Shippagan: Shoreline Paths, Coast and Culture

Shippagan offers several distinct points of interest to consider when planning a trip: the Sentier Rivage waterfront path by the harbour, the Véloroute Péninsule acadienne loop, the Aquarium NB and the heritage-designated La P’tite Église. Along the coast, there are also sandy beaches where you can swim. You can plan your trip around your interests in outdoor activities, maritime topics or culture, then look for a hotel for your stay in Shippagan.

Waterfront Path and Véloroute: on Foot or on Wheels

The Sentier Rivage runs along the waterfront of Shippagan harbour between Rue Pointe-Brûlée and the Aquarium et Centre marin du Nouveau-Brunswick. The wooden walkway is just over two kilometres long. This gives you a specific stretch of waterfront to include in your plans. The Sentier is also part of the Véloroute Péninsule acadienne loop and is suitable for walking, running and cycling. You can consider the harbour path as a route on its own or as part of the cycling loop.

At the Véloroute station in Shippagan, you can visit the offices and shop and start your ride. Bicycles and tricycles are available for rent there. The Shippagan visitor information centre also rents bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters. Rental availability may vary by season. If your plans depend on it, check in advance whether the type of vehicle you want is available.

Water, Wildlife and the Beach

The Aquarium NB in Shippagan features fish and invertebrates from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, as well as lakes and rivers in eastern Canada. Its collection includes brightly coloured lobsters, including blue lobsters. The animal groups on display and their origins give the aquarium a different focus from the waterfront path: here, the animals and the waters they come from are at the centre. Shippagan’s coastal sandy beaches are inviting places to swim. So, alongside wildlife, beaches and swimming are separate interests to consider when planning your trip.

Building History and Culture at La P’tite Église

La P’tite Église in Shippagan is a heritage-designated building dating from 1903. The entrance area was added in 1950, meaning the building and its entrance date from different construction phases. The church commemorates the presence of Jersey and Scottish communities in the municipality and region. This historical significance links the building’s construction history with the history of the communities it commemorates.

Since 2013, La P’tite Église has been recognized as a cultural venue and has offered an annual summer program. This includes small-scale musical performances, visual art exhibitions, literary conferences and various smaller cultural events. The specific seasonal program may vary. If you’re planning to travel for a particular event, check the dates in advance.

Walks and Birdwatching in the Region

The wider region also offers its own perspective on outdoor activities: trails through the area around Shippagan combine walking and cycling with opportunities for birdwatching. This regional perspective complements the specific information about the Sentier Rivage by the harbour, without conflating the surrounding trails with this individual stretch of waterfront.

Discover more destinations: Inkerman, Caraquet, Pointe-Verte, Bertrand, Lamèque, Bathurst, Tracadie-Sheila, Salmon Beach

For the broader travel overview: Gloucester County.