Attractions

Local tourism continues to grow and Bouctouche has many attractions to offer. The river and ocean are the ideal setting for countless activities and we have plenty of facilities and accommodations to offer visitors from near and far.

 

Here is a list of the local attractions:

• Aboretum Irving 
• Châtellerault Place and Bouctouche Wharf 
• Irving Eco-Centre : La Dune De Bouctouche 
• Farmers' Market 
• K.C. Irving Riverside Park/Monument 
• Kent Museum
• Le Pays de la Sagouine
• Monuments to the founding families of Bouctouche 
• Olivier Soapery
• Rotary Park and visitor information center
• Seawind Buffalo Ranch
• St-Jean-Baptiste Catholic Church 
• St. Lawrence Anglican Church 
• Trails
• Woodchuck

IRVING ARBORETUM

This public arboretum on Irving land becomes more impressive every year as additional species of trees are planted. Located between Chemin du Couvent and Mascogne River, the Arboretum, with its walking and bike trails, is the perfect place to observe local flora and fauna. There are plenty of bridges and rest areas, and the trails are connected to the trail system leading downtown and to the Bouctouche Dune.

CHÂTELLERAULT PLACE AND BOUCTOUCHE WHARF

Place Châtellerault and Bouctouche Wharf, located in downtown Bouctouche, are places to relax and meet with friends. To the right lies Île-aux-Puces in Le Pays de la Sagouine, with Rotary Park and the Visitor Information Centre located straight across. Continuing to the left, the visitors see first Dixon's Point, then the southern tip of Bouctouche Dune, Pointe-à-Jacquot, the Kent Museum bell, the new pleasure boat area, the Irving Arboretum and, last but not least, K. C. Irving Riverside Park/Monument.

IRVING ECO-CENTRE : LA DUNE DE BOUCTOUCHE

The Irving Eco-Centre: La dune de Bouctouche was developed by J. D. Irving Ltd. to protect and restore one of the last great dunes on the northeastern coast of North America. The Irving Eco-Centre: La dune de Bouctouche offers visitors and school groups the opportunity to learn about the dune and its ecosystem. The fine sand dune extends 12 km into Bouctouche Bay and was created by the constant movement of sand due to the wind, tides, and ocean currents since the last ice age. The dune, estimated to be 2,000-years old, changes shape with every major storm. It serves as a habitat for a wide variety of aquatic plants and animals, and shore and migratory birds, making this a major ecological site.

The dune also serves to protect the bay's calm waters and salt marshes. The Irving Eco-Centre: La dune de Bouctouche has been a very popular tourism destination for generations. A sandy beach, bathed by the warm bay waters, stretches along the foot of the dune. Explore the unique beauty of the dune by taking a guided tour or participating in an educational activity organized by the Irving Eco-Centre: La dune de Bouctouche guides.

From the boardwalk you can observe the fauna crossing the dune, without endangering their precious, fragile habitats. This two-kilometre structure extends out to the beach and inner bay and has ramps making it wheelchair accessible.

For additional information on the Irving Eco-Centre: La dune de Bouctouche and its nature interpretation programs, or to organize a tour or special visits, please contact:

Irving Eco-Centre: La dune de Bouctouche

1932, Route 475
Bouctouche, NB
CANADA E4S 4W9
Telephone: (506) 743-2600
Fax: (506) 743-2605
E-mail: ladune@nbnet.nb.ca
Web site: http://www.jdirving.com/environment.aspx?id=318

THE FARMERS' MARKET

The Bouctouche Farmers' Market opened for its first season on Saturday, July 3rd, 1999. The market continues to expand and draws between 500-1,300 people every weekend ! Located at 9, Irving Blvd, the market has become a focal point in the context of a unique trailhead / "town square" setting with public washrooms, a public telephone, picnic tables and benches. The Farmers' Market now links the Dune Trail and the Waterfront Trail to the heart of downtown Bouctouche.

