Miramachi and Fredricton, September 30th to October 2nd

 Wednesday, September 30th. Last day of September and:

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2026 was observed on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, marking the solemn annual occasion dedicated to honouring residential school Survivors, their families, and communities, and remembering the children who never returned home.

We hit the road for 9:30 am from Dorchester and our first stop today is the Giant Lobster in Shediak, NB. In the summer this place would be hopping with all the beautiful beaches.

You could also book a tour on a lobster boat to see how they harvest lobsters. Closed for the season as of September 29th.

Back in the car for the Irving Eco-Centre.

Irving Eco-Centre: La dune de Bouctouche was developed by J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) to preserve and restore one of the few remaining great sand dunes on the northeastern coastline of North America.

Located on the Northumberland Strait of New Brunswick, just minutes north of the town of Bouctouche, the dune offers a blend of recreational opportunities and learning experiences for anyone who wants to enjoy its special beauty.

Park visitors can use the boardwalk stretching along the dune to explore both the dune's wilderness and its salt marsh without endangering the sensitive ecosystems.

This sand dune stretches 12 km across Bouctouche Bay, a result of the constant action of wind, tides and sea currents since the last ice age. Every major storm, its shape changes.

A rich variety of marine and aquatic plants and animals, especially shorebirds and other migratory birds, make the dune their habitat.

Staghorn Sumac

Lastly we drove into the Kouchibouguac National Park for Kelly's beach, which hosted another boardwalk over the lagoon to the beach and dunes. The sun managed to come out more and the clouds were just whispy.

Such gorgeous views. We sat at a picnic table on the beach for 10 minutes or so, just listening to the wind and surf. Lovely. A great beach in the summer, but a heck of a walk to an outhouse. There is one midspan on the boardwalk but closed for the season.

Time to get into Miramichi and lunch. I asked Ray to take a video of the bright coloured trees while I'm driving. The colours are more and more vibrant as we drove towards Miramichi.

We decided to eat at  O'Donaghue's Irish Pub. It's just hopping busy there, but our server did real well inspite of all the customers. Ray ordered a lobster roll and me their soup and sandwich special.

After lunch we walked the streets around the pub a bit and to the waterfront park.

Old Post Office

Striped Bass Fishing

Back in the car to Ritchies Wharf. A lovely little stroll and they have a lot of cute restaurants on the wharf but all are closed down now for winter.

Don't know what this guy is doing pulling his dock. He went back and forth about 3 times????

Time to get checked into our hotel for the night. The Travelodge by Wyndam Miramichi.

Ray took a walk around as there is an old bridge next to the hotel he wanted to get a closer look at. I'd hoped for a lounge to have a G & T but no such luck. After a big lunch I'm not hungry, but they have an Indian/Canadian Restaurant on site. Ray took the opportunity for some Indian food, which I don't like.

He ordered their assorted platter which included Butter Chicken and it's delicious and not too spicy.

Thursday morning, we woke up from an OK Sleep. Although we have a king size bed this time, it's hard as a rock. Nice sunrise though. Ray ran outside in his PJ's for some shots of the decomissioned bridge outside our window.

We ate some of the breakfast offerings and then were ready to head out at 9am. We decided to head north for two lighthouses and then went south towards Fredricton for some other pictures of fall colours. Tomorrow's weather is a little iffy, with a lot of clouds and rain in the afternoon. So we thought we'd see some of the things on the first 1/3 of the drive as it's only 2 hours to Fredricton from Miramichi. We made a few stops along the highway.

First up, Grand Dunes Flats Front Range Lighthouse. Looks like someones house with a light on top. lol

The next one is as little further down the highway in Tabustintac, what names lol

As planned off to the south for another covered bridge. First we traversed the Bartholomew Bridge at Blackville. Of course the best view is from the bridge where there was no way to stop so we had to take the road down to the river. This bridge is part of the ATV trail from Fredricton to Miramichi on the old rail bed. Two old guys were sitting having a break from hunting and told us all about the area.We are so lucky as the colours have started a week or so early the gents told me.

