Things to do in Miramichi: Fish, play, eat and stay

Miramichi, New Brunswick, has been a gathering place for millennia. It’s been home to the Acadians, Irish and Scottish migrants, and a Mi’kmaq nation that’s the longest continuously settled community in the province. From this exploring this rich and diverse history to its world-famous fishing and other pursuits, a road trip here reveals so many things to do in Miramichi. And that’s even before you eat or settle in for the night!

Here’s our complete guide to visiting Miramichi, New Brunswick. You’ll find a list of popular things to do in Miramichi as well as some lesser-known destinations. There’s also a look at some of the city’s most popular restaurants, some unique places to stay, and answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Our visit to Miramichi was hosted by Discover Miramichi and Tourism New Brunswick. Have questions about planning your own road trip on the Miramichi River Route? Join our Facebook community!

Miramichi is one of the cities along New Brunswick’s Miramichi River Route >

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The 3 most popular things to do in Miramichi

Miramichi, New Brunswick, is best known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and interesting historic sites. Here are some of the city’s can’t-miss locations and activities.

Head out onto the Miramichi River to catch bass or salmon

Anglers from around the world flock to Miramichi for its famed world-class fishing. There are two main seasons that capture the attention of enthusiasts. Fly fishing season, most notably for salmon, runs for six months beginning on April 15th and ending on October 15th. Bass fishing season opens on May 1st and ends on October 31st. The best times to catch are at the beginning and end of those windows.

If you don’t have your own boat or fishing gear but want to try it yourself, give Matthew at Miramichi Bay Outfitters a call. He offers half and full-day fishing excursions, including use of rods, tackle, and other gear. He’s also familiar with important regulations so you don’t find yourself in hot water. Whether you’ve caught one fish or one hundred, Matthew’s decades of experience mean you’re sure to have a great time.

Visit Boishébert and Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Sites

Beaubears Island sits at a key point where the Northwest Miramichi and Southwest Miramichi Rivers merge. Its location inside a sheltered bay has made it a historically important landing place for seafarers. Explore two different aspects of this through the island’s Boishébert and Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Sites.

Boishébert National Historic Site is designated as a portion of Beaubears Island and nearby Wilson’s Point, where there’s archaeological evidence of an 18th-century Acadian refugee camp. As the Acadians fled during the Expulsion, forced from their homes throughout the modern-day Maritimes by the French and Indian War, for a time this island acted as one of their safe havens.

At Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Site, the remains of a 19th-century shipyard on Beaubears Island stand as the only known undisturbed archaeological site in New Brunswick associated with this critical industry. Today, visitors can walk 6 kilometres of hiking trails through these former communities while interacting with interpreters in full period costume. (We haven’t made it onto the island yet, but we’ll share more information and photos once we do!)

Beaubears Island is open to the public from June to August. There is no charge to visit the national historic sites. Fees are collected to access the interpretive centre on the mainland and the ferry to Beaubears Island. Both are administered by the Friends of Beaubears Island, a local not-for-profit organization.

Take a boat tour with Miramichi River Boat Tours and explore Richie Wharf Park

Whether you’d like to learn more about Miramichi or simply love an entertaining excursion on the water, head to Richie Wharf Park to visit Miramichi River Boat Tours. From mid-May to mid-October, you’ll sail on the Max Aitken as you hear from bilingual Captain Azade Haché about the river’s amazing history.

While you’re at Richie Wharf Park, take a stroll on the boardwalk, grab an ice cream, and enjoy the beautiful views over the river. You can also grab a bite to eat at Vera Kitchen + Bar, which we’ve included in our food and drink section below.

Things to do in Miramichi: the top 5 lesser-known spots

There’s plenty to do in Miramichi that’s off the beaten path. Get in the car and head further afield to check out these fantastic off-the-radar spots.

Learn about Mi’kmaq culture at Metepenagiag Heritage Park

The Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation — pronounced “meta-peh-NAW-ghee-aw” — is the oldest continuously settled community in New Brunswick. Nearby archaeological digs show Mi’kmaq settlement here dating back more than 3,000 years!

At Metepenagiag Heritage Park, the visitor centre offers opportunities to learn more about Mi’kmaq culture through films and exhibits. You can also take part in interactive programming such as the Taste of Metepenagiag Ookdotaan experience. From June through October, this hands-on program lets you learn to bake traditional flatbread in searing hot sand beneath a roaring bonfire.

Take a hike at Sheephouse Falls

Only the locals know about this one! Sheephouse Falls is roughly a 45 minute from Miramichi through dirt-covered logging roads. Here, an easy-to-moderate 1.4-kilometre loop trail through towering pines leads to Little Sheephouse Falls, a picturesque 20-metre (60-foot) high waterfall. The loop takes roughly an hour to complete, and there are additional linear trail extensions with more waterfalls to explore.

Fly above French Fort Cove at Over the Cove Ziplines

French Fort Cove Nature Park is a great way to get outside in Miramichi. It’s home to hiking and mountain biking trails as well as canoe, kayak, and paddle boat rentals during the summer months. In the winter, take in the trails by walking, snowshoeing, or skating.

From late June to mid-October, you can see French Fort Cove from above for an entirely new perspective! Over the Cove Ziplines operates the longest zipline in the Maritimes. You’ll fly 30 metres (100 feet) above the water across a pair of ziplines that are 365 and 305 metres (1,200 and 1,000 feet) long.

Middle Island Irish Historical Park offers a chance to reflect

Beaubears Island may be Miramichi’s best-known, but there’s another island in the Miramichi River with an equally rich history. As Irish migrants fled the potato famine in 1847, they were quarantined on arrival here on Middle Island. Later, the island acted as a permanent government-operated quarantine station from 1873 until 1948.

