4 Best Sights in Grand Falls, St. John River Valley

Starting at the Malabeam Tourist Information Center, the walk covers the full length of the gorge and is dotted with interpretive panels and monuments. Nearby, you can descend the nearly 250 steps to the wells, holes worn in the rocks by the swirling water. Guided walking tours are also available. According to native legend, a young woman named Malabeam led her Mohawk captors to their deaths over the foaming cataract rather than guide them to her village. The bodies of the Mohawks were found the following day, but Malabeam was not found. The view over the gorge from the center is breathtaking, particularly at snowmelt time or after heavy rain.

Pioneer and early Victorian artifacts are the basis of a collection that includes memorabilia of Ron Turcotte, the jockey who rode Secretariat to Triple Crown victory in 1973, a wedding cake made in 1940, and the balance beam used by daredevil Van Morrell, who crossed the falls on a tightrope in 1904.

The most remote of New Brunswick's nine provincial parks is a vast area of unspoiled wilderness. It is centered on Mount Carleton, at 2,690 feet the highest point in all of the Maritimes. From its summit you can look out over 10 million trees, and it is particularly worth the climb in the fall for the dazzling patchwork of colors below. Rich in wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer, lynx, marten, and porcupines, the park is also a Dark Sky Preserve, so an overnight camping trip on a clear night would be well rewarded. Most people come to hike the trails or mountain-bike on old logging roads, and there's canoeing on several lakes. Check out guided hikes and other park events

This outfitter operates a pontoon boat at the lower end of the gorge, offering a fascinating perspective of the cliffs and wells, from May through October; rides are C$50. Zip-lining, rappelling, deepelling (like rappelling only you are facing downward), and kayaking are also offered.