Explore Chaleur

Naturally and at your own pace

Long for an empty beach that feels like it yours alone?
Dream of climbing a mountain to enjoy the summit in privacy?
Want to strike out on your own, by horseback or boat, cycle or scuba, hike or bike?

In Chaleur, you are free to explore on your own. With a sparse population and most people at work most places are deserted, except on weekends and stat. holidays.

Natural attractions range from mountain tops to waterfalls, rough rapids to calm lakes, fresh water river banks to salt water beaches.  Even the beaches offer variety: from wide and sandy, to narrow and sheltered by cliffs, from groomed to naturally rough.

Tour the New Brunswick Mining and Mineral Interpretation Centre and experience the ride down the shaft, without the dust and noise. Open July and August and by appointment.

Examine close up many items showing the great contributions of the Chaleur Region to Canada’s military history. The Royal Canadian Legion War Museum in Bathurst displays military artifacts from the World War I, World War II, and the Korean war. Open everyday in July and August from 11:00 am  to 9:00 pm.

Nepisiquit Centennial Museum and Cultural Centre, Open Jun e13 til end of August closed Mondays       http://www.bathurstheritage.ca/index.asp

The living Acadian Historic Village attracts many but rarely has line ups. A horse-drawn wagon can provide a lift throughout the large village. Opening June 13 for the 2010 season. http://www.villagehistoriqueacadien.com/index_en.cfm

Pabineau First Nation, a Mi’g Mag community welcomes visitors. Simply ask.

People-wise

We are happy to arrange visits and workshops with the artists and artisans of Chaleur. The earlier you book the more likely we can make it happen. Most visits last at least 2 hours. The customary fee ranges from $100 to $200 for a group of up to four adults.  Some of the artisans and artists deduct that amount from any purchases you make during the visit. You can confirm this at time booking.

The Wood Turner
Lionel Landry uses locally harvested burled maple to produce exquisite bowls and trays, and also small objects. These can be purchased through only a dozen galleries across Canada or at his kitchen table. The tour gives you a behind the scenes look at the evolution from log to finished product. It includes hands-on inspection of bowls at each stage of the two year process.

The Seaglass Queen http://seaglasswisdom.blogspot.com/
Sonia Turner will lead you on a beachcombing expedition to those special beaches where the odds are best to find seaglass worthy to be your jewellery. Back at her studio you will fashion your find into a special piece and also have an opportunity to examine a large variety of found items showing the history of both seaglass and of the Bay of Chaleur.

The Birder
Roger Guitard is a world-class birder. A day with him will take you to marsh, grove, sea, shore, lake, woods and meadow. Roger plans all transportation. You provide your own scope or binoculars and record book.

The Village Candlestick maker.
Francois Hache has developed a unique style of turning small pieces of various local woods into candlesticks. You learn the entire process from plain wood sticks to finished candlesticks.

The fishing boat Captain
Captain Yvon Arseneau welcomes you to his working boat in early evening during summer. You will tour the boat, lift the traps, check the bait and then visit his large shed to select your own lobster, in May or June, or a bag of scallops in July. Bring it back to Gite Toutes Saisons and Phil will show you how to prepare a simple feast.

The Village Weaver
Jeannine Boucher learned this craft from her mother. She specializes in small items such as the best dish towels ever!  You sit at the loom, weave the threads and appreciate the skill and experience. Note: this experience is at least 2 sessions of at least 2 hours.

The Wood Carver
Yvon Landry has perfected the art of carving in wood and sharing his skills also. Each artist in wood brings a unique vision and style. What is your vision?  When you register for this experience you will be asked to describe any previous experience and to bring your own tools and small examples of your carving. 

Mr. Landry also offers a 2 hour demonstration where you watch and ask questions.

The Bow and arrow maker
……….. is a recognized winner in reviving this almost lost art. Do you want a lesson from the Canadian Champion. We will try to arrange it for you.

The Photographer
Jean-Yves Boudreau loves this region for its many photo opportunities and loves to share how to make better photos. Bring your equipment and some samples to share.

Indoors
5 pin bowling