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September 17, 2024

4 Reasons to Start Your Fall Restigouche Adventure

Autumn is a time for tranquil moments with friends, warm drinks by the bonfire, and curiosity-driven adventures. During this season of chilly evenings and pleasing colours, we invite you to indulge your inquisitive side and discover the beauty of disconnecting in Restigouche.

When you stop by our region this fall, you’ll find countless ways to soak up the stunning views of our woodlands, glistening waters and towering mountain peaks. Whether it’s cruising through Tide Head on motorcycle, off-roading along kilometers of dirt trails, or taking your family sightseeing atop Sugarloaf Mountain, Restigouche has something for every kind of adventurer to enjoy.

Fall is also an excellent time to explore the most renowned fine dining experiences Restigouche has to offer. As your journey unfolds, you’ll have your pick of the harvest when it comes to enjoying the exquisite tastes of our region, from delicious seasonal favourites to signature Maritime seafood classics.

Looking for a reason to escape this fall? Look no further - we’ve got four irresistible ways for you to experience the wonder and beauty of the season in Restigouche. Let the leaves fall, and let your fall adventure begin!

MOTORCYCLING

As the changing season ushers in crisp autumn air and a kaleidoscope of colours, there’s no better time for a sightseeing Restigouche motorcycle road trip. Hit the scenic open roads this fall and get lost in rolling forests of orange and red, soak in the stunning views of the Restigouche River and the Bay of Chaleur, and bask in the awe of Sugarloaf Mountain, all from the comfort of your two-wheeled steed!

Thankfully, our region has so many incredible views to be discovered. For your first stop, we recommend spending some time at Morrissey Rock Park in the village of Tide Head. This vantage point offers a unique angle of the Restigouche River as it winds towards the city of Campbellton, flanked majestically by the towering Sugarloaf Mountain. Toss in some fall colours, and you have the perfect recipe for a beautiful fall photo shoot.

Speaking of Sugarloaf, this popular peak is a no-brainer for any sightseeing enthusiast. Your motorcycle won’t quite get you to the summit, but once you reach it you’ll have no problem finding a spectacular view of Campbellton and the miles of pristine forest that stretch out around it.

Of course, Sugarloaf isn’t the only mountain with breathtaking views. The Dalhousie Mountain Trail and Mount Carleton Provincial Park both offer their own incredible fall vistas to appreciate. There are lots of beautiful peaks to choose from in our region, so take your pick and enjoy!

While in the area, consider taking a quick jaunt down to the Dalhousie Lighthouse, located on the very eastern tip of Dalhousie (and the northernmost part of the province). This quaint spot overlooks the mouth of the Restigouche River as it collides with the Dalhousie Harbour and is a must-see for those with a penchant for Maritime history.

If you’re still craving that sea air, the ever-popular Charlo Beach is just a short drive south! There you’ll discover the Eel River Sandbar, one of the longest natural sandbars found anywhere in the world!

This unique and fascinating coastal location offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, or you can simply admire the scenery as you take a stroll along the sand collecting sea glass - the choice is yours! Whether you stop for a relaxing walk down the sandbar or opt to soak in the views from behind the handlebars, you’ll have lots of Maritime scenery to savour at this renowned beach.

For the ultimate Restigouche road trip, you’ll want to hop back onto Route 134 heading north. Starting from Charlo, Route 134 will have you hugging the coastline as you cruise through Dalhousie, eventually reaching the city of Campbellton before heading into Flatlands beyond. You’ll be accompanied by shimmering water to your right and mountainous wilderness to your left; the perfect way to soak up as much Restigouche beauty as your eyes can handle.

No matter where your journey takes you, we only have one rule in Restigouche: enjoy the ride!

FINE DINING

There’s nothing quite like a thrilling ride through Restigouche to build up a mighty appetite. Lucky for you, Restigouche is home to an assortment of culinary experiences that’ll have you bragging to your friends for months to come.

Maritime seafood is widely sought after across the globe, both for its irresistible flavour and its natural abundance in our waters - and in Restigouche, we take our seafood seriously. If you had to choose only one place in the province to experience what Maritime seafood is all about, then your choice couldn’t be more clear. Welcome to Bonaventure Lodge!

This one-of-a-kind dining experience nestled against the shore of Heron Bay is unmatched when it comes to atmosphere, accommodation, and Maritime flavour. Their seasonal selection of dishes, from lobster, scallop and clam to ocean-to-plate haddock and salmon, is sure to have something for everyone, including plenty of non-seafood options - but if you’re searching for the very heart of Maritime cuisine, Bonaventure is the place for you.

While Bonaventure is an easy choice, they’re certainly not the only exceptional dining experience to be had in Restigouche. For a different take on Maritime seafood, head over to Flatlands and stop by the River Run Lodge. Once a historic fishing lodge, River Run now provides the only casual fine dining experience in the region, with all the delicious Maritime favourites you could ask for.

For full Maritime immersion, River Run Lodge also offers picnic basket rentals for those looking to take full advantage of the adjacent Restigouche River. Enjoy your favourite Maritime dishes while you relax on the riverbank - it doesn’t get more New Brunswick than that!

Your options don’t stop there, either. If a cozy café atmosphere sounds more appealing, Le Moulin a Café serves up fantastic surf n’ turf options alongside traditional and international dishes - and don’t forget the sweets! Their cheesecakes will have you falling in love with dessert all over again!