Next up is the Nelson Hollow Covered Bridge in Doaktown. We scampered down the road as it's too hard for the car to make it down.

The old pilings for the road to connect with the covered bridge.

There were other trails nearby heading towards the river so we took them. They connected us with the ATV trail along the river. We even found a fishing cabin on the ATV trail. What a fabulous spot.

Inside it has a woodstove, table and chairs and a single bed.

After seeing the covered bridge and hiking around a bit, we decided to have lunch in Doaktown at the Lower Ledge Gastro Pub on the Mirmichi River. Delicous steak for me and fish and chips for Ray. I only ate half so Ray finished it and saved most of his fish and chips for dinner.  

What a beautiful setting. As you can see it is warm and 23C.

Time to head back to Mirimichi, fuel up and get some more beer for me. Ray's driving as I drank the one beer. lol 

I 've been missing my G & T's so Ray took me to Hennesy's Pub and we ordered nachos sitting on their patio. A lovely warm afternoon at 23C ... Wow and this time of year.

Back to the room for the rest of the day and night. Tomorrow we head to Fredricton.

Friday, after breakfast, we hit the road at 8:30 am to try and beat the rain for some pictures. The first stop is in the middle of the bridge that we crossed yesterday and were unable to stop due to traffic. This morning there's very few cars and I pulled over to let them pass then went on the bridge. Ray jumped out and took a couple of pictures and then jumped back in the car before the next one caught up to us. lol

Next stop on my list is the McNamee-Priceville Footbridge.

The first bridge was built in 1938 and was 200 m (656 ft.) long. It incurred high-water damage in May 1939, and was rebuilt, higher, with a pier in the middle. This bridge was upgraded in 1961, and then replaced in 1988. Enjoy beautiful views on the Miramichi river from the footbridge and the picturesque countryside. The bridge can be crossed on foot, but there is a parking nearby. ATV and snowmobile trails are just a few steps away.

We walked out to the middle of it for some pictures. Certainly steep stairs to climb up. The bridge definitely wobbled when you walk on it. Maximum people 10 at one time posted.

View from the bridge.

Proving that we did it. lol

Gorgeous colours.

Ray wanted us to go down some back roads to find "Colour" and waterfalls. Unfortunately one of those waterfalls, the Dunbar Falls, access is on private property and the other way to see them is a 1.5 km round trip rough trail, so pass.

Shortly before we hit Fredricton, the rain began so we scratched off another planned stop at the Mactaquac Provincial Park, which is supposed to have great fall foilage. The rain really dulled the colours.

We found a place downtown for lunch called the Snooty Fox. They also have great beer.

Ray ordered a great steak dinner and me something they called Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs. They are delicious. Angus ground beef with chopped bacon, green sweet pickles and some cheese all wrapped in an eggroll and deepfied with a special dipping sauce. It really tasted like a burger, but so less messy! Dinner for lunch and we will have lunch takeout for dinner, Mary Brown's Chicken.

Going back to the car, Ray took a picture of the lighthouse on the water.

Time to check into our hotel, a little early. Nothing else to see in the rain. Tomorrow Saint John, NB

Dorchester, Moncton and up to Miramachi ... September 28th - October 1st

Monday morning, we were up at 5:30 and 6 respectively. Both of us stiff. The bed is way too firm for us and of course a queen instead of a king. Hopefully our next accomodation is more comfortable. Otherwise, our stay at the Dawson House was wonderful with our gracious host, Donna.

After another great breakfast, and saying goodbye to the other guests, we hit the road around 9:15 am, heading for the Confederation Bridge and back to New Brunswick. It's cloudy with sunny breaks when we left, so we're hoping that will hold for our day.

First Ray directed me to the Parks Canada display at the base of the bridge where the old train station is. You can see clouds, but still have some blue sky.

One bus tour is just finishing up so we're able to get some pictures before the next two buses unloaded. lol

Back in the car to drive across the bridge. You can see the skies are much darker towards New Brunswick.

Took the first exit on the NB side for this picture

We continued on to Dorchester, where the B & B is located. First though, is the Boudreau Covered Bridge.The colours are starting to brighten with the fall leaves everywhere.

