Miramichi: Trails, History and Festivals

Miramichi combines hiking trails and guided tours with historic sites and festivals.

Trails and Activities

In the 2026 season, visitors can use 6 km of trails at Wilson’s Point, with access to a beach and wharf. Beaubears Island has more than 6 km of maintained hiking and walking trails. The Beaubears Island Interpretive Centre offers guided tours of the centre and the island, including guided hikes and boat tours around the island.

The two trail options have different highlights: at Wilson’s Point, the beach and wharf are among the features mentioned; on Beaubears Island, the focus is on maintained trails and guided tours. Visitors considering a tour or boat trip in addition to hiking can find these options at the Interpretive Centre on Beaubears Island.

In French Fort Cove Park in Miramichi, the Over the Cove Zipline runs from one side of the park to the other. The 4 km French Fort Cove Trail loops around historic French Fort Cove. This makes a zipline crossing of the park and a walking loop two distinct activities.

History and Cultural Heritage

The Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Site of Canada includes the remains of an early 19th-century shipyard, as well as archaeological resources that remain in situ. Shipbuilding history and archaeological resources give the site a specific historical focus.

Wilson’s Point is also significant to Miramichi’s history. The Scottish Heritage Association restored original burial sites and trails there, established a wharf and trading post, and built an interpretive centre. Together with the trails, these facilities offer another point of reference when choosing your stay with history in mind.

The Miramichi Natural History Museum is designated a Local Historic Place because it is considered the oldest museum of its kind in New Brunswick and the third-oldest in Canada. This designation and its stated age rankings distinguish it from the shipbuilding and archaeological themes of the Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Site.

Festivals and Events

The four-day Miramichi Folksong Festival celebrates authentic traditional and contemporary folk music from Miramichi. Its program may vary from one edition to the next. The Miramichi Striper Cup takes place in the city every year; dates and programming may change. Pubs, music and cultural activities are part of the Miramichi Irish Festival, whose program may also vary from one edition to the next.

The three events offer different focuses: folk music, the annual Striper Cup, and music and cultural activities at the Irish Festival. If you’re planning your trip around an event, check the dates and program for that edition in advance.

Guidance for Finding a Hotel

Ritchie Wharf Park on the waterfront is in Miramichi, just a short walk from the shops in the Newcastle Business District and from accommodations. Along with its varied hiking, history and event offerings, Miramichi provides several points of reference for tailoring your hotel search to your travel interests.

Explore more destinations: Derby, Chelmsford, Neguac, Beaver Brook, Blackville.

Return to the main travel overview: Northumberland County.