Local Historic Place (municipal)
Old Portage Trail
Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick
Also known as Old Portage Road
View of Section of the Old Portage Trail
Photo: Town of Gand Bay-Westfield
- Recognized
- 2011
- By
- Local government
The register’s text, word for word
Description
Old Portage Trail is a former portage route between Robin Hood Lake and the Nerepis River used by First Nations peoples travelling between the Musquash and Nerepis watersheds. Although the trail is overgrown in sections, it is still possible to walk some of the 3.3 kilometer stretch.
Heritage value
The Old Portage Trail is designated a local historic place for its association with First Nations peoples in the area. W. F. Ganong’s 1836 survey plan shows an “Indian Portage” running from Ogden Lake to the northern end of Loch Alva. Although the plan does not mark a portage trail from the northern end of Robin Hood Lake, it is evident, based on local aural tradition that this section of the route did in fact exist. It is highly probable that cultural and archaeological resources may be found along the route.
The Saint John and Nerepis Rivers were a vital means of transportation for the Wolastoqiyik, or Maliseet peoples.
Character‑defining elements
Character defining elements of Old Portage Trail include:
- unidentified cultural and archaeological resources which may be found.
End of the register’s text
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From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.