Road Trip New Brunswick: Exploring the Acadian Peninsula

Are you looking for a unique road trip in New Brunswick where you’ll experience the ocean vibe, the Acadian cultures and eat delicious seafood?

Then, you should plan a road trip to New Brunswick’s Acadian Peninsula.

New Brunswick’s Acadian Peninsula is a destination that blends culture, history, and natural beauty, making it an appealing spot for families with young children. 

P.S. This article is made in collaboration with Toursime Péninsule Acadienne. We are incredibly grateful they hosted us for our stay. It allowed me to write a deeper and more quality review. Note that all opinions are our own.

In this blog post, you’ll explore through a detailed family itinerary three central regions of the Acadian Peninsula:

• Caraquet (and the Acadian Historical Village), 
• Shippagan (and the New Brunswick Aquarium), and 
• Miscou Island.

And as soon as you arrive on the Peninsula, you’ll understand why its slogan is “Kick back to a new beat.”

Let’s dive in!

Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you.

The Perfect Road Trip in New Brunswick: 3 Days in the Acadian Peninsula

Day 1: Settle and Explore Caraquet

Arrive in Caraquet. 

On your way to downtown Caraquet, stop at the local cheese factory Les Blancs d’Arcadie. They make delicious curds cheese and other fresh cheddar cheeses. When you enter the factory, you can look at our the cheese is made.

If time allows, you could also make a slight detour to Paquetville to visit the locale distillery Les Fils du Roy.

Once in Caraquet, check in to your hotel or campground and head downtown to Carrefour de la Mer for a casual dinner and an evening walk by the sea.

Carrefour de la Mer – Gateway to the Sea

Carrefour de la Mer, translating to “Gateway of the Sea,” is a focal point in Caraquet, a town renowned for its maritime heritage. This complex is located near the water, part shopping center, part tourist information center, and part cultural hub. 

It’s a perfect starting point for anyone exploring Caraquet and the surrounding areas.

The Carrefour de la Mer hosts a variety of retail shops and dining options:

• Shops: From clothing and accessories to unique maritime-themed gifts, the shopping area offers a diverse selection.
• Restaurants and Cafés: Whether you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience or a quick snack, various dining options cater to different tastes and budgets.

We grab a to-go dinner from Bobby Comptoir Lunch. We had fancy nachos, shrimp guédilles and chocolate mousse. It was DELICIOUS. We ate our meal by the kids’ playground. We also stopped for ice cream at the Crèmerie Marie Belle, a few steps from the playground.

With filled bellies, you can walk along the shore. There are nice walking trails and access to a small beach to catch a breathtaking sunrise.

Return to your hotel (or campground) and get a good night’s sleep to be well-rested for the next day.

Day 2: Acadian Historic Village – The Heart of Acadian Culture

Wake up slowly, grab a good breakfast and pack a lunch. Today, you’ll discover the heart of the Acadian Culture at the Acadian Historical Village.

If you’re looking for a coffee shop to grab a quick breakfast and latte, try the Grains de Folie, a French bakery and coffee shop between downtown Caraquet and the Acadian Village. Otherwise, you can also stop at the Acadian Village café.

Acadian Historical Village

The Acadian Historical Village spans over 40 acres and offers interactive displays and activities that can keep children engaged. Allow a full day to explore the village, as there are 40 original buildings and demonstrations.

It presents an authentic and immersive experience that highlights the rich heritage and lifestyle of the Acadians from 1770 to 1949. It’s a living museum showcasing original buildings, period-accurate artifacts, and engaging costumed interpreters.

Try to arrive when it opens, at 10:00 a.m. You can start your visit with a short movie presentation about the Acadian deportation.

The Acadian Historical Village is not merely a place to observe; it invites interaction. You can enter each home and learn from the different costumed interpreters. From humble fishermen’s cottages to grand farmhouses, each building offers a glimpse into daily life during different periods.

The knowledgeable guides are dressed in period-appropriate attire and stay in character, providing lively insights into Acadian culture and history. They engage visitors with storytelling, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, making history come alive.

We loved seeing them prepare their lunch recreating how they would have cooked meals back in the day. It’s one of the reasons you want to arrive at the museum’s opening. Before lunchtime you’ll see the guides preparing meals they will eat for lunch. It smells so good but is also a unique way to learn about the past.

NOTE: The Acadian Historical Village is a big living museum. Kids will have to walk for at least 2-3 kilometers. You’ll ideally want to bring a stroller, lots of water and snacks. There are many places to stop along the way with picnic tables to grab lunch. You’ll also find a few restaurants and snack bars. Also, plan a few hours to explore the museum. It’s a (almost) full-day activity.

