Tourism Information

Acadian Coastal Drive, New Brunswick

Come on, experience the same joie de vivre that defined Acadian culture almost four centuries ago, kick up your heals to the musique-baroque, fiddle, witness the inspiring Blessing of the Fleet, or join in the festivities at the Tintamarre. And there are waves of fun along our shores, walk barefoot in some of the warmest salt water north of Virginia or crack open a lobster fresh from the sea! Do it all, because we've got it all! A little history, waves of fun and a whole lot of adventure.

Come Celebrate Our Joie de Vivre!

The history of the Acadians is distinctive and spectacular and it began here in New Brunswick with the first North American settlement of French Acadians in 1604. It was their joie devivre (zest for life) that brought these Acadians home to New Brunswick (after they were exiled by the English in 1755) and that keeps their culture thriving to this day all along the Acadian Coastal Drive. You'll also discover our spectacular beaches with some of the warmest salt water north of Virginia! A visit to this remarkable region is an immersion into a rich culture experience and an introduction to the natural wonders all along this dynamic coast!

Gateway to Acadian Peninsula

At Grande-Anse - the gateway to the Acadian Peninsula - you'll discover a lighthouse painted in fabulous Acadian style. At the Acadian Historical Village in Caraquet, the Acadian story come to life in the many buildings, the traditional Acadian food, the song and the village folk who live and breathe the early Acadian way of life. While you're there, why not try your hand at baking bread the old-fashioned way in outdoor ovens!

Celebrate Our Joie de Vivre!

The biggest celebration of Acadian culture happens when the Festival Acadien de Caraquet gets underway! Take in the Tintamarre of Blessing of the Fleet. Or how about joining in the fun of the Festival des arts visuals en Atlantique with its live performances, exhibits and auction.

Shippagan, on the Acadian Peninsula, is home to the Festival des Pêches et de l'Aquaculture du Nouveau-Brunswick, where the bounty of the sea is celebrated with flair and passion. Be sure to take in the Aquarium and Marine Centre to discover the species of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Lameque, on the very northeastern tip of the province, is where the much-celebrated Festival international de musique baroque de Lameque takes place each year. World class performances on period instruments draw huge crowds. The Annual Peat Moss Festival celebrates the peat moss pioneers of the region each July.

Spectacular Beaches

Kouchibouguac National Park is an unforgettable paradise for nature lovers, swimmers, hikers and campers. As night falls, you can hike through the extraordinary forest and visit the fascinating world of our owls. A series of boardwalks - which protect the fragile dunes and grasses in which the endangered piping plover nests - lead to kilometers of sandy beaches and warm salt water.

At Bouctouche, discover Le Pays de la Sagouine, a fictional village created around the characters developed by international award-winning author, Antonine Maillet. The Irving Eco-Centre La Dune de Boutouche is your opportunity to discover the beauty of one of the last remaining great sand dunes on the northeastern coast of North America.

Succulent Seafood

And if seafood make your mouth water, then stop in Shediac for the famous Shediac for the famous Shediac Lobster Festival. While you're there, visit New Brunswick's favorite swimming beach to enjoy some of the warmest salt water north of Virginia.

Discover the artisans and local flavours
Along this drive, there are many skilled artisans with a whimsical approach to creativity.
Pick up a pair of wooden spoons at the Acadian Historical Village or Le Pays de la Sagouine to remind you of the knee-tapping fun of an Acadian soiree. Or take home an original painting from local artisans that highlight Acadian live and colour. Don't leave this drive without the fabulous handmade soap found in Saint-Antoine

If you're on the Acadian Coastal Drive, you're en route to some of the best traditional cuisine you'll find on the continent! Don't forget to try the local favorites.
Poutine rapee (mixture of grated raw and mashed potatoes wrapped around fresh pork) Delicious chicken and potato stew known as fricot pets-de-soeur (a dessert that translates in English to nuns' farts) apple pastries known as poutine a trou la rapure (a potato and salted pork dish) lobster, oysters and mussels served fresh daily. At the end of the day, the only thing you'll be wanting is the recipe to take home.
All along the Acadian Coastal Drive, there are countless Day Adventures that you can experience, from the theatrics of Le Pays de la Sagouine to canoeing at Kouchibouguac National Park. Today is the Day for Adventure Your Way!