Hartland Covered Bridge
Self-Guided Tour
Welcome to the self-guided tour of the Hartland Covered Bridge! As you embark on this journey, you’re stepping into the charm of one of New Brunswick’s iconic treasures. Our province is home to 58 covered bridges, and we’re proud to have three remarkable ones nearby: Ellis Covered Bridge in Carlisle, Old Florenceville Bridge in Florenceville-Bristol, and, of course, our world-renowned Hartland Covered Bridge.
Covered bridges have become rare pieces of history, making Hartland's own bridge — a grand 1,282 feet long — the Longest Covered Bridge in the World! You’ll find that we’re proud of this distinction and love sharing the story of our bridge’s impressive legacy.
On this tour, we invite you to immerse yourself in the history and tales surrounding the bridge, from its completion in 1901 to the repairs and restorations that have helped it stand the test of time. Discover the significance of this landmark to our community, as well as the ingenuity that went into creating such a marvel.
After exploring, consider a stop at one of our local summertime favorites for a meal — CK’s Canteen or TWELVE82. There’s no better way to wrap up your tour than by enjoying a bite with a view of our historic icon. Enjoy your journey through Hartland’s heritage!
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History
Measuring 1282 feet, the Hartland Covered Bridge is the Longest Covered Bridge in the World - that’s longer than six NHL rinks combined!
In the 1860s, the Saint John River valley was extremely productive at producing hundreds of bushels of oats and buckwheat flour. Families settled along the riverbanks and the farmers would make their way to market by using the river. However, this was limited during the spring break up and winter freeze, spring floods, and summer shallow waters. Ferries, towboats and even steamers used the river only in ideal conditions.
Locals needed to buy and sell goods with those on the other side of the Saint John River, and to get their goods to market. The only other options were Woodstock and Florenceville, which in the late 1800’s meant long trips by horse and wagon.
This frustration started the movement in the 1870s for a steel bridge, until finally in 1890 a delegation of men representing both sides of the river went to the government with convincing arguments for the need of a bridge at Hartland. But they were denied. The government just built a steel bridge in Florenceville 12 miles up-river, so there was no money. The group did not give up. They formed the Hartland Bridge Company and sold bonds to raise funds to build a bridge. Charles McCormack, who was a bridge builder by trade, became the President and later the superintendent to oversee its construction. The total cost of construction was nearly $29,425. That would be just over $1 million in today’s dollars – still a bargain!
The bridge originally opened July 4, 1901 as an uncovered bridge. On April 6, 1920, river ice took out two spans of the bridge. Two years later in 1922, the government made major repairs and then covered the structure, making it look as we see it today.
Big Bridge Fest
The second stop on the Hartland Covered Bridge tour is Big Bridge Fest!
Each year, this iconic structure becomes the heart of celebration during the New Brunswick Day weekend in August. Imagine strolling inside the world’s longest covered bridge, free of cars, and alive with the buzz of festivities!
For a few magical days, the bridge is all ours—transformed into a unique event venue for unforgettable concerts, laugh-out-loud comedy shows, or an evening dinner inside the structure. On Monday, the entire 1282-foot bridge fills with vibrant market stalls, offering local goods that stretch from end to end. Beyond the bridge, the whole town lights up with events, including a lively parade, a dazzling antique car show, and fireworks that make the night sky sparkle.
With over 5,000 visitors each year, this weekend is one you won’t want to miss. Come join the festivities and celebrate New Brunswick Day with us!
When you gotta go!
Step back in time to 1901, when crossing the Hartland Covered Bridge came at a price—literally! Originally, this iconic bridge was a toll bridge, and the rates might surprise you: 3¢ per person each way, 6¢ for a single rig carrying up to two people, and 12¢ for a double team with more than three people onboard. For livestock, it was ½¢ per head for sheep and 3¢ for cattle! Frequent travelers even enjoyed a 16 2/3% discount with the purchase of 25 tickets.
