Southeast New Brunswick: A Place Of Beauty

Southeastern New Brunswick is a region of the Canadian province of New Brunswick. It is a perfect place for relaxation-seekers, with a winding coastline that stretches from Kouchibouguac to Cap-Pelé and down to Murray Beach. The area also offers trails, bicycle paths, and interesting stops along the way. Moncton, the largest city in New Brunswick, is located in the southeast region, along with Dieppe, the largest predominantly francophone city in Canada outside Québec. The southeast is also home to the self-proclaimed lobster capital of the world, Shediac, and the town of Shédiac, with a population of 6,700 people. The region boasts popular destinations such as Kouchibouguac National Park, La Dune de Bouctouche, and the Magnetic Hill Optical Illusion.

Moncton, the largest city in New Brunswick

The city's origins can be traced back to 1733 when Acadian settlers established Le Coude ("The Elbow"), named for the 90-degree bend in the nearby river. However, it was officially founded in 1766 with the arrival of Pennsylvania German immigrants. Initially, Moncton was an agricultural settlement, but it soon developed a thriving wooden shipbuilding industry, leading to its incorporation in 1855. Named after Lt. Col. Robert Monckton, who captured the nearby Fort Beauséjour, Moncton's early economy was tied to the sea and its strategic location.

Moncton's economy faced setbacks with the collapse of the shipbuilding industry in the 1860s and later with the closure of the CNR locomotive shops in the 1980s. However, the city demonstrated remarkable resilience, diversifying its economic base and embracing new industries. Today, Moncton's economy is stable and diversified, with strengths in transportation, distribution, retail, healthcare, education, and information technology. The city has attracted notable companies, including Nanoptix, International Game Technology, and BelTek Systems Design.

Moncton is known for its bilingualism, with a large proportion of its residents speaking both English and French. This linguistic duality has made it an attractive location for federal employment and call centres. The city also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with the Capitol Theatre, the Aberdeen Cultural Centre, and the Université de Moncton enhancing its cultural offerings.

In recent years, Moncton has experienced continuous growth, hosting major events and attracting new businesses. The city's confidence and appeal have been bolstered by developments such as the new Gunningsville Bridge, the Avenir Centre arena, and the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport. With its strong economy, diverse population, and cultural attractions, Moncton continues to be a vibrant and dynamic city in southeastern New Brunswick.

Dieppe, the largest predominantly Francophone city outside Quebec

Dieppe, located in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, is the largest predominantly Francophone city outside Quebec. With a population of 28,114 as of 2021, it is the fourth-largest city in the province. The city's history dates back to the eighteenth century, and it was incorporated as a town in 1952, later being designated as a city in 2003.

Dieppe's Francophone identity is strongly tied to its history and heritage. Formerly known as Leger's Corner, the city adopted the name Dieppe in 1946 to commemorate the Second World War's Operation Jubilee, specifically the Dieppe Raid of 1942. This name change was also a tribute to the port in France on the English Channel, where the raid took place. Additionally, Dieppe was one of the co-hosts of the Congrès Mondial Acadien (Acadian World Congress) in 1994 and 2019, celebrating Acadian culture and heritage.

According to the 2021 Census, 63.8% of Dieppe's population has French as their mother tongue, with 24% speaking English, and 8% speaking other languages. Interestingly, a significant portion of the population is bilingual, speaking both French and English fluently. The unique accent of the region, colloquially called "Chiac," further adds to the distinctiveness of Dieppe's Francophone community.

Dieppe's support for bilingualism is evident in its by-law regulating the use of external commercial signs in both official languages, which is a first for the province of New Brunswick. This reflects the city's commitment to promoting and preserving its Francophone identity and culture.

As part of the Greater Moncton Census Metropolitan Area, Dieppe is located on the Petitcodiac River and contributes to the diverse cultural landscape of southeastern New Brunswick.

