Alma: A New Brunswick Gem

Alma is a former village in Fundy Albert, New Brunswick, Canada. It is centred on the delta of the Upper Salmon River and Cleveland Brook, where they flow into Salisbury Bay. The village is known for its seafood restaurants, and its proximity to Fundy National Park makes it a popular tourist destination. The park's famous Fundy Tides, which can reach a vertical difference of over 53 feet between high and low tides, are a significant draw for visitors. Alma has a population of 282 people and is the birthplace of Molly Kool, the first female Master Mariner for offshore sailing in the Western World.

Alma's location and geography

Alma is a former village in the parish of Alma, Albert County, New Brunswick, Canada. It lost its village status in 2023 when it became part of the new village of Fundy Albert. The village is centred on the small delta of the Upper Salmon River and Cleveland Brook, which empty into Salisbury Bay. Its geographical coordinates are 45° 36' 0" North, 64° 57' 0" West, and it sits at an elevation of 298 metres (978 feet).

The headquarters of Fundy National Park are in Alma West, and the park attracts many tourists to the area. The village is known for its seafood restaurants, particularly its seafood chowder, and its tidal harbour. The vertical difference between high and low tides can exceed 53 feet (16.2 metres) at times, making them the world's highest. The tides can be witnessed from the fishing docks in Alma Harbour and from the cliffs of Cape Enrage.

Alma has a cool, wet, and snowy humid continental climate with significant seasonal variation despite its near-ocean location. Summers are warm but short, and winters are relatively cold yet milder than inland areas.

History of Alma

The Village of Alma, centred on the Upper Salmon River and Cleveland Brook, is a disincorporated village in Fundy Albert, New Brunswick, Canada. The settlement, originally known as Salmon River Settlement, began in the early 19th century when Europeans settled in the region. The early economy of the region consisted of logging, fishing, and shipbuilding.

The Salmon River Settlement began to flourish as the lumber trade expanded with land-grant exchanges and the construction of a sawmill on the Upper Salmon River by its new owners. Before this, the land grant holder, Loyalist John Coffin, frustrated potential settlers due to his absence. This marked the beginning of the community’s most vibrant period.

In 1856, the Parish of Alma was established around the village, named in honour of the recent Battle of Alma during the Crimean War. The small town changed its name in the same year, when the Parish of Alma was created. The new name was chosen to honour the 1854 Battle of Alma, which took place between allied expeditionary forces and Russian forces on the banks of the River Alma during the Crimean War. The village was officially incorporated in 1966, after governmental changes dissolved the traditional county system around which the region had previously been organised.

In 1966, the village municipality incorporated after county councils were disbanded. Eighteen years earlier, in 1948, the federal government had expropriated land in the village and parish west of the Upper Salmon River to create Fundy National Park. Many homes were relocated east of the river, as lumber barons made way for the new land managers, the Parks Canada Agency.

Today, most of these early industries have faded away, though lobster and scallop fishing remain a major part of Alma's economy. Tourism has become integral to the town due to the presence of Fundy National Park across the river, and Alma is known for its plentiful seafood restaurants.

Local economy

The local economy of Alma, New Brunswick, centres on tourism and fishing. As the headquarters of Fundy National Park is in Alma West, the village sees a significant influx of tourists in the summertime. The park itself also contributes to the local economy, as do the many seafood restaurants in the village, which serve fresh lobster and scallops. Alma is also known for its sticky buns, which are considered a local delicacy.

Alma's history is rooted in the lumber trade, which began with the construction of a sawmill on the Upper Salmon River. The village is centred on the small delta of the Upper Salmon River and Cleveland Brook, where they empty into Salisbury Bay. The village's tidal harbour is an important base for the fishing industry, and the village's proximity to the ocean makes tourism a major part of the local economy.

Alma's population is small, with 282 people living there as of the 2021 census. The village has a relatively cool, wet, and snowy humid continental climate with significant seasonal differences despite its near-ocean location. Summers are warm but short, and winters are relatively cold but milder than inland areas.

The village of Alma is also known for being the birthplace of Molly Kool, who became the first female Master Mariner for offshore sailing in the Western world in 1939. A monument on the Alma waterfront commemorates her achievement.

Alma's restaurants

When visiting Alma, New Brunswick, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining options. The charming coastal village is home to a variety of restaurants, each offering its own unique culinary experience. Here's a closer look at some of the top spots to eat in Alma:

The Alma Boathouse Restaurant

The Alma Boathouse is a highly-regarded seafood restaurant located on Main Street in Alma. It offers a unique blend of Canadian (New) cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood. Diners can expect to find everything from succulent lobster and scallops to mouthwatering oysters and fish on the menu. The restaurant is also known for its breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy, creating a memorable dining experience.

An Octopus' Garden Cafe

This cafe, located just off the main street, offers a charming and unique dining experience. With a beautiful patio adorned with flowers and string lights, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the views of the lobstering boats. The menu features a variety of options, including breakfast, brunch, and sandwiches. The warm and welcoming atmosphere has made it a favourite among both locals and visitors.

Alma Lobster Shop

For lobster lovers, the Alma Lobster Shop is a must-visit. This seafood market and restaurant offers a variety of lobster dishes, including the highly recommended lobster chowder and scallops. It's the perfect spot to indulge in some of the region's freshest seafood.

Tipsy Tails Restaurant

Tipsy Tails is a popular bar and seafood restaurant in Alma. It offers a range of delicious options, including the highly recommended Jason's Chowder, which is packed with haddock, bay scallops, and chunks of tasty lobster. The fish and chips are also a popular choice, making Tipsy Tails a top spot for seafood lovers.

Cape House Restaurant

The Cape House Restaurant is located at Cape Enrage and offers a unique dining experience. In addition to the restaurant, there is also a lighthouse, gift shop, and zip line on-site. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning coastal views.

Harbour View Market & Restaurant

Harbour View Market & Restaurant is a great spot to stop for seafood, burgers, and ice cream. It's located in the heart of Alma, making it a convenient choice for visitors exploring the town or on their way to Fundy National Park. The seafood platter, in particular, has received rave reviews.

Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, charming cafes, or intimate restaurants with breathtaking views, Alma has something to offer every appetite. These top restaurants showcase the best of Alma's culinary scene, offering unforgettable dining experiences that will leave a lasting impression.

Alma's notable citizens

Alma, New Brunswick, has been home to several notable citizens over the years. Here is a list of some of the most prominent individuals:

Molly Kool

Molly Kool was a trailblazer in the world of sailing. In 1939, she became the first female Master Mariner for offshore sailing in the Western World. Hailing from Alma, she captained a commercial Bay of Fundy scow sloop between ports, and a monument on the Alma waterfront stands as a testament to her achievement.

Judson Arthur Cleveland

Judson Arthur Cleveland played a pivotal role in sustaining the local community. He owned a sawmill that provided livelihoods for families, even during challenging economic times. Cleveland also served as a long-standing champion of the community on the County Council as a warden and councillor.

Loyalist John Coffin

While Loyalist John Coffin's absence from Alma caused initial frustration for prospective settlers, his eventual land-grant exchange and the construction of a sawmill on the Upper Salmon River marked the beginning of the community's most dynamic period.

Other Notable Figures

Alma's history also includes other prominent figures, such as the lumber barons who played a significant role in the village's early development. These individuals held sway until the establishment of the Parks Canada Agency with the creation of the Fundy National Park, which shifted the focus to tourism and conservation.

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