Roadside Attraction: The Hartland Covered Bridge
Source: By Jennifer Kent, AOL Travel
Posted: 07/29/09 2:49PM
Filed Under: Canada Travel Guide
Possibly one of the most photographed bridges in New Brunswick, the Hartland Bridge is the longest covered bridge in the world at 1282 feet long.
Spanning the scenic Saint John River, the Hartland Bridge officially opened in July of 1901. Back then, covered bridges were often known as “kissing bridges” as young couples would take the opportunity to steal a quick kiss while driving their horse and buggy through its sheltering shadows. It is said that young men would train their horses to automatically stop in the middle of a covered bridge and wait for the duration of a romantic moment or two before moving on. When the Hartland Bridge was being built, sermons were preached about how covering such a long bridge would likely destroy the morals of the local young people. It was covered anyway.
The Hartland Bridge is also claimed to be a “wishing bridge.” Those who traverse it are advised to cross their fingers, close their eyes, hold their breath and make a wish. If the breath is held all the way across the bridge, then the wish will be granted. (It is NOT advisable for the driver of the vehicle to try this, however!)
Visitors to Hartland can still drive or walk across the Longest Covered Bridge in the World, although vehicles must not exceed 10 tonnes or be higher than 13’ 9”. Hartland is located approximately 72 miles (120 km) west of Fredericton or 100 miles (160 km) east of Edmundston on TCH #2.
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