Kouchibouguac National Park

The park is situated on unceded Mi’gmaq territory and provides habitats for approximately 50 species protected under the Canadian Species at Risk Act. These include the endangered piping plover, the second-largest tern colony in North America, and colonies of harbour and grey seals. The park is also home to the extremely rare and fragile Gulf of St. Lawrence aster.

In addition to its natural attractions, the park also offers guided interpretive programs and educational activities that provide insight into the park's unique ecosystems and the cultural heritage of the area, including the Mi'kmaq and Acadian cultures.

Camping is a popular activity in Kouchibouguac National Park, with 311 campsites offering amenities such as washrooms with showers, playgrounds, and dumping stations. There are also 31 unserviced sites located along a lagoon and three backcountry camping locations with fire pits, picnic tables, and pit toilets. The park is open year-round, with visitor services available from January to October.

Shédiac, the self-proclaimed lobster capital of the world

Shédiac, a small town in southeastern New Brunswick, Canada, has proclaimed itself the "lobster capital of the world". This title is solidified by the presence of a 35-foot-long lobster statue in the town, made from concrete, steel, and fibreglass. The statue was created in 1989 by artist Winston Bronnum and sits on a craggy concrete base at the entrance to the town. It has become a popular photo opportunity for tourists and visitors, who are welcome to scale the statue's rocky perch and pose within reach of its giant claws. The giant lobster even has its own majordomo in the form of a life-size fibreglass fisherman positioned in front of it.

The town's claim to be the lobster capital is also supported by its annual Lobster Festival, a fun-filled week in mid-July with entertainment and activities for all the family.

In addition to its lobster-related attractions, Shédiac offers beautiful beaches such as Parlee Beach Provincial Park and Plage L'Aboiteau, as well as the opportunity to sample local cuisine. Despite being located in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, which is officially bilingual, Shédiac is predominantly French-speaking. This comes as a surprise to many visitors, for whom Quebec is the only associated French-speaking region of Canada.

Tantramar, a new town formed from the amalgamation of Sackville, Dorchester, and Aulac

Tantramar is a small town in southeastern New Brunswick, Canada, formed on 1 January 2023 from the amalgamation of the town of Sackville, the village of Dorchester, Pointe de Bute, and other rural communities. Sackville, Dorchester, and Aulac, the three primary constituents of Tantramar, are all located near the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border.

Sackville

Sackville is a former town in southeastern New Brunswick, Canada, that held town status before its amalgamation with Dorchester and other localities to form Tantramar. Sackville is situated on the Tantramar River, which flows into Chignecto Bay, a sub-basin of the Bay of Fundy. Sackville is surrounded by the Tantramar Marshes, a former tidal salt marsh that serves as an important stopover for migratory birds. Sackville's economy was historically based on agriculture, shipbuilding, and manufacturing, but is now driven by tourism and Mount Allison University, which welcomes approximately 2,200 students each academic year. Sackville is also home to several cultural institutions, including the Owens Art Gallery, Live Bait Theatre, and Struts Gallery.

Dorchester

Dorchester is a former village located 15 kilometres west of Sackville, on the eastern side of the Memramcook River valley. Dorchester has a rich historical heritage, boasting several fine historic homes and civic buildings. Notable landmarks include the Keillor House Museum, a Georgian stone mansion built in the early 19th century, and the St. James Textile Museum, which showcases 19th-century artifacts related to domestic textile production and handicrafts.

Aulac

Aulac is a small hamlet situated on the Aulac Ridge, which rises prominently above the Tantramar Marshes. Aulac occupies a significant place in the history of francophone Acadia. During the 18th century, when peninsular Nova Scotia was under British control, Aulac served as the frontier of New Brunswick, which remained under French rule. This strategic location led to the construction of Fort Beauséjour, a French fortress built in 1751 to counter the nearby British Fort Lawrence. In 1755, the British defeated the French at Fort Beauséjour and used it to imprison Acadians during their forced exile.

Frequently asked questions