Take a Motorcycle Road Trip Across the Northern Odyssey
July 11, 2022

Take a Motorcycle Road Trip Across the Northern Odyssey

Northern New Brunswick is dotted with small towns and villages that each have their own charm and personalities! Are you looking for a motorcycle trip that is relaxing, fun, and has great views? We've got 7 routes full of rivers, mountains and ocean views that you're sure to remember!

MADAWASKA

There are two route options that will allow you to travel through Edmundston and take in views of the Saint John River all day long. Take in the beauty of this river route and wave to our American neighbours on the other side.

Quebec Border to Edmundston

If you are coming in from route 289 from Quebec, drive on straight and take in the views of the magnificent Baker Lake. After the lake, you will have the option to travel on the 120 towards Connors, NB. This will take you to the end of the Panhandle, where the paved road ends. Once you met the end of the road, turn around and follow the Saint John River east on the 120 towards Edmundston (also known as the Borders Route). Let yourself be guided by the river which acts as a natural border between Canada and the USA. There are plenty of opportunities to make stops along the way to see historical attractions and sites, specifically in the community of Haut-Madawaska.

Once you’ve made your way to Edmundston, stop downtown for a local brew at the Petit Sault Brewers, and stick around for dinner at Moonshin’hers. If you’re planning to stay the night, we also suggest swinging by the Grey Rock Casino, but be sure to get some rest, as the road trip continues the next morning!

Edmundston to Campbellton

Got some extra time in the morning, be sure to check out the New Brunswick Botanical Garden to take in the amazing colours and smells it has to offer before heading to the Campbellton region. If you are still around for lunch, we recommend trying out Café Flora on site. This charming location is a hit with the locals and sure not to disappoint!


From the garden, stay on route 144 to get onto the River Valley Scenic Drive. The road will guide you through the village of Rivière-Verte. If you are a fan of covered bridges, you may want to take a little detour on Davis Road and visit the Boniface Covered Bridge. Once you’ve completed your visit, loop back towards where you came from, back on route 144 all the way to St-Léonard, where you will eventually need to jump onto route 17 towards St-Quentin and Campbellton.

ACADIAN PENINSULA

Grande-Anse to Miscou

Saddle up and take it easy along Route 11 and Route 113 from Grande-Anse to Miscou! On this road trip, you'll be driving through quaint forest-lined villages, coastal landscapes, peat bogs, salt marshes and blueberry fields! Whether it's a day trip or you're staying for a while, you'll love the laid-back atmosphere of this quaint corner of our province!

Not long after you leave Grande-Anse, you're going to want to stop at the Acadian Village!


Located in Bertrand, NB, take a step back in time and experience the day-to-day lives of the Acadian people from 1770-1949!

When you reach Shippagan, it may be time to grab a quick bite!

Le shack à Joe is serving up all the local favourites--- but you may want to try their famous homemade potato wedges!


After your meal, you'll be heading straight to Miscou Island! Take a look around on your drive. On either side of the road will be peat bogs, one of the main exports of the area. In the fall, the foliage turns bright red!

Congratulations, you've now reached the world's end (the furthest point of Miscou Island!) Here you'll find the historic Miscou Lighthouse. You can climb to the top for a small fee for a stunning view of the Bay of Chaleur and The Gulf of St. Lawrence. Don't forget to visit the Lightkeeper's Cafe (Café du Gardien) for a great meal, or just to relax on the patio overlooking the water (can you spot Percé Rock?)


Did you fall in love and want to stay on the island? Check out Camping La Vague! They rent trailers and cabins right on the water!

Tracadie to Caraquet Route 11

If you're looking to take it easy for the afternoon, the drive from Tracadie to Caraquet on Route 11 is perfect! You'll be driving through quaint villages on a straight, well-maintained road.

On the way, you should definitely stop by la Cabane à Cône for ice cream (try one of their dipped cones!)


Camping Pokemouche is an exceptional campground located along the Pokemouche River if you're on a bigger trip. If you want to experience true Acadian hospitality, stay the night! Don't forget to grab food at the Campground Canteen (the pizza is worth the trip).


Once you reach Caraquet, you have to check out Fils Du Roy Distillery to try their award-winning spirits and beers! Have you ever been to a real fromagerie? La Fromagerie Les Blancs d’Arcadie has an exquisite selection of fine cheeses.



If you plan on staying in the Peninsula, you have to visit Cielo Glamping in Haut-Shippagan. You'll find a unique experience at Cielo, as you relax in one of their glamping domes! They have outdoor hot tubs, live music, a coffee roastery, and all the comforts you need for a restful stay.


CHALEUR

Campbellton to Bathurst RTE 134

This road trip follows along the Bay of Chaleur for 100km. This drive is an experience for the senses--you'll be awed by gorgeous views of the Bay of Chaleur and Appalachian Mountain range, eat the best take-out of your life, and be fully immersed in rich salt-water air!

