50 Things to Do Along the Acadian Coastal Drive – New Brunswick Road Trip

Following the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Acadian Coastal Drive showcases New Brunswick’s rich Acadian heritage. The Acadian Coastal Drive can be started at any point in the approximately 750km scenic route. Check out some of the 50 activities listed below when you travel down the Acadian Coastal Drive.

The “things to do” are arranged from Aulac to Dalhousie.  Follow the drive for a road trip along Acadian Coast.

Aulac Big Stop

Start your drive at Aulac Big Stop. Home to the iconic large slices of decadent chocolate cake with boiled icing, the Aulac Big Stop is a popular spot for truckers and travellers looking for a good meal. Enjoy your meal in the dining room or take your meal to go.
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170 Aulac Road, Aulac

Fort Beausejour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site

The site where the future of Acadie and North America was decided. Incredibly, parts of Fort Beausejour and Fort Cumberland’s original ruins are still standing today, such as its barracks foundations, casemates and cannons. Tour the fort and from the top of the bastions, take in the breathtaking landscape of the New Brunswick/Nova Scotia border, the Tantramar Marshes and the Cumberland Basin.
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111 Fort Beausejour Road, Aulac

Trueman Blueberry Farm

Raspberry and blueberry u-pick’s along with sunflower and corn mazes are waiting for you at the Trueman Blueberry Farm. Spend some time picking berries, and cool off with your choice of delicious ice cream flavours in homemade waffle cones.
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255 Etter Ridge Road, Aulac

Red-Winged Blackbird Trail

Enjoy a relaxing hike around Goodwin’s Pond. This 2.18km trail is a fairly easy hike on an old gravel road and takes around an hour to hike. Along the trail are small lookouts where you could spot ducks and other waterfowl in the marsh.
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387 NB 970, Baie Verte

Murray Beach Provincial Park

Take a break from the stress of your daily grind and head to Murray Beach Provincial Park. You can go for a refreshing swim or a leisurely stroll on the sand there. The soft sandy beach is the perfect place to go beachcombing for shells and sea-glass while relaxing with the sounds of the sea.
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1680 NB 955, Botsford

Cape Jourmain National Wildlife Area

Spend a day exploring the fantastic Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Area located on the edge of the Northumberland Strait. This 621-hectare site is a great place to walk on the beach, hike the trails, check out the 19th-century lighthouse, and watch birds. The area also has ten unique ecosystems that mix marshes, forests, a sand dune, and many other natural beauties that highlight the complex legacy of human and natural history.

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Winegarden Estate

Preserving a 150-year-old family tradition, the Winegarden Estate is a must stop for wine lovers. Hear the history of wine-making and grape growing in New Brunswick and taste the fruits the Rosswog family work in the tasting room or take a bottle home with you.
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851 NB 970, Baie Verte

Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site

Once the College Saint-Joseph, this imposing sandstone building is an important piece of Acadian history. Immerse yourself in the passionate cultural and struggles of the Acadian people through history, stories, and music.
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480 Rue Centrale, Memramcook

Cormier Village Eco Trails

Following the Kagibougouet River, the Cormier Village Eco Trails are wonderful places to stretch your legs while reconnecting with nature. The looped trails are made from crushed rocks and are fairly easy trails to hike.
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Route 945, Cormier Village Across from the Cormier Village Cultural Center

Haute-Aboujagane Hunting and Fishing Club Trails

Starting close to the Haute-Aboujagane Hunting and Fishing Club building, these multi-use trails explore Bear Creek. There is a bonfire spot on the trail. There are five trails to pick from, ranging from easy to difficult.
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326 Aboujagane Road, Haute-Aboujagane

Visit The Lobster Capital of the World

If the giant lobster statue didn’t give it away, Shediac is the lobster capital of the world. Explore the wharf, watch the fishing boats come and go, and enjoy some of the freshest lobsters on the Acadian Coastal Drive.
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Shediac

Menu Acadien

Just minutes from Parlee Beach, you can taste authentic Acadian dishes made from scratch at Menu Acadien. Their Poutine Rappees are a must try. They also serve up fresh local seafood, other comfort foods and delicious Acadien desserts
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55 Chemin Ohio, Shediac

Lobster Deck

If you want to experience authentic lobster meals, look no further because the Lobster Deck is the place to dine. This popular family-style restaurant is known for their iconic lobster poutine, famous lobster club sandwich, delectable lobster rolls, scrumptious fish and chips, as well as other comfort food.
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312 Main Street, Shediac

Chez Leo Restaurant

When you visit Shediac, head to Chez Leo for a fantastic meal. Even though Chez Leo is famous for their award-winning fried clams, they have other popular dishes like lobster rolls, scallop burgers and poutine-style curly fries.
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3868 NB 134, Shediac Bridge

