Introduction

Cambridge-Narrows is a scenic rural community in Queens County, New Brunswick, known for its rich history and idyllic location on Washademoak Lake. Founded by early Loyalist settlers after the American Revolution, it evolved from two hamlets (Cambridge and The Narrows) on either side of a narrow waterway into a single village in 1966. Today, Cambridge-Narrows blends historic charm with lakeside recreation, offering a welcoming haven for both year-round residents and seasonal cottage-goers. In 2023 it joined the new municipality of Arcadia, but the name Cambridge-Narrows lives on, synonymous with community pride and a relaxed, nature-oriented lifestyle.

Early Settlement and Loyalist Heritage

Long before any village was established, the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) people used Washademoak Lake as a vital travel route between the Saint John River and the Bay of Fundy. European settlement began in the post-Loyalist period: following the Revolutionary War, United Empire Loyalist families arrived in 1783–84 and were granted lands along the lake. These pioneers found dense old-growth forests and fertile soils. They cleared the land for farming and built water-powered sawmills, which produced lumber for houses and even shipbuilding. The lake itself was the community’s highway – providing plentiful fish and connecting settlers to riverboat routes on the Saint John River (known as the Wolastoq) and Grand Lake system. By the early 1800s, more settlers of Scottish and Irish origin arrived, and the settlement grew into a string of farms and small hubs along the shore.

In the mid-19th century the area’s identity took shape. Cambridge Parish was established in 1852 (named in honor of the Duke of Cambridge), and the locale at “the Narrows” – the pinch-point of the lake – became an important crossing and gathering spot. Steamboats began making stops at local wharves during the 1800s, as Washademoak Lake became part of the busy St. John River steamboat era, carrying timber, farm produce, and passengers. Community life revolved around church, school, and seasonal work on the land and water. Generations of families (names like Wiggins, Titus, Belyea, and Flower) put down deep roots in Cambridge-Narrows, building a self-sufficient rural society.

Village Formation and Milestones

By the 20th century, Cambridge-Narrows consisted of two close-knit settlements facing each other across the water: Cambridge on one side and The Narrows on the other. In 1966, a major milestone saw these communities merge under one municipal government, officially creating the Village of Cambridge-Narrows. Uniting the two sides of the Narrows was not just a political change but a practical one – and it literally came bridged by infrastructure. For many years, a wooden covered bridge spanned the narrows of the lake, becoming an iconic symbol of the village’s unity. That bridge, built in the early 1900s, was central to daily life – until the infamous Groundhog Day Gale of February 2, 1976. In that dramatic winter storm, the high winds “blew down” the Cambridge-Narrows covered bridge. The loss of the bridge overnight splintered the community’s transportation links – half the local school’s students suddenly found themselves cut off on the far side of Washademoak, facing an hours-long bus detour around the lake.

However, the resilient community rallied. A temporary cable ferry was pressed into service to reconnect Cambridge-Narrows, giving residents and schoolchildren a short “mini-voyage” across the Narrows for the next few months. By 1978, a new permanent steel bridge rose to link the shores again, restoring easy travel and ending the ferry’s brief revival. Today’s bridge stands as a testament to the community’s determination to overcome nature’s challenges and stay connected. A generation of locals still remembers the old covered bridge fondly – and the way neighbors pulled together in the wake of its collapse.

Other notable milestones include the establishment of modern services and preservation of heritage. In the early 1950s a consolidated high school was built to serve Cambridge-Narrows and outlying areas – a modern facility at the time, which doubled as the community’s auditorium for dances, suppers and public events. (That 1952 school building is itself historic now – after the schools were reconfigured, it became the Municipal Building and village office, carrying on its role as a local gathering place.) The village has also taken care to preserve links to its past: for example, the Anthony Flower House, a humble 1½-storey farmhouse built in 1818 by noted New Brunswick folk artist Anthony Flower, was saved from demolition and restored as a museum. The old Hendry Farm Lighthouse, a tiny wooden beacon erected in 1879 to guide river steamers, has been maintained as a historical landmark with an interpretive plaque. These landmarks – from pioneer homes to vestiges of the steamboat age – help tell the story of Cambridge-Narrows’ evolution through the centuries.

