Jacquet River, a former municipality in Restigouche County, is now part of the larger municipality of Belledune. It is widely believed that the name Jacquet River is derived from the famous French explorer, Jacques Cartier, who is said to have landed in the area.
The community features an elementary and middle school serving surrounding areas, a grocery store, several locally-owned convenience stores, and a municipal park maintained by the village. A 1970s song by Canadian artist Ray Griff refers to Jacquet River.
The first British settlers were a group of Scottish people who settled at Thol Point, N.B. around 1783. In 1790, James Doyle and his family were the only settlers between Bathurst and Dalhousie, living in Jacquet River.
Many families have deep roots in Jacquet River, including the Guitard, Gauthier, Joncas, Cormier, Furlotte, Lapointe, Carriers, Hickey, Mallaley, Kelly, Dempsey, McNair, Driscoll, Culligan, and Doyle families, with the latter having been originally settled by James Augustus Doyle in 1791.
In 1994, the Village of Jacquet River amalgamated with several unincorporated communities and the Village of Belledune to form the larger village known as Belledune, or “The Super Village”.
Despite its seemingly French name, Jacquet River is primarily an English-speaking community.
A popular destination for both locals and visitors is the Jacquet River Gorge, offering various areas to explore such as the marshlands and a unique beach.
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Born in Belleville, Ontario, spent most of my adult life “North of 7” . Northbrook, Cloyne area. Canadian shield. Just recently moved to Jacquet River. It’s the most terrifyingly beautiful landscape I’ve ever seen. I spend time every day just gazing at my surroundings. We bought a modest cabin like home, just enough for us, our dog and big garden.
The community is very welcoming and embracing. There’s alot of history here we are so happy to have found our forever home. We have almost made it through our first winter. Big storm coming tomorrow but that’s ok. We’re ready. Can’t wait till spring.
I’d like to visit someday since my grandfather, Colin Doyle was born there in 1929. His parents, William N Doyle and Isabel (née Comeau) May have also been born there. I’ll have to do some genealogy, I guess.
Some idiots burnt the cabin that Paul Devereau built here. A very sad day. He replaced it with a trailer.
Nice job .