ACADIAN SHORES ROAD TRIP

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 the Miscou bogs ablaze in red from the top of the Miscou Lighthouse, 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, fall in this region is a nature lover’s paradise.

You can’t truly have experienced the Acadian Peninsula without visiting the Village Historique Acadien. 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. In early September, the annual Fall Fair is a must! After the regular season ends (mid-september), the site is open for free to walkers, cyclists and dogs (on a leash) every fall and winter days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

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 cycling enthusiasts, the Acadian Peninsula has a unique experience in store: the Véloroute de la Péninsule acadienne (VPA). It boasts 70 paved kilometres of off-road trails (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 trip 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 11am and 4pm until the end of September).

For some fall fun with the family, go to Verger Haut-Tilley Road west of Tracadie for apple-picking. They have 1000 apple trees with more than 15 varieties of red and white apples, a sunflower garden and vegetables.

And 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.

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 trails for fall hiking (such as the Chaleur Green Trails, the Daly Point Nature Reserve 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 the local microbreweries and restaurants, 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.

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!

Road Trip Eats