Lobster Tales Tours

Book an interactive lobster-themed tour on the Shediac Bay. The tour guide shows you how to properly cook and crack open a lobster during the tour. At the end of the tour, you will get to devour your own lobster and the delicious side dishes as well as a non-alcoholic drink. After you finish supper, head to the upper deck to listen to traditional Acadien music and enjoy the view.
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60 Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf Rd, Pointe-du-Chêne

Parlee Beach Provincial Park

Spend a day relaxing on the soft white sand at Parlee Beach Provincial Park, which is known as one of North America’s finest beaches because it has the warmest salt water in Canada. The park has both serviced and unserviced campsites that you can book online.
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45 Parlee Beach Rd, Pointe-du-Chêne

$13.00 to $100.00

Bouctouche

Irving Eco-Centre

Pay a visit to the Irving Eco-Centre and learn about one of the few remaining great sand dunes in North America. The sand dune stretches for 12 km and has an 800-meter boardwalk that has stairs and ramps that go down to the beach. All activities and events held in the park are free for everyone to enjoy.
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1876 NB 475, Saint-Edouard-de-Kent

Richibucto River Wine Estate

If you enjoy a bottle of excellent wine, pay a visit to the Richibucto River Wine Estate, which is the furthest North vineyard in the Maritime provinces. Take a tour to see how wine is made and do a wine tasting at this small family-run winery. The 20-acre vineyard has a breathtaking view of the Richibucto River and produces award-winning wines..
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940 NB 495, Mundleville

Restaurant la Sagounine

Stop for authentic Acadian food and fresh seafood or spend the night at The Inn next door. Their famous Acadian Poutine is only available in July and August, but they offer many other tasty options year-round. Details

43 Irving Blvd, Bouctouche

La Ferma Michaud Farm

Pick your own strawberries and enjoy fresh vegetables at the La Ferme Michaud Farm. Make sure to take a picture as one of the farmers.
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635 Route 475, Baie de Bouctouche

Irving Arboretum

Every year, the Irving Arboretum becomes more impressive as more species of flowers and trees are planted. Connected to the trail system leading downtown and to the Bouctouche Dune, the Arboretum is a popular location to rest and take in the colourful views.
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52 Chemin du Couvent, Bouctouche

Pay de la Sagouine

The literary work of Antonine Maillet, a well-known Acadian writer comes alive during the summer on the boardwalk. For over 25 years, the Pay de la Sagouine has welcomed visitors from across the globe and showcased Acadian culture.
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57 Rue Acadie, Bouctouche

Go Camping

Once voted one of “The Best Campgrounds with Beaches” in Canada, camping has always been a very popular activity in Kouchibouguac National Park. Set up your own campsite or go glamping by staying in the oTENTik or at the Oasis.
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Dig for Clams

With so many beaches, it is easy to find soft-shell clams in Kouchibouguac. You just need a bucket, a shovel and a fishing licence. You can harvest up to 75 clams per day, per fisherman.
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Sit in the Red Chairs

Sit back and relax in the big red Adirondack chairs. There are 9 locations throughout Kouchibouguac National Park to discover and take in the view.
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Take a Hike

Get up and close to the park’s plants and animals by exploring the 10 trails around the park. Ranging from easy to moderate hikes, there are trails through the park to explore.
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Callanders Beach

An oasis of a beach, Callanders Beach is made up of a barrier beach with a shallow lagoon and a narrow salt marsh. The beach is an ideal place for wading, canoeing, and kayaking. It is also a popular location for digging clams.
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Kellys Beach

Amazing sea life and sand dunes are waiting for you at Kellys Beach. The water is home to dozens of vital marine species that you can spot with your bare eyes. Go for a walk on the 1.4 kilometre boardwalk to learn about the local wildlife.
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Ritchie Wharf Park

Right on the waterfront is this lovely nautically themed parks. Kids will love the playground and the splash pad. Throughout the summer, the park hosts live entertainment.
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Ledden Street, Miramichi

Miramichi River Boat Tours

Take in the sights of Miramichi from the river on a Miramichi River Boat Tours. Offering 90-minute tours, dinner cruises and customizable tours, there is a tour for all occasions.
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84 Nortons Lane, Miramichi

Maurie’s Mini-Putt & Ice Cream

Whats better than ice cream? Mini-Putt and ice cream together. Challenge your family to a round of mini-golf, then pick from 48 ice cream flavours to cool down with. They even offer lactose and sugar-free options.
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1196 Water Street, Miramichi

Ile Aux Foins Park

Known for the Acadian Flag painted lighthouse, the Ile Aux Foins Park is a perfect place for enjoying outdoor family activities. Relax on the golden sand beach, explore the network of walking trails, and see if you can spot local wildlife.
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Miramichi Treehouse & Camping Adventures