Feeling spoiled for choice? Too bad, because we’re not done yet! If you fancy a meal while cozied up in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain, you’ll feel right at home at T-Bar Restaurant. This widely acclaimed establishment serves up all your favourite comfort foods, including seafood and non-seafood options. And for good measure, the Pronto Italian Bistro in Campbellton offers a selection of wines, spirits and elegant bistro-style meals with a side of impeccable atmosphere for you to enjoy, should the mood strike you.

There’s no wrong choice when it comes to fine dining in our region. Come find out for yourself; we promise you’ll be left full and satisfied!

FOUR-WHEELING

To truly experience the joy of disconnecting in Restigouche, it’s time to step off the beaten path and onto ones with much more dirt. The enchanting beauty and sprawling forests of our region are brimming with opportunities for daring off-road escapades, and fall is the best time of year to hit the trail. Luckily, Restigouche is home to all sorts of prestigious ATV and 4 wheeling clubs, offering the perfect starting point for your rip through the woods, or a great entrypoint into this exciting hobby!

A great way to start your off-roading adventure on the right foot is with the Restigouche ATV Club! This non-profit club maintains over 200 kilometres of ATV trails all across Restigouche, including beginner friendly and expert-level treks for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The group also hosts and promotes various events and activities throughout the year, so you’ll never run out of fun things to do and interesting places to explore.

Another option is the Club 2000 ATV, a group of ATV enthusiasts with a deep passion for exploring the great outdoors of Restigouche! Club 2000 promotes local initiatives, charity drives and ATV events on a regular basis, so there’s always something exciting going on in their neck of the woods.

There’s also the Club des Tout-Terrain de Kedgwick, the perfect place to connect with fellow off-road enthusiasts! You’ll find lots to love with this group, including opportunities for group rides, regular trail maintenance, and plenty of community events to keep you busy (and muddy)!

Now that you’re all set to hit the trails, you’ll need a destination to round out your fall Restigouche adventure! Make the most of your off-road escape by visiting the Chalets Restigouche, a true nature-lover’s paradise in the heart of the Appalachians, and fully accessible by ATV! The Chalets boasts 14 log cabins with reservations available year-round, as well as plenty of outdoor family-oriented activities like fishing, hunting and snowmobiling.

Also accessible via ATV is the Island Lake Club. Surrounded by kilometers of forest on all sides and featuring a restaurant and bar, cabin rentals, walking trails, and even the opportunity to top up on gas, your ride to get here won’t be in vain. Spend as long as you like in the heart of the Restigouche woods and savour the beauty of disconnecting.

In Restigouche, our rolling forests and extensive network of meticulously maintained trails are your playground for discovery, adventure, and reconnecting with nature. No matter where the off-roads take you, you’re sure to find an experience to get lost in this fall!

SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN & MOUNT CARLETON

Restigouche is known far and wide for its sprawling natural beauty and distinct Maritime identity, but nothing else represents the pride and joy of our region quite like Sugarloaf Mountain.

Overlooking the city of Campbellton, the “Mountain of Adventure” is a staple of the region and a must-visit locale for any outdoor explorer. Shortly after you arrive at Sugarloaf Provincial Park, you’ll quickly discover a whole host of fun activities to enjoy solo or with the whole family!

While a hike to the summit is considered a highlight by many, Sugarloaf Park boasts over 25 kilometers of hiking and biking trails, including the Prichard Lake Loop Trail and the Terry Fox Trail winding around the base of the mountain. Sugarloaf also offers a lift-service mountain bike park, featuring numerous trails for riders of every skill level!

Thanks to the outdoor club Les Montagnards, the park also hosts year-round activities like races, treasure hunts and fundraisers! The park even houses a ski lodge and restaurant year-round, as well as opportunities for camping, tennis and birdwatching!

Once you decide to make your way up the mountain, you’ll be met with a steep but very worthwhile climb to the top, upon which you’ll be awestruck by one of the most breathtaking views to be found anywhere in New Brunswick. Take your time up there and soak in the stunning fall spectacle on display; that’s what disconnecting is all about!

If you can’t get enough mountain climbing, then don’t worry - Restigouche still has lots more in store! For the most daring and adventurous among you, steel yourself and prepare to tackle the highest peak to be found anywhere in Atlantic Canada. Say hello to Mount Carleton!

Like Sugarloaf, Mount Carleton and its Provincial Park feature all kinds of fun outdoor activities to enjoy. Set off on a hiking adventure across any of the park’s 11 trails, including the wheelchair-accessible Williams Falls trail and the challenging Mount Sagamook hike.

Journeying to the top of the Maritime’s tallest peak won’t be a walk in the park, but it’s a trek well worth taking. From a height of 2,690 ft (820 m), you’ll have a view of over 10 million trees spread out around you. Throughout the fall season, this seemingly endless canvass of autumn colours is truly a one-of-a-kind spectacle, and is the perfect capstone for your time in Restigouche.

You’ll want to snap plenty of photos, but be sure to take a moment to just… breathe it all in. From all the way up there, it’s easy to fully appreciate the joy of the moment and experience the true beauty of disconnecting.

Autumn is the perfect time of year to stop by Restigouche and experience the wonderful allure of our region. From stunning views and an abundance of outdoor activities, to exceptional dining experiences and surprises around every corner, there’s so much to love in our little slice of New Brunswick. We invite you to come visit us this fall and experience the beauty of disconnecting for yourself!

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