Tobique River

Originating from Nictau Lake in Mount Carleton Provincial Park, the Tobique River, pronounced as Toe-Bick, spans across 148 kilometers in northwestern New Brunswick, eventually merging with the Saint John River near Perth-Andover.

The river, flowing towards the southwest, traverses through Victoria County, with its source located near the quaint community of Nictau. Here, it is formed by the merging of the Little Tobique River and the Campbell River, its two major tributaries. After its formation, the Tobique River winds through several small communities, including Riley Brook, Blue Mountain Bend, Oxbow, and Three Brooks, where it is joined by another tributary, fittingly named Three Brooks.

The river then flows through the town of Plaster Rock, after which it is joined by the Wapske River. The Tobique continues its westward journey, flowing past the Tobique First Nation and eventually into the Saint John River. Near the Tobique Dam, a beach on the left and a high rock cut on the right offer stunning vistas, especially during the autumn foliage.

In the summer the Tobique River is a popular tourist attraction for boating and kayaking. During the month of July, it is host to the Fiddlers on the Tobique river run.

The Tobique Narrows Dam was built between 1951-1953 by NB Power approximately one kilometre from the river’s mouth.

The river is named for a Maliseet Chief Noel Tobec (1706-1767) who lived at the mouth of the river.

Tobique First Nation is one of six Wolastoqiyik or Maliseet Nation reserves in New Brunswick.

Situated on the northern banks of the Tobique River is the Tobique Reserve. This reserve consists of two land parcels and was established in 1801, initially spanning nearly 20,000 acres. This came as a result of a petition by band members to the government. Over time, the reserve has been reduced due to surrenders to settlers and a major surrender in 1892. Approximately two-thirds of the Tobique First Nation members currently live on the reserve lands.