The Acadian Historical Village is more than a collection of old buildings; it’s a vibrant and living expression of Acadian history and culture. It offers a journey into a world that celebrates resilience, tradition, and community.

Our visit to the village is one of the highlights of our road trip in New Brunswick. We stayed most of the day and still didn’t see all the buildings (the kids were getting a little tired).

When you’re ready to leave the Acadian Historical Village, head back to Caraquet for beach time.

Plage Foley

Drive to downtown Caraquet and stop at Plage Foley.

Plage Foley is a great little beach for families. The kids had a lot of fun playing in the water. You can also go for a small paddleboard or kayak adventure. You can rent a kayak nearby if you don’t have your equipment.

There is also the Pointe à Brideau Range Rear Lighthouse that sits on the beach. Every Thursday evening in the summertime, you can enjoy an outdoor live show by the lighthouse. It’s pretty magical.

If you and the kids still have energy before dinner, you can use the bikes from Plage Foley to the kids’ playground and waterfront. There’s a little incline (going up on the way back to the beach), but it’s relatively easy and short.

Seafood Dinner

End your day in one of the seafood restaurants of Caraquet. We ate at Le Carquette restaurant and it was really good. I ordered the seafood casserole. They have a beautiful patio overlooking the marina and the bay. If the weather is great, I highly recommend eating outside.

Day 3: Shippagan, the New Brunswick Aquarium & Miscou

On your third day, you’ll drive to Shippagan and Miscou Island. I recommend starting the day early. Also, you can still stay overnight in Caraquet or you can find a campground or cabin near Shippagan or Miscou. 

For our road trip to New Brunswick, we’ve decided to base ourselves out of Caraquet and make it a day trip, but it’s really up to you and your family.

It’s a 30-minute drive from Caraquet to Shippagan and about an hour to the Miscou Lighthouse.

Miscou Island Lighthouse

Start this busy day by driving to Miscou Island Lighthouse. As mentioned before, it’s a one-hour drive from Caraquet. You’ll be driving down to the island to reach the lighthouse.

On your way, you’ll drive through Lamèque Island.

​​The Miscou Island Lighthouse is an iconic landmark on Miscou Island at the northeastern tip of New Brunswick, Canada. It provides a glimpse into the maritime history of the region. The Miscou Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1856, making it one of the oldest standing lighthouses in the province.

For many years, it guided fishermen, sailors, and shipping vessels safely through the region’s potentially treacherous waters.

Once at Miscou Island Lighthouse, you can climb up the lighthouse, which I highly recommend. The view from the top of the lighthouse is breathtaking. You can enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Chaleur Bay, and the picturesque coastline from the top of the lighthouse.

Note that there’s a minimal fee to enter the lighthouse. 

Miscou Island Beach Time

After you visit the lighthouse, spend some time at a nearby beach. We enjoyed the water right by the lighthouse, both on the left and right sides. 

We played in the water and searched for crabs and lobster shells. We found a few cool ones. You could also drive to the Miscou public beach (but we didn’t have time to stop).

When you’re ready, start driving back to Shippagan with a stop at Peat Bog Boardwalk.

Peat Bog Boardwalk

The Peat Bog Boardwalk trail is a short, sweet walking trail through the peat bog. It’s only a 0.8 km loop, stroller and wheelchair accessible.

You’ll also find a picnic table if you’re up for a picnic lunch…. But I would highly suggest waiting a little longer and grabbing lunch at …

La Terrasse à Steve

Before leaving the beautiful Miscou Island, you must stop at La Terrasse à Steve for a late lunch. It’s the perfect place to eat fresh seafood.

The restaurant is a snack bar-style restaurant located right by the water. While waiting for your fun, you can watch the fish boats. 

We ordered the crab burgers and they were delicious. 

If there are some empty tables, make sure to eat on the patio section overlooking the marina. We didn’t have this luck (it was crowded! But we understand why now!)

Now that you’re fueled up, it’s time to visit the New Brunswick Aquarium back in Shippagan.

New Brunswick Aquarium

Shippagan is home to the New Brunswick Aquarium, a must-visit for families. Here, you can discover the marine life that inhabits the Gulf of St. Lawrence waters.

There are 4 main sections to the aquarium:

• Fish Exhibits: 

The aquarium has over 100 species of local fish. From colorful tropical fish to imposing sharks, the exhibits offer a glimpse into the diversity of aquatic life in the area. The fish exhibits is located inside the main building.

