Gemma’s Trans Canada Trail: Exploring Shippagan, New Brunswick
Written by Gemma Taylor
The Maritimes feel like my second home in Canada, especially northeastern New Brunswick. My all-time favourite Trans Canada Trail section in this area is the Sentier Rivage, a 2-kilometre passerelle (boardwalk) along the waterfront of the small town of Shippagan, part of the Véloroute Péninsule Acadienne.
Since Shippagan is a little off the beaten path, especially for English speakers, here’s a quick introduction.
A proud community on the Acadian Peninsula
This small town of 2,600 sits at the tip of the Acadian Peninsula, on an inlet of Chaleur Bay. A proud Acadian community, French is the primary spoken language in Shippagan, and you’ll spot the Acadian tricolour flag flying outside many houses.
I’m lucky to have visited Shippagan many times now, by virtue of it being my partner’s hometown. His last name is Mallet, a surname that is very common in the area. More about that later!
Photo credit: Off Track Travel
Birdwatching, public art and more
The Sentier Rivage stretches from the 100-plus-year-old white-and-red Portage Island Range Rear Lighthouse (known to locals as simply ‘the lighthouse’) to Rue Pointe Brulée. Skirting the shoreline, the elevated boardwalk reveals gorgeous views of the bay.
Birdwatching is easy here, with many herons, ducks and gulls in the sky and on the water. At low tide, flocks of Greater Yellowlegs forage in the marshy areas.
The passerelle is completely flat and approachable for all ages and abilities. Shelters and benches are located along the pathway, inviting those using the Trail to sit, rest and take in the ocean views. Local artworks can be found along the way, many celebrating Acadian identity and Shippagan’s coastal location.
Just a short walk from downtown Shippagan and directly accessible from several houses and nursing homes, this section of the Trans Canada Trail is well used and well loved by the local community. If you can, visit at sunset when the golden light shimmers across the ocean before disappearing behind the forested horizon.
Photo credit: Off Track Travel
Exceptional cycling on the Véloroute Péninsule acadienne
As well as being part of the Trans Canada Trail, the passerelle is incorporated into the Véloroute Péninsule acadienne, a 600-kilometre-long network of cycling paths across the mostly flat Acadian Peninsula. Much of it is built on an old railway line. The paths around Shippagan are mostly paved, which make them exceptionally popular with cyclists.
If you are exploring the passerelle by bike, I’d suggest extending your trip by heading south towards Inkerman. This section continues along the Trans Canada Trail and offers some beautiful bay views about 4.5 kilometres south of Shippagan. In summer, the path is lined by colourful wildflowers.
A convenient place to turn around is the Wye in Inkerman Ferry. This recently developed rest area offers washrooms, water, shelter and even electricity. The Wye is 11 kilometres from Shippagan, so plan for a 22-kilometre return trip (around an hour on two wheels).
Head east towards the Lamèque Island bridge
On foot, I would recommend following the Trans Canada Trail east from Shippagan towards the Lamèque Island bridge. The signed Véloroute heads into the industrial harbour area. Shippagan is home to New Brunswick’s largest commercial fishing fleet.
The path passes the port administration building (housed in a mock boat), nautical themed murals and a monument dedicated to fishermen lost at sea. Fishing is a way of life in Shippagan and is essential to the local economy.
Photo credit: Off Track Travel
11 generations: a strong family connection to Shippagan
Just before the bridge, the Trans Canada Trail passes the Parc Duguay Mallet. As mentioned, there are a lot of Mallets in this area of New Brunswick. Mallet Électros & Matelas is a local appliance store, C.N.F Mallet a local contractor and the current local Member of the Legislative Assembly is a Mallet as well!
The Shippagan-Mallet connection ias explained on a monument in the park: the town was founded by Jean Mallet and Marie Josephte Duguay in 1791. All Mallets in this region are descended from Jean and Marie, including my partner (11th generation). While he may play it down, living in a town founded by your family is so fascinating to me!
As you can see, the Sentier Rivage section of the Trans Canada Trail is special for so many reasons. While the views, wildlife and accessibility all provide a wonderful first impression, it is the strong sense of community that truly sets it apart.
Gemma Taylor is an outdoor adventure travel blogger based in Penticton, British Columbia. Happiest on the trail or with a canoe paddle in her hand, Gemma simply loves to be outside, the further off the beaten path the better! Visit Off Track Travel for detailed adventure guides, road trip itineraries and to learn more about Acadian history and culture.
Main photo credit: Off Track Travel
