Back Bay: New Brunswick's Coastal Paradise

Back Bay is an unincorporated settlement in New Brunswick, Canada, on the shore of a bay of the same name in the Bay of Fundy. It is a centre of aquaculture and is home to several businesses in the fishing industry, including Cooke Aquaculture, Mowi, and Bayshore Lobster. Back Bay has a range of vacation rentals and hotels, and attractions such as lighthouses, nature preserves, and art galleries.

History of Back Bay, New Brunswick

Back Bay, New Brunswick, is an unincorporated settlement in Canada on the shore of a bay of the same name in the Bay of Fundy. It is on the opposite side of a peninsula from Letete.

In 1866, Back Bay was a farming and fishing community of about 30 families. By 1871, the population had grown to 200 people, and by 1898, it had reached 300. In the late 19th century, the settlement had a post office, two stores, and two churches.

Over time, Back Bay became home to a large aquaculture and commercial fishing industry, with main businesses such as Cookes Aquaculture and Mowi operating in the area. The settlement also has a lobster processing plant owned by Bayshore Lobster.

Back Bay's history is closely tied to the broader history of New Brunswick, which includes the arrival of Paleo-Indians thousands of years ago and the presence of several First Nations groups, such as the Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, and the Passamaquoddy, before European colonization. The region was first explored by French explorers in the 16th century and later became part of the colony of Acadia in the 17th century. After the French ceded their claims to the British in the 18th century, the region became a part of Nova Scotia until 1784 when the western portions were separated to form the new colony of New Brunswick.

Throughout the 19th century, New Brunswick experienced an influx of settlers, including Welsh and Irish migrants, as well as the return of some deported Acadians. The establishment of various industries, such as shipbuilding and logging, also contributed to the region's growth and economic development.

Back Bay's aquaculture

Back Bay, New Brunswick, is an unincorporated settlement in Canada, on the shore of a bay of the same name in the Bay of Fundy. It is the centre of a large aquaculture operation, with businesses such as Cooke Aquaculture and Mowi.

Aquaculture is an important economic contributor in the rural coastal communities of New Brunswick, generating jobs and incomes in both primary and processing activities. The New Brunswick government aims to foster the continued and sustainable growth and innovation of the aquaculture sector by providing extension services, programs, and initiatives supported by policies and legal frameworks.

The Bay of Fundy Marine Aquaculture Site Allocation Policy guides provincial decisions on the allocation of marine sites for aquaculture and specifies a management regime for the current aquaculture sector. The policy focuses on the allocation of sites for aquaculture while also considering the unique environment and the need to foster coexistence with other marine resource users in a sustainable manner.

In addition to aquaculture, Back Bay also has a large commercial fishing industry, with lobster, scallop, fish dragging, and rockweeding as the main fisheries. The area has a lobster processing plant owned by Bayshore Lobster and previously had a sardine factory operated by Connors Brothers until its closure in the late 1990s.

Tourism in Back Bay

Back Bay is an unincorporated settlement in New Brunswick, Canada, located on the shore of a bay of the same name in the Bay of Fundy. It is a centre of aquaculture, with a large commercial fishing industry, and is also home to the Back Bay Elementary School.

Getting to Back Bay

The closest airport to Back Bay is Saint John Airport, which is 51 miles away. Other nearby airports include Fredericton Airport (58 miles away) and Digby/Annapolis Regional Airport (64 miles away).

Things to See and Do in Back Bay

There are several lighthouses in the area, including Green's Point Lighthouse, Pea Point Island Lighthouse, and Lighthouse Point Lighthouse. The Connor Bros Nature Preserve at Pea Point is also nearby, as is the Fireball Gallery & Studio.

For those interested in outdoor activities, Seascape Kayak Tours Inc. offers kayaking adventures in the Bay of Fundy, and there are several golf courses within driving distance, including the St. George Golf Club and the Algonquin Golf Course.

Places to Eat and Drink in Back Bay

There are several dining options in and around Back Bay, including Pilgrim's Rest Takeout, Birch Grove Restaurant, Harbour Road Pub and Eatery, and Comeau's Seafood Restaurant.

Accommodation in Back Bay

There are a variety of vacation rentals and hotels in and around Back Bay, including bed and breakfasts, inns, motels, and cottages. Some options include the Harbour Tide Inn Bed & Breakfast, the Seaside Beach Resort, the Montague Rose Inn and Tea Room, and the 45th Parallel Motel and Restaurant.

Nearby Destinations

Nearby destinations include Saint Andrews, Saint John, Fredericton, and Bar Harbor.

