Bouctouche

 19th September 2022

A thick fog has set in over the water this morning and we opt for a late breakfast as we only have to drive for a few hours today to reach our next destination, Bouctouche. 

We can barely see the water from the hotel boardwalk

Heading back to our room after breakfast, we noticed a cruise ship had arrived at a berth right near the hotel. At the checkout I asked the woman when it had arrived, and she too was unsure, but advised this was the second cruise ship in port this morning and a third one is expected soon.                                                                                                                                                                           

The fog persisted for much of the morning drive and only burnt off at around 11.30 am, when we were about halfway to our destination. From then on we were treated to some lovely rural scenery, interspersed with some swampy marshland.

Reaching the coast at Bouctouche at around 12.30 pm. it was far too early to check in to our accommodation, so went went for a bit of a drive to check out the vicinity. It was soon time for lunch so we checked out the options in the main street and settled for Ponzies Restaurant. A fairly basic cafe, but it was open and there were others eating there. The menu doesn't change much around here, so lobster rolls won the day once again.

Ponzi's Restaurant

Lobster rolls were good

Our accommodation for the next 2 nights is not far away and it is now 2.30pm, so we thought we would check in. We drove a few km to Auberge Bouctouche Inn and Suites, only to be advised that check in time was 3 pm. The place was barely occupied, but rules are rules. 

Auberge Bouctouche Inn and Suites

Nevertheless, we leave, as instructed hoping to return to a warmer welcome after 3 pm. Our only option is to get some of the sightseeing out of the way so we head off, somewhat aimlessly, looking for something to occupy the next hour.

It is a very scenic area and a drive along the shoreline produced some great views. There are lots of oyster leases which were being actively farmed.

We came across the Irving Eco- Centre which was on the list of things to see and do whilst we are here, so decided to explore this to fill in the time.

The Dune de Bouctouche extends 12 km out into Bouctouche Bay, into the Northumberland Straight between PEI and New Brunswick.

A substantial 800 m boardwalk has been built over the dune from the eco centre to protect the dune from human traffic whilst providing access to observe the eco system of the dune and the marshlands between it and the ocean.

Eco Centre 

The Boardwalk

Marshland between the dune and the shore

The board walk diverted off to a walk through the marshland where we spotted this interesting group of mushrooms.

Having spent a bit of time taking in the eco centre we decided it was time to go back to our accommodation and check in. Along the way we took a few photos, along the shoreline.

We are not sure what this fisherman was fishing for but a least it is in clear blue water

   We are now in Arcadie country. The Arcadie's are descendants of French Settlers who settled here in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the appear to be proudly nationalistic. Everywhere we their flag which includes the famous tricolour with a yellow star in one corner. Many of the houses also bear the star emblem.                                                                                                                                                                        

Here are just a few more public examples of the Arcadie symbolism

On the way back to our hotel we called into a small shopping centre that had an IGA supermarket. We bought a few essentials and marvelled at some of the produce, including these huge onions.

Back at the hotel, we were checked in with little fuss, with the place looking like there were only a few guests.

By the time we returned back from dinner it was nearly full. It looks like is is a popular spot for crews working on public works in the area to stay, as the carpark is full of trucks.

Dinner was at a little "restaurant" in town where we had a nice meal at a reasonable price. Service was slow and they closed at 8 pm for further orders. We were the last served and the last out. 

Our dinner venue