Edmundston: Nature, History & Fun

Nestled in New Brunswick's northwesternmost county, Madawaska, Edmundston is a small city with plenty to offer. Surrounded by mountains and nestled along the Saint John (Wolastoq) River, Edmundston combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and a friendly charm. With its proximity to Quebec, Canada, and Maine, USA, the area is steeped in history and cultural diversity. Here are some of the top attractions and things to do in Edmundston:

- New Brunswick Botanical Garden: A provincial park with over 80,000 plants, various themes, art installations, and a butterfly house.

- De La Republique Provincial Park: A 44-hectare recreational park with campsites, a pool, tennis courts, and more.

- Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault: A popular spot for drinks and food.

- Du Réel Au Miniature: Centre d'Interpretation des Voies Ferrées: A railroad interpretation centre with a museum, model railroad rooms, and a 1km rail circuit.

- Le Fortin Du Petit Sault: A blockhouse with a complicated history, built by the British army in 1841.

- Sentier Madawaska Trails: Over 45km of mountain biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

- Cathedrale de l'Immaculee-Conception: A spectacular church, considered the most noteworthy building in the city.

- Office du Tourisme Edmundston Madawaska: The Visitors' Centre located in the historic train station, offering maps, information, and local crafts.

- Musee historique du Madawaska: A museum dedicated to the history of the Northwest of New Brunswick and the six founding nations of Edmundston and Madawaska County.

New Brunswick Botanical Garden

The New Brunswick Botanical Garden is a provincial park in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada, that first opened in June 1993. The park spans over 8 hectares (20 acres) of land along the Madawaska River and features over 80,000 plants. The botanical garden is open daily during the summer season, from early May until the end of summer.

The botanical garden offers a wide range of attractions, including:

• Thematic gardens: Visitors can explore various themed gardens, such as the medicinal plants and aromatic herbs garden, where herbalism workshops are offered.
• Mosaicultures: Impressive mosaicultures are installed on-site, showcasing local history and culture.
• Khronos, the Celestial Garden: A unique celestial garden, Khronos invites visitors to explore time and space.
• Butterflies of the World pavilion: This pavilion houses different species of butterflies, inspiring visitors with its beauty.
• Flowery Brook: Visitors can listen to the soothing sounds of the bubbling waters of Flowery Brook.
• Alpine Garden: Discover the secrets hidden within the Alpine Garden, featuring plants that thrive in rocky, high-altitude environments.
• Shade Garden: Take a break from the sun and relax under the natural shade of the Shade Garden.
• Café Flora: Indulge in a delicious meal or aromatic herbal tea at Café Flora, while admiring the natural beauty of the gardens.
• Insect exhibit: Learn about the art of camouflage from the phasmids, masters of disguise, in the insect exhibit.

The botanical garden also hosts various cultural and artistic activities throughout the season, including workshops, outdoor concerts, and demonstrations by artists in residence, such as wood sculpting and stained glass art. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the La Grande Grouille fall festival, where thousands of pumpkins illuminate the garden's paths.

De La Republique Provincial Park

The park features scenic hiking and cycling trails, two volleyball courts, a fully equipped outdoor playground, two tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a boat ramp, picnic sites, and a picnic shelter. There's also an indoor playroom, a heated swimming pool, and a convenience store.

In addition to the natural beauty of the park, there are several attractions nearby. The Antique Automobile Museum showcases mint-condition vehicles, while the New Brunswick Botanical Garden offers a peaceful oasis with exotic and indigenous flowers, interesting statues, and a butterfly room. The park also hosts an outdoor amphitheatre with live performances celebrating Acadian history through song, dance, and theatre.

Du Réel Au Miniature: Centre d'Interpretation des Voies Ferrées

The first part of the tour takes visitors to a museum that replicates a warehouse from the early 1900s used for storing and maintaining locomotives. This section displays various artefacts representing the lives of railway workers, with the theme changing annually.

The second part of the tour features a 900-square-foot miniature railway network built to scale (HO 1/87). This intricate model includes buildings, wagons, locomotives, landscapes, and kilometres of tracks. Visitors can also take a ride on the outdoor railway, which can pull a load of up to 6000 pounds! The outdoor train experience is unique and memorable, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of railways.

The museum is owned and operated by Geraldine and Guy D. LaForge, who are passionate about trains and railway history. They are known for their engaging and informative guided tours, often going above and beyond to ensure visitors have a memorable experience. The centre is open from June to September, with reservations required from October to May.

Du Réel Au Miniature provides a fun and educational experience for all ages, from children to adults, making it a great attraction for families visiting Edmundston.

Le Fortin Du Petit Sault

The fort is located WAY up a hill and offers a beautiful view of the city. Visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the blockhouse and enjoy the scenery. There are also information plaques and a wooded sentry outside. The site is a great place to stretch your legs and take pictures, especially if you are travelling by car.

The blockhouse is open during the summer season. There is a small admission fee, and guided tours are available. The staff and tour guides are friendly and knowledgeable. Overall, Le Fortin Du Petit Sault is a worthwhile stop if you are visiting Edmundston and are interested in history and unique architecture.

Cathedrale de l'Immaculee-Conception

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a beautiful church in Edmundston, New Brunswick, and is probably the most noteworthy building in town. It was recognised as a Provincial Heritage Site in 2001 by the Ministry of Tourism, Heritage and Culture.

The parish of the Immaculate Conception was founded in 1872 under the name of Notre-Dame-du-Petit-Sault or Notre-Dame-du-Madawaska. Its first church was constructed in 1881, and the current church was built between 1924 and 1927, designed by architects Beaulé and Morissette of Quebec. The cathedral was consecrated on 20 February 1927 by Mgr Édouard LeBlanc, the Bishop of Saint John, New Brunswick. The exterior is made of granite from quarries in Portneuf County, Quebec. The cathedral can accommodate 1,250 people.

The cathedral's organ, with 44 stops spread over three manuals and a pedalboard, was installed in 1944 by Casavant Frères of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. It was restored in 1993 by Marcel Bertrand of Quebec City, making the instrument more versatile and eclectic.

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