Grand Lake (New Brunswick) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grand Lake |
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 Grand Lake
Location in New Brunswick
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| Location | Queens County, New Brunswick |
| Coordinates | 45°56′1.1″N 66°1′57.6″W / 45.933639°N 66.032667°W |
| Primary outflows | Jemseg River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
Grand Lake is the largest open body of water in New Brunswick, Canada. It is about 20 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide. This big lake is located in central New Brunswick, around 40 kilometers east of Fredericton. Water from Grand Lake flows out through the Jemseg River and the Grand Lake Meadows into the Saint John River.
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Grand Lake: A Look Back in Time
Records show that by the early 1600s, the area around Grand Lake was home to the Maliseet and Mi’kmaq peoples. They were the first inhabitants of this region. The traditional word for Grand Lake in their languages is "Kchee'quis," which means "Big Lake."
For many years, Grand Lake was important for moving goods. Large barges carried forest products, like wood, across the lake. These barges went from a big sawmill in Chipman to a pulp mill in Saint John. This commercial activity continued until the late 1990s.
The area also had New Brunswick's largest coal mining operations. There were many open-pit mines in the Newcastle Creek valley. In the 1850s, a lot of "Newcastle coal" was shipped downriver from Grand Lake to the Saint John River. A power station that used coal was built on the lake shore near Minto in 1931. It was operated by NB Power and was taken down in 2012.
What Happens at the Lake Today?
Today, Grand Lake is a very popular place for fun activities. Both local people and visitors enjoy spending time here. There are several beaches, cozy cottages, and campgrounds along the lake's shores. It's a great spot for swimming, boating, and relaxing.
This large body of water also helps to control the local weather. It acts like a "heat sink," which means it absorbs and releases heat slowly. This makes the climate around the lake the warmest in the province. This warmer climate helps to make the growing season longer for plants.
There is also a small airport for seaplanes called Cumberland Bay Water Aerodrome. It is located in a bay on the east side of the lake.
Communities and Campgrounds
Many communities are located along or very close to Grand Lake. These include:
- Minto
- Princess Park
- Grand Lake West
- Douglas Harbour
- Jemseg
- Mill Cove
- Youngs Cove
- Cumberland Bay
- Waterborough
If you want to go camping, there are several campgrounds near Grand Lake:
- Grand Lake Campground
- Princess Park
- Mohawk Camping
- Lakeside Campground
Rivers and Streams That Feed the Lake
Several rivers and streams flow into Grand Lake, bringing fresh water. These include:
- Newcastle Creek
- Salmon River
- Coal Creek
- Cumberland Bay Stream
- Maquapit Lake
