi (no television). Double $149, up to six people: $249 . ( updated May 2019 )

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THE 5 BEST Things to Do in Florenceville-Bristol

Things to do in florenceville-bristol.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
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• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Potato World Museum

2. Hunter Brothers Farm

3. Shiktehawk Walking Trail

4. Shogomoc Railway Museum

5. Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery

6. Sam's Park

7. Florenceville Covered Bridge

What travellers are saying.

• Hunter Brothers Farm
• Shiktehawk Walking Trail
• Potato World Museum
• Shogomoc Railway Museum
• Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery

7 Things to do in Florenceville, NB

Looking for things to do in Florenceville NB? This charming small town in the Saint John River Valley area of New Brunswick has plenty of activities to keep you busy, from scenic drives along the river, taking a day trip to Maine or just exploring the local nature and history.  

Known as the “French Fry Capital of the World”, Florenceville-Bristol is home to McCain Foods, the largest producer of French fries in the world!

Aside from French fries, there are plenty of things to do in Florenceville-Bristol. Whether you are passing through or staying for a few days, this small town is worth a stop!

Fun fact: The town was renamed Florenceville in 1855 to honour Florence Nightingale!

7 Things to Do in Florenceville-Bristol

1. potato world.

In a town that’s known for its French fries, it’s not a surprise that they have a museum dedicated to the potato.

Just off the highway, Potato World is a fun museum to visit. Featuring interactive displays, antique machinery and plenty of informational signs, you’ll learn a lot about the history and science of the humble potato.

There is a guided tour available or you can wander through at your own pace and learn about potato farming, processing and all aspects of the potato world!

After learning about potatoes, the tour ends at the cafe where you can snack on some hot fries or other more unique potato recipes – there’s even a potato smoothie!

Cost: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for students under 18 (kids may be free as we were only charged for an adult, but there was no signage on this)

2. Hunter Brothers Farm

The Hunter Brothers Farm is known throughout New Brunswick for its delicious sweet corn.

In the summer, stop by their farm market for fresh produce, preserves, baking and home-made fudge.

In the fall, stop by and enjoy their Fall Festival! With a sunflower field and pumpkin patch, a fantastic corn maze and wagon rides, there’s plenty to do! And kids will love the fun activities, from games and races to farm-themed slides and swings and even a zipline!

Find more info on the farm, the market and the fall activities here .

3. Shogomoc Railway Site

Stop by the Shogomoc Railway Site and see the restored 1914 CPR train car, shop in the gift shop or just stretch your legs and let the kids play on the train-themed play equipment.

There are also three other train cars on site; one is a fine dining car and the two others have been renovated to an inn. Check out the Shamrock Train Inn & Suites if you’re looking for an interesting and unique accommodation!

4.  Shiktehawk Walking Trail

Following the Shiktehawk stream, this 2km trail is perfect for walking or hiking.

It’s an easy, scenic trail with some bridges and steps along the trail and plenty of scenic views!

5. Laura & Andrew McCain Library & Art Gallery

Located in downtown Florenceville, the Laura & Andrew McCain Library is also home to the Art Gallery.

Stop by the library and browse the books or visit the Art Gallery, which boasts the best visual arts in the St. John River Valley. Admission is free!

The Art Gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 10:30 am to 5 pm, and 12-8 pm on Thursdays.

6. Old Florenceville Bridge

While there are plenty of covered bridges in this part of New Brunswick, the Old Florenceville Bridge is unique in that it combines a wooden covered bridge with steel trusses.

Unfortunately, it was closed to traffic while we visited. Usually, it is open and you can drive across the bridge to Main St and downtown Florenceville Bristol.

7. Noah’s Ark

A few kilometers outside of town, you’ll find a large replica of Noah’s Ark!

This 300 foot boat was originally built for a private Bible school, but it is now operating as a senior’s home.

If you’re looking for an interesting sight, it’s worth the short drive to see this large Ark in the middle of potato fields!  

Where to Stay in Florenceville-Bristol

Amsterdam inn & suites.

