Canada’s Prettiest Covered Bridges
At the end of the 19th century, Canada was home to more than 1,400 covered bridges, mainly on the East Coast—now, only 140 remain. Architectural reminders of our country's industrial past, these charming covered bridges are well worth a detour on your next road trip.
Notable Covered Bridges Across Canada
West Montrose Covered Bridge (also known as the Kissing Bridge)
West Montrose, Ontario
Built in 1881 and measuring 60 metres in length, this gabled roof-topped bridge is the oldest in Ontario—and one of the few original covered bridges built in the province that remain standing.
Pont Grandchamp Covered Bridge
Lanaudière, Quebec
Built in 1918 and named after a local farmer, this covered bridge is the only one still in operation in Lanaudière. One hundred years after it was built, the local government declared it a municipal historic site.
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Alphonse Normandin Bridge
Saint-Dominique-du-Rosaire, Quebec
This pink bridge crosses the Davy River in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region of Quebec. More than 34 covered bridges were constructed in the region; only half of that number remain. Built in 1950, it’s the baby of the covered bridges in the province.
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Leclerc Covered Bridge
La Sarre, Quebec
Another covered bridge from Quebec’s Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, this elegant, single-lane structure was built in 1937 and renovated in 1947, 1949 and 1984.
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Molesworth Covered Bridge
Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec
Built in 1930, this striking fire-engine red bridge can carry more weight than other bridges in the area, thanks to a central support pillar that was added in 1950.
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Wakefield Covered Bridge
Wakefield, Quebec
This charming red structure was originally built in 1915 to link the shores of the Gatineau River. After burning down in 1984, however, the townspeople fundraised to fix it. Now, it’s only accessible to pedestrians, but the short, picturesque walk downhill to the bridge after parking on Chemin Du Vieux-Pont is highly recommended.
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Powerscourt Covered Bridge
Hinchinbrooke, Quebec
One of five covered bridges to be represented on a Canadian postage stamp, this bridge is also an official National Historic Site. What’s more, it was built in 1861, making it one of the oldest surviving covered bridges in the country.
Malone Covered Bridge
South Branch, New Brunswick
Fans of covered bridges simply must take a road trip through the province of New Brunswick, where no fewer than 58 covered bridges remain standing. The preservation of these historic structures—including the Malone Covered Bridge here, built in 1911—is the ongoing mission of Ray Boucher, president of the Covered Bridges Conservation Association of New Brunswick.
“Those [covered bridges] found in New Brunswick have for too long been forgotten as simply a part of the road system and of no significant heritage value,” Ray tells Reader’s Digest Canada. Over the past five years, however, he says the association has made significant inroads. For more information on their efforts, follow the Covered Bridges Conservation Association of New Brunswick on Facebook. —Brett Walther
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Hartland Covered Bridge
Hartland-Somerville, New Brunswick
At 390 metres long, the Hartland Covered Bridge holds a particularly impressive claim to fame: It’s the longest covered bridge in the world. Before it was built in 1901, the only other way to get across the Saint John River was by ferry!
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Sawmill Creek Bridge
Hopewell Hill, New Brunswick
If you’re headed to Hopewell Cape, be sure to stop by the Sawmill Creek bridge located alongside Route 114 in Hopewell Hill. Built in 1905, it boasts a length of 32 metres, while its classic wooden structure is guaranteed to transport you to a (well-preserved) time gone by.
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Hardscrabble Covered Bridge
St. Martins, New Brunswick
This 22-metre covered bridge off Route 111 offers a separate side-entrance for pedestrian traffic. It’s provided a picture-perfect passage over Vaughan Creek since 1946.
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Boniface Covered Bridge
Rivière Verte, New Brunswick
Built in 1925, this sturdy-looking structure is easily accessible by taking exit 32 on Highway 2—and remains strong enough to support vehicular traffic over Rivière Verte even now.
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Darlings Island Covered Bridge
Nauwigewauk, New Brunswick
This bridge dating back to 1914 is a favourite of wedding photographers and Instagrammers alike—and it’s not hard to see why. A perfect road trip attraction, the 42-metre structure is just a 20-minute drive northeast from downtown Saint John.
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Tynemouth Creek Covered Bridge
St. Martins, New Brunswick
Located around 40 minutes outside of Saint John, this 28-metre-long bridge from 1927 is a must-visit for shutterbugs. You’ll get a totally different vista depending on whether you visit at high or low tide!
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Hammond River #3 (Smithtown) Covered Bridge
Hampton, New Brunswick
Originally built in 1914, this bridge was reconstructed between 2016 and 2018 due to rotting wood. Located on the Damascus Road, the body of water it crosses is a popular swimming hole, and perfect for kayaking and paddle boats as well.
For more information on New Brunswick’s breathtaking covered bridges, consult the resources at Kissing Bridge Publications.
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