I noticed this old school house next to the bridge.

Next up, the Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site. Unfortunately it's not open today, but Ray took a few pictures anyway.

Existing plaque: Mounted on lectern style mount along with the Acadian Odyssey plaque, north east side of building. Centrale Street, Memramcook, New Brunswick

Throughout its history, this building has occupied a special place in the hearts and minds of the Acadian people, as a memorial, as an educational centre, and as a focal point for cultural events. The second-floor theatre continues to play an important role in the cultural life of the Acadian community. The building was constructed in 1896-1897 to honour the memory of Father Camille Lefebvre, CSC (1831-1895), the founder of Saint Joseph's College. Commissioned by the school's alumni, the Monument-Lefebvre celebrates his remarkable contributions to the rebirth of Acadian culture.

Look at the garden on the side of the building!

Time for lunch. We realized we're close to our B & B but there is no where to eat in the area, so back down the highway 15 to 20 minutes to Sackville. We chose a small diner called Duck's Aren't Real. What a name! Being Monday some of the places weren't open. 

Sacksville Road Colours. Fall is definitely here.

Ray ordered a Swamp Bowl (kinda like Pho) and me a burger with fries. It's a little spicy for me, but he can eat the other half for his dinner lol

It's only 2:15 and the rain began. I called the B & B and they let us come early for 2:30 pm. The only other drive on my list is half an hour down a gravel, muddy road and with the rain, the pictures would suck. Once we were all settled into our room, the real rain began. Great timing.

Maplehurst Manor, B & B. Dorchester, NB



Origins and Construction

Built in 1858: The rectangular, three-storey home was originally known as the George Wentworth Chandler House.
** Chandler Connection:** It was built by Edward Barron Chandler—an Amherst-born lawyer, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, and Father of Confederation—reportedly as a wedding present for his family/son. It is one of three similar homes in the area built by him.
Architectural Details: The home features a grand three-story walnut staircase, 10-foot ceilings, ornate plaster moldings, and original fireplaces.


PNI Atlantic News

DORCHESTER, N.B. — It sat empty for seven years, in need of some proper TLC.
Article content

Now, thanks to a couple who saw the potential in the once-majestic historic manor, the large, three-storey home that is nestled along the main street in Dorchester has been brought back to life.

Marisca Lucoe and Jeff Hovey have renovated and restored the mid-19th century home, built by one of the Fathers of Confederation, into an elegant yet homey bed and breakfast that has already started to draw visitors in from all around the world.

This place would've looked like many old places we see that are falling down. So glad they fixed this one up and kept the "old details". The doors and casings etc are all original. I do love our updated bathroom though. :) Another 14 stairs up to our room, same as the last historic B&B.

Our room was on the second floor, all 3 windows on the yellow siding.

Nice to relax after a busy few days. Marisca left fresh baked cookies and apple muffins for a treat when we arrived. We spent the evening on our computers until close to bed time. (Ray ate my leftover burger.)

Isn't this bathroom gorgeous. I thought so too and decided to have a nice bath. Ray even brought me Carolan's. 

Now be prepared to laugh with me .... not at me. lol

After about 20 minutes it's time to get out. Ray came and pulled the plug as I couldn't reach it. Then the fun began! First, this tub is really, really slippery. Second, it is incredibly narrow, just fitting my hips (although mine are larger than some people). Because it's so narrow and me not being able to bend my knees enough, (arthritis) I couldn't get leaverage to get out! Forward, lifting my self on the high sides, I kept slipping and not able to get my knees under me, not enough arm strength. I also tried to roll over onto my knees ... nope, not enough room to turn over. After putting a towel under me and on the sides to help with the slippage, I sat there contemplating how I'm going to get out. Finally it came to me, to use the belt from the housecoat they provided and use it in conjunction with the towel to stop me slipping. At this point I yelled.... RAY!!!! HELP.  I had Ray yard on the belt wrapped around my middle and then I was able to boost myself up first try like a cork in a wine bottle! Ray here... for my part I came in to see if she needed help. "No now go away and don't watch" Sitting in the bedroom I can hear squeeking and noises, but still no Deb. So back in I go... same response as the first. More squeeking and noises and the breath getting more laboured. So I braved a head poke around the door... Now??? 