The kids’ highlight was seeing the blue lobster tank.

• Education Center (Hydrosphere Room):

Next to the fish exhibits (and the lobster tank) is an education center where you can learn more about marine life. There are interactive information stations and also coloring sheets and crayons.

It’s a good stop before heading to the outside section of the aquarium.

• Touch Pools: 

Touch tanks allow children to get up close and personal with creatures like sea stars, sea urchins, and crabs under the guidance of trained staff.

The kids LOVED touching the different sea creatures.

• Harbor Seal Tank: 

Next to the touch pools is the harbor seals’ tank. You can see the seals swimming around. But the main highlight really is the harbor seal meal time.

Every day at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m, you can watch the Aquarium NB staff feeding the harbor seals.

You’ll want to coordinate your visit with the harbor seal meals. For this New Brunswick road trip itinerary, you’ll want to stay at the aquarium for the 4:00 p.m. feeding.

The New Brunswick Aquarium in Shippagan is an educational hub inviting families to engage meaningfully with marine life. The touch pools provide an interactive experience, and the harbor seals’ feedings are a favorite among children.

You can end your visit at the Shippagan Lighthouse beside the aquarium.

Bonus Day: The Festival Acadien

If your visit to the Acadian Peninsula is timed with the Festival Acadien, you should spend a day joining the festivities. We were there on the festival’s first day but wished we could have visited in August 15th (the Acadian National Day).

The Festival Acadien is a significant cultural event in the Acadian Peninsula, one of the most vibrant expressions of Acadian culture and heritage. 

The Festival Acadien began in 1963, making it one of the oldest Acadian festivals in the world. It is primarily celebrated in Caraquet, New Brunswick, known as the “Capital of the Acadians.”

The festival typically takes place around National Acadian Day, which falls on August 15th. It’s a multi-day celebration, usually lasting around two weeks, with various activities and events.

You’ll find music performances, dances, children’s activities and the Tintamarre, a loud and colorful parade where people make noise with horns, pots, pans, and more. It’s a joyful way to express Acadian pride.

A Few Things to Know Before Planning Your New Brunswick Road Trip

Here are a few things to know when planning a road trip to New Brunswick and the Acadian Peninsula:

Where is the Acadian Peninsula

The Acadian Peninsula (also known as the Acadian Coastal Drive) is located in northeastern New Brunswick, Canada. It is part of the larger region known as Acadia, a center of Acadian culture and history.

The Gulf of St. Lawrence surrounds the peninsula to the east, Chaleur Bay to the south, and the Northumberland Strait to the west. Some prominent towns on the Acadian Peninsula include Caraquet, Shippagan, and Tracadie-Sheila.

How to Get to the Acadian Peninsula

The nearest airport to the Acadian Peninsula is the Bathurst Airport (ZBF) in Bathurst, New Brunswick. From here, you can rent a car to drive to the peninsula. Alternatively, another option is the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) in Moncton. It’s a bit farther away but offers more flight options. You can also rent a car directly from the airport.

For our road trip, we drove from Quebec City. It’s a 640-km drive from Quebec City to Caraquet.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Acadian Peninsula

The best time to visit the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick, Canada, depends on what you want to experience, but the summer remains the best time to visit.

In the summertime, you’ll get warm and pleasant temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (60°F to 77°F). It’s ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, beach-going, and exploring the vibrant Acadian culture.

There are many festivals, including the National Acadian Day on August 15th and the two-week Festival Acadien. 

It’s important to note that summer is the peak tourist season so accommodations might be more expensive, and popular spots may be more crowded.

Where to Stay in the Acadian Peninsula

There are different options for lodging in the Acadian Peninsula. For this trip, we based ourselves out of Caraquet. We spend a couple of nights at the Maison Touristique Dugas and a couple of nights at Le Colibri campground.

Both were a little outside the town center. If you’re looking for a more central hotel, the Super 8 Caraquet is a great option. It’s right by the waterfront, near the Carrefour de la Mer.

»» Check rates and availabilities for hotels in Caraquet. ««

F.A.Q Road Trip to New Brunswick & the Acadian Peninsula

What is the History of Acadia and the Acadians

Acadia, located in Canada’s Maritime provinces, was once the home of the Acadians, an early French-speaking colony. Established in 1604, this settlement thrived, cultivating the marshlands with its unique system of dykes. 

However, in 1755, tensions between the French and British empires led to the Great Expulsion, where over 10,000 Acadians were forcibly removed by the British. This event, known as “Le Grand Dérangement,” scattered the Acadian people throughout North America, notably to Louisiana where they became known as “Cajuns”. 

