Major city · Canada
Plaster Rock
Go only if you want pond hockey in February or a Mount Carleton base: one night, two if you add the park. Otherwise pass through.
Plaster Rock is a village of about 1,000 on the Tobique River in northwestern New Brunswick, on the Appalachian Range Scenic Drive and the self-styled gateway to Mount Carleton Provincial Park. Its two real draws are the World Pond Hockey Championships in mid-February and the park, 140 km north. Everything else is a small main street with a handful of places to eat and sleep.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Feb for pond hockey, Jun–Sep for the park and river
- avoid Nov–Apr unless you are here for snowmobiling or pond hockey; mud season in April
- Airports
- YFC · YQM
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Plaster Rock911 ▾
- Police, fire and ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Plaster Rock, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyA small, quiet village.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire and ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckYFC Fredericton International (check drive time; the nearest airport with scheduled service).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a pastry2026 estimateC$4–8 (≈ US$3–6)
- BeerBeer in a bar / six-pack at the store2026 estimateC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)C$14–18 (≈ US$11–14)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimateC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Budget bedPark cabin or lodge cabin (up to 4), a night, per roomC$120 (≈ US$90)
- Mid-range bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YFC Fredericton International (check drive time; the nearest airport with scheduled service) · YQM Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International (check drive time and seasonal flights)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Feb
Care
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Mar
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Apr
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
May
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Dec
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Feb. Avoid: Mar–Apr, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C) low), wettest May (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Plaster Rock: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
12 rd
Feb
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
10 rd
Mar
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
11 rd
Apr
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
12 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
13 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
13 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Nov
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
13 rd
Dec
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The village is small enough to walk, but Mount Carleton, the river put-ins and the outfitters are all outside it. From the Trans-Canada Highway, take Route 390 east from Perth-Andover or Route 108 from Grand Falls. Fuel up in Perth-Andover or Grand Falls; services in the village are limited.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mount Carleton Provincial Park
goDoor to door: About 2 h each way
Route 385 north from the village, about 140 km (87 mi)Route 385 north from the village, about 87 mi (140 km)
Highest peak in the Maritimes at 820 m; day fee per car, cash only, campground and cabins inside.
Perth-Andover
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Route 390 west to the Trans-Canada Highway
Closest full services, groceries and fuel; river views over the Saint John.
Grand Falls
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Route 108 west
Gorge and waterfall in town; good wet-weather stop.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Route 390 to the Trans-Canada, then east
Potato museum and covered bridge; makes more sense combined with Woodstock.
Door to door: About 1 h 45 min
Route 108 west to the Trans-Canada, then north
Quebec border city with more food and beds; a half-day, not a full one.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Main Street / village centre
Motel, B&B and restaurant within a short walk; best if you have no car for the evening.
Route 390 toward St. Almo
B&Bs and lodges a 10-minute drive out; quieter, but you need a car for dinner.
Mount Carleton Provincial Park
Campground and cabins inside the park, 140 km (87 mi) north; book ahead and bring cash.Campground and cabins inside the park, 87 mi (140 km) north; book ahead and bring cash.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed (2026 estimate)
- Mid
- C$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed (2026 estimate)
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed (2026 estimate)
Trip budget
| Motel or inn double room1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Mount Carleton day fee, per car1 × C$10 · cash only at the park | C$10 |
| Campsite in Mount Carleton, per night1 × C$32 | C$32 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$54 |
| Trip total≈ C$298 per person per day, bed included | C$596≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; car and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a pastry2026 estimate | C$4–8 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Burger, fries or poutine2026 estimate | C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15) |
| Pizza or pasta main2026 estimate | C$15–26 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Beer in a bar / six-pack at the store2026 estimate | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) / C$14–18 (≈ US$11–14) |
| Fuel, per litre2026 estimate; higher in remote stations | C$1.50–1.80 (≈ US$2) |
| Mount Carleton day fee, per carcash only | C$10 (≈ US$8) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimate | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances are long and cell coverage is patchy on Route 385 toward Mount Carleton: download offline maps and carry water.
- Mount Carleton Provincial Park takes cash only at the gate; the daily fee is per car, not per person.
- Winter driving on Routes 390 and 385 is snow-covered and isolated; check conditions before setting out.
- Most village restaurants close early and some shut for a day or two midweek; check hours before you rely on them.
- Black bear and moose are common in the region; store food properly at campsites and drive slowly at dusk.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Plaster RockPlaster Rock
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance911
Embassy
No consulates in the village. US consulate general in Halifax; other countries: embassies in Ottawa or consulates in Montréal and Halifax.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fredericton airport → Plaster Rock by car: about 2 h 30 min, 200 km (124 mi)about 2 h 30 min, 124 mi (200 km)
- Plaster Rock → Mount Carleton by car: about 2 h, 140 km (87 mi) on Route 385about 2 h, 87 mi (140 km) on Route 385
- Mount Carleton day fee: C$10 (≈ US$8) per car, cash only
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the gas station? — Where is the gas station?
- A table for two, please — A table for two, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is the road open? — Is the road open?
- Where is the trailhead? — Where is the trailhead?
English is the working language here; French is common in the region and is an official language of New Brunswick.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Plaster Rock. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Feb for pond hockey, Jun–Sep for the park and river · avoid Nov–Apr unless you are here for snowmobiling or pond hockey; mud season in April · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares