Where to stay in New Brunswick
Hôtel Paulin in Caraquet.
To attend the homecoming, you will be visiting the Acadian Peninsula of New Brunswick, which is generally understood to be the Northeastern tip of the province.
The Acadian Peninsula is home to just over 50,000 people. It's a very rural area, which means that private cars are an absolute necessity to get around. The relative remoteness of the area also means that most accommodations are independendly-owned, ranging from bed & breakfasts to small hotels and motels. We also have a growing selection of unique Airbnbs which are a great and usually very affordable option for groups. The area is well used to tourism and even though many people may struggle speaking English, most can reasonably get by.
The Peninsula has 3 main towns: Caraquet is mainly known for its arts, culture, and food; Tracadie-Sheila is the largest of the 3 and is home to the most shops, businesses, and accommodations; Shippagan is home to a fishing community but also has a university. The venue is located pretty much exactly at the mid-point between the 3 towns; a 20 to 30 minute drive from each. Yann's family is based near Caraquet and drives to town several times a week, so this is the town we know better, and where most people will probably be staying.
In Caraquet
- Super 8 is the only major chain hotel in town. It's usually a decent and safe choice (it's much better than the typical Super 8 motel found in the US) but lacks some of the uniqueness of other properties. Has a pool, no restaurant, and is a short drive away from everything in town. Expect to pay around 170 CAD or 130 USD per night.
- Hôtel Paulin is a historic hotel situated in a fairly central location, enough that certain of the town's shops and restaurants are accessible by walking. The hotel also typically has an onsite dining room. Prices start at around 190 CAD or 140 USD per night.
- Auberge de la Baie is right next door to Hôtel Paulin and will put you in the same location at a lower price. Its rooms start at 155 CAD or 115 USD per night.
- Local bed & breakfasts are a good way to stay in town at a low rate while mingling with the local culture. Some suggestions (there are more):
- Gîte L'Isle-du-Randonneur - 4.7 stars on Google Maps and TripAdvisor
- Gîte L'Heureux Hasard - 4.8 stars on Google Maps and TripAdvisor
- Maison Touristique Dugas - 4.5 stars on Google Maps and TripAdvisor
Outside Caraquet
Cielo Glamping Maritime in Shippagan.
- Deux Rivières Resort is located in Tracadie-Sheila and offers a selection of cottages. It is typically well regarded in the area. Prices in October start at 140 CAD or about 105 USD per night.
- Cielo Glamping Maritime in Shippagan is a glamping experience under domes by the ocean among the (colourful) forest. It is very highly rated but needs to be booked far ahead, and prices are very high for the area. Rooms start at 299 CAD or 225 USD per night. A great experience if you can make it!
- Camping may also be an option. Camping Pokemouche is the closest option to the venue of the wedding but it's unclear whether it will still be open in October. Most campgrounds close outside of the summer season. Some may stay open longer during the autumn period.
- Airbnbs are also growing in popularity in the region and there are many unique homes available. They are a very affordable option for groups, often at $50 per person per night or less. This recent article (in French only, but there are pictures!) highlights some attractive places to stay.