The Mighty Miramichi

Cast your line for 24 hours of fun in Miramichi and hold on tight. The Mighty Miramichi is well known for its salmon fishing, but take my word for it - there is a lot more than fish to lure you here. So brace yourself for endless outdoor adventure, festivals galore, amazing local food and drink, fascinating history lessons, and a heaping measure of down-home hospitality. Catch a day in the Chi.

French Fort Cove

Discover adventure at French Fort Cove Park, a haven for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Formerly known as Mill Cove, this historic and serene spot offers something for everyone: ziplining, paddling, biking, hiking, birding, picnicking, and playgrounds for kids. Enjoy scenic views and reconnect with nature.

Maritimes Longest Zipline

Adventure seekers flock to French Fort Cove for its extensive mountain bike trail system and the thrill of soaring along the Maritimes' longest zipline. The Over the Cove zipline offers a unique vantage point, perfect for scanning for the Headless Nun’s legendary treasure. While we did not find any treasure, our group of four discovered plenty of other gems throughout the park. To delve deeper into this local legend, test your bravery on the Dare the Dark for the Headless Nun Adventure. Do you dare?

Over the Cove Zipline

Our group arrived late in the morning so decided to enjoy a tasty picnic lunch from Cali.co. Café at a table overlooking the cove. Once fueled up, we were ready to take on this provincial park with enthusiasm. We hiked, kayaked, and even braved the zipline. Kudos to the kid who convinced me to try it with his exclamation: “You’re going to have the time of your life!” That was the tipping point for me, and he was absolutely right! The Over the Cove zipline might look daunting, but it offers spectacular views as you soar over the water. The first ride is 1,400 feet long, and the return is 1,100 feet, both 60 feet above the water.

New Maritime Beer Company

Our group’s next stop was a well-deserved pitstop at New Maritime Beer Company for a local craft beer tasting. Owners Matt Hutt and Brent Garrish, childhood friends and proud Miramichers, gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of their brewery. After high school, they pursued education and adventure, returning in 2015 with stories and a dream. By 2017, the idea for the brewery was born at a kitchen party, leading to the taproom's opening in January 2020. The cozy taproom and retail brewtique offer great seating, live music, and a warm atmosphere. The paper boat logo is a nostalgic nod to Maritime heritage. Set sail for the Miramichi and stop in for a cold one. My favourite is the Cherry Sour, a light pale ale with a delightful sour punch.

Ritchie Wharf

Discover Richie Wharf Park - the ultimate waterfront destination in Miramichi! With a nautical-themed playground, splash pad, and a stunning boardwalk lined with eateries and shops, it is perfect for a fun-filled day out. Dock or launch your boat, or embark on an exciting boat tour or charter. Enjoy live entertainment most evenings and Sunday afternoons, making it the perfect spot for some summer fun. Do not miss out on the many special events happening throughout the summer! Plan your visit today and experience all that Richie Wharf Park has to offer.

Vera’s Kitchen Restaurant and Bar

We could have spent a full day at Ritchie Wharf. The atmosphere is fun and lively. However, the highlight had to be the amazing food and drink and the panoramic waterfront views we enjoyed on Vera’s Kitchen Restaurant and Bar’s 2nd floor deck. We shared a pitcher of white wine sangria and share-plate appetizers including the stuffed mushrooms, the lobster crostini, the pear & prosciutto flatbread, the PEI mussels in a leek, cream, onion, garlic & white wine broth, along with a full serving of the lobster mac and cheese. Cannot say enough about Vera’s deck. Do not miss it!

Three Dog Distillery

After dinner we headed to Three Dog Distillery, where owners Francis Malley and Cheryl Brown produce high-quality small-batch spirits. Francis explained that Cheryl, after retiring, wanted a new challenge. So together combining his love for brewing and admiration for Irish whiskey with his architectural skills, they designed the distillery. Despite opening over the pandemic, their dedication paid off, and people love their work. The tasting room leaves a great first impression, leading directly into The Durty Dog Bar - a gathering place where patrons are encouraged to “Come, Sit, Stay.’ We tried some of their spirits at the tasting bar, including: Apple Pie Liqueur, which Francis described as "what you wish your grandmother’s apple pie tasted like," and the refreshing Lemonade Liqueur, perfect over ice or as a spritzer. The large gift shop here offers their handcrafted spirits, branded merchandise, and local products.