Most recently, Cambridge-Narrows faced another change in governance. On January 1, 2023, as part of province-wide municipal reforms, the village amalgamated with the neighboring village of Gagetown and several local districts to form a new regional municipality called Arcadia. While it no longer has independent village status, Cambridge-Narrows retains its strong identity and continues to be referred to by name as a distinct community within Arcadia. This amalgamation is just the latest chapter in an ongoing story – one that has seen Cambridge-Narrows adapt and change while preserving the unique character that comes from its history.

Life by the Lake: Natural Beauty and Recreation

Nestled around the shores of Washademoak Lake, Cambridge-Narrows is surrounded by natural beauty in every direction. The lake itself is a broad expanse of calm water (actually a wide stretch of the Canaan River, upstream of the Saint John River), and it defines the local lifestyle. In summer, the population swells as seasonal residents return to open up cottages or campgrounds fill with vacationers. In fact, out of ~629 private dwellings in the community, only about 345 are occupied year-round – a sign of how many properties are summer cottages or second homes by the water. It’s no wonder Cambridge-Narrows is “a favorite among vacationers and seasonal residents”. Here, lakefront living is the main attraction.

Washademoak Lake offers 30+ kilometers of boater-friendly waters, with connections that allow adventurous cruisers to navigate through the Jemseg River out to the Saint John River and even Grand Lake. Boating is hugely popular – from pontoon boats and fishing craft to kayaks and the occasional houseboat making a week-long sojourn through the interconnected waterways. Public wharves and boat launches dot the area; in fact, three historic wooden steamboat wharves still exist on the western shore (Humphrey’s, Mott’s, and Colwell’s Wharves), now used as handy launch points for paddling, fishing or simply enjoying sunsets over the lake. On a warm day, you’ll see kids swimming and people waterskiing or tubing behind speedboats, while sailboats glide in the afternoon breeze. Anglers appreciate the lake’s diverse fish – from bass and perch to the elusive sturgeon – due to warming temps and unstable ice conditions fewer ice-fishing shacks are seen out onto the lake’s frozen expanse.

Cambridge-Narrows’ welcome sign greets visitors crossing the bridge over Washademoak Lake and declares Cambridge-Narrows to be “The Best Kept Secret in NB”, encapsulating the village’s identity as a lakeside community. The calm waters of the Narrows are visible in the background.

On land, the natural terrain provides endless recreation as well. Just south of the bridge, The Pines Conservation Park preserves a serene stand of older-growth pine forest – an ideal spot for picnics, hiking, or cross-country skiing on groomed winter trails. (Be sure to visit the park’s famous “Peace” sculpture, carved from local stone – one of the artworks on the international sculpture trail.) There are also other maintained walking trails, like the Robinson Trail, a 3.4 km loop through mixed forest that rewards hikers with lake vistas. Nature is truly at your doorstep: the surrounding woods and wetlands abound with wildlife – one might spot bald eagles or osprey fishing the lake, white-tailed deer among the trees, or hear loons calling across the water at dusk.

For those who love camping, Cambridge-Narrows has options from rustic to resort-like. The Cambridge-Narrows Campground offers family-oriented camping among well-groomed grounds near the lake, promising “peace and serenity” in a picturesque setting. If you prefer a roof over your head, several cottage resorts operate in the area – for example, Lazy Goose Cottages, Copper Shore Lake Houses, Jenkins Cove Cottage Rentals, and a variety of Airbnb rentals – where visitors can rent a cozy cabin on the shore and enjoy amenities like pools, hot tubs, and private docks. Owning a cottage here is equally alluring: properties range from humble off-grid camps to modern four-season retreats. The common denominator is being close to the water, with sunsets on the dock and bonfires on the beach as part of everyday life. Residents often joke that “lake time” is the local time zone – meaning things move at a pleasantly unhurried pace, dictated more by the sun and the than by the clock.

