Acadian Coast

Côte Acadienne

Stretching along the eastern shore, the Acadian Coast celebrates the rich French-Acadian culture with charming fishing villages, seafood restaurants, and warm hospitality. The region offers pristine beaches, fresh local cuisine, and authentic cultural experiences.

Things to do

• Hopewell Rocks kayaking — Paddle around the iconic rock formations at high and low tide to experience the Bay of Fundy's dramatic 40-foot tidal range.
• Acadian Historical Village — Explore a recreated 19th-century Acadian settlement with costumed interpreters, heritage buildings, and traditional crafts near Moncton.
• Shediac Beach swimming — Wade into the warmest saltwater beach in Canada at Shediac, known as the scallop capital with sandy shores and family amenities.
• Kouchibouguac National Park hiking — Hike coastal trails through boreal forest and salt marshes while spotting seals, beavers, and migratory birds along the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
• Lobster and seafood festivals — Attend seasonal festivals celebrating local catches with live music, cooking demonstrations, and endless fresh seafood tastings.
• Memramcook Interpretive Centre — Learn about Acadian resilience and culture at this museum dedicated to the deportation, survival, and revival of the Acadian people.

Food to try

• Rappie pie — A hearty traditional Acadian dish made with grated potatoes, meat broth, and chicken or seafood baked in a rich, savory crust.
• Fresh lobster — Sweet, tender Atlantic lobster sourced directly from local waters and served boiled, grilled, or in traditional Acadian preparations.
• Acadian fricot — A comforting potato and seafood stew seasoned with salt pork and served in a creamy broth, reflecting coastal heritage cooking.
• Scallops (pétoncles) — Shediac's signature sweet scallops, grilled or pan-seared and best enjoyed at waterfront restaurants overlooking the harbor.
• Poutine râpée — Grated potato dumplings with a pork center, boiled and served as a traditional Acadian comfort food side dish or light meal.
• Seafood chowder — Creamy New England-style soup loaded with local haddock, mussels, and clams, a staple in village restaurants throughout the coast.

Local customs & good to know

• Learn basic Acadian French phrases — Locals appreciate visitors attempting Chiac, a unique Acadian dialect blending French and English; simple greetings go a long way.
• Respect Acadian pride and history — The Acadian people endured deportation and cultural suppression; showing genuine interest in their heritage and museums is deeply valued.
• Visit during summer festivals — Many cultural events and seafood celebrations peak June through August; timing your visit around local festivals enriches the authentic experience.
• Support family-owned seafood restaurants — Dining at independent establishments run by fishing families directly supports the community and guarantees the freshest, most authentic meals.