Grand Falls, or Grand-Sault as it's known in French, is a town steeped in history. The first known mention of the magnificent falls, from which the town derives its name, was in 1686 by Monsignor de Saint-Vallier of Quebec. His description of the area is immortalized on a monument at the mouth of Davis Park, erected in 1986.
The region underwent significant changes over the centuries, transitioning from French to British rule, and witnessing the settlement of Loyalists and Acadians. The territorial disputes culminated in the Aroostook War in 1838, and the Webster–Ashburton Treaty in 1842, which officially made Grand Falls a part of New Brunswick.
The town expanded on 1 January 2023 to include Drummond, the rural community of Saint-André, the local service district of the parish of Grand Falls, and part of the LSD of the parish of Drummond. The revised census figures are yet to be released.
Nestled in the valley of the Saint John River, Grand Falls is located south of Madawaska, 55 kilometres southeast of Edmundston, on the Canada–United States border. The town is adjacent to St. André to the north, and the parish of Drummond to the east. The eastern part of the town, located on the left bank of the river, is actually in the county of Madawaska.
Grand Falls experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb), characterized by vast seasonal differences and relatively cold temperatures for the latitude.
As per the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Grand Falls had a population of 5,220 living in 2,495 of its 2,639 total private dwellings. This represented a -2% change from its 2016 population of 5,326. With a land area of 18.04 km2 (6.97 sq mi), the town had a population density of 289.4/km2 (749.4/sq mi) in 2021.
Grand Falls is recognized as the most bilingual town in Canada, with 78.5% of the population speaking both English and French. It is one of only two municipalities in Canada with an official bilingual name, the other being Greater Sudbury.
Grand Falls offers a plethora of activities for residents and visitors alike. From the Grand Falls Golf Course and Marina to the Museum and Farmer’s Market, there's something for everyone. The town also boasts a new arena, the E & P Sénéchal Centre, and a cross-country ski club, Kahoutek Ski and Mountain Biking Club.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy zip lining by the gorge and waterfalls, or kayaking, canoeing, and boating along the Saint John river. However, it's worth noting that most tourist-centric locations are only open during the tourist season.
Every year, Grand Falls celebrates its Regional Potato Festival. This event coincides with the Canada Day weekend at the end of June and beginning of July. The festival includes a carnival, a Broadway block party, a bistro with live entertainment, the Miss Grand Falls Gala, fireworks, and several other events, making it a cultural highlight of the town.
