Shediac, New Brunswick: Canada's Lobster Capital

Shediac is a town in Westmorland County, New Brunswick, Canada. Known as the Lobster Capital of the World, Shediac is famous for its lobster fishing, processing plants, live lobster tanks and the annual Lobster Festival. The town is also home to Parlee Beach, which has some of the warmest waters north of Virginia.

Shediac's Giant Lobster

Shediac, New Brunswick, is known as the "Lobster Capital of the World". To honour this crustacean, the Shediac Rotary Club commissioned a sculpture of a giant lobster to be built in the town. The sculpture, made of concrete and reinforced steel, was designed and constructed by Canadian artist Winston Bronnum. It took three years and $170,000 to complete.

Standing at 11 metres long and 5 metres tall, and weighing 90 tonnes, Shediac's Giant Lobster is a popular attraction, bringing in 500,000 visitors per year. It is one of the most photographed attractions in New Brunswick. The lobster sits atop a rocky perch, with a life-size bearded fisherman standing in front of it. The sculpture is located on Main Street, just west of the bridge, and is easily accessible from the visitor centre parking lot.

The Giant Lobster was created to pay tribute to the town's lobster fishing industry and to promote tourism. Despite being known as the "World's Largest Lobster", it is not actually the biggest lobster sculpture in the world. That title went to the Big Lobster sculpture in Kingston, South Australia, until 2015 when a 100-tonne lobster/crayfish was built in Qianjiang, Hubei, China.

Parlee Beach

The history of Parlee Beach dates back to the 1800s, and it has been a popular recreational area for locals and tourists alike. The beach was named in 1959 in honour of T. Babbitt Parlee, the former Minister of Municipal Affairs in the ministry of New Brunswick Premier Hugh John Flemming, who died in an airplane crash in 1957.

The beach has received mixed reviews, with some praising its beauty, warm water, and clean facilities, while others have raised concerns about water quality and the prohibition of dogs on the beach. It is important to note that the provincial government regularly monitors water quality and works to maintain the beach's cleanliness. Overall, Parlee Beach is a must-visit destination in Shediac, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, warm saltwater, and a variety of amenities for a perfect beach day.

Lobster Capital of the World

Shediac, New Brunswick, is known as the "Lobster Capital of the World" due to its lobster fishing industry. The town hosts an annual festival each July to promote its ties to lobster fishing. A 90-tonne sculpture of a lobster, called The World's Largest Lobster, stands at the western entrance to the town. The sculpture, which is made of concrete and reinforced steel, was commissioned by the Shediac Rotary Club in 1989 to pay tribute to the lobster and its role in the development of the community. It measures 11 metres in length, 5 metres in width, and 5 metres in height. The lobster itself weighs 55 tonnes, while the pedestal it stands on weighs 35 tonnes. A staircase on the pedestal allows visitors to climb up and take photos.

The World's Largest Lobster is not actually the biggest lobster sculpture in the world, despite its name. This title was held by the Big Lobster sculpture in Kingston, South Australia, until 2015 when a 100-tonne lobster/crayfish was built in Qianjiang, Hubei, China. However, Shediac's sculpture still attracts 500,000 visitors per year.

Shediac, situated on Route 133, is a heavily Acadian town in Westmorland County, New Brunswick. It was originally called La Batture, but its name was changed to Shediac in reference to its position at the basin of the Shediac River. The name is derived from the Micmac word "Esedeiik", which means "which comes from far away", possibly referring to the Shediac Bay or the current of the Petitcodiac river. The town has a population of around 7,500 people and is known for its warm beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and unique culture.

Local restaurants and seafood

Shediac, New Brunswick, is known for its seafood, and there are plenty of local restaurants to choose from. Here is a list of some popular spots to enjoy a delicious meal:

Le Moque-Tortue Games Bistro

This family-run restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its Alice in Wonderland-inspired décor and a collection of 300 clocks adorning the walls. The menu features a variety of seafood options, including local New Brunswick oysters and lobster dishes. It also has a weekly trivia night and a wide range of board games for customers to enjoy. Reservations are recommended as this spot is a favourite among locals.

La Coast Restaurant et bar

La Coast is a casual eatery offering a variety of pub grub, seafood, and burgers, along with an extensive selection of beer and cocktails. While the service can be slow at times, the food is highly praised for its quality and affordability. Popular dishes include the La Coast Salad with Shrimp and the Lamb Shank Confit. The friendly staff goes above and beyond to ensure a safe dining experience by sanitising commonly touched items.

Gabriele Hotel & Restaurant (Auberge Gabriele Inn)

The Gabriele Restaurant, located within the historic Gabriele Inn, offers a refined and accessible culinary experience showcasing local talents and ingredients. The dining room has been renovated, and guests can also enjoy breathtaking sunsets from the patio. The inn itself is a historic building with stunning sea views, providing a laid-back and comfortable atmosphere for its guests. Visitors have praised the exceptional service, delicious food, and comfortable hotel rooms.

The Sandbar & Grill

The Sandbar & Grill is located directly on the Historic Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf, adjacent to the Shediac Boating Marina. It is known for its delectable seafood menu, maritime cheer, and a relaxed, casual atmosphere overlooking the beautiful Shediac Bay. It is a perfect spot to enjoy fresh seafood while taking in the vibrant maritime atmosphere.

Chez Leo

This roadside restaurant has been a favourite among locals since 1961 and is known for its delicious clams and chips. The clams are light, tender, sweet, and briny, and are a must-try for seafood lovers. The restaurant is run by the Bourgeois family and has become a beloved staple in the Shediac community.

In addition to these popular spots, there are several other restaurants in Shediac worth mentioning, such as Aboiteau Wharf Restaurant, Captain Dan's Bar & Grill, and Menu Acadien, all known for their delicious seafood offerings and charming atmospheres. Whether you're looking for fine dining or a casual meal, Shediac's local restaurants will surely satisfy your taste for fresh seafood and memorable dining experiences.

Neptune Drive-in Theatre

The Neptune Drive-In Theatre in Shediac, New Brunswick, is a local landmark that has been in operation since the 1960s. The drive-in theatre is part of a collection of businesses owned by Sébastien Després and his wife Heather Wright, including Bistro Le Moque-Tortue, Le Griffon B&B, and Adorable Chocolat. The couple purchased the theatre in 2024, with plans to revitalise it as a Texas-style smokehouse and a place for people to enjoy movies and great meals.

The Neptune Drive-In Theatre boasts a capacity of 350 cars and is equipped with Atlantic Canada's first digital Ultra 4K projector, ensuring a captivating cinema experience under the stars, regardless of the weather. The theatre's canteen, named Morse et Marteaux BBQ Smokehouse, features an authentic wood-fired Texas-style smoker, elevating the traditional drive-in dining experience with slow-cooked meats and homemade treats.

The theatre's soft opening took place on May 10, 2024, with a grand opening celebration on May 17, 2024, just in time for the Victoria Day weekend. The theatre typically opens its box office at 7:00 PM, with the first show starting around 8:15 PM or 9:30 PM. Admission prices vary, with general admission at $10, $7 for ages 5 to 11, free entry for toddlers aged 4 and under, and a carload for $20 or $35.

The Neptune Drive-In Theatre plays a range of movies, from action-comedy to horror-thriller, and provides a unique and enchanting cinematic adventure for people of all ages. With its whimsical atmosphere and commitment to honouring its legacy, the theatre has become a beloved destination for many.

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