Where there are tolls, there must be a tollgate keeper, of course. To accommodate them, the Bridge Company built a little privy (yes, an outhouse!) directly on the bridge between Piers 1 and 2. Imagine the views! Though perhaps not the safest or most environmentally friendly setup, it certainly stands as a unique piece of bridge history.
Looking at photos of this precariously placed structure, we can see just how much has changed over the years in both worker safety and environmental practices.
Kissing Bridge
Ah, romance is in the air on the Hartland Covered Bridge! Did you know that covered bridges like ours are sometimes called “Kissing Bridges”? Back in the horse-and-buggy days, young romantics found a clever way to snag a smooch from their sweethearts. With a little “training,” young men would teach their horses to stop right in the middle of the bridge—just long enough to sneak a kiss!
Meanwhile, back in town, parents were left scratching their heads, wondering why their horses seemed to take these “romantic pauses” on every trip! Eventually, the jig was up, and the bridge earned its endearing nickname. So, as you stand here, imagine the countless love stories that began with a simple stop in the middle of the Hartland Covered Bridge.
Our Majestic Bald Eagles
As you stroll along the bridge walkway, keep an eye on the skies and riverbanks for the iconic bald eagle. With lifespans of 20-30 years, these remarkable birds reach about 30 inches tall and boast wingspans of up to 7 feet! While their majestic white heads and tails are unmistakable, bald eagles don’t start out with these distinct markings. Over their first five years, they transform from dark, nearly camouflaged juveniles to the striking adults you see today.
Here’s a closer look at their transformation:
- Year 1: Dark-headed with a brown belly.
- Year 2: White feathers start to appear on the belly, while the head and chest remain dark.
- Year 3: The head becomes lighter, and the belly darkens again.
- Year 4: Mostly white head, though a few dark feathers may remain.
- Year 5: Fully white head and tail, marking the eagle’s full maturity.
Occasionally, a few brown feathers linger, adding to the individuality of each eagle.
The bald eagle’s survival story is one of resilience. In the early 1960s, these birds nearly vanished from New Brunswick due to pollution, habitat loss, and the harmful effects of DDT, a pesticide that weakened their eggshells. Conservation efforts and the 1972 ban on DDT brought these birds back from the brink. Now, thanks to these protections, New Brunswick’s bald eagle population has rebounded, and Hartland is home to several nesting pairs.
If you look down toward riverbank below The Tabernacle wedding venue to your right, you might spot a large nest nestled in the trees. Watch the skies for a flash of white – you could be witnessing the inspiring sight of a bald eagle soaring overhead, a reminder of the power of nature and human care.
The Resilient Hartland Bridge
Our final stop on the tour brings us to the Somerville end of the iconic Hartland Covered Bridge. As you look ahead, you'll see a rather steep incline leading down to the bridge, locally known as Bridge Hill. It can still be a cautious drive in the winter, but imagine back to the early 1900s when this hill saw horse-drawn wagons navigating its icy slope—certainly a test of skill and nerve, with plenty of close calls along the way.
Then, just as spring thaw brings beauty, it also brings one of nature's dangerous forces—the ice break-up. Each spring, melting snow and ice from the hillsides flow into the Saint John River, swelling it and creating a powerful push against any obstacle in its way. The pressure from this moving ice, colliding and stacking as it flows downstream, can cause jams that back up the river, flooding the surrounding areas and posing a serious threat to structures like our bridge.
Look closely over the bridge walkway you just came through, and you’ll notice something unusual about the roof—the first two sections don’t align with the rest. In 1920, an intense spring ice breakup damaged the bridge, taking out these two sections—before the structure was covered. People could sense the bridge would soon give way, and there are stories of horses and wagons making their final, hurried dash across before it was swept away.
In 1922, the government completed the replacement of these two lost sections and added a roof over the entire bridge to protect against rot and further structural damage. However, in the haste to finish the repairs, the new sections didn’t quite line up perfectly, resulting in the unique roof alignment you see today—a lasting reminder of the bridge’s resilience through over a century of history.
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