Real estate in Back Bay

Back Bay is an unincorporated settlement in New Brunswick, Canada, on the shore of a bay of the same name in the Bay of Fundy. It is the centre of a large aquaculture operation and is home to several businesses in the fishing industry.

The real estate market in Back Bay offers a range of options, from residential homes to vacant land. Here is an overview of the real estate in Back Bay, New Brunswick:

Residential Homes

For those seeking a residential home in Back Bay, there are several options available. Real estate listings show a variety of houses with different bedroom and bathroom configurations:

• A one-bedroom, one-bathroom home on 845 Route 172.
• A four-bedroom, two-bathroom home on 735 Route 172.
• A house with an unspecified number of bedrooms and bathrooms located on 11 Seaside Drive.
• A two-bedroom, one-bathroom house on 105 Leavitt Head Road.
• A one-bedroom, one-bathroom house on 103 Leavitt Head Road.

Vacant Land

In addition to residential homes, there are also vacant land listings in Back Bay. These include:

• A vacant lot on Bayview Crescent, listed for sale for 246 days.
• Spruce Island, listed as vacant land for sale for 276 days.
• White Head Island, another vacant land listing for sale for 276 days.
• Hills Island Mccann Island, a vacant lot listed for 287 days.

Vacation Rentals

For those seeking a temporary stay in Back Bay, there are vacation rental options available through platforms like Airbnb. These rentals offer a range of experiences, from waterfront properties to cosy cottages:

• The Safe Haven loft is a waterfront property on Oak Haven with kayaking and beach access.
• The Beach House is located near Digby and offers whale-watching opportunities.
• The Guest Suite in St. Andrews is a newly renovated suite in a pretty seaside town, perfect for 1-2 people.
• The Driftwood Cottage in Hersonville offers a cosy retreat.
• A three-story oceanfront estate in Saint George Parish with a private beach.

These listings showcase the variety of real estate options available in Back Bay, New Brunswick, catering to those seeking permanent residences, vacant land, or temporary vacation rentals.

Winter in Back Bay

Back Bay has a rich history, dating back to 1866 when it was a farming and fishing community of about 30 families. Over the years, it has grown and evolved, with a post office, stores, and churches added to the settlement. Today, it is home to a large aquaculture operation and the Back Bay Elementary School.

During winter, Back Bay offers a range of unique outdoor activities for adventurous travellers. Here is a glimpse into what a winter in Back Bay looks like:

Winter Activities

The cold season in Back Bay presents opportunities for exciting adventures:

• Lighthouse glamping: Visitors can stay in a lighthouse accommodation at Broadleaf Ranch, located in the Bay of Fundy. The experience includes stunning sunrise views and activities like winter horseback riding.
• Dog sledding: Birch Bark Adventures in North Tetagouche offers dog sledding tours, where guests can learn about the history of dog sledding and explore the trails with a pack of Alaskan Huskies.
• Winter ziplining: From November to April, travellers can zipline through snow-covered forests at Snider Mountain Ranch, just an hour's drive from Saint John.
• Ice fishing: Off the Charts Outfitters provides a unique ice fishing experience on frozen rivers, with professional guides assisting anglers of all skill levels.
• Hiking to ice caves: The Midland Ice Caves in southern New Brunswick offer an easy hiking trail, perfect for families and solo travellers, to explore natural ice formations.

Winter Events

In addition to these activities, Back Bay and the surrounding areas host several winter events:

• The Saint John Santa Claus Parade: Taking place in November, this parade officially kicks off the Christmas season with themed floats, marching bands, and musical performances.
• The New Brunswick Spirits Festival: Held in the second week of November, this festival showcases special tastings of fine scotch whiskies and spirits.
• New Year's Eve celebrations: On December 31, the province gears up for various festivities to ring in the new year.
• The Fredericton FROSTival: This festival, held in January and February, offers a series of outdoor and culinary events for families and friends to enjoy.
• The Fundy Winterfest: A six-week celebration from February to March, where people embrace winter and connect across generations and cultures.
• The Fredericton Craft Beer Festival: In March, beer enthusiasts can sample craft beers from the East Coast while taking a break from the cold.

Winter Wildlife

The Bay of Fundy, of which Back Bay is a part, is known for its diverse wildlife. While some species may be less active during the winter, others thrive in the cold:

• Whales: While whale watching tours are more common in the warmer months, the Bay of Fundy is home to minke, finback, and humpback whales.
• Birds: Bird watching is a popular activity in the area, and the winter months can bring opportunities to spot migratory bird species.
• Marine life: The Bay of Fundy is known for its high tides and marine life, including lobster, scallops, and rockweed, which continue to be active throughout the winter.

Frequently asked questions