Despite this tragic displacement, the Acadian culture survived. Today, it’s celebrated in the Maritime provinces through music, festivals, and the distinctive Acadian flag. The resilient spirit of the Acadians serves as a testament to their enduring cultural identity amidst historical challenges.

The Acadian flag has a star, which helps them remember their history and always find their way home, just like a guiding star in the sky.

What are the culinary traditions of the Acadian Peninsula

The culinary traditions of the Acadian Peninsula are rich and diverse, reflecting the region’s history, culture, and natural resources. Here’s a look at some of the culinary specialties that you can enjoy in the Acadian Peninsula:

• Fricot

Fricot is a comforting stew typically made with chicken, potatoes, onions, and dumplings. It’s seasoned with savory, a popular herb in Acadian cooking, and often enjoyed with family and friends, especially during cold weather.

• Poutines Râpées

Poutines râpées are unique potato dumplings stuffed with a savory meat filling, usually pork. The grated potatoes create a chewy texture, and the dumplings are often served with a rich, flavorful broth.

• Chiard

Chiard is a traditional Acadian pork meat dish cooked with onions and potatoes. It’s a simple and hearty meal often enjoyed during community gatherings.

• Seafood Dishes

Being near the ocean, the Acadian Peninsula offers an abundance of fresh seafood. From succulent lobsters and clams to tasty mussels and scallops, seafood plays a vital role in the local diet. Dishes like seafood chowder and lobster rolls are beloved favorites.

• Râpure (Rappie Pie)

Râpure, (or rappie pie), is made from grated potatoes and meat (often chicken or clams). The potato mixture is pressed to remove the liquid and then reconstituted with broth, creating a dense, satisfying casserole.

Where is the Acadian coast located?

The Acadian Coast, or “Côte Acadienne” in French, is located in the eastern part of New Brunswick, Canada. Stretching along the southern shore of the Chaleur Bay and the Northumberland Strait, the Acadian Coast is known for its sandy beaches, warm waters, and vibrant Acadian culture. Towns like Caraquet, Shippagan, and Tracadie-Sheila, among others, dot the coastline and are recognized for their rich Acadian heritage, festivals, and traditions.

How long is the Acadian Coastal Drive?

The Acadian Coastal Drive is 750 km

What is the Acadian Coastal Drive?

The Acadian Coastal Scenic Drive is a collection of provincial roads hugging the shoreline of the Northumberland Strait on the eastern coast of New Brunswick, passing small fishing villages, salt marshes and beaches.

Are Acadians in New Brunswick?

Maritime Acadia comprises many francophone communities scattered throughout Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick regions. For the last 40 years, the Acadian population in New Brunswick has maintained the greatest vitality, both demographically and on an institutional level.

What province do most Acadians live now?

Today, the largest Acadian community lives in New Brunswick, the only Canadian province that is officially bilingual. Some 233,000 people whose mother tongue is French—the great majority of whom are Acadians—represent one-third of the province’s population

What is Caraquet known for?

Caraquet’s economy is primarily marine resource-based, with a fishing wharf and seaport. Several beaches and other tourist attractions, such as the Village Historique Acadien, are located in the area.

Is Caraquet worth a visit?

Yes, Caraquet is wirth a visit. Caraquet has an impressive selection of attractions and experiences, making it well worth a visit. 

What is the meaning of the word “caraquet”?

Caraquet became a town on November 15, 1961. “Caraquet” comes from the Micmac and means “the meeting of two rivers.”

What is the Festival Acadien de Caraquet?

The Festival Acadien de Caraquet has been celebrating Acadian culture since 1963. In the first two weeks of August, Caraquet celebrates song, music and poetry.

The Acadian Peninsula is a haven for cultural exploration. The locals are fiercely proud of their Acadian roots, and this history can be felt throughout the area. From lively festivals to scenic landscapes, the Peninsula offers an adventure that can be both educational and entertaining for families.

Final Thoughts: A Road Trip in New Brunswick Exploring the Acadian Peninsula

The Acadian Peninsula, focusing on Caraquet, Shippagan, and Miscou, offers a diverse and enriching experience tailored for families. Whether indulging in cultural festivities, exploring marine life, or enjoying the natural beauty of beaches and bogs, there’s something to captivate every family member.

I hope this 3-day itinerary inspired you to plan your next family vacation to New Brunswick and the Acadian Peninsula. During your stay, you don’t want to miss the Acadian Historical Village, the Aquarium NB and the beaches.