Bathurst, New Brunswick: Where's It At?

Bathurst is a city in northern New Brunswick, Canada, with a population of around 12,000 people. It is located on the eastern coast of the country, on the shore of the Bay of Chaleur, which is part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Bathurst sits at the mouth of four rivers: the Nepisiguit River, the Middle River, Little River, and the Tetagouche River. The city offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a thriving economy focused on mining, fishing, and forestry.

Geography and Climate

Bathurst is a city in northern New Brunswick, Canada, with a population of 12,157 as of 2021. It is located on the eastern coast of Canada, on the shore of the Bay of Chaleur, which is part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Bathurst is in the province of New Brunswick, which is bordered to the north by Quebec, to the southeast by Nova Scotia, and to the west by the United States. It is 90km south of Dalhousie and 90km north of Miramichi.

Bathurst has a humid continental climate, with vast seasonal differences in temperature. The city experiences warm and humid summers, and cold, windy, and snowy winters. Spring and fall bring chilly to warm temperatures, with occasional late heatwaves known as "Indian summers". Snow generally stays on the ground from December until April. The highest temperature ever recorded in Bathurst was 37.6°C (99.7°F) on June 19, 2024, and the coldest temperature ever recorded was -37.2°C (-35°F) on January 9, 1887, and January 19, 1925.

The city of Bathurst is situated on Nepisiguit Bay, at the estuary of four rivers: the Nepisiguit River, the Middle River, the Little River, and the Tetagouche River. The harbour is enclosed by two spits of land, Carron Point and Alston Point. Bathurst is home to Youghall Beach Park, which offers swimming, volleyball, and windsurfing, and the Bathurst Marina. The city also has two golf courses.

The city of Bathurst has a rich history, dating back to the annual Mi'kmaq summer coastal community of Nepisiguit before European settlement. Europeans first reached the area in 1534 when Jacques Cartier named the Baie des Chaleurs. In the 17th century, early French settlers arrived, and in 1636, Nicolas Denys was granted a seignory by the French crown. The community was renamed several times, from Nepisiguit to St. Peters, and finally to Bathurst in 1826, in honour of the 3rd Earl Bathurst, who was the secretary for war and the colonies at the time.

History

The history of Bathurst, New Brunswick, dates back to the early 17th century when it was a summer encampment for the Mi'kmaq First Nation. The original name, Nepisiguit, is derived from the Mi'kmaq word "winpegijawik", meaning "rough water".

The first European to visit the area was Jacques Cartier in 1534, who named Chaleur Bay after its noticeably warm waters. The Récollet missionaries from France were the first permanent settlers on Chaleur Bay in 1619.

Bathurst was officially founded in 1652 by Nicolas Denys, then-governor of Acadia. The site, which served as Denys' headquarters, was abandoned after his death in 1688.

In 1755, dispossessed Acadians settled in the area, followed by English traders, including George Walker, who arrived in 1768. Walker established a successful fur trading, fishing, and shipbuilding enterprise, overseeing trade across Chaleur Bay. He served as justice of the peace, performing marriages and burials and brokering disputes among the Mi'kmaq, Acadians, and British.

In the 1820s, the community was renamed Bathurst in honour of Henry Bathurst, the third Earl Bathurst and then-British colonial secretary. During this time, lumbering, shipbuilding, and sawmills dominated the local economy.

The Bathurst Iron Mines operated from 1907 to 1913, and the city's first pulp mill opened in 1914. The mill expanded to make paper in 1923 and underwent renovations in 1983 and 1988 before closing in 2005.

The Brunswick Mine, which opened in 1964, became one of the world's largest and most profitable lead and zinc mines. It operated for 50 years until its closure in 2013, which caused unemployment in northern New Brunswick to rise above 20%.

Today, Bathurst is a hub for tourism, offering attractions such as Youghall Beach, the Daly Point Nature Reserve, and the Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail. The city's economy is primarily focused on mining, fishing, and forestry, with the service sector being the largest employer.

Economy and Industry

The economy of Bathurst, New Brunswick, has traditionally been based on agriculture and natural resources. However, in recent decades, the city has transitioned to a service-based economy, with the service sector being the largest employer.

Historical Industries

During the 19th century, the local economy was largely based on shipbuilding, logging, and sawmills. This was due to the area's thick woodland and multiple bodies of water. Farming and fishing were also important activities for the outlying rural communities.

In the early 20th century, the local economy was dominated by the pulp and paper industry, with the Bathurst Power and Paper Company becoming the city's largest employer. Base metal mining also emerged as a significant industry, with the discovery of significant lead and zinc deposits in the surrounding region.

Current Industries

Today, the primary sector still plays a role in the local economy, with some mines still in operation, although on a smaller scale. The Port of Belledune, located near Bathurst, is a modern marine transport facility that facilitates trade between North America and Europe.

