10 ways to experience the Acadian coast

Red, white and blue flags fly proudly on the northeastern coast of New Brunswick. These are the flags of Acadia, a colony of New France that settled on the North American coast during the 17th and 18th centuries. The descendants of these colonies remain loyal to their French roots, language, and culture today.

Visitors to the Maritime province of New Brunswick warm to the friendly hospitality of the Acadians. Here are 10 ways to experience their coast and get to know their culture.

1. Step back in time

Step into the Acadian past at the award-winning Village Historique Acadien.  Accompany costumed guides as they go about their chores in a period setting and tend the fields and farmyards as the early Acadians once did. Don't leave without enjoying a molasses cake.

2. Take colourful photography

Life in Acadia happens in technicolour. The lighthouses, homes, boats, and most of all, the people. Make sure your camera is ready for a delightful array of red, white, blue, and gold.

3. Indulge in Acadian food

Get to know New Brunswick through your taste buds. We're talking meat pies, chicken fricot, and fish cakes! Discover how to eat like the locals and savour a taste of Acadia.

4. Take a village tour

Spend the day strolling through picturesque Acadian villages. Some, like Cap-Pele, have guided tours that will introduce you to local hotspots and life as the Acadians live it.

5. Hunt for treasures on the Acadian islands

The isles of Lamèque and Miscou are home to fascinating tales of island life along with natural, cultural, and historical treasures. Get your treasure map and then head out on your own adventure.

6. Experience the joie de vivre at Festival Acadien

Join thousands of festival-goers in Caraquet to celebrate all things Acadian. Cabaret shows, main-stage concerts, and "mechant parties" (madcap parties) are just a taste of the festivities. It all wraps up with the Tintamarre, a noise-making parade that's the largest (and loudest!) popular gathering in Acadie.

7. Visit the one and only "Sagouine"

No visit to Acadie is complete without a stop at Le Pays de la Sagouine, a fictional island come to life. This living village, filled with a whole cast of characters, is set in an enchanting natural setting where theatre, music, comedy, and dance are featured daily with live performances.

8. Learn the history of Acadie

Visit the Monument-Lefebvre in Memramcook to truly understand the story of the Acadian people. Then visit the Musée acadien de l'Université de Moncton and discover one of the largest collections of Acadian artifacts in the world.

9. Unwind at the beach

Relax at the seaside at beautiful Inch Arran Park beach, the warmest salt water in Canada at Parlee Beach Provincial Park, the breathtaking views of sunrises and sunsets over the mighty Northumberland Strait at Murray Beach Provincial Park, or one of the many in between. Your only challenge is choosing between them!

10. Meet an Acadian fisherman

Trap a lobster (or two) or reel in a mackerel with the help of a real Acadian fisherman. Hear stories from the sea and then sit down to a delicious meal made from your very own catch.