St. Croix International
Waterway Commission

St. Croix River Recreation

Fishing, canoeing, camping, hunting and hiking have been St. Croix traditions for centuries, in the past for survival and now for sport. Recreation is second only to wood harvesting and processing as the waterway's most important industry. A glint of light, a flash of the rod, mist on the water: sport fishing has drawn people to the St. Croix for more than a century. Smallmouth bass provide the most popular lake and river fishing but landlocked salmon, lake trout, Atlantic salmon, white perch and brook trout all have their freshwater hotspots, and winter flounder rule in the estuary. Hunters take to the St. Croix's woods or shores for upland birds, moose, deer, bear and waterfowl in season. For those who enjoy shellfish, in some parts of the estuary softshell clams can be dug, snails or sea urchins picked and scallops taken by diving. The St. Croix lakes and river offer one of the finest canoeing experiences in eastern North America. Sparkling waters flow past forested shores and islands, with only nature in sight. Maps and campsites serve canoeists who wish to spend a few hours or a week on the Waterway. A recreational canoeing map is available from the St. Croix Waterway Commission. Contact the Commission. Hint for Canoeists: Checking water flows on the St. Croix River: real-time readings from the U.S. Geological Survey. Check Vanceboro, St. Croix River. Flows over 350cfs are canoeable; 500-600cfs is preferred. Best Single Page for Waterdata Vanceboro Real time Waterdata Baring Real Time Waterdata (note: both the WATER DATA pages appear in new windows. Close them when finished.) On the estuary, one can take to the sea on a sailing ship, sea kayak or large motor craft from St. Andrews to view the seals, whales, shorebirds, fishing weirs and rugged coastline. Those who prefer to remain on dry land can also enjoy some of these sights. TIDE PREDICTIONS FOR ST. ANDREWS, NB Ashore, walking offers varied opportunities. Taken at a leisurely pace, the streets and waterfront pathways of the towns convey a sense of maritime tradition. Off the beaten track, coastal beaches and hiking trails offer a chance for some special experiences: a loon near shore, a browsing deer, a spray of wildflowers or an intriguing rock formation. The nearness of nature can also be enjoyed by camping at locations along the waterway. Touring by road is by far the simplest and most popular recreational pursuit, and is not to be overlooked. Lake and saltwater vistas, parks and historic sites, downtowns and wilderness can all be seen in the course of a short drive along the St. Croix valley. Taking part in the St. Croix's recreational heritage is as simple as looking out the window, or as exciting as paddling the rapids - there to be enjoyed. Many of the St. Croix's recreational pursuits are free and readily available but some involve permits and limitations; contact the appropriate government agency if in doubt. Outfitters are available for many activities.

Canadian Heritage River System The Canadian side of the St. Croix is a designated Canadian Heritage River. http://www.chrs.ca/Rivers/StCroix/StCroix_e.htm