ACADIAN SHORES ROAD TRIP

Dipping your toes in the warm water at Murray Beach Provincial Park is the perfect way to kick off this road trip! During this stretch, you’ll find lots of opportunities to hit the beach and experience some of the province’s most fun-filled spots. Soak up the sun at Parlee Beach and Aboiteau Beach, and snap a photo with the iconic Giant Lobster in Shediac. It is the lobster capital of the world after all, so plan on attending the Shediac Lobster Festival in July, and make sure to learn all about lobster with a visit to Homarus Centre and a lobster-themed excursion with Shediac Bay Cruises.

In addition to its beaches, there are endless ways to reconnect with nature along the Acadian Shores. Whether it’s camping in a seaside park, strolling through a vineyard at Richibucto River Wine Estate, exploring the Irving Eco-centre: La Dune de Bouctouche or learning about Indigenous heritage at Kouchibouguac National Park, you’re definitely going to get a taste of the great outdoors.

When you’re looking to switch things up, this region is the perfect place to immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences. Discover Acadian culture through unique characters, theater, music, comedy, dance and cuisine at Le Pays de la Sagouine, and at Akadi Lumina light and sound experience. Explore the art and science of traditional soap making at Olivier Soapery in Sainte-Anne-de-Kent. Did you know that over 95% of Canada’s smoked herring production originates in Cap-Pelé (Cap-Acadie)? Visit one of the region’s authentic smokehouses and learn more about this fascinating industry at Cap-Pelé’s Smokehouse Museum.

This region has the East Coast vibe going strong. Embrace it as you spend time in friendly and laid-back communities like Shediac, Bouctouche, Richibucto (Beaurivage), or Rogersville, where local shops, markets, cafés and restaurants invite you to slow down and savour the moment.

Road Trip Eats

Experience the joie de vivre that comes alive in the Acadian Peninsula! During this section of your road trip, you’ll be surrounded by joyous Acadian culture, magnificent coastal views, and delicious eats.

Whether you’re taking in Miscou bogs from the top of the Miscou Lighthouse (we especially recommend this route in the Fall when they turn bright red), exploring the Ecological Park of the Acadian Peninsula on Lamèque Island, discovering the île aux Foins in Neguac, or enjoying the trails at Club plein air Caraquet, this region is a nature lover’s paradise.

For cycling enthusiasts, the Acadian Peninsula has a unique experience in store: the Véloroute de la Péninsule acadienne (VPA). It boasts an impressive 140 paved kilometers (over 600 km if you count connecting roads and its 14 circuits) which will lead you across narrow coastlines, inland villages, and lively fishing ports.

No matter how many wheels take you to your destination, be sure to set aside a few hours for a family visit to Aquarium NB in Shippagan. Here you’ll see over 1,000 marine species, touch fascinating sea creatures in the interactive tank, and watch the harbour seals' meal (daily at 11 am and 4 pm).

You can’t truly have experienced the Acadian Peninsula without visiting the Acadian Historical Village. This living history site takes you on a journey through Acadian lives from 1770 to 1949, with over 40 historic buildings brought to life by costumed and fully bilingual interpreters. If you like history, the Tracadie Historical Museum, the Acadian Museum in Caraquet and the Founding Cultures Museum in Grande-Anse are also worth a visit.

For an entertaining, informative (and free!) tasting experience, stop by Fils du Roy Distillery in Petit-Paquetville to discover artisanal spirits inspired by the Acadian terroir.

Festival watchlist: If you’re in Caraquet between August 5 and 15, experiencing the lively and culturally significant Festival acadien de Caraquet is an absolute must. For more summer festivals in the area, check out the Fisheries and Aquaculture Festival in Shippagan, the International Baroque Music Festival in Lamèque and the August 15 National Acadian Day festivities in many communities (including the spectacular Tintamarre parade in Caraquet). If you’re in the area early September, don’t miss the Acadian Oktoberfest.

Road Trip Eats

During the final stretch of your trip, you’ll find yourself driving through the coastal towns of the Chaleur region. This area has some of the province’s best hiking trails (such as the Daly Point Nature Reserve, the Chaleur Green Trails and the Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail), scenic unspoiled beaches, and warm hospitality.

Before you’ve even arrived, plan ahead for a photo stop because you’ll be passing through some stunning coastal views, including Pokeshaw Beach and the iconic Pokeshaw Rock Lookout (tip: follow the trail down to the beach below for a great beach bonfire spot).

This region hosts the road trip’s urban hub, the city of Bathurst, with its lovely Waterfront Promenade, picturesque boardwalks and local shopping. You’ll definitely want to try out one of the local microbreweries, hit up the farmers market, and visit Youghall Beach at low tide to walk along sandbars while taking in dreamlike sunset skies. And be sure not to miss Pabineau Falls, just outside the city in Pabineau First Nation.

This region hugs the beautiful Chaleur Bay (loosely translated as Bay of Warmth), named by explorer Jacques Cartier when he arrived during a July heat wave. During the day, blue seas sparkle, and at night the coastline is known for being dotted with beach bonfires. Check out Bass Attack Fishing for a unique kayak fishing experience in the bay.

Continue along the coast and be sure to walk along the beach in Beresford, grab a few cooked lobster claws in Nigadoo, enjoy fresh pastries in Petit-Rocher, or have a picnic at the wharf in Pointe-Verte. Last but not least, we recommend stopping in Belledune to enjoy the picturesque views from the Jacquet River Gorge!

Festival watchlist: Many events heat up the summer in the Chaleur area, including the Hospitality Days in Bathurst, the Festival des Rameurs and Blues d'la Baie Festival in Petit-Rocher, and the Pabineau First Nation Powwow.
 

Road Trip Eats