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Wilson's Point Historic Site

At the point where the North and South Branches of the Miramichi River converge lies the nationally recognized and protected heritage site with a panoramic view. Make your way to the end of the Enclosure Road where you will find a hidden little gem in the form of Wilson’s Point Historic Site. The Earliest English speaking settlers (Scottish) who arrived in 1765 lived, socialized, did business and were buried here. Their history is lovingly preserved by The Scottish Heritage Association Miramichi who have restored the original grave sites including that of founding father William Davidson, the historic walking trails, installed a wharf, trading post and built an interpretive center. Wilson's Point Historic Point not only contains the Scottish Ancestry of the river, but also has great archeological significance and deep rooted connections to the Mi'kmaq peoples, as well as, the French, Acadians and Loyalists who have  all helped establish the rich history of this beautiful river region dating well beyond three thousand years.

Virtual Tour

2025 SEASON

Opening Day Monday June 23rd- Closing Saturday October 25th

Hours 930-1630 Daily

Free Admission

Pet Friendly

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From Our Heritage Miramichi submitted by John English

[When I was young my Dad looked after The Enclosure park when it was run by province. Popular place in the 70s. Popular now too.]

The Enclosure Park (now often referred to as Wilson’s Point Historic Site) is a 49-hectare wooded parkland in Miramichi, New Brunswick, situated at the strategic confluence of the Northwest and Southwest Miramichi Rivers.
Its history spans thousands of years and reflects the converging cultures of Canada's founding groups:
1. Indigenous Roots (Pre-Contact)
Ancient Settlement: Archaeological evidence indicates the site was used by Indigenous groups (Mi'kmaq) for over 2,000 years.
Artifacts: More than 2,000 artifacts, including lithic (stone) tools, have been recovered from the park grounds.
2. Acadian Refuge (1756–1759)
Camp d'Espérance: During the struggle for Acadia, the site served as a refugee camp established by Charles Deschamps de Boishébert.
Sombre History: Built to shelter Acadians escaping deportation, the camp saw immense suffering. Hundreds of refugees are believed to have died from famine and disease and remain buried in unmarked graves within the park.
3. Scottish Settlement & Trade (1765–1800s)
English-Speaking Pioneers: In 1765, Scottish entrepreneur William Davidson and John Cort were granted 100,000 acres, making it the center of Miramichi’s first lucrative fishing, shipbuilding, and lumber industries.
First Church: It was the site of Saint James Presbyterian Church, built in 1791 as the first Protestant church in the region.
Founders' Cemetery: The park contains an 18th-century cemetery where many of the community's influential early Scottish settlers are buried.
4. Establishment as a Park (1949–Present)
Beaverbrook Donation: In 1949, the prominent philanthropist Lord Beaverbrook, a Miramichi native, sponsored the restoration of the neglected cemetery.
The Name: He was reportedly inspired by the enclosures (fences) surrounding the graves and named the site "Enclosure Park" when he donated it to the province as a public space.
The park is currently recognized as a Provincial Historic Site and features walking trails, interpretive displays, and a replica of the original 1791 church.
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January 4th, 9:55 pm
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As 2025 comes to an

As 2025 comes to an end, we would like to take this time to thank you for your patronage this past year and for helping us make it one of the most memorable yet.

We look forward to seeing you all again in the new year and wish you all the best for the days ahead.

Bliadhna Mhath Ùr🥂

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December 31st, 7:01 am
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UPCOMING EVENTS

The Woman of Wilson's Point: Scheduled Sundays July-October

Piper at the Point: Scheduled Sundays June- October

Walk with a Scot: Scheduled Sundays July- October

An Evening Spirit Walk with a Scot: Saturday July 19th

LLamazing Adventures Trail Walk- July 26th

Workshop Wednesdays: August-October

Scottish Festival Take Away Tea with Katherine Moller (Celtic fiddler) RG Forbes (Scottish Athlete) and More:  Saturday August 16th

Sunday Scone Social: Sunday September 14th

The Great Miramichi Haggis Hunt and Fall Fair: Saturday October 11th

An Autumn Haunting Like No Other: Saturday October 18th

Scottish Bedtime Stories Not for the Faint of Heart: Friday October 24th

A Hidden Gem Christmas Concert and Tea: Saturday November 15th (tentatively)

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Wilson's Point Historic Site

The Grounds

Open Sunday - Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Safety measures for Covid-19 are in place.

Under a canopy of 300 year old pines you will find a replica of the  St. James Presbyterian Church that once stood on the grounds from 1790-1838 and was considered the "Westminster Abbey" of the Miramichi. The is replica houses the interpretive where knowledgeable tours guide are staffed from daily from mid June- late October. The grounds are open year round and offer over 6km of newly restored walking and cycling trails, that are often utilized in the winter with snow shoes and skis. The area has a vast ecological environment and is home a large variety of stunning wildlife including bald eagles. You will also find a log trading post that has farming and lumbering implements on display, a historical cemetery dating back to 1781 where many of the first settlers are laid to rest and you can access the beautiful boat dock and unsupervised beach easily with two separate stairways. There are out door washrooms and plenty of picnic areas to enjoy an afternoon with the entire family. Stunning views, history galore and so much more awaits.

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