Waterfall Detail: The Lepreau River flows southward through the Fundy Coastal region, a heavily forested area and empties into the Bay of Fundy. The headwaters are located mainly in granite bedrock that has low buffering capacity. Also, bogs and wetlands are not uncommon throughout the watershed and these areas tend to be naturally acidic. This condition readily leach iron and other minerals from soil turning the water a caramel colour.
The name is of French origin and is a derivative of, la pereau, for “little rabbit.” The contemporary spelling has prevailed since the mid-nineteenth century.
The rapids above the main falls produces a surface of white caps and eddy’s which culminates with a fantastic roar over an 8 meter rocky ledge into the Bay of Fundy at its base. This series of waterfalls spans the entire width of the Lepreau river and is truly breathtaking. Appreciate this natural attraction from an observation deck just down river from the falls.
Lepreau Falls is one of New Brunswick’s best “drive by” waterfalls. Located within the tiny hamlet of Lepreau, this site is well marked and advertised. Ask locals for directions if required, as the area is well known. Picnic tables, garbage can and walkways along with washroom facilities make it an excellent site for family visit.
Visit Detail: Lepreau was our fourth waterfalls visit of the day and all agreed that we saved the best for last. After parking we walked along the boardwalks and paths checking out vantages at each lookout. The falls and preceding rapids provide a spectacular show. The river cascades over the last drop into the bay. On low tide the falls lands on rocks and then flows here and there into a channel to the bay. On this visit the mighty high tides of the Bay of Fundy were at the base of the fall.
Prior to stopping at the falls we drove out to Little Dipper Harbour and the Mariners Inn for lunch. This was my first time out to this part of New Brunswick and the drive was beautiful as we skirted in and out of the many inlets. At one point we thought we saw whales in the small inlet but after scrutinizing the water for several minutes, determined it was water crashing over hidden shoals.
Update: It is Saturday afternoon in January and I find myself making my way down along the snow covered rock outcrop to a location that provides and upfront and unobstructed view of the falls. I am here to take a panorama photo of the falls. Panning across the waterfall I take three successive shots with my 10 mm Sigma lenses. I later stitched the photo’s together. Hope you enjoy.