The market offers local produce, baking, crafts and more, with live entertainment on site. The Farmers' Market is open every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm, from June to September. For current market dates and market news visit, Bouctouche Farmers' Market. The Bouctouche Farmers' Market revitalizes local business by bringing people to the town's centre. It is a vital part of the local economy and one of the best ways of promoting and sustaining the local development of agri-tourism and the cottage industry.

K.C. IRVING RIVERSIDE PARK/MONUMENT

Visitors to this new riverside park are invited to retrace the footsteps of K. C. Irving at the site where the Irving family store stood for generations. Kenneth Collin Irving, memorialized in bronze at the site, was born March 14, 1899, to a family of Scottish stock. A diligent worker, K. C. was already the head of the family store by the age of 22.

The dealings of this businessman throughout the world and his efforts to promote the New Brunswick economy are now legendary; today Irving is known for his oil company, refineries, a maritime shipping company, shipyards, trucking firms, newspapers, and lumber mills, as well as for taking steps to help reforest the land for current and future generations. The people of Bouctouche are proud of the man known simply as K. C., whose name is famous throughout North America and the world.

KENT MUSEUM
Old Convent of the Immaculate Conception Provincial historic site

Surrounded by fields and bordering a sparkling blue bay, this Second Empire-style building was built in 1880. A visit to the convent will take you back to the turn of the century as guides dressed as boarders enthrall you with true stories about life in the convent, and the history and architecture of this former educational institution, now a museum with several permanent exhibits on life in Acadia during the olden days. The neogothic chapel is an architectural treasure.

Information:

Kent Museum
150, Couvent Road, Bouctouche, NB
CANADA E4S 3C1
Telephone: (506) 743-5005

LE PAYS DE LA SAGOUINE

This village is straight out of the novel by internationally renowned author and playwright Antonine Maillet. Le Pays de la Sagouine is the modern home of Acadian joie de vivre! Imagine a land out in the open air where life revolves around song, plays, shows, laughter and good food.

Every day all summer long, colourful characters bring Acadian culture and history to life along the shores of Bouctouche Bay. Interpretation centre, licenced dining, dinner shows (featuring traditional Acadian dishes and seafood), souvenirs, and arts and crafts.

Information:

57, Acadie Street, Bouctouche, NB
CANADA E4S 2T7
Telephone: (506) 743-1400 or 1-800-561-9188
Fax: (506) 743-1414
E-mail: culture@nbnet.nb.ca
Web site: http://www.sagouine.com

MONUMENT TO THE FOUNDING FAMILIES OF BOUCTOUCHE

La Croix commémorative aux fondateurs de Bouctouche was unveiled August 29, 1954, to pay tribute to the founders of the town, who first arrived in 1785. We remember François and Hélène (née Breau) LeBlanc; Charlitte and first wife Marie (née Breau) LeBlanc, and his second wife Madeleine (née Girouard); and Joseph and Marie (née Girouard) Bastarache. The stones at the base of the cross indicate the origins of the settlers who came from France, Grand-Pré, Memramcook and Bouctouche.

 

Sermon preached to French speaking parishioners by Fr. Désiré Allain - August 29, 1954