Dalhousie will be the first town you arrive at. Depending on the time of day, you may want to grab lunch! Off of RTE 134 is Victoria Ave, and if you turn right onto Inch Arran Avenue, you'll find a great rest spot: views, take-out, and treats!

On a long road trip? Not far away is the Stewart House Bed & Breakfast. Chef-owned and operated, and a beautiful location near the water...what more could you need for a relaxing stay!

As you drive along Route 134 appreciating the scenery, you will come upon the town of Charlo!

If you plan on staying the night, make sure to check out Bonaventure Lodge for incredible service, food and views! But, before you go, take a visit to the Charlo Honeyhouse. You can even get a guided tour in a bee suit!

You may start to notice Acadian flags are waving proudly… you've reached Petit-Rocher, a small village with a strong Acadian heritage!

If you're planning on staying, there are a few notable places with great service:

Auberge d'Anjou - Cocooning Café is owned by a couple from France, and they brought their hospitality with them! The inn is decked out with classic, comfortable rooms. Downstairs, they're serving up traditional French baked goods and scrumptious meals. We highly recommend getting downstairs early for a croissant before they're all gone!


Motel & Chalet Acadien sur Mer has a motel and beach chalets sitting right on the Bay of Chaleur. So if you're looking for classic comfort and great hospitality, you'll find it here!


Camping Murraywood is a campground that has everything! They even have a cottage and an RV you can rent on-site in case you don’t have your own camping equipment.


When you get to the next village, Nigadoo, keep an eye out for Chez Boudreau. It looks like a convenience store on the outside, but it's known for having a little bit of everything from essential goods to home decor and clothing!


Our next stop is Beresford, where you might want to check out the beach and take a stroll on the boardwalk (they also rent kayaks to use in the neighbouring marshes)!


You've finally reached Bathurst, your destination!

What's the first stop?

Head right downtown; it's patio season! The brewery scene has been exploding in New Brunswick, and Bathurst has kept pace.

Sit on a patio at 13 Barrels Brewing and enjoy a view of the Bathurst Harbour, or experience V13, a former car dealership-turned-wine bar! Right next door is family-owned Four Rivers Brewing Co. serving up high-quality craft brews!



If you've planned to stay, there are a few great options. Bathurst is a beach town… so why not stay on the beach? Check out Gillis Cove Beach Cottages, just outside the city limits in Salmon Beach, or Danny’s Hotel near Beresford Beach.

If the beach isn't your thing, check out Atlantic Host Hotel, a local favourite for travellers, or the Best Western located directly downtown.


RESTIGOUCHE

The Restigouche River is a beautiful and renowned salmon fishing river that runs along the border of New Brunswick and Quebec. The Restigouche River Loop has winding roads complete with mountain and river views.

The route will start in Tide Head, travelling West on Route 11 towards the Quebec border crossing. Enjoy the gentle turns and views of the Appalachian Mountains across the river.

Route 11 turns into the Restigouche River road which will merge into Evergreen road. When you arrive at the intersection of Evergreen Road and Route 17, turn left on route 17 towards Campbellton. Take the exit towards Tide Head/Matapedia, and you're back!

There's so much to discover in Northern New Brunswick!

Ready to hit the road? What are you waiting for!

WHERE TO EAT:

Edmundston:

- Restobar Le Deck for a little bit of everything!

- Café Lotus Bleu for excellent coffee and vegetarian meals.

Campbellton:

- Chez Wes (family-owned and operated diner serving up homemade fare and the best desserts!)

Dalhousie:

- Lions Club Canteen (a local favourite take-out, located in Inch Arran Park on the water).

- Bon Ami Ice cream (self-explanatory...nothing better than great ice cream)!

Charlo:

- Atelier Gourmand (wood-fired pizza that attracts visitors from all over... it's worth the drive, trust us)!

- Le Pichet (Owned and operated by a local professional sommelier, Deborah Worrall, Le Pichet is serving up fine wine, food and desserts).

Jacquet River/Belledune

- Culligan's Take-Out (the locals would recommend the Culligan Burger… it's a favourite)

Petit-Rocher

- Auberge d’Anjou-Cocooning Cafe (Delicious breakfasts, French pastries, hand-crafted sandwiches and espresso drinks)

- L'igloo (homemade gelato, french crepes… the igloo has been in business for 45 years, and you'll know why once you try it)

Beresford

- Restaurant 748 (classic north shore comfort food)

- Dixie Lee (arguably the best fried chicken in the area… ok, nobody's arguing about this)

Bathurst

- Big D (Atlantic Canada's last drive-in restaurant! Known for its famous 'Danny Burger' and incredible milkshakes, you can't miss this!)

- Mai's (a local staple with to-die-for Vietnamese and Chinese dishes… try their homemade spring rolls and soups)!

- Cast & Crew (local Gastropub serving up high-end dishes and local staples, you can't go wrong)



Edmundston

Restigouche

Chaleur Region

Acadian Peninsula

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