Bathurst New Brunswick the city overlooking the Bay of Chaleur
Bathurst New Brunswick is one area of the province settled by the Acadians, or French colonists from France in the seventeenth century. A good mix of Quebecois, Acadians, and English now call this beautiful city their home.
The Bathurst and surrounding area is also known as the Chaleur Region due to its geographical location on the shores of the Bay of Chaleur.It is one of the most beautiful bays in the world and translates as “The Bay of Warmth”.
Traditionally, Bathurst was a ship building port with outlying areas being used for farming and fishing. That was until the 1900’s when a pulp mill and the iron mines took over as the regions major industries. The drawing of a burning ship as seen on the city's welcome sign, is part of a legend dating back over two centuries. Locals claim that a sailing ship, possibly from the “Battle of the Restigouche” burned in the waters near Bathurst. They also claim the burning ship is still visible in certain weather conditions.
Unfortunately, Bathurst New Brunswick has recently been in the news across the nation due to a tragic motor vehicle accident that claimed the lives of seven out of ten basketball players and the coaches wife. January 12, 2008 the team was on their way home from a game when they encountered icy road conditions and crashed into a transport truck minutes from home. There were only four survivors, one of which was the coach who was driving the van. This terrible tragedy has put Bathurst New Brunswick on the map as the city of tragedy.
As with any tragedy people have to pick up the pieces and move foreward. A trip to the local farmer’s market on Saturday morning is where the locals gather to shop for local meat, produce and crafts and get a laugh or two with friends. This market is open year around so be sure to check it out. After market, take a short drive to Petit-Rocher where you will find The New Brunswick Mining and Mineral Interpretation Center. Here you can learn the history of the mining industry of New Brunswick and get a feel for what it is like to go down a mine shaft (simulation only). Open 7-days a week from June to end of August.
Atlas Park in Pointe-Verte, a mere 20 minutes from Bathurst New Brunswick is an activity park for all ages. Clear blue water fills the 30-meter deep quarry giving it a 26,000 square meter surface. Rent a paddleboat, rowboat, go scuba diving, or just relax on the spacious deck and enjoy something from the cafeteria or lounge. During winter months try the under-ice scuba diving, skating on the frozen lake or ski and snowmobile trails. They also have a huge fun slide out back that my kids enjoyed when we were there.
“Antiques Plus” is a huge antique store located a short drive north of Bathurst in Belledune. I have to say I was extremely impressed 
and surprised with the quality and selection of items in this 3-story building. This is Atlantic Canada’s largest antique dealer!! Many, many, many unique and rare items with a treasure to be found by every one…including me!
With an average snowfall of over 400 cm and 1000km of well-groomed snowmobile trails it’s no wonder Bathurst New Brunswick is known as the snowmobile Capital of Atlantic Canada!!! Other popular activities around Bathurst include Salmon Fishing on the Nepisiquit River; Bear hunting at the base of the Appalachian Mountain range, swimming, kayaking or canoeing and Beach Glass collecting along the vast number of beaches along the Bay of Chaleur. Enjoy your stay in Bathurst, the little city on the Bay of Chaleur.
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This brick building is Bathurst's former post office.
