Hartland, New Brunswick, Canada: World's Longest Covered Bridge

Be careful as you approach the bridge; it's one lane. After passing through, find a place to park and take time to walk along the covered walkway which parallels the roadway, spanning the river. Even on a cold and windy day (like our visit), the walkway offers sufficient protection from the elements and permits a slower, closer look at a type of bridge whose charm is fading and almost gone.

Beautiful bridge. The visitor center closes mid-September. River Valley Craft Shop, just up the hill, open year round, carries all types of bridge souvenirs.

They do a crafts fair inside the bridge every year on New Brunswick Day (typically the first Monday in August). Obviously the bridge is closed for vehicular traffic during this time. There is also a festival outside the bridge and a rubber duck race.

Fun to drive through, can access easily from either side, but if you are coming off the freeway, drive through the bridge and stop at the tourist info parking lot (which incidentally doesn't open until May 22) for some info on the bridge and best views.

The world's longest covered bridge was completed in Hartland, New Brunswick in 1899. It's 390 metres (1,282 feet) long and spans the Saint John River. Be sure to make a wish as you drive through (and ask one of the locals to tell you why covered bridges are called Kissing Bridges)!