Deep in the New Brunswick woods near Oromocto Lake sits a seven foot tall rubber duck made entirely of stone. This massive painted rock has quickly transformed a remote logging road into a popular destination for off road enthusiasts from Saint John and beyond.

How the Stone Duck Hatched

Brad and Lorrie Swan live in an off grid cabin about 20 kilometres away from their nearest neighbours. Getting to their home requires navigating a maze of dirt roads and logging routes. One day last spring, the couple noticed a road worker had used heavy equipment to stack a large rock on top of an even bigger one at a nearby crossroads.

Brad and Lorrie immediately saw the shape of a duck. They drove straight to the hardware store, bought yellow and orange paint, and painted the stone bird. They finished the project by adding giant googly eyes.

A Growing Flock in the Forest

The giant duck now attracts a steady stream of traffic. People travelling the area in ATVs and off road vehicles stop to admire the quirky landmark. Brad notes that the amount of traffic in the middle of the woods is amazing and brings him a lot of joy.

Visitors do not just take photos. They leave their own ducks behind. Dozens of smaller painted rock ducks and genuine rubber ducks now sit in the shadow of the giant stone bird. Travellers sign these smaller ducks with their names and hometowns, including visitors from Saint John, Oromocto, and Prince Edward Island.

Community Spirit and Memorials

Jean Gass is one of the frequent visitors who adds to the collection. She paints small rock ducks with her daughter and granddaughter. She also planted sunflowers around the site. Gass believes the world needs fun things right now and encourages people to embrace anything that makes them smile. She advises anyone planning a trip to use a truck or off road vehicle, as the terrain is strictly ATV country.

The duck sits at a crossroads on Lane 27, formerly known as Rock Road. Right next to the duck stands a tall signpost pointing to various remote lakes. At the top of this post, the Swans placed a memorial for their late friend Ronnie Mersereau. Mersereau was a dedicated outdoorsman who loved sharing his hunting and fishing spots with others. The growing collection of ducks, sunflowers, and signs serves as a fitting tribute to a man who wanted people to get out and enjoy the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the giant rock duck located?

The giant rock duck is located at a crossroads on Lane 27, near Oromocto Lake in the woods southwest of Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Who created the giant rock duck?

A logging road worker initially stacked the two large rocks. Local off grid residents Brad and Lorrie Swan then painted the rocks to look like a rubber duck.

Can I drive my car to see the duck?

No. The roads leading to the duck are remote dirt logging routes. Visitors highly recommend using an ATV or a truck to reach the location safely.

Why are there smaller ducks around the giant one?

Visitors travelling to the site have started a tradition of leaving their own painted rock ducks and real rubber ducks at the base of the giant stone duck. Many people sign them with their names and hometowns.