Bathurst

Bathurst is one of Canada’s smallest cities with a population of just under 13,000. A bulge in the Bay of Chaleur forms Nepisiguit Bay, where the river of the same name finds its outlet at Bathurst. French settlers established a settlement here in the seventeenth century forming part of Acadia. They were partially dispersed when the English captured the area in the mid-eighteenth century but re-established and have maintained their Acadian culture. Much of the commerce and the recreation of the community revolves around the bay and the vast wilderness that lies just a few miles inland from its coast. In winter Bathurst is a center for ...

Bathurst is one of Canada’s smallest cities with a population of just under 13,000. A bulge in the Bay of Chaleur forms Nepisiguit Bay, where the river of the same name finds its outlet at Bathurst. French settlers established a settlement here in the seventeenth century forming part of Acadia. They were partially dispersed when the English captured the area in the mid-eighteenth century but re-established and have maintained their Acadian culture. Much of the commerce and the recreation of the community revolves around the bay and the vast wilderness that lies just a few miles inland from its coast. In winter Bathurst is a center for snowmobilers, who use the thousand kilometers of trails between it and Fredericton. Also, in winter Nepisiguit Bay itself becomes a veritable village of small houses when ice fishing season arrives. The Nepisiguit River is also well known as a scheduled salmon river and a popular place for paddle sports. The Daley Point Reserve on the bay just outside of town is a popular venue for birders, especially during migrations. A good place to get the feel of the place is at the Saturday morning Farmer's Market, held all year. Travelers with children may want to visit Ferguson’s Farm in the nearby village of Robertville, which features a large collection of birds.

About the Expert

Barbara Radcliffe Rogers has written or coauthored more than 30 guidebooks, including The Portugal Traveler, Drive Around Portugal, City Spots Munich, City Spots Helsinki, City Spots Stockholm, Eating New England, and the Maine section of Thomas Cook's Independent Traveller USA.