Visit
Beaubears Island Interpretive Centre has been a gateway into Miramichi's storied past, as locals and tourists alike journey through time and meet the men and women who put Beaubears Island, and the Miramichi region, on the map. This year, the Friends of Beaubears Island invite you to take part in a captivating experience unlike any other.
Visit the Beaubears Island Interpretive Centre
Discover the Island’s stirring history and hear stories of First Contact, the struggle of the expelled Acadians, a century of shipbuilding and the history of Nelson-Miramichi. Our centre utilizes touchscreen and Smart Board technology to enhance the experience of the visitor and promote interactivity.
(allow 30-45 minutes).
Starting Date:
June 1