All Aboard the Max Aitken River Boat

To fully enjoy the Miramichi, you must spend time on the river. We had paddled, ziplined, walked alongside it, and enjoyed scenic views, but now it was time to relax. So we boarded the Max Aitken, a 50-passenger double-decker river boat owned by Miramichi River Boat Tours, for a 90-minute sunset cruise. The weather was perfect, and we headed to the top deck for the best view. Captain Azade Hache, our witty and knowledgeable guide, entertained us with local history and humour. Fluent in English, French, and "Miramichi," he shared amusing local sayings and stories. Hache has been giving these tours for 30 years, making each trip informative and fun. His first mate, Dale, a former school teacher, added to the lively commentary. As we cruised, Azade highlighted the river’s rich history and suggested other local activities. A highlight was singing under the Centennial Bridge for good fortune. A perfect day for Captain Azade is spent on the Miramichi River. He is proud to share where he lives with his guests and he hopes they will discover the natural beauty of this part of the province and its people.

Rodd Miramichi

We disembarked the Max Aitken at the wharf by the Rodd Miramichi River Hotel and bid farewell to Captain Azade as the sun was setting. The Rodd Miramichi boasts a prime riverside location with easy access to the river and trails. Our rooms were spacious and comfortable, offering spectacular water views. The sunny morning and a delicious breakfast at Restaurant 1809 made our stay memorable. The Rodd Miramichi offers custom fishing packages, an indoor pool, whirlpool, and fitness centre.

Miramichi Kitchen Party

Is it really a trip to the Chi without a kitchen party? We didn’t want to find out, so we headed to Saltwater Sounds on Water Street before we left to experience the Miramichi Kitchen Party hosted by Connie Doucet and Paul McGraw. Their 90-minute show of soulful harmonies and captivating tales had us spellbound. Connie and Paul, who have been entertaining since 1988, founded Saltwater Sounds in 2000 to showcase East Coast musicians and their beloved Miramichi Kitchen Party.

New Brunswick’s Best Kept Secret

Come experience New Brunswick’s Best Kept Secret. The party captures the essence of Miramichi with stories, music, and the comforting presence of King Cole tea. Paul describes it as a gathering where friends and family share fun and each other's presence. Connie adds, “We make them laugh, we make them cry. Music has the power to express and heal.” Their performances take the audience on an emotional journey, ending in cheers and laughter. Paul emphasizes the heart of Miramichi is its people: “Come visit Miramichi once, and you’ll come back as friends.” Well, I hope to do just that. I’ll be back, Paul. Save some room in the kitchen for me.

Cast Your Line for Miramichi

This was a mere snapshot of the Miramichi. It certainly is not all there is to see and do. And don’t get me wrong, many people I spoke to indeed come here to fish and for good reason - the Miramichi River is world-famous for its salmon and striped bass fishing. The City of Miramichi website also suggests navigating a canoe on ancestral waters here, or gathering family and friends to go tubing down the river, or challenging yourself to a stand up paddle board experience among many other options. And if Miramichi is not the Festival Capital of the Maritimes, it should be! Every weekend seems to be a celebration. So plan your visit. Cast your line out for Miramichi and see what it has to offer you.

Down East Comfort Bed and Breakfast

If you plan to come for longer, another great option for accommodations is the grand 1904 Queen Anne style home that is Down East Comfort Bed and Breakfast. Owners, Natasha and Larry Fulton serve good ol’ fashioned Maritime hospitality here. Step inside and enjoy a peaceful retreat. They go above and beyond to deliver excellence and have thought of every little thing to make your stay memorable. Feel welcomed like family and leave as friends.

This post was sponsored by New Brunswick Tourism; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!