Belleisle Bay facts for kids
Belleisle Bay is a beautiful, long arm of the Saint John River in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. It's a bit like a narrow lake or a small fjord, surrounded by lovely hills.
Many different kinds of fish live in Belleisle Bay. Some of the common ones you might find include:
- Yellow perch
- White perch
- Smallmouth bass
- American eel
- Pumpkin seed sunfish
- Brown bullhead catfish
- Chain pickerel
- Sturgeon
- Striped bass
- Brown trout
- Atlantic salmon
Geography of Belleisle Bay
Belleisle Bay stretches out towards the northeast from the main Saint John River. It joins the river at a spot called Long Reach, just south of the village of Evandale. This bay also helps form the northern edge of a land area known as the "Kingston Peninsula." The Kennebecasis River forms the southern edge of this peninsula.
Water and Ice
Belleisle Bay doesn't have a strong current because only a few small streams flow into it. It acts more like a lake nestled in a valley carved by ancient glaciers. The bay is surrounded by the gentle, rolling hills of the St. Croix Highlands, which are part of the larger Appalachian range.
Even though the bay is mostly freshwater, the entire lower Saint John River system gets a small push from the ocean's tides. This happens because of the unique Reversing Falls near Saint John. In the cold winter months, the bay's waters freeze completely, making it a great spot for ice activities.
Size and Features
Belleisle Bay is about 18 kilometers (11 miles) long and 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) wide. Several small freshwater streams flow into it. These include Kingston Creek, which is near the bay's mouth, and Belleisle Creek, located at the far end of the bay. There's also a small wetland area at the head of the bay, which is a special place for plants and animals.
The bay has only one island, called Ghost Island. You can find it between the communities of Elmhurst and Lower Kars.
Crossing the Bay
Belleisle Bay is entirely located within Kings County. To help people get across, the Belleisle Bay Ferry operates year-round. This special cable ferry pulls itself across the water using cables. It connects Earle Wharf on one side to Long Point on the other.
