Dalhousie Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food to try, where to stay, and many more in Dalhousie, New Brunswick with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a charming town located on the eastern shore of Chaleur Bay, in the Acadian Coast region of New Brunswick, Canada. Surrounded by lush greenery, this quaint town is known for its enchanting natural beauty, charming cultural sites, and excellent outdoor recreational activities. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous vacation, Dalhousie has something for everyone. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your visit to this beautiful town.

List of Places to Visit in Dalhousie

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Dalhousie Station Museum: This historic railway station turned museum showcases the town’s history from early settlers to railways, shipbuilding, and much more.
  • St. John the Baptist Catholic Church: This stunning, Gothic-style church is a true masterpiece of architecture and a must-visit attraction.

Natural Attractions of Dalhousie: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sugarloaf Provincial Park: This provincial park, located just outside of town, offers many outdoor activities such as hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, as well as a scenic view from its summit that is not to be missed.
  • Daly Point Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is a protected area that features hiking trails, beaches, and birdwatching opportunities, making it a perfect spot for a nature walk.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dalhousie

Dalhousie has several hiking and biking trails, including:

  • Sugarloaf Provincial Park Trails: This park features several well-maintained hiking and biking trails that offer scenic views of Chaleur Bay and the surrounding wilderness.
  • Daly Point Nature Reserve Trail: This trail offers well-marked hiking paths through a protected area with several lookouts and benches to stop and admire the bay.

Best Things to Do in Dalhousie: Activities and Tours

  • Kayaking: Kayaking on Chaleur Bay offers a unique opportunity to see the town’s beautiful shoreline from a different perspective.
  • Fishing: Whether you are a seasoned angler or just want to try your luck, the bay is home to several species of fish, including salmon and trout.
  • Visit the Farmers Market: Every Saturday, the Town Square in downtown Dalhousie becomes a hub for local farmers, artisans, and food vendors, offering an excellent opportunity to buy locally made products.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dalhousie

Day 1: Arrive in Dalhousie and visit the Dalhousie Station Museum and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Day 2: Explore Sugarloaf Provincial Park and hike through its scenic trails. Day 3: Enjoy kayaking on Chaleur Bay and stop by the Daly Point Nature Reserve for a leisurely walk among nature. Day 4: Rent a bike and cycle around town and its outskirts. Day 5: Go fishing in Chaleur Bay, either by boat or the pier. Day 6: Indulge in shopping at the Farmers Market and relax at one of the town’s cafes. Day 7: Take a day trip to nearby towns, such as Bathurst or Campbellton.

Food and Drink Scene of Dalhousie

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seafood: With its proximity to the bay, Dalhousie has several restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood, including crab, lobster, and shrimp.
  • Poutine: Poutine is a Quebecois dish that has become popular all over Canada. It consists of French fries, topped with gravy and cheese curds.

Local Beverages

  • Maple Beer: This unique, locally brewed beer uses maple syrup as a sweetener.
  • Hot Chocolate: Warm up during the colder months with a cup of hot chocolate from one of the town’s many cafes.

Where to Stay in Dalhousie: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Dalhousie offers several accommodation options:

  • Fair Haven Motel: A cozy and comfortable motel with private rooms and kitchenettes located near the center of town.
  • La Maison McKenzie House: A charming bed and breakfast that provides lodging in historic home with an excellent view of Chaleur Bay.

What to Buy in Dalhousie: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple Syrup: New Brunswick is famous for its maple syrup, and Dalhousie has several local producers.
  • Handmade Crafts: Several local artisans sell handmade jewelry, pottery, quilts, and woodwork.

Local Culture and Customs of Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a Francophone town with a deep-rooted heritage in fishing and forestry. French is commonly spoken, and the town celebrates several cultural events like the Festival des Guitares du Monde and the Fête du Bon Vin.

Best Time to Visit Dalhousie

The best time to visit Dalhousie is during the summer, when the weather is warm and pleasant. However, the town’s winter activities, like skiing and snowshoeing at Sugarloaf Provincial Park and ice fishing on Chaleur Bay, make it a great year-round destination.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dalhousie

Do:

  • Say “Bonjour” (hello) when entering a shop or restaurant.
  • Drive carefully, as many of the roads in the area are winding and hilly.
  • Try local food like seafood and poutine.

Don’t:

  • Assume that everyone speaks English. Many of the locals may only speak French.
  • Litter or damage the natural environment. Take care of the beautiful natural areas.
  • Overlook the opportunity to explore the historical and cultural sites in town.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dalhousie

Dalhousie is generally a very safe place, but, as with all travel, it’s important to take basic safety precautions like locking doors, not leaving valuables unattended, and being aware of your surroundings at all times.

Health in Dalhousie

The town has a hospital and several clinics that provide medical care. It’s also essential to protect yourself from bug bites and sunburn.

Getting to Dalhousie: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Dalhousie

The closest airport to Dalhousie is Bathurst Airport, located approximately 70 km away. Other nearby airports include Campbellton Airport and Moncton Airport.

Bus Stations Near Dalhousie

Dalhousie is accessible by bus using Maritime Bus from several Canadian cities, including Fredericton, Moncton, Quebec City, and Halifax.

Other Options

Car rental agencies operate in nearby Bathurst, providing visitors with the flexibility to tour the area at their leisure.

How to Get Around in Dalhousie

The town is very walkable, but if you are traveling a bit further, renting a car or using a taxi service is the best option.

Where to Go Next from Dalhousie: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bathurst: The city of Bathurst is a short drive from Dalhousie and offers several exciting attractions, including Bathurst Heritage Museum and The Promenade Waterfront.
  • Bonaventure: This town is a short drive away from Dalhousie and is famous for its stunning scenery, like Bonaventure Island and National Park.

Conclusion

Dalhousie has something for everyone, from its natural beauty and outdoor activities to its rich cultural heritage and delicious local cuisine. Whether you come for a day or a week, you’re certain to fall in love with this enchanting town. With this comprehensive guide, you are well equipped to experience the best of Dalhousie, New Brunswick.

Inch Arran Lighthouse Inch Arran Lighthouse