Community Services and Amenities

Despite its small size, Cambridge-Narrows offers an impressive array of services and amenities for a rural village – a sign of a resourceful community. Education has long been a point of pride: the Cambridge-Narrows Community School (CNCS) serves local children from kindergarten through grade 12 under one roof. The school, centrally located in the village, isn’t just for classes – it has an auditorium and gym that historically doubled as the area’s largest public venue, hosting everything from Christmas concerts to community dinners. (Today, one might find the school gym being used for a weekly pickleball game or youth sports, illustrating its continuing role as a hub of community activity.) A short jaunt from the school is the Village Municipal Building, which now occupies the former high school facility. This building contains meeting space and is home to many local programs – on a given week you might see a line dancing class on Tuesday and a council meeting or a craft workshop later in the week. It’s also home to the Post Office, and the local fire department. 

Cambridge-Narrows also boasts a charming Regional Library, which is much more than a place to borrow books. Housed in a beautifully preserved heritage building (circa 1850s) that once served as a temperance hall or community hall, the library today functions as a multi-purpose community centre. In the summer months it even operates as an official Visitor Information Centre, welcoming travelers with local brochures and friendly advice. The library frequently hosts events like author readings, kids’ story hours, and club meetings. Under the umbrella of the library, a “community gathering committee” organizes monthly luncheons and socials – for instance, a winter holiday potluck that brings out dozens of residents for food and conversation. It’s the kind of place where volunteers serve soup and sandwiches to their neighbors in a warm, homey atmosphere, reinforcing the close-knit feel of the village.

Everyday necessities are met by local businesses either in Cambridge-Narrows or a short drive away. In the village, one can fill up the car and the pantry at Nan’s Country Store, a classic country convenience store (and gas station) on Bridge Drive that also doubles as an NB Liquor outlet. This one-stop shop carries a bit of everything – gas and diesel, groceries, lottery tickets, hardware odds-and-ends, and even seasonal items like bait or fireworks. (Locals appreciate that they don’t have to drive all the way to town for a loaf of bread, a tank of fuel, or a celebratory bottle of wine.). New in town for 2025 is wonderful little business named Nove’s Place. Nove’s Place sells some baked goodies and teas from local makers, as well as coffee and ice cream. They also host a summer market every Friday from 4-8pm where local vendors sell their works of art, baked goods, soaps, and more. Nove’s acts as a gathering spot for locals, and it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on their calendar for special events. One particularily Popular event is the Strawberry Festival each June – complete with shortcake, vendors, music and games – to be held at Nove’s Place at 1409 Bridge Drive. There are also a few seasonal farm stands and markets in the surrounding area – for example, in nearby Jemseg you’ll find a summer farmers’ market and produce stands for fresh strawberries and corn in season. The nearest larger grocery stores, pharmacies, and full services are roughly 30–45 minutes away (in market towns like Sussex or Oromocto), but residents have grown used to planning weekly trips for big shopping and relying on local options for day-to-day needs. Healthcare services in the immediate village are limited (no full clinic in Cambridge-Narrows itself), but ambulance and first responders are on call, and primary care clinics are available in Gagetown or Chipman. Many retirees in the area have a family doctor in Fredericton or Sussex, reflecting that Cambridge-Narrows is truly rural yet reasonably accessible to larger centers.

Culture and Lifestyle

What truly defines Cambridge-Narrows is its culture of community and the relaxed, creative lifestyle that residents cherish. Despite being small in population, the village is big on community spirit. There’s a palpable sense of “neighborliness” – people wave at each other on the roads, stop for a chat at the post office or general store, and rally together through good times and bad. Many community events and initiatives are entirely volunteer-driven, reflecting a tradition of stepping up to help. For example, the restoration of the Anthony Flower House museum was sparked by a local teenager’s campaign to save the historic home, and eventually dozens of volunteers helped fundraise and physically move the house to a safe location. Similarly, the local library and visitor centre is staffed largely by volunteer community members who are passionate about their home town.

