Sand, Sun, and Stilts
Princess Park isn’t your typical lakefront getaway. There are no deep, shaded forests, no winding trails disappearing into the wilderness. Instead, it’s a narrow ribbon of land—a natural sandbar—with Grand Lake on one side and a quiet cove known as The Keyhole on the other. It’s a community so close to the water that in some spots, the land barely stretches 300 feet from shore to shore.
The result? A one-of-a-kind lakeside neighbourhood where cottages perch on stilts, summer nights stretch long past sunset, and neighbours wave to each other from their docks. Whether you're here for a weekend at Princess Park Campground or eyeing a permanent lakeside retreat, this place has a way of pulling people in—and keeping them.
Camping with a Front-Row Seat to Grand Lake
For those who want to dip their toes into Princess Park life, the Princess Park Campground offers a prime spot to set up for the summer—or just a weekend. Nestled on the western shore of Grand Lake, this family-friendly campground is a hub for lake lovers, offering everything from rustic tent sites to full-service RV hookups.
Here’s what campers can expect:
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Lakeside Living – Over 4,000 feet of beachfront, perfect for lazy sunbathing sessions or early morning kayak excursions.
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The Essentials – A well-stocked canteen, public fire pits, clean washrooms, and even coin-operated showers for those who don’t love the totally roughing it experience.
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Friday & Saturday Wagon Rides – Because nothing says small-town charm like a classic wagon ride under the summer sky.
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Playgrounds & Picnic Spots – Ideal for families with kids who need a break from the water (though good luck convincing them to leave).
The campground is also a gateway to Grand Lake’s best water activities, whether you’re into boating, fishing, or simply floating with a cold drink in hand.
Getting There: Ignore Your GPS, Trust the Locals
Most travelers heading toward Grand Lake from Fredericton stick to Route 10—a perfectly acceptable drive if you’re in a rush. But if you’re in the mood for something a little more scenic, take Route 105 along the Saint John River instead. It’s a winding, waterfront route that delivers you to Route 690, past Lakeville Corner and Clarks Corner, before leading you into the heart of Princess Park.
Oh, and if your GPS suggests taking Pondstream Road? Don't do it. Trust us.
Real Estate: Living on the Edge (of a Sandbar)
Cottage ownership in Princess Park requires a certain type of person—one who doesn’t mind being just 300 feet from open water on both sides. Homes here aren’t just picturesque; they’re also elevated—literally. Many cottages sit on stilts, posts, or blocks, some towering 10 feet in the air as a safeguard against flooding.
Grand Lake, after all, is part of the Saint John River system, and every now and then, Mother Nature reminds everyone of that. In 2018, floodwaters rose an astonishing 22.5 feet, leaving many properties submerged. Since then, flood mitigation has become a lifestyle. Think waterfront resilience meets East Coast charm.
A Social Scene with a Side of Sand
For those who crave seclusion, Princess Park might not be your scene. It’s not the kind of place where you disappear behind a high hedge and a "No Trespassing" sign. This is more beachfront block party than private retreat.
Summers here are defined by sandy toes, boat tie-ups with friends, and lakefront bonfires that stretch well past midnight. Kids chase each other along the shore, seasoned residents swap stories about the "old days," and newcomers get indoctrinated into the laid-back rhythm of life on Grand Lake.
And with Princess Park Campground next door, the community gets a fresh influx of vacationers every summer—families who return year after year, turning weekend getaways into lifelong traditions.
A Little History, A Lot of Nostalgia
Before Princess Park was a sought-after summer destination, it was simply a public beach with a canteen run by the Sproul family—the kind of place where kids begged their parents for hot dogs and ice cream on sticky summer afternoons.
Go back even further, and you'll find stories of A.D. Taylor, who built the first cottage here in the 1930s, selling it a few years later to a Dr. Gardiner. Some say the land was once part of the Wiggins Estate; others remember an elderly woman, Mrs. Garthwaite, toughing out the brutal New Brunswick winters in a log home before modern comforts arrived.
Today, Princess Park is a mix of old-school nostalgia and new-blood, with century-old cottages standing alongside contemporary builds—all bound by their love for Grand Lake’s waters and the magic of this little slice of sand.
Why You Should Visit (or Stay Forever)
Not many places in New Brunswick (or anywhere, really) offer a community built on a sandbar, sandwiched between two bodies of water, with a beach vibe and an unshakable sense of togetherness.
Whether you’re camping at Princess Park Campground or staying in a lakefront cottage, the experience is pure New Brunswick summer magic.
Come for the lake views. Stay for the people. And if you fall in love with the place? Well, you wouldn’t be the first.
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