New Brunswick boasts several unique landmarks. Hartland claims the longest covered bridge in the world. Shediac features a giant lobster. Nackawic holds the largest axe. Now, a farm just outside Fredericton plans to add another title to that list.

Laughing Apple Farm in Scotch Settlement built a gourd tunnel measuring 240 feet long. Owners Joas and Lisa van Oord built this massive structure to secure a Guinness World Record.

Going Big With Gourds

The tunnel features gourds growing from the ceiling, walls, and ground. You will find hundreds of gourds from roughly 20 different species. They range in all shapes and sizes. The owners even added googly eyes to some of the vegetables for extra fun.

This marks the second year the couple grew the structure. Last year, their produce passage reached only 60 feet. Joas decided to expand significantly this season.

“I didn’t even know I liked gourds before last year,” Joas told CTV News Atlantic. “It was a lot to build it, to grow was definitely a little bit of a challenge, but you learn more every year. I was so impressed with how well the gourds grew and the size of them, so we’re really happy with the way it turned out.”

Chasing the World Record

The farm submitted an application to Guinness World Records but has not received a response yet. Joas plans to replant the tunnel next year and send another application to get official recognition.

“I am going to replant it again next year, and I’m going to send them another application that says, no seriously, we built the world’s longest gourd tunnel,” Joas says. “You guys really need to come out and check it out.”

While the farm charges for certain activities, walking down the gourd trail is completely free. This unique attraction brings many visitors to the property.

Visitor Reactions

People traveling from across the province love the experience. Jenelle Maillet visited the farm with friends after seeing the gourds online.

“I thought, I have to be there,” Maillet says. “Expectations exceeded. Did you know how many different types of gourd shapes there can be? It’s just so fun, like, I’m just delighted.”

Bernice Bell also enjoyed the sheer scale of the project.

“When I first went in, I thought, okay yeah, it’s just a little tunnel, but it went on and on and on,” Bell says. “I liked the eyes on some of them, that was kind of neat.”

The impressive length even inspired some friendly competition. Visitor Josh Shanks joked about breaking the record himself.

“I have just the right amount of ADHD to want to challenge this,” Shanks says. “I think this is probably the next step in Josh’s future. I’m going to do 241 feet by 2030, that’s my goal.”

Joas welcomes the competition. He says he will make the tunnel much longer if anyone tries to beat his current setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the gourd tunnel located?

You can find the tunnel at Laughing Apple Farm in Scotch Settlement, New Brunswick. The farm sits just outside Fredericton.

How long is the gourd tunnel?

The structure measures 240 feet long and features gourds growing from the ground, walls, and ceiling.

Does it cost money to walk through the tunnel?

No. The farm offers the gourd trail walk completely free of charge, though other farm activities require payment.

Is it an official Guinness World Record?

Not yet. The owners submitted an application to Guinness World Records and are currently waiting for an official response.