Explore the town: 

It feels like we’ve been dropped right into the heart of the province here in the town of Miramichi! We don’t feel like tourists when we’re strolling along Water Street or dining at the local Irish pub. Wander down Historic Water Street and feel like you’ve stepped into another world, or head over the bridge to Newcastle to discover the shops, amazing parks, and eateries.

Visit Kouchibouguac National Park: 

Meaning “river of the long tides” in Mi’kmaq, this spectacular National Park is situated along New Brunswick’s Acadian Coast, and it’s the perfect place to experience this province’s diverse landscape. Mixed-wood forests, salt marshes, warm ocean beaches, with kilometers of golden sand and dunes as far as the eye can see. We walked along a 1/2km boardwalk over a beautiful marsh to visit Kellys Beach, Canada’s warmest saltwater beaches with 25km of golden sand dunes! It was breathtaking. Make sure to get a yummy soft serve cone at the concession after a hot summer’s day at the beach.

Summer Festivals: 

Miramichi is known for bringing people together and celebrating the heritage of the locals who have lived here for generations. Their summer festivals bring visitors from all over New Brunswick to the town to celebrate! We were lucky enough to have been able to attend both Canada’s longest running Irish festival, and Miramichi’s International Kite Festival. Being the “Irish Capital of Canada”, you can imagine Miramichi goes all out: three packed days of Irish music, parades, dancing, food – the works. Sooo much fun! The kite festival was such a brilliant family activity that filled the sky with colourful kites of all shapes and sizes, including some impressive ones flown by top kite fliers.

Experience Hopewell Rocks: 

An iconic, must-see natural wonder. Located along the Bay of Fundy, Hopewell Rocks is home to the highest tides in the world! With over twenty free-standing sea stacks along two kilometers of shoreline, these impressive “flowerpots” stand 40-70ft tall and were formed over millions of years of tidal erosion. Many people go to witness the unbelievable sights at low tide when you can walk along the ocean floor amongst these towering sea stacks, then return a mere 6 hours later to see the extreme tidal range at work when the flowerpots are almost fully covered by water. This massive tidal change happens twice a day!

Go tubing down the river: 

One of the most popular activities on the Miramichi River, and the place to do it is Gallan’s Miramichi River Tubing! Spend anywhere from 1 to 5 hours on a tubing adventure down the river on a summer day. You can choose between a relaxing float down the lazy river or a rapids run for a bit more action. Bring some cold drinks and make a day of it! We must have seen literally hundreds of people floating down the river and enjoying the beautiful view.

Wander the wharf: 

Ritchie Wharf is a buzzing place full of energy and activity in the heart of Miramichi! With its historic lighthouse and colourful vendors along the wharf, it’s a great place to soak up the Maritimes culture and enjoy a delicious bite to eat. It’s also where you go to hear live music, a launch point for river boat tours, and has a playground and splash park that’s great for kiddos.

Attend a Powwow: 

Throughout the summer, the different Indigenous bands of the region come together to hold powwows around the province. Witness the incredible drumming, dancing and regalia of the First Nation people – it’s a perfect opportunity to experience First Nation culture firsthand. Spiritual ceremonies, traditional music, food and fireworks –  it’s a celebration of culture that everyone is welcome to enjoy.