I have a clawfoot tub at home and not had a problem with it, getting onto my knees, so didn't expect this to be so difficult! I think a neighbour of mine, had this problem before when travelling .... I'm never having a bath again travelling, only a hot tub or shower. How embarrassing. I had visions of the fire departmet coming to extracate my naked butt out of the tub! So much for being relaxed.

Apparently I'm the second person to get stuck in this tub in 7 years. Yay me! I'm sure there's been more people of my "vintage", but they didn't admit it. Happy to give you all a chuckle.

We actually slept in till 6:30 am. This bed is much more comfortable with a pillow top and cotton sheets, even though it's a queen. I find microfiber sheets stick to my pillow and pjs so I get twisted up. These are pressed cotton. 

Down for a delicious breakfast for 8 am. 

Ray's Eggs Benedict

My lemon ricotta pancakes.

After breakfast and a nice chat with our host Marisca and her dog Rosie, we were on the road for 9:30.

Rosie is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Doodle and is 3 years old and very friendly.

It's just misting outside, so not too bad. Today's agenda is looking at 3 covered bridges just past Moncton. The colours of the leaves are really starting to pop in some areas.

First up is the Sandpiper statue in Downtown Dorchester, downtown being about 4 stores/businesses. lol In late summer there's thousands of birds feasting on sand shrimp before heading to breeding grounds in South America.

This is the Hasty Covered Bridge.

Built in 1931, this covered bridge is 38 m (123 ft.) in length. Driving directions: Route 1, Exit 239, Route 106 North 4.5 km (2.8 mi.), onto Powers Pit Road.

The weather still cooperating so onto the next one. The Bamford Colpitts Covered Bridge.

Built in 1943, this covered bridge is 31 m (100 ft.) in length. Driving directions: Route 2, Exit 433, Route 112 South 5 km (3 mi.), Route 895 South 5.2 km (3.2 mi.), onto Colpitts Road, near Salisbury.

The roads I take for Ray's pictures lol This does not show the downhill grade. Fortunately there's just enough room to turn around at the bridge to face the right way out. Otherwise I would've had to back up quite a bit.

The views through the windows are beautiful with the fall colours and the stream.

Next up, the Peter Jonah Covered Bridge.

Built in 1912, this covered bridge is located at the Turtle Creek Reservoir, near Moncton. No longer in commission, the bridge was moved to its current location as a display piece in 2013. It is one of the two remaining bridges in the province with a hip, or cottage, roof.

Ray only took the one picture as the skies had opened up and it started to pour!

Time for lunch, as it's still pouring outside. We'd thought to go towards Hopewell Bay and see a few more covered bridges, but the weather turned really ugly so no point. Ray found a Chinese Food Buffet in Moncton so that is where we went. It was ok but nothing special. At least our tummy's are full. Back to the B & B for 1:30.

Ray elected to go for a nap as he has been down a few hours over the past week. Rosie came and whined at our door and since he had slept an hour I let her in. Surprise!

We had a great afternoon and happy hour with Marisca before her other guests for the night showed up. More fresh baked cookies, chocolate chip this time. She suggested I use her laundry machines as I had 2 loads what a nice offer .... YES PLEASE. 

During our happy hour in the parlour, we'd told her we were not going out for dinner as it was so miserable and any restaurants were at least 15 to 20 minutes away. She showed up at our door about 6:30 pm with Italian Sausage Pasta for us to eat as she was making it for herself and just increased the batch. What a hostess with the mostess! Delicious. While I did my laundry, I sat with her for awhile in her sitting room gabbing. Such a lovely person.

Wednesday morning, we were up at 6:00, Ray had a wonderful sleep as did I. Downstairs for 8 am for Belgian Waffles with fruit and bacon. Yum.

We sat for a bit after breakfast chatting with the other couple and then headed out at 9:30 for Miramichi. The rain had quit and it was just a bit cloudy and 14C.

Onto Miramichi!