On the northeast shore of New Brunswick, a tricolor flag still flies: it is the flag of Acadia, a colony of New France established on the North American coast in the 17th and 18th centuries . The descendants of the settlers proudly display the mark of their history, always honoring their roots, French culture and language.
The Acadians of New Brunswick are a welcoming and friendly people. Here are ten ways to discover and appreciate their region and culture during your visit.
Acadian Historic Village – Credit: New Brunswick Department of Tourism and Parks
- Go back in time
The Acadian Historical Village , an award-winning place, will immerse you in Acadia’s past. Accompany your guides in period costume as they go about their business, cultivating the fields and working on the farm as their ancestors did. And don’t leave without eating a treacle cake!
- Take colorful photos
Life in Acadia is a Technicolor fresco: the lighthouses are colorful, the houses are colorful, the boats are colorful… and the characters too, of course. Get your camera ready, because a bloom of blue, white, red and gold awaits you.
- Taste Acadian specialties
Meat pies, chicken fricot, fish cakes – what better way to get to know a place than to eat like the locals ? You will enjoy!
- Visit the villages
Spend the day wandering through picturesque Acadian villages; some, like Cap-Pelé , offer guided tours that will introduce you to local must-sees and real Acadian life.
- Go treasure hunting in the Acadian islands
Lamèque and Miscou Islands are full of fascinating stories about island life, as well as natural, cultural and historical gems. Arm yourself with a treasure map , then set off on an adventure!
- Breathe the joy of living at the Acadian Festival
Join the thousands of festival-goers who gather in Caraquet to celebrate Acadia in all its facets. Cabaret shows, event shows and wild parties, or as they say here, “bad parties”, are just a glimpse of the festivities which will culminate in a joyful Tintamarre , the rowdy parade which happens to be the most large (and the noisiest!) popular gathering in Acadia.
- Go see the one and only Sagouine
You cannot visit Acadia without stopping at the Pays de la Sagouine . The fictional island comes to life in the enchanting natural setting of a village animated by a whole troupe of characters, who perform every day in different forms: theater, music, comedy and dance.
- Attend a history lesson on Acadia
A visit to the Monument-Lefebvre in Memramcook is essential to truly understand the history of the Acadian people. Continue with a visit to the Acadian Museum of the University of Moncton to see the largest collection of Acadian artifacts in the world.
- Relax at the beach
Want to take it easy by the sea? You are in the right place! From the famously mosquito-free beaches of Inch Arran Park , to the warmest salt waters in Canada at Parlee Beach Provincial Park , to the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises over the stunning Northumberland Strait at Murray Provincial Park Beach , without forgetting the many other beaches on your way: your only worry, in fact, will be the embarrassment of choice.
- Meet an Acadian fisherman
Catch a lobster (or two) or hook a mackerel with the help of a real Acadian fisherman . Delight in fishing stories, but above all, in your catch, prepared into a delicious meal.