À MES PAROISSIENS

Désiré Allain, ptre-curé Bouctouche, le 29 août 1954

C'est double fête à Bouctouche. Vous et vos amis jubilez en cette Année mariale de 1954 car vous constatez le «fait accompli» de deux grands projets la bénédiction de la pierre angulaire de votre nouvelle église et l'érection d'un monument aux premières familles, tige des descendants de Port-Poyal et de Grand-Pré. Ces deux manifestations d'aspect différent s'unissent en esprit pour solidifier chez vous la base de votre vie religieuse et nationale. Elles sont preuve tangible de votre foi inébranlable et de votre attachement au culte des aïeux. Puisse Notre-Dame de l'Assomption continuer à bénir vos oeuvres! La paroisse de Bouctouche est heureuse d'accueillir aujourd'hui Son Excellence Mgr Norbert Robichaud, archevêque de Moncton, et deux de ses fils les plus distingués Son Excellence Mgr Albini LeBlanc, évêque de Gaspé, et le commandeur Calixte Savoie, président général de la Société l'Assomption. Que leur présence ici soit une inspiration à notre jeunesse pour une existence remplie de bonnes oeuvres. À titre de pasteur, je veux offrir mes remerciements les plus sincères à tous les comités qui ont travaillé si ardemment à la réalisation de nos projets paroissiaux, en particulier au docteur Raoul Landry qui a maintenu un intérêt constant dans l'érection du Monument et au docteur Marguerite Michaud que s'est prêtée généreusement à l'historique de la fête. Aux donateurs d'annonces, je témoigne ma gratitude pour leur générosité; il en va de même pour M. Francois Girouard qui a fait don du terrain à l'emplacement même des premières habitations. Je voudrais souligner la bienveillante coopération de monsieur Abbey Landry, B.Sc. Com., entrepreneur des travaux, de M. Edgar Courchesne, architecte de l'église, de M. Armand Cormier, contremaître, de M. Donald Gould, avec leurs adjoints. Tous ensemble, ils ont facilité la tâche d'une grande envergure telle que présente la construction d'une nouvelle église. À l'inauguration des Fêtes du bicentenaire 1755-1955, puissent ces deux monuments devenir symboliques d'une résurrection glorieuse de notre peuple acadien vers une vie florissante dans le service du Christ et de la patrie.

Early achievements and a lasting tribute to the founders of Bouctouche Parish

At the suggestion of Father Désiré Allain and a number of interested parishioners, steps were taken in 1952 to design a monument honouring the founders of Bouctouche Parish. The intention of Allain and the others was to do something to commemorate the courage and fortitude of four pioneer families­two named LeBlanc, two named Bastarache. At the group's first meeting, they laid the groundwork for a religious and patriotic celebration planned to take place during 1954-1955, the bicentennial year.

 

Clipping from the newspaper ÉVANGÉLINE of April 15, 1952.

It was also decided that the monument would take the form of a cross with a bronze plaque on which an appropriate message would be inscribed. The cross would be erected along the main road on the very land where the four founding families once lived. Moreover, it was decided that this cross would be constructed entirely of field stones, rocks, etc., all brought to the site by residents of Bouctouche from their own lands; while stones would be brought from Port Royal, Grand-Pré, Memramcook, and even France to place at the base of the cross.

OLIVIER SOAPERY

It’s a museum, a library, an art gallery, a boutique and an entertaining show…Step inside the door of the Olivier Soapery and you’ll now you’re someplace special. This is Canada’s only Soap Economuseum, dedicated to keeping the traditional craft of soap-making alive. But it’s hardly the dusty stuff of an average museum.

 It’s a delicious treat for all your senses, humming with life and laughter. You’ll meet busy craftspeople, steeped in knowledge and using traditional techniques to handcraft our soap. Hand-poured, hand-cut, hand-finished. Our heavenly soaps are even hand-wrapped. You’ll be surrounded by delicate scents of pure essential oils and hands-on displays. A lively and entertaining show will take you through the history, science and art of soap-making. Six FREE demonstrations throughout the summer! Before you leave don’t forget to visit the Olivier boutique, perhaps the most delightful shop you’ll find! You’ll feel healthier just browsing. We offer more than 140 ecological and entirely natural products that are recommended by dermatologists.

Information:

831, Route 505, Ste-Anne-de-Kent, NB
CANADA E4S 1J9
Telephone: 1-888-775-5550
Fax: (506) 743-2904
Email: info@oliviersoaps.com
Website: http://www.bouctouche.ca/site/www.oliviersoaps.com

ROTARY PARK AND VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

This community park of more than 250 different types of trees is neighbour to a wetland that constitutes the primary food source for one of New Brunswicks largest oyster parks. The Rotary Park is an ecological site offering outdoor activities including walks, picnics and bird-watching excursions.

