The Town of Shediac - Scenic Cottage and Tourism Town - Home to Some of the best beaches in Eastern Canada, And The Lobster Capital of the World

While many of us look to the south to find beautiful beaches with dunes, warm waters and clean, beautiful water over 400, 000 people per year visit Shediac and it’s surrounding area to visit Atlantic Canada’s own piece of paradise.

Known as the Lobster Capital of the World and also home of the World’s Largest Lobster, Shediac is one of New Brunswick’s most beautiful communities. With a cozy, vibrant community of approximately 5500 people, Shediac is one of the more open and welcoming destinations.

Within only a few short miles of downtown Shediac people are able to visit one of several beaches, ranging from the popular Parlee Beach to the less visited, but equally beautiful destinations such as Aboiteau Park or Sandy Beach. Walking along the boardwalk and looking out at the water over the dunes almost seems like looking back in time, as you gaze upon the distant shapes of Shediac Island and Skull Island in Shediac Bay.

The bay itself is a centre of activity during the warmer months as you see dozens of boats of all shapes and sizes cruising the blue waters. The Shediac Marina offers sailing programs to people of all ages and abilities throughout the sailing season. Many boaters take the opportunity to visit Skull Island and Shediac Island to explore, walk the trails and experience the history of some of the regions earliest settlers. Archaeological digs on the islands and historical research have shown that at one point there was even a fortress on Skull Island where Micmac Indians held British prisoners. The island was settled by Acadians in 1850 and as many as 17 families resided there.

For those not looking to stretch their sea legs, there are plenty of land based activities within only a few minutes of the Shediac waterfront. There are miles of well maintained trails as the N.B. Trail passes through the community. There are also beautiful parks to sit down, have a picnic and enjoy themselves. For golf fans, there are several golf courses within 30 minutes drive of Shediac each providing their own challenge and scenery.

The annual Lobster Festival also provides families with a chance to experience many activities and a golden opportunity to feast upon the local seafood, especially the festival namesake. There are also many other cultural experience to be had throughout the year. Le Pays de Sagouine in nearby Bouctouche offers a glimpse into the history of the Acadian settlers through interpretation and dramatic recreations in both French and English. Shediac is also home to the Escaouette Theater which offers a variety of shows for public enjoyment.

Another wonderful aspect of Shediac is the bilingualism you witness at every turn. Whether at the parks, the local restaurants or any of the stores in the downtown area, you are able to see and hear people slip in and out of conversations in French and English without hesitation. Children raised in a community like Shediac are immersed in both languages in and out of school providing opportunities to learn both languages fluently at a young age.

With so much beauty and diversity, it’s easy to understand what brings so many visitors to Shediac.
And why many of them want to stay.