Life is better in a treehouse. Camping doesn’t have to be difficult or even on the ground. Stay in the trees in one of the 12 deluxe treehouses at Miramichi Treehouse & Camping Adventures. The campground is only 10 minutes from Miramichi.
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116 North Black River Road, Black River Bridge

Escuminac Beach & Family Park

Stay right on sandy coast and soak in the view of the Miramichi Bay. Set up your campsite and get ready for a relaxing time sea-side.
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301 Escuminac Point Road, Escuminac

Metepenagiag Heritage Park

Hear the stories of the Mi’kmaq people who have lived in the area for hundreds of years. The Metepenagiag Heritage Park hosts the annual Powwow. Explore the park and hike the trails that are still used by the Mi’kmaq people today.
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2156 Micmac Road, Red Bank

Andrew’s Fish & Chips

Opened in 1996, Andrew’s Fish & Chips quickly became the ‘must eat’ place in Miramichi. Known for their fish and seafood, they also offer burgers, sandwiches, and chicken options if seafood isn’t your thing.
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11405 Highway 11, Miramichi

Schooner Point Log Cabins

Wake up overlooking the beautiful Miramichi River. Just a 15-minute drive from Miramichi, the Schooner Point Log Cabins are wonderful place to relax in a quiet setting. The cabins are open year-round.
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130 Murdoch Road, Napan

Red Rock Lodge & Campground

Reconnect with nature on the banks of the Miramichi River at the Red Rock Lodge & Campground. Stay in one of the four lodges or sit up camp at the campground. The area is popular for Atlantic Salmon Fly Fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
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1 Halcomb Road, Lyttleton

Distillerie Fils du Roy

Brewing up beer and spirits, the Distillerie Fils du Roy opened its doors in 2011. Head into the distillery to see and taste what makes their products so special. Their products are so popular that they had to open a second distillery in Quebec.
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599 Chemin Principale, Petit-Paquetville

Miscou Island

A green gem, Miscou Island offers a unique look at bird’s migration patterns. It is located between the Baie des Chaleurs and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The area was declared a protected area in 2006.
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Miscou Island Lighthouse

On the northeastern tip of Miscou Island at Birch Point Cape, the Miscou Island Lighthouse has been in use for over a hundred year, making it one of the oldest in the Gulf of St. Lawrence region. It is one of the rarest surviving wooded octagonal, tapered lighthouses.
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Birch Point, Miscou Island

La Terrasse A Steve

It wouldn’t be an island visit without eating sensational seafood dishes, and Miscou Island’s La Terrasse A Steve is cooking up the freshest local seafood available. Taste what makes New Brunswick seafood special and why passion makes all the difference.
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9650 New Brunswick 113, Miscou Island

Aquarium NB

See the marine life that calls the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the local lakes and rivers home at Atlantic Canada’s largest public aquarium. Watch the harbour seals enjoy their meals twice a day and be amazed by the aquarium lobster collection.
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100 Rue de l’Aquarium, Shippagan

Miscou Peat Bog

Explore the largest peat bog in the province, which is located close to the Miscou lighthouse. Over 45% of Miscou Island is made up of eight peat bogs. The colourful bog in Fall is a photographer’s dream.
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New Brunswick 113, Miscou

Beresford Beach

Close to Bathurst, Beresford Beach is very popular beach. There are two wooden boardwalks, walking trails and an observation tower to explore. The beach hosts festivals and special events throughout the summer.
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East Park Street, John Cormier

Youghall Beach

Experience some of the warmest waters in Eastern Canada at Youghall Beach. Spend the day relaxing on the sand and swimming in the warm ocean waters. The boardwalk hosts yoga sessions and other activities throughout the summer.
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1525 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bathurst

La Cabane A Cone

Cool off with a delicious frozen treat. Scooping up ice cream and frozen yogurt, La Cabane A Cone has a tasty cool treat for the whole family. They offer 8 dip flavours for their soft serve ice cream.
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11225 NB 11, Pokemouche

Village Historique Acadien

Experience what life was like for the Acadians between 1770 and 1949. Open from June to October, the Village Historique Acadien invites visitors to take in the breathtaking scenery, try traditional Acadian cuisine, and even stay the night at the Château Albert Hotel.
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5 Rue Du Pont, Bertrand

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Inch Arran Park Camping

Just steps from the Bay of Chaleur, the Inch Arran Park Camping is the perfect to rest before or finishing driving the Acadian Coastal Drive. The lighthouse, Bon Ami Rocks, and the Arch Rocks that are nearby are the perfect places to take spectacular photos.
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125 Inch Arran Ave, Dalhousie

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