Before it became a destination,
The NorthOWest was a frontier.
Rivers, forests - and farmland guided the settlement of its communities.
People came here to work the land, to follow the river - and put down roots
From this close connection grew a region that is deeply human, strong, and welcoming-
How to
get here?
Noroît is easily accessible by road, air, and select bus services. Once here, scenic routes connect the communities and the region.
Noroît is accessible through major airports in Eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. From there, the region is easily reached by road from Québec, Maine, or Canada’s Atlantic provinces.
The territory is well connected by the road network. Air connections to New Brunswick and Quebec, combined with a car or bus, make it easy to reach the region.
A car remains the best way to explore the region. Scenic routes connect the communities and allow you to experience the territory at your own pace.
The best way to explore the region is by car. Scenic roads connect communities and allow you to travel the territory at your own pace.
its origins
the river as a backbone
Long before the roads, the Wolastoqiyik lived along the Saint John River, which they call Wolastoq. The name refers both to the river itself and to the identity of the people connected to this territory.
For generations, this river has been a route for travel, communication, and sustenance, rooted in a land inhabited for millennia.
BEGINNING IN 1785
THE SETTLEMENT OF MADAWASKA
A defining moment came in June 1785, when Acadian families travelled up the Saint John River to settle in the Madawaska territory.
Over time, life took shape around the valleys, cultivated land, timber, and the exchanges between communities across a vast, demanding, and deeply inhabited territory.
1838-1842
DRAWING THE MAINE BORDER
In the 19th century, the territory was marked by a border dispute between Maine and New Brunswick, known as the Aroostook War (1838—39). The Webster—Ashburton Treaty, signed in 1842, relied in particular on the Saint John River to determine the current border.
This moment confirmed Noroît as a meeting place between Quebec, the Maritimes, and the American Northeast.
1870-1950
A region shaped by the land and the forest
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region became structured around agriculture, forestry, and wood processing. Fertile valleys supported farms, while the forest became a major economic driver.
Communities organized themselves, roads gradually replaced river routes, and regional hubs such as Edmundston, Grand Falls, and Saint-Quentin took shape.
2000-TODAY.
Continuity and adaptation
Since the 2000s, Noroît has continued to evolve without losing its identity.
Traditional activities have transformed, while outdoor experiences, recreational routes, and the celebration of the territory now play an even greater role.
A Living Region,
Meant to be Explored Slowly
A land of scenic backroads, open landscapes, and communities connected by nature, the land, and the seasons. Here, everything is connected: the forest, the water, the activities, and the way of life. You don’t come here for a single attraction, but for a continuous experience, best discovered slowly.
A vibrant city surrounded by mountains and rivers. A natural gateway to discover northwestern New Brunswick and its wide-open spaces.
Known for its impressive falls and the Saint John River, Grand Falls is where spectacular landscapes and local heritage come together.
Scenic routes follow the river and connect peaceful villages. A region where nature, culture, and Acadian traditions are part of everyday life.
In the heart of the great forests of northwestern New Brunswick, Saint-Quentin is known for its outdoor activities and vibrant Acadian spirit.
A region shaped by water, forests, and peaceful roads. Vallée-des-Rivières is discovered through its landscapes and welcoming villages.
The Northwest Rural District of New Brunswick stretches across the heart of Noroit, offering a vast and authentic territory where nature and traditions meet.
Where three borders meet, Edmundston is a city where cultures and landscapes come together. Between mountains, rivers, and a vibrant downtown, nature is always close at hand. An ideal starting point for discovering Noroit, Edmundston blends urban energy with wide-open spaces.
Grand Falls stands out for the power of its river and the beauty of its landscapes. Its iconic falls are as impressive as the panoramic views that surround them. Between spectacular nature, local heritage, and delicious culinary discoveries, the region invites you to pause, take it in, and enjoy the moment.
Haut-Madawaska is discovered at the pace of its scenic routes and the villages that line the river. Here, open landscapes, generous nature, and local traditions tell the story of the region. A peaceful place where every detour offers a new perspective.
In the heart of the great forests of northwestern New Brunswick, Saint-Quentin is a destination shaped by nature and the seasons. Trails, rivers, and wide-open spaces invite you to move, breathe, and explore. Here, Acadian spirit and a love for the outdoors create a warm atmosphere where every visit becomes an adventure.
In the Vallée-des-Rivières, water shapes the land and guides the routes that connect its villages. Between forests, panoramic views, and authentic stops, the region is discovered at an easy pace, through encounters and landscapes. A place where you take the time to experience Noroît differently.
Explore the
Territory
Appalachian mountains, forests, valleys, and rivers shape Noroit.
The Saint John River connects the communities and, nearby, Mount Carleton reflects the scale and wild character of the land.
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Hunting and fishing, ATV and snowmobile trails, hiking and outdoor activities are part of daily life.
Agriculture, maple syrup, and forestry have shaped landscapes and regional identity.
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Follow us
Locals and visitors share their view of the region.
Discover Noroît in pictures. Follow @destinationnoroit.
The Noroît - waiting for you.
Our routes are an invitation to explore the territory in depth.
