Things to do
The town of Caraquet on a summer evening.
We highly recommend you check out the tourism websites for the Acadian Peninsula and New Brunswick if you're in search of things to do during your stay!
Here are a few recommendations.
Restaurants
- Boulangerie Grains de Folie is a very popular breakfast and coffee spot in Caraquet, to start your day. However, we have sometimes had a hard time getting English-speaking service. But it's excellent if you manage to order anything!
- Resto Chez Isa and Restaurant Le Caraquette are two great and affordable options serving comfort fare and local dishes. At least until recently, both were under the same ownership and had similar menus. Le Caraquette is closer to town and it may be easier to find service in English there.
- Restaurant du Quai is the place to go if you want to eat a giant seafood platter, grab some lobster rolls, or try a scallop poutine. Unfortunately, it typically closes before the end of September. We will see if 2024 is any different.
- Origines cuisine maritime is the place to go if you want high-end creative cuisine and is probably the best table in town. The food is fantastic, but it falls in the $$$ to $$$$ price bracket. The menu changes weekly, and the staff provides fully bilingual service. It is recommended to call at least a week or two ahead to secure reservations.
- Mitchan Sushi is Caraquet's sushi spot. And while sushi in a small remote town may not always sound appetising, theirs is made with fresh local seafood paired with ingredients (rice, seaweed, etc.) brought in directly from Japan. The place is extremely popular and busy, and open only 4 days a week for dinner, so reservations are highly recommended, even in the off-season. English-speaking service should not be a problem there.
- Dixie Lee is a small fried chicken chain and a local favourite. Everyone argues why their town or village has the best Dixie Lee location (each has a slightly different menu and different recipes). The best is undoubtedly in the nearby village of Grande-Anse, but Caraquet is a good substitute if you don't want to make the drive.
For more: Where to eat on the Acadian Peninsula
Not restaurants
- If you want to explore autumn colours in the area, check out Hiking NB's map of local trails. Additionally, the expansive moss fields around Shippagan, Lamèque and Miscou turn bright red in early October and the timing of the event will be perfect to make a detour!
- Stop by Distillerie Fils du Roy in Paquetville, near Caraquet, to sample a collection of award-winning local beers and spirits including whiskey, gin, brandy and absinthe.
While you're in the area
Cape Breton Highlands National Park, located alongside the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia.
Why not extend your stay and tour the Maritimes while you're here? The nearby province of Nova Scotia is home to many wineries, coastal views, and is where you can find the Cabot Trail and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Smaller Prince Edward Island, nearby, is known for its red soil, red potatoes, and exports its beef and mussels around the world. Be sure to check out the local Provincial and National Parks to spot spectacular autumn foilage. The week after the homecoming event (October 6 to 13) should be a great time to see colours all over the Maritimes.
Old Québec in autumn.
If you prefer going in the other direction, historic Old Québec City is about a 7-hour drive. The region around the city of Québec also draws lots of tourists in autumn, also due to its colours. The Eastern Townships is a great area to visit to sample hundreds of different local cheeses as well as a collection of sweet alcoholic beverages - the area makes ice wine, ice cider, and even some maple whiskey!