The arts and artisan traditions thrive here as well. Cambridge-Narrows has attracted painters, woodworkers, and craftspeople – both locals and newcomers – who find inspiration in its natural beauty and tranquility. The Acacia Gallery, run by a resident artist, showcases stunning multimedia art (paintings, sculptures, and more) in a converted historic building, giving local artists an outlet and visitors a chance to purchase unique pieces. Throughout the year, craft sales and makers’ markets pop up at community halls or farmyards. Quilting, knitting, and woodworking are popular pastimes, and you’ll often find handmade quilts or rustic furniture for sale to support a church fundraiser. The influence of early folk artist Anthony Flower also lives on – Queens County Heritage hosts painting workshops and exhibits at the Flower House, keeping his 19th-century artistic legacy part of the modern village’s identity.

Cambridge-Narrows may be quiet, but it knows how to celebrate. Each August, the community hosts the Life at the Lakes Festival, an annual celebration of arts, nature, and local culture. This festival, timed for the weekend after New Brunswick Day, turns the whole village and surrounding area into a lively venue. Over a dozen locations – from the school and library to lakeshore gardens and private studios – offer activities like art shows, craft workshops, live music, nature walks, and culinary tastings. You might tour open studios of potters and painters, then catch an outdoor concert by local musicians in the evening. The festival showcases the talents of the community and has become a beloved tradition drawing visitors from across the province. As one description puts it, “over fifteen locations throughout the area present a variety of activities and events” during Life at the Lakes – truly a whole-community effort.

Summer is also peak season for fairs and gatherings. In addition to Life at the Lakes, residents participate in nearby events like the Queens County Fair in Gagetown (a classic agricultural fair each September) and the Jemseg Lions Club Farmers’ Market on summer Saturday mornings. In Cambridge-Narrows itself, the churches often host annual suppers that draw big crowds, and the local historical society might put on a heritage day at The Pines park. During fall, a community Harvest Day might be organized, and come winter, the village rings in the holidays with tree-lighting and a Christmas craft market. Even the quiet times of year feature communal activities – for instance, in mid-winter the library may run a weekly card game night or the school might open its doors for a community potluck supper. The ethos is that everyone is welcome and participation is encouraged; it’s a very inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere.

Life in Cambridge-Narrows has a comfortable rural rhythm. Day-to-day life is marked by simple pleasures: morning coffee overlooking the lake, chatting with a neighbor at the mailboxes, tending to a garden or taking a nature walk. There is relatively little traffic and zero stoplights – the loudest noises might be a boat motor or children playing in the summer. Many residents maintain traditions like home gardening, berry picking, hunting and fishing, or making preserves – living close to the land as their ancestors did. At the same time, the community embraces newcomers and seasonal dwellers. Whether you’ve been here for generations or just bought a cottage last year, you’ll find opportunities to get involved – from joining the volunteer fire department’s pancake breakfast team to helping clean up a local trail in spring. This spirit of volunteerism and friendliness defines the lifestyle.

Indeed, Cambridge-Narrows embodies the best of small-town Maritime life – a place where community ties are strong, creativity is nurtured, and the natural setting provides both recreation and inspiration.

Real Estate Appeal: Year-Round Homes and Seasonal Retreats

For a real estate buyer or seller, Cambridge-Narrows represents a dual market with distinct appeals. On one hand, you have the full-time residents – families, professionals who commute to regional centers, and retirees – who choose to live here year-round for its peace and quality of life. These folks seek comfortable houses (many on generous lots) with the amenities needed for four-season living. They enjoy the community’s school, services, and the quieter offseason when the lake is still and snow-covered. On the other hand, you have the seasonal property owners – those who purchase cottages, cabins, or summer homes to enjoy from spring through fall (and sometimes to winterize for occasional snowy escapes). They are drawn by the lakefront leisure: boating, swimming, barbecues, and sunset evenings on the deck. Cambridge-Narrows’ real estate market thus caters to both, offering everything from century-old farmhouses on acreage to modern waterfront cottages with private docks. As a seller, this makes it incredibly important to market your property to the right kind of buyer. Working with a REALTOR® who knows how to market your property to the right audience gives you the best chance at a quick sale and the highest possible price