Amsterdam Inn & Suites is conveniently located right off the highway next to Potato World, and is only a short drive into the downtown area. It’s a relatively new hotel (we were one of the first people to stay here in 2021) and we’ve been back several times since. Rooms are clean and spacious, and the staff is helpful and friendly, even when arriving late at night.

There’s also a great restaurant, Exit 153, attached to the hotel, and your stay includes a breakfast voucher at the hotel.

Whether you’re passing through or looking to spend some time in the area, it’s a great place to stay!

Shamrock Train Inn & Suites

Looking for a unique accommodation? This converted train car provides all modern conveniences with old world charm, while making for an interesting and unique stay! You can find more information on their site here .

Things to Do Around Florenceville-Bristol

Grand falls.

⏱️ Driving time from Florenceville-Bristol: 50 mins

While Grand Falls aren’t the highest falls in New Brunswick, they are still pretty impressive!

There’s a 1.6km walking trail along the gorge and where you cab appreciate the view for the falls from various lookouts.

Located right in the middle of the town, and only a short distance off the highway, the Grand Falls Gorge is easy to access and a great spot to stop if you are driving through the area.

Hartland Covered Bridge

⏱️ Driving time from Florenceville-Bristol: 15 mins

Just a short drive from Florenceville-Bristol is the Hartland Covered Bridge. At 391 metres (1,282 feet) long, this is the world’s longest-covered bridge.

Crossing the Saint John River, it’s a National Historic Site and a popular tourist attraction in New Brunswick. You can drive across, just be aware it’s only wide enough for one car at a time.

Like all covered bridges in New Brunswick, it’s considered a ‘kissing bridge’ from the days when horse-drawn wagons would stop halfway across the bridge to allow for a few kisses out of sight before continuing to the other side of the bridge.

Just beside the bridge is Covered Bridge Potato Chips – after all, you’re in potato country here! These are a pretty popular brand of chips on the East Coast, with different flavours of old-fashioned kettle-cooked chips and certified gluten-free. Take a tour of the factory or pick up a bag of kettle-cooked chips to snack on later.

The World’s Largest Axe in Nackawic

⏱️ Driving time from Florenceville-Bristol: 55 mins

Nackawic is home to the World’s Largest Axe. Seven tones of steel went into this axe that stands 15m (49 ft) high and 7m (23 ft) wide, while resting on a concrete stump that’s 10m (33 ft) wide.

Standing beside the Saint John River, this large axe symbolizes the importance that forestry has to this small community. Surrounding the axe, there’s also a play area, a small beach and plenty of space to stretch your legs.

⏱️ Driving time from Florenceville-Bristol: 20 minutes to 2 hours

The border to Maine is only 20 minutes away but note that once you cross into the States, even though it’s only 20 minutes away, they are in a different time zone!

Fredericton

⏱️ Driving time from Florenceville-Bristol: 1 hour 25 minutes

Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, is a little further from Florenceville-Bristol, but it’s an easy day trip or a great spot to spend a few days. There’s plenty of things to do in Fredericton , from exploring the city’s history to getting outdoors and exploring the trails or parks the city has to offer. Next to Florenceville, it’s one of our favourite spots to visit in New Brunswick.

⏱️ Driving time from Florenceville-Bristol: 3 hours

While Moncton is about 3 hours from Florenceville-Bristol, we’re including it here in case you’re driving through the province or continuing on to Nova Scotia or PEI. Moncton has plenty of things to do and is definitely worth visiting for a few days. You can read more about things to do in Moncton here .  

Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Florenceville-Bristol, NB

Whether you’re stopping in Florenceville-Bristol as you drive from Toronto to Halifax or spending some time in the area, it’s a beautiful area of the province with plenty to see and do. Enjoy your time in the French Fry Capital of the World!

For more family travel ideas and things to do in the East Coast of Canada, be sure to check out these posts:

• 21 Fun Things to Do in Fredericton, New Brunswick
• Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Moncton
• 19 Fun Things to Do in Halifax with Kids
• Best Things to Do in Dartmouth Nova Scotia
• 19 Awesome Things to Do in Charlottetown with Kids

Erin Martin is the founder and sole writer for Wanderlust with Kids. Together with her twin boys, they have travelled to over 20 countries and five provinces within Canada. Erin is responsible for planning and facilitating all of her family's travel itineraries and adventures, whether locally or internationally. An explorer at heart, Erin aims to make any travel adventure kid-friendly and shares all her favourite family-friendly things to do, both in Canada and abroad.