Tourism is also a driving force in the local economy, with world-class snowmobile trails, mild waters, and cultural attractions drawing visitors to the region. The city's natural beauty, including its rugged coastline and beautiful beaches, makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities.

The Chaleur Regional Hospital is a major employer in the region, providing healthcare services to a wide geographic area. Additionally, the city is home to a campus of the Francophone Le Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB).

The K.C. Irving Regional Centre is a multipurpose recreational and entertainment centre that hosts a Canadian Hockey League franchise, the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.

Breweries, such as the Four Rivers Brewing Co and the 13 Barrels Brewing Company, are also present in the city, offering local craft beer and dining options.

Transport

Bathurst is located on the eastern coast of Canada, in the province of New Brunswick. The city is served by the Bathurst Regional Airport, which offers flights to Montreal via Air Canada Express. The airport is located about 10 minutes west of Bathurst on Highway 180. Car rentals and taxi services are available at the airport. For international flights, travellers can fly into Moncton and drive to Bathurst or take the train.

The city is also accessible by train, with VIA Rail Canada offering train routes across the country. The train station is located just off Riverside Drive in Bathurst. The "Ocean" route connects Bathurst to Halifax, Montreal, Moncton, and Sainte-Foy (near Quebec City). The trip from Montreal to Bathurst takes about 13.5 hours, while the journey from Moncton to Bathurst is approximately 3.75 hours.

Bus services are provided by Maritime Bus, which operates within New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The bus stop in Bathurst is located at 896 Main Street. The bus service connects Bathurst to nearby cities such as Campbellton, Dalhousie, Miramichi, and Moncton Airport.

Driving directions to Bathurst vary depending on the origin of the trip. From Moncton, the drive to Bathurst is approximately 220 kilometres via Highways 15, 11, and 8. From the United States, the fastest route is via I-95 to Woodstock, followed by the Trans-Canada 2 West to St-Leonard, and then Highway 180 East to Bathurst. This route offers a more scenic alternative by travelling through the Appalachian mountains.

In addition to these transportation options, Bathurst also has a well-maintained network of highways and roads, connecting it to other parts of New Brunswick and Canada.

Attractions

Located in the heart of the Chaleur Region, Bathurst, New Brunswick, is a great place to base yourself for exploring the region. With a population of just 13,000, this beautiful Acadian coastal city offers endless attractions for visitors. From natural wonders to cultural delights, here are some of the top spots to check out:

Pabineau Falls

The highlight of the region, these awe-inspiring falls are a must-see. Located in the Pabineau First Nation territory on the Nepisiguit River, the falls are easily accessible, right beside the road. The granite underneath is an impressive 397 million years old! The area also offers great hiking opportunities.

Pokeshaw Rock

This interesting geological feature has become a popular tourist attraction. Part of the Pokeshaw Provincial Park, it boasts a beautiful beach, ideal for swimming in the summer and taking in stunning sunsets. There is a small entry fee during the summer months.

La Promenade Waterfront

A unique feature of Bathurst, La Promenade Waterfront is a quaint walking area in the town centre with a boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and interesting stores. There's also a picturesque gazebo to relax in, offering the perfect spot to shield from the sun or warm by the fire in winter.

Local Breweries

Bathurst has several breweries where you can sample local New Brunswick beer and enjoy great food. Two of the best are the Four Rivers Brewing Co and the 13 Barrels Brewing Company.

Tetagouche Falls

This waterfall is located on the former site of a hydroelectric dam close to Bathurst. A short drive away, it offers a 1km round trip hike along an easy, scenic trail, perfect for a quick break from the city.

Bathurst Marina

Located at the mouth of the Bay of Chaleur, the marina is a great place to explore boats and admire the natural scenery. It has 100 boat slips and a full-service campground. It's also close to the city centre, making it a convenient spot to walk around.

Sentier Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail

This 147km backpacking trail follows the Nepisiguit River through New Brunswick. It's the trail to take if you want to reach the Pabineau Falls. It offers a beautiful wooded area with the chance to see wildlife, and you can also use it as a starting point for longer hikes if you're feeling adventurous.

Daly Point Nature Reserve

Explore the shoreline of the Bathurst Harbour at this nature reserve, which has a series of trails and boardwalks perfect for hiking. The reserve has interpretive panels along the trails that teach you about the area's history. It's free to access, and the network of trails is fairly accessible for older travellers or those with mobility issues.

Youghall Beach

This beach offers soft sand, ideal for playing or sunbathing. It's also a great spot for fishing, although swimmers should be cautious of strong currents.

Nepisiguit River

For freshwater fun, head to the Nepisiguit River, which runs through the eastern side of the city. Rapids create excellent conditions for kayaking and rafting, while more placid sections are perfect for fishing and canoeing. You can rent equipment and organise guided trips in town.

Shopping

Bathurst offers fantastic shopping opportunities, with two malls on St. Peter's Avenue, where you can find all your favourite brands and small boutique shops for souvenirs.

Frequently asked questions