Centreville, New Brunswick: History, Things to Do and Travel Guide
Centreville is a former village on Presque Isle Stream in western New Brunswick. It sits in the River Valley region, within the District of Carleton North, with farm country, small industries, local shops and an annual tractor-pull tradition shaping the visitor experience.
The community is compact and practical. Travellers come through Centreville for rural Carleton County context: the stream, the border-road setting, the Western Valley Multiplex and a main street that still serves local needs.
How Centreville Started
Centreville’s municipal history page identifies Thomas Johnston as the founder. Johnston immigrated from Ireland to New Brunswick in 1821 and, in 1829, began a trail from Buttermilk Creek toward present-day Centreville. The same local history states that he built a log cabin near the present United Church and moved his family there.
The Johnston farm became a lasting centre of community life. Centreville’s history page links the land once owned by the Johnstons to three churches: the Baptist Church, the United Church of Canada and St. James Anglican Church.
Transportation and utilities changed the settlement in stages. Railway surveyors arrived in 1896, construction stopped because of funding, and the line was completed in 1914. The first telephone line connected Centreville to Woodstock around 1894, and the present electric service was completed in 1924.
What Centreville Is Like Today
Centreville is now part of Carleton North, but the old village identity remains visible. The former village site describes Presque Isle Stream, agriculture, forestry and long-term employers such as BWS Manufacturing and Metalfab Fire Trucks as part of the community’s economic base.
The community also has a strong recreation identity. The Western Valley Multiplex is a 2,800-seat outdoor stadium complex built in 2019, and Centreville’s annual tractor pull has been hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce for more than 30 years.
Tourism New Brunswick presents Centreville as a village on Presque Isle Stream, near the United States border, with shops and the Annual Super-Power Tractor Pull as key visitor details.
Things to Do and Places Nearby
The Centreville Truck and Tractor Pull is the biggest scheduled draw. Tourism New Brunswick describes it as a competitive motorsport event at the Western Valley Multiplex, where stock and modified tractors and trucks pull a metal sled along a course.
For a quieter visit, use the main-street area, Presque Isle Stream and local shops as the core stop. The former village site also lists recreation facilities such as an outdoor pool, splash park, playground, soccer fields and outdoor basketball courts.
Centreville works best as a short Carleton North stop unless the visit is timed to an event. Check Carleton North and event listings for current dates, facilities and local notices.
Quick Facts
- Province: New Brunswick
- Region: River Valley
- Community type: Former village within the District of Carleton North
- Population: 508
- Main water: Presque Isle Stream
- Key event: Centreville Truck and Tractor Pull
- Known for: Farm-country setting, local industry and tractor-pull culture
- Official website: https://carletonnorth.com/
Travel Notes
Centreville is easiest by car. Local services are useful for travellers, but hours can be limited outside weekday business periods and event weekends.
Late June is the main time to plan around the tractor pull. For everyday visits, spring through fall gives the best stream, farm-road and small-town driving conditions.