Bathurst and the Acadian Peninsula

From the many towns and villages dotting the region to the city of Bathurst, the primarily Francophone communities you’ll find here are all close-knit, meaning you’ll likely know your neighbours by name. The region is also rich in Acadian culture, whose history you can explore at Village Historique Acadien, where Acadian life from 1770 to 1949 is depicted. As back then, fishing is still a big part of life in the region, with over 40 species of fish, mollusks, and crustaceans found in the surrounding waters. If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a seaside town or city, this region may be calling your name.

There are so many picturesque corners in this region, you’ll have no shortage of stunning natural beauty to explore. Even the city of Bathurst is surrounded by the Nepisiguit River, Youghall Beach, Daly Point Nature Reserve, and Chaleur Bay, giving the city a natural wow factor. Follow the coast down through Caraquet, Miscou Island, Lamèque, and Tracadie, and you’ll be greeted by windswept beaches. You can even meet the local sea life at the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre in Shippagan. For the more adventurous, hikes to Pabineau Falls or along the Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq trail are a must.

Stroll through the local boutiques, delicious eateries, and historic buildings of Bathurst’s La Promenade Waterfront, whose charming seaside vibe is hard to beat. Along the Acadian Isles and Acadian coast, you’ll find spots to tee up for some golf, beaches that are perfect for rest and relaxation, and even the Véloroute de la Péninsule, which offers over 600 km of cycling routes with 14 circuits. In winter, the fun continues with cozy places to stop for a bite and outdoor adventures like dogsledding through snow-dusted forests. It won’t take you long before you’re experiencing this region’s famous joie de vivre!

From festivals to food, there’s so much to do and see here! In August, the famous Festival Acadien de Caraquet takes place, with people filling the streets with noise and music in one of the biggest Acadian celebrations around. In Lamèque, the Sainte-Cécile church is gets filled to the rafters with music as part of the International Baroque Musical Festival. There are also plenty of artists and artisans at the heart of every community practicing visual art, music, literature, dance, and theatre. Like in many other places, food is important to the culture, meaning you’ll find lots of delicious offerings you’ll want to taste.