Pointe-du-Chene: A Hidden Gem in New Brunswick
Located in southeastern New Brunswick, Pointe-du-Chene is a small community that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. With its stunning beaches, charming cottages, and vibrant festivals, Pointe-du-Chene is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of what New Brunswick has to offer.
Attractions
Parlee Beach Provincial Park
One of the main attractions in Pointe-du-Chene is Parlee Beach Provincial Park, which boasts one of the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada. With its soft sand, clear water, and gentle waves, Parlee Beach is the perfect place to relax, swim, and soak up the sun. The park also features a playground, picnic areas, and a canteen.
Shediac Bay Cruises
For those who want to explore the waters around Pointe-du-Chene, Shediac Bay Cruises offers a variety of boat tours, including a lobster fishing tour, a seal watching tour, and a sunset cruise. Visitors can also rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the bay on their own.
Pointe-du-Chene Wharf
The Pointe-du-Chene Wharf is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and sightseeing. Visitors can watch the fishing boats come in with their catch, or take a stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the views of the bay. The wharf also features a restaurant and a gift shop.
Pointe-du-Chene Nature Park
The Pointe-du-Chene Nature Park is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the community. The park features walking trails, a pond, and a variety of wildlife, including birds, turtles, and beavers. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic or a game of frisbee on the park's open fields.
Pointe-du-Chene Lighthouse
The Pointe-du-Chene Lighthouse is a historic landmark that has been guiding ships into Shediac Bay since 1869. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the bay and the surrounding area.
Festivals
Shediac Lobster Festival
The Shediac Lobster Festival is a popular annual event that takes place in July. The festival features live music, carnival rides, and of course, plenty of fresh lobster. Visitors can also take part in a lobster-eating contest, a parade, and a fireworks display.
Pointe-du-Chene Acadian Festival
The Pointe-du-Chene Acadian Festival is a celebration of Acadian culture and heritage that takes place in August. The festival features live music, traditional food, and a variety of activities for all ages. Visitors can also learn about the history of the Acadian people and their contributions to the community.
History
Pointe-du-Chene was established in the early 1800s as a fishing village. The community was named after the point of land that juts out into Shediac Bay, which was known as "Pointe du Chêne" in French, meaning "oak point". The community was officially incorporated in 1966.
The person who started the community is not known, as Pointe-du-Chene was founded by a group of Acadian and English settlers who came to the area to fish and farm.
Conclusion
Pointe-du-Chene is a hidden gem in New Brunswick that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. With its stunning beaches, charming cottages, and vibrant festivals, Pointe-du-Chene is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of what New Brunswick has to offer.
Sources:
- https://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/P/Park-Parlee-Beach-Provincial-Park.aspx
- https://shediacbaycruises.com/
- https://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/See/Points-of-Interest/Lighthouses/Pointe-du-Chene-Lighthouse.aspx
- https://www.shediaclobsterfestival.ca/
- https://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/See/Points-of-Interest/Nature-Parks/Pointe-du-Chene-Nature-Park.aspx
- https://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/See/Points-of-Interest/Wharves/Pointe-du-Chene-Wharf.aspx