Today, the Middle Island Irish Historical Park is registered as a New Brunswick provincial heritage place and houses an interpretive centre, walking trails, picnic areas, and a restaurant. There’s also a small beach that’s popular with local families. There’s no fee to access the island, and most amenities are open from May to October.

Wilson’s Point protects Miramichi’s important history

Not far from Beaubears Island yet accessible from the mainland, Wilson’s Point is another important historic site in Miramichi. You’ll drive through the Enclosure Campground to reach the site, which is open from late June to mid-October.

Boishébert National Historic Site and its 18th-century Acadian refugee camp extends here, and Wilson’s Point is also home to a former Scottish settlement. Stroll past the replica church and historic cemetery, and wander through more than 6 kilometres of hiking, biking, and snowshoeing trails.

The best places to eat and drink in Miramichi

Miramichi’s food scene covers a variety of styles and cuisines. And if you happen to have dietary restrictions, we can confirm the restaurants on this list all have gluten-free and vegetarian options. Here’s a look at some of our favourites.

1809 Restaurant

Located inside the Rodd Miramichi River hotel in the Chatham area of Miramichi, 1809 Restaurant has one of the best patios in the city with fantastic views over the river. Serving contemporary fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner, options range from salads and charcuterie boards to burgers, steak, and seafood.

Apero Lounge

Apero Lounge is the perfect place to grab a nightcap. This cozy spot is located on the main strip in Miramichi’s Newcastle section and serves classic and craft cocktails as well as a selection of scotch and other spirits, aperitifs, craft beer, and wine by the bottle or glass. A small snack menu is also available.

Mill Cove Coffee

Mill Cove Coffee is one happening spot! It’s located right on the busiest corner of Miramichi’s Newcastle neighbourhood and offers craft beverages and deli-style lunch options. Take a moment to sneak around to the back and browse the shelves of books written by local authors.

Namaste Bistro

Namaste Bistro, in the heart of Miramichi’s Chatham sector, serves up a delicious variety of popular and authentic Indian dishes in a very trendy space. Hand-crafted cocktails, local beers, and a selection of wines round out their offerings. Namaste is one of the best places in Miramichi for people with restricted diets since the menu features a wide variety of gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes.

O’Donaghue’s Irish Pub

O’Donaghue’s Irish Pub is a nod to Miramichi’s rich Irish heritage in one of the city’s most historic buildings. Williston House, the Chatham-area institution where the pub is based, is 200 years old! Tuck into some traditional pub fare, or sidle up to the bar for a draft beer and enjoy some live music. In this very friendly place, even if you arrive alone, you’re likely to find yourself involved in a conversation before long!

Vera Kitchen

If you’re looking for dinner at Ritchie Wharf in the summer, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a great meal on the patio at Vera Kitchen. The views of the river from the raised deck are a fantastic complement to the menu’s wide variety of shared plates and craft cocktails. (And if the weather is miserable while you’re there, as it was during our visit, don’t worry. The food and service are great inside, too!)

The best hotels and overnight stays in Miramichi, NB

Miramichi has an accommodation style for every taste. We stayed everywhere from a traditional hotel to a stately bed and breakfast and even in a treehouse! Here’s a look at our favourites.

Enjoy direct access to the water from the Rodd Miramichi River

The Rodd Miramichi River is a gem among the portfolio of Rodd Hotels & Resorts, a small chain of quality accommodations with locations throughout the Maritimes.

At its riverside location in the Chatham neighbourhood of Miramichi, the Rodd Miramichi River has the on-site 1809 Restaurant, spacious and well-appointed rooms and suites, and an indoor pool, whirlpool, and fitness centre.

Many suites have river views, and there’s even a dock directly outside the hotel that guests can use to access the river. This makes the Rodd Miramichi River the hotel of choice for visiting anglers and boating enthusiasts.

Go rustic with Miramichi Treehouse and Camping Adventures

Ready to get away from it all? Miramichi Treehouse and Camping Adventures is located just 10 minutes southeast of the Chatham section of Miramichi along Route 11. That may seem close, but you’ll definitely feel immersed in nature!

There are traditional campsites and two-bedroom cottages here, but the highlight for road trip travellers is their honest-to-goodness treehouses perched among the pines. Each treehouse sleeps from 4 to 7 campers and provides a fire pit and a deck with chairs. Some of them even have power and running water with amenities like mini-fridges and built-in washrooms. When it comes to roughing it, you can choose your own adventure!

Enjoy East Coast hospitality at Down East Comfort Bed & Breakfast

The Fulton family welcomes you with open arms to Down East Comfort Bed & Breakfast! This warm and welcoming family of transplanted Newfoundlanders will quickly ensure you feel as comfortable as if their home was your very own.

Based in the Newcastle neighbourhood in one of Miramichi’s finest Queen Anne style early 20th century homes, each suite at Down East Comfort Bed & Breakfast is themed after a Maritime province. The furnishings and appointments have been meticulously selected, and the hearty breakfast will send you on your way ready for a busy day.

Relax at Red Bank Lodge, Miramichi’s most serene getaway

While you visit Metepenagiag Heritage Park, take the opportunity to stay overnight at Red Bank Lodge on Metepenagiag First Nation. The building’s beautiful tongue-and-groove cedar log construction, cozy main hall and fireplace, and hot tubs overlooking the river’s rushing waters call on you to breathe out and unwind. For another unique experience, try glamping overnight in a tipi overnight on the Heritage Park’s grounds.

Red Bank Lodge is an authentic Indigenous-owned tourism destination. To support this and other Indigenous-owned businesses when planning your travels, visit the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada’s website, DestinationIndigenous.ca. There, you can use the interactive map to locate Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Canada.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Miramichi:

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