Acadian Coastal Route, New Brunswick

Tags

acadian, canada, food, lobster, local food, National Park, new brunswick, photo, travel

After crossing into New Brunswick from Quebec, we stopped at the Visitor Center for some information. Most Visitor Center’s provide valuable maps, brochures and coupons. You can also speak with a local person and get some personalized recommendations versus generic online stuff.

We knew our time in New Brunswick would be split as geographically it makes sense to travel on the east shore, from Quebec thru New Brunswick into Nova Scotia. We will pick up the Bay of Fundy area on our way into Maine, U.S.

Acadian Coastal Route

We broke off at Cap-Pele (east of Shediac) to head into Nova Scotia. On our return, the Confederation Bridge from Prince Edward Island will drop us right back in that area.

This is some of what we encountered along the way…..

A random field along the way. Spectacular

The Acadian Coastal Route takes the back roads, no major highways except were absolutely necessary. This results in a slower drive, but interesting sights, people and of course food along the way.

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Lighthouse wearing an Acadian Flag

Next up was a stop at the largest fishing Wharf in Canada- Escuminac, N.B. Although there was not much to see as all of the boats were out fishing lobster, we did see a few offload their catch.

Boat coming in to offload.

The lobster is packed into grey totes at sea, when they reach the wharf, it is hoisted onto a scale, the Fisherman is paid and then back out to sea.

We estimated 80 lobster per case, they offloaded about 8 cases.

And back out for more.

The nearby Lobster Shop has fresh steamed lobsters ready to go!

a steal at $9

tasty tasty tasty (but a small one)

We devoured our Lobster at the nearby Kouchibouguac National Park.

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Kouchibouguac is famous for its 7 kilometers of pristine white sand beach. Unfortunately for us, the weather was terrible, with rain most of the time.

Boardwalk leading to the beach

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We left Kouchibouguac and continued south. The self described lobster capitol of the world, Shediac, N.B sounds worthy of a stop.

Worlds biggest Lobster in Shediac. Weighing in at 90 tons of steel and concrete.

We then proceeded along to Cap-Pele to a smokehouse Museum. The Museum turned out to be a back room in the local visitors center- not very interesting. We learned that Cap-Pele is world famous for smoked herring. 95% of the smoked herring in Canada is made right here. The small town is also home to Lobster packaging plants. The very friendly proprietor suggested we head down to the local Wharf, and to drive with the windows open as there are 26 smokehouses in town, and the smell is deeee-lish.

One Jumbo lobster!

We found the Wharf, and the Fish Market. We walked out of this place with the biggest lobster available. Tipping the scales at nearby 4 pounds, it was massive.

Round 2 Lobster feast

And just to put the size of this behemoth into perspective, We will leave you with this shot…….

Mmmmm, that Lobster is good.

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New Brunswick is a tasty Province.