Multi-Cultural Highlights of New Brunswick and Beyond
One look at the New Brunswick Discovery Map tells you that the French influence in this part of Canada is indeed grand (big).
Outside of Quebec, New Brunswick is where you’ll find the greatest number of French speakers. They make up over thirty percent of the population thanks to sixteenth century French settlers.
Although the French shaped the area in many ways, there are many more international influences on local businesses and attractions. Below you’ll find our five favorite multi-cultural highlights of Coastal New Brunswick.
1. Ganong Chocolatier
Ganong Chocolatier has been a fixture of St. Stephen, New Brunswick since 1873, and it is the oldest family-owned and operated business in Canada. The Ganongs were Huguenots that fled persecution in France and eventually landed in this charming town on the banks of the St. Croix River. To the delight of many, Ganong continues to make chocolate and other treats in St. Stephen.
You can learn more about the rich history of chocolate making at The Chocolate Museum/Musée du Chocolat located in what was once the original Ganong candy factory.
Photo courtesy of http://ganong.com
2. Europa Inn
Markus and Simone Ritter moved to St. Andrews from Bavaria, Germany in 2000. Since then Chef Markus has applied his multifarious culinary experiences to his own establishment: Europa Inn. You can enjoy local and regionally-sourced products from Canada prepared with a European flair at the inn’s fine restaurant. This is also a good address for appreciating and buying art. Love this European eclecticism!
Photo courtesy of https://www.europainn.com
3. The Roosevelt Campobello International Park
The Roosevelt Campobello International Park on Campobello Island celebrates a legacy of friendship between Canada and the United States that began toward the end of the nineteenth century when Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s family started to summer here. Franklin and Eleanor’s summer home, a wedding gift from his sister, has been beautifully preserved and is a delight to visit. Save time for the surrounding park, which offers terrific views of the Bay of Fundy where the Roosevelts liked to sail. Everything here is funded, staffed and administered through a partnership between the U.S. and Canada.
Photo courtesy of https://www.rooseveltcampobello.org
4. Lubec, Maine
Take the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge over to Lubec, Maine from Campobello Island. Situated on an ice-free harbor in the most eastern part of the United States, you can bet there have been a lot of happenings here–historically in international trade–over the centuries. Named for Lübeck, Germany, it’s no surprise that this little town of just over one thousand inhabitants boasts a micro brewery and taproom–Lubec Brewing Company. Tourism has, in fact, become an important business in this cute little town.
Photo courtesy of https://www.visitlubecmaine.com
5. Lepreau Falls
The scenery–from both the land and sea–in this part of New Brunswick ranks high. Some of the best of it is referred to as the Authentic East on Route 175 in Pennfield and Pocologan. When here, be sure to visit the Lepreau Falls, an easy-to-access and worthwhile site along the Lepreau River. The Little Lepreau Covered Bridge off of the Fundy Coastal Route is mighty picture worthy as well. And the fact that these sites have French names makes them even more endearing, n’est-ce pas?
Photo courtesy of https://www.alltrails.com