We respectfully acknowledge that Grand Bay-Westfield exists on the traditional Wolastoqey (WOOL-US-TOOK-WAY) land. The lands of Wabanaki (WAH-BAH-NAH[1]KEE) people are recognized in a series of Peace and Friendship Treaties to establish an ongoing relationship of peace, friendship and mutual respect between equal nations. The river that runs by our town is known as Wolastoq (WOOL-LUSS-TOOK), along which live Wolastoqiyik (WOOL-US-TOO-GWEEG) – the people of the beautiful and bountiful river. We, the staff and elected representatives, pay respect to the elders, past and present, and descendants of this land.
There is truly no place like Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick. Grand Bay-Westfield is yours to explore with something for everyone – hiking, walking and cycling trails, parks, shopping, dining, golf course, splash pad, tennis and pickleball courts, sports fields, river access – and more. Our Town is a dynamic and vibrant community renowned for being Neighbours by Nature – A welcoming place for all to live, grow and thrive.
Grand Bay-Westfield is located in southwestern New Brunswick along the River Valley Scenic Drive, one of the provincially designated scenic routes. It is home to a community of approximately 5,866 residents (Wards 1 and 2).
On January 1, 2023, as part of the provincial local governance reform process, the new local government of Grand Bay-Westfield was formed. It includes the former/legacy Town of Grand Bay-Westfield (Ward 1) and a portion of the former Local Service District of Westfield West focused on areas along Brittain and Campbell Roads (Ward 2).
Boundary History
Before 1783, the land north of the Bay of Fundy was surveyed and granted as part of Nova Scotia. Following the establishment of New Brunswick in 1784, Saint John County was created in May 1785, followed by Kings County in July of the same year.
The boundary line between the two counties was first drawn running east to west, as shown on Robert Campbell’s 1788 survey map. It followed a route south of Kennebecasis Island and extended to Bradley Lake. In 1838, additional survey markers were placed to define the county boundaries from Charlotte County to Albert County. This included brass plugs installed at the southern tip of Kennebecasis Island and on an island in the middle of Bradley Lake.
The parishes of Westfield and Lancaster were established in 1786 and met at the boundary between Kings and Saint John Counties. However, individual lot lines did not align with county boundaries, as they were based on earlier land grants from the 1760s.
In 1964–1965, Murdock-Lingley Surveyors updated the boundary by producing a new map. They referenced the Kennebecasis Island point and installed new markers along the western shore of the river. This clarified how the boundary passed through two original grant lots from the 1780s—Lot #19 (granted to Andrew Hamm) and Lot #20 (reserved as Anglican Church “Glebe” lands).
Several municipal changes later affected this boundary:
- In 1967, the City of Saint John annexed the Parish of Lancaster, extending its boundary north to the county line.
- In 1968, the Village of Pamdenec was incorporated, reaching only as far south as George Street.
- In 1973, the Village of Grand Bay was incorporated and extended its southern boundary to the county line.
Municipal Heritage Trail
There’s no better way to discover the history of Grand Bay-Westfield than by exploring our Municipal Heritage Trail!
Visit the Trail in-person or click on the 
Trail symbols online HERE to read more about the stories of our historic riverside community.
Mayoral History
For the Mayoral history of the community, visit HERE.
Historic Places
Our Town’s unique identity is deeply rooted in its people, surroundings, and rich history. Explore the historic places found in and around our Town with this interactive map.
Alwington Manor
Anglican Church of the Resurrection
Black Loyalist Land Grants of 1787
Blagdon Family Homestead
Brundage Point Westfield Wharf
Doctors Office and Nursing Home
Fred Spencer Summer Home
George W. Crawford Home
Gilliland Country Store
Gyro Fresh Air Summer Camp
Jewish Summer Community
Kirtley-Hayter Family Home
Lingley Homestead
Mount Hope Cemetary
Mount Hope Farm
Nase Cemetary
Nerepis School
Old Portage Trail Head
Porter Family Home
Queen Ann Revival Summer Home
Second Empire Home
St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church
St. James Anglican Cemetary
Stagecoach Inn
Stevens Family Cemetary
Stevens Family Home
Westfield Golf & Country Club
Westfield United Church