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Potato World Museum

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Potato World Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• (0.07 mi) Amsterdam Inn & Suites Florenceville-Bristol
• (3.50 mi) Shamrock Suites & Shamrock Train Suites
• (1.98 mi) Florenceville Inn, Restaurant & Pool
• (2.09 mi) Paul's Place Bed and Breakfast
• (9.32 mi) River Country Campground
• (0.06 mi) Exit 153 Restaurant
• (0.34 mi) Tim Hortons
• (0.34 mi) Capt. Submarine Xpress
• (0.44 mi) French Fry Hut
• (1.14 mi) On The Boardwalk

Français

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER

Monday-thursday, 9-4pm , friday 9-7pm, saturday-sunday.

Discover the impact the humble potato has had on the survival of New Brunswick’s early settlers and how important it is to the economy of the Province today.

Explore the interactive displays for interesting insights into the potato’s history, the industry, the science and the hard work of the people who strive to put the best potatoes possible on your dinner table.

Let our trained staff be your tour guides during your fun filled visit. Nestled in the picturesque St. John River Valley, POTATO WORLD is 2 acres of state of the art hands-on displays, educational video theatres, antique machinery and finish off your visit with tasty fries, baked potato soup, chocolate potato cake, potato smoothie and many more tasty treats!

We are also the home of the Potato World Hall of Recognition, acknowledging the contributions of New Brunswickers to the potato industry.

POTATO WORLD is located in the French Fry Capital of the World, Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick, just off the Trans Canada Highway at exit 153 on highway 110.

DISCOVER MORE OF WHAT OUR TOWN HAS TO OFFER!

POTATO WORLD

WILL BE CLOSING FOR THE SEASON OCTOBER 15, 2023 AT 4PM

WE WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR A WONDERFUL SEASON!

CLOSED THANKSGIVING MONDAY.

POTATO WORLD is fun for the whole family and includes exciting, educational hands-on displays both inside and out, new exhibits added in 2023 such as PEDDLE TRACTOR RACE TRACK,  POTATO GUN SHOOTING RANGE, OUTSIDE DECK FOR DINING AND MUCH MORE!  Come and enjoy some of New Brunswick’s favorite potato recipes at THE HOUSE OF FRIES!

Admission:  Self Guided or Guided at no extra cost

Adults:  $6.00 Seniors:  $5.00 Students under 18: $4.00

Family rate: 23.00 - 4 people and above

Group rates are available/Bus Tours Welcomed

Site is wheelchair accessible.

Florenceville-Bristol travel guide

Florenceville-bristol tourism | florenceville-bristol guide, you're going to love florenceville-bristol.

With a population of 1 639, Florenceville-Bristol is a must-see destination in New Brunswick, Canada. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Florenceville-Bristol to see all of its attractions.

When to visit Florenceville-Bristol

How to get to florenceville-bristol.

Although Florenceville-Bristol doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Fredericton (YFC), which is located 105 km from Florenceville-Bristol. The shortest flight to Florenceville-Bristol from the United States departs from New York and takes around 4h 12m.

Another option to get to Florenceville-Bristol is to pick up a car rental from Québec City, which is about 278 km from Florenceville-Bristol. You’ll find branches of Thrifty and Hertz, among others, in Québec City.

Maritime Bus operates bus routes to Florenceville-Bristol. From Saint John, the bus ride to Florenceville-Bristol takes 137 km and will cost you around $67. From Moncton, the ticket costs about $56 for a journey of 177 km.

Airports near Florenceville-Bristol

Airlines serving florenceville-bristol, where to stay in popular areas of florenceville-bristol, most booked hotels in florenceville-bristol, renting a car in florenceville-bristol.

Expect to pay $5.15 per gallon in Florenceville-Bristol (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $61.78 and $82.37.