The park also has an interpretation centre where locals and visitors alike can learn about the importance of the wetland to the Bouctouche ecosystem. The Bouctouche Visitor Information Centre (VIC) is located in the Rotary Park interpretation centre and complements the site by providing a wealth of information on tourism and activities throughout the region.

Information:

Bouctouche Rotary Club
84, Irving Boulevard, Bouctouche, NB
CANADA E4S 3L4
Telephone: (506) 743-8811

SEAWIND BUFFALO RANCH

Seawind Buffalo Ranch is allowing observation of buffalos and offering visitors many ways to learn more about these animals and their habits. The ranch is home to over 200 buffalos who roam freely in a natural setting.

Information:

136, Ch. St-Pierre, Bouctouche, NB
CANADA E4S 2J2
Telephone: (506) 743-6200
Fax: (506) 743-8707
Email: info@seawindbuffalo.ca
Website: www.seawindbuffalo.ca

 

ST-JEAN-BAPTISTE CATHOLIC CHURCH

On June 24, 1785, two men carved a cross on a tall pine tree, in the middle of the Bouctouche wilderness, as a symbol of their faith. Charlitte and François LeBlanc had left Memramcook six days before to explore the region, finally stopping on the fertile land by the shores of Bouctouche Bay. The LeBlanc brothers knelt at the foot of the tree bearing the cross and asked God to protect their future church, thereby taking part in one of the first Catholic services in what is now St-Jean Baptiste Parish.

The humble cross marked by these two settlers was followed by country churches, chapels and, eventually, magnificent cathedrals, such as the neogothic church built at Pointe-à-Jacquot in 1898. Although it burnt to the ground in 1921, this church was rebuilt, with its current foundations laid in 1926.

Services were held in the church basement until 1954, when Msgr. Désiré Allain undertook the supervision of the final work on the church. The edifice was completed between 1954 and 1955 under architect Edgar Courchesne and built by Abbey Landry, an Acadian.

Façade

The imposing façade has three entranceways and a corner bell topped by a narrow spire that holds the illuminated cross high above the parish. The other end of the façade houses the baptistery turret. The statue of the church¹s patron saint, generously donated by the McLaughlin family, is a stunning work in Carrara marble, weighing in at four tons. This church was consecrated during ceremonies in August, 1967 and is one of the most significant examples of Dom Bellot-style architecture in Canada.

ST.LAWRENCE ANGLICAN CHURCH

Robert Douglass donated the property on which the St. Lawrence Anglican Church stands. The first service took place on December 18, 1865 and the church was consecrated by Bishop Medley of Fredericton on September 24, 1870. The bell was originally installed on a British ship, the "S.S. Helena", built in the eighteenth century.

TRAILS

A network of land and water trails connects all major sites of interest in Bouctouche. Designed to minimize the effects of visitors on the environment and to provide easy access to the various sites, visitors can walk, bike, ski, canoe or kayak these trails. A great way to explore and experience the rich and diverse local environment.

 

Dune to Downtown Trail

This 10-km trail links the Irving Eco-Centre: La dune de Bouctouche to downtown Bouctouche. Along the way, walkers and cyclists can learn about the Acadian forest ecosystem, host to a wide variety of trees, animals, wild plants and flowers.

 

Inner Bay Trail

This 4-km trail winding through the town of Bouctouche is popular among cyclists and pedestrians, visitors and locals alike. A footbridge built on the abutments of the old railroad bridge connects Le Pays de la Sagouine and Rotary Park from the opposite side of the Bouctouche River. The sides of the path have been planted to create habitats for flora and fauna and to help filter runoff water.

WOODCHUCK

Plan a visit to see Charles Bernard, better known as Woodchuck, the master carver. An excellent story teller, this self taught artist, with a personal touch and unique style, brings life to his carvings. This internationally renowned artist has created more than 600 sculptures. The 3-masts Spanish Galleon, built on the outside of his studio, is worth seeing.