Year-round residents often look for features like good insulation and heating, garages or workshops, and perhaps a bit of land – many properties here offer large yards, gardens, or even hobby farms. Some homes sit on hilltops with lake vistas, others in quiet wooded lanes. There is a modest village core around the school and bridge, but much of the housing is spread out along rural roads, offering privacy. In recent years, there has been a trend of retirees from urban areas choosing Cambridge-Narrows for its slower pace and reasonable real estate prices, sometimes turning their former cottages into their retirement homes. With high-speed internet now available, a few professionals even work remotely from their lakeside houses.

Seasonal buyers, meanwhile, typically prioritize waterfront access or views. Properties on Washademoak Lake’s shoreline – whether direct waterfront or with deeded access to a beach or boat launch – are in demand. Many families from the city dream of owning a summer cottage here where kids can grow up swimming and fishing. The market offers rustic cabins that have been in the same family for decades, turnkey modern cottages with all the comforts, as well as empty waterfront lots for those who wish to build their dream getaway. Prices can range widely: a humble off-grid camp would be considered more affordable, whereas a renovated lakefront home with extensive frontage will command a premium. Overall, compared to more crowded cottage destinations in other provinces, Cambridge-Narrows still offers good value for waterfront real estate – one can see why it remains a popular spot for vacation property seekers.

From a selling perspective, agents often emphasize the lifestyle that comes with the property. It’s not just the house or land, it’s membership in a caring community and an outdoor paradise. A brochure might highlight how you can “boat from your dock to the farmers’ market in Gagetown” or “enjoy bonfires under starry skies with neighbors down the lane.” Year-round, the beauty of the four seasons is a draw: fiddleheads and blooming apple orchards in spring, long sunny days on the lake in summer, spectacular foliage in autumn, and cozy wood stove winters ideal for snowshoeing and ice-skating.

In sum, Cambridge-Narrows presents a unique real estate landscape that bridges permanent rural living and seasonal escape. Its dual nature is actually a strength – the seasonal influx brings energy and business in summer, while the year-round residents keep the community vibrant through the quieter months. Both groups share an investment in preserving what makes this place special. Whether one is buying a family home on a back road or a cottage at water’s edge, they’re investing in more than property; they’re joining a living story of a village with heart, history, and a bright horizon.

Conclusion

Cambridge-Narrows offers something truly special: the chance to be part of a story-book community set amidst natural splendor. From its origins in the Loyalist era to its thriving present-day culture, the village exudes a sense of continuity and belonging. Historical narratives aren’t just found in books here – they live on in the well-tended old homes, the preserved lighthouse and wharves, and the anecdotes shared at the general store. The community identity is strong, forged by generations who have celebrated together, weathered storms (literal and figurative), and welcomed newcomers with open arms.

For anyone considering buying or selling property in Cambridge-Narrows, understanding its dual character is key. This is a place where you can slow down and savor “life at the lake” – whether for a summer or a lifetime. The real estate options reflect that diversity, but no matter which path you take, you’ll be tapping into the same wonderful quality of life. Imagine stepping onto your deck with a morning coffee as mist rises off Washademoak, or chatting with neighbors at a community gathering, or watching your children (or grandchildren) learn to swim in lake and creating lasting memories. It’s a storybook setting with a very real, warm community at its core.

A drive through Cambridge-Narrows might have you stopping to enjoy some of the local businesses or parks. Stay a little longer, and you’ll experience the deeper rhythm – the friendliness, the festivals, the stunning sunsets and starry nights free of city lights. Cambridge-Narrows is more than a village on the map; it’s a way of life. For year-round residents and seasonal visitors alike, it offers the best of New Brunswick’s rural charms: natural beauty, a rich sense of history, and a community that feels like family. It’s no surprise this little village by the lake continues to capture hearts – and will for generations to come.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the area, I’d be happy to help guide you through every step of the real estate process

You can connect with me here!