For many us, travel doesn’t end at Labour Day. The fall months are a fantastic time to take a trip to Eastern Canada. One of the most spectacular times to get out is September to late October, when the leaves change from their spring and summer greens to brighter shades of red, yellow and orange, mild, crisp temperatures make outdoor activities more enjoyable, with fewer crowds as summer vacations wind down.
That means shorter lines at attractions, and more availability at hotels. Fall is harvest season in Eastern Canada, which means local markets are full of fresh produce like apples, pumpkins and other seasonal goodies. It’s a great time to hop in a car and take a road trip east.
The Chaleur Region is a diverse collection of coastal towns located in northeastern New Brunswick, nestled on the southernmost tip of Chaleur Bay, a collection of diverse rivers, adventure-ready forests, and some of the best hiking anywhere. To get there, heading east, stay on the Trans-Canada Highway through Quebec City, staying on the south side of the St. Lawrence River, as that opens up, then head south into New Brunswick as soon as you hit Rimouski, in Quebec, perhaps. Then make your way to the city of Bathurst, in Chaleur Region.
There you’ll be met with warm hospitality, fresh seafood, a burgeoning microbrewery industry, great restaurants, multi-cultural entertainment, and various festivals. Here are five great things to do in the Chaleur Region this Fall.
Fall-time hiking
The Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail along the Nepisiguit River (from Mount Carleton to Daly Point) is a great place to hike and camp during the fall months – a feeling of serenity, with the sound of the river and birds in the background, and the vibrant tapestry of the changing leaves.
The trail was used by the Mi’gmaq people for thousands of years for a variety of purposes, including access to tribal hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering sites, spring and fall migration, as well as a thoroughfare over which the Mi’gmaq travelled to interact and trade with other First Nation communities.
Nepisiguit River
Where to go to see the changing leaves
Besides the Sentier Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail, other popular spots to take in the majesty of the changing leaves this time of the year is the Acadian forest of the Daly Point Nature Reserve, northeast of Bathurst Harbor, with its footpaths and boardwalk, open year round. Papineau Falls, located in the Pabineau First Nation, combines the power of the Falls and breathtaking nature.
A protected natural area of 26,000 hectares, the Jacquet River Gorge (pictured up top), accessible by Archibald Rd in Belledune, is a spectacular place to take in views of the changing leaves.
Daly Point Nature Reserve
Fall festivals
Fall festivals provide a great opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions and cuisine. The Cranberry Festival Oct. 19-20 is popular for its Cranberry Bog Tours, apple cider making, maple syrup excursion, lobster boat and fishing demo, cafe and market, and a celebration of Irish Canadian culture.
Another idea while taking part in the activities the region has to offer, whether you are visiting the Cranberry Festival, or La Promenade Waterfront, or Chaleur Green Trails, is to relax at one of the local cafes – Auberge d’Anjou-Cocooning Café is a popular spot, nestled in picturesque Petit Rocher, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious pastries, as is Surya Café, and Kaffeine Espresso Bar.
Harvest Festival Bathurst
Cranberry Festival
Beer tasting
A big attraction is the microbrewery industry, led by places like Four Rivers Brewing Co. in Bathurst, for lovers of craft beer, home to a 15-barrel brewing system and a large, rustic tasting room in the city’s downtown core, and 13 Barrels Brewing, a family owned brewery in downtown Bathurst with a large tasting room and outdoor patio (with a huge fireplace to sit and enjoy a beer and the warmth during the winter months), creating new and unique brews using the best local ingredients.
“Science and creativity are the benchmarks of my profession: you can spend a lifetime learning all the science behind making good beer but a creative, innovation approach ensures I make something delicious for all tastes. Sky’s the limit,” says Ben Doucet, Head Brewer at 13 Barrels Brewing Company.
There’s also a new distillery that’s generating buzz – New Brunswick Distillery is run with focus on local craftsmanship, using natural resources in the Chaleur Region, like fruit trees around Bathurst, to produce locally infused spirits. They’re offering craft beer as well, but a big focus is on gin and vodkas. In the near future, they are planning to offer rum, whisky, brandy, liqueurs, bitters and canned cocktails.
Food and cuisine
The cuisine of the Chaleur Region is known for unique flavors, heavily influenced by their geography, history, and diverse cultures, with many restaurants offering dishes that feature seasonal products.
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