New Brunswick Cottages and Hotels-Acadian Culture

New Brunswick abounds with lively Acadian culture. Travel the eastern coast of New Brunswick to find music shows, or to visit historical towns and villages or stop by the Caraquet Acadian Festival attended by thousands annually for a rollicking foot stomping party.

In the late 1600s, the Maritime provinces were called Acadia by the French who settled there. Over the years, there were many struggles between the British and French which saw Acadia change hands many times. In 1755 the British took control and demanded the French pledge allegiance to the British crown. When the French refused, the British organized a mass expulsion which has come to be known as the Expulsion of the Acadians. Families were literally torn apart. Many Acadians were shipped off to Louisiana as well as other parts of the North American continent.

The Acadian Coastal Drive makes the trip easier these days. It begins in Aulac and runs north along the coast, passing through Port Elgin, Shediac, Kouchicouguac National Park, Miramichi, Tracadie-Sheila, Chaleur Bay, Caraquet, and Bathurst. The Acadian Coastal Drive is 400km of roadway where you can find delicious seafood, and the rich energy and music of the Acadian Culture. It is also possible to take side trips into the rural country of Miscou and Lameque Islands, good for birdwatching.

A great place to spend a day steeped in Acadian Culture is the Village Historique Acadien. This is a restored village and portrays the life of those who returned to Acadia following the British expulsion of 1755. The post office and general store have been completely rebuilt, as has the school house and the Riordon grist mill. You can also tour an authentic print shop, the Poirer Tavern, learn fishing at the Grodin House, and see how fish were processed at the Robin Shed Warehouse. The village is open to tourists from June through September.

The Caraquet Acadian Festival happens in August and runs for two weeks. Thousands of people from all over the world descend on the region to take part in the festival and street fair. One parade features more than 25,000 participants dressed in some form of red, blue, white and yellow colors of the Acadian flag. The whole point of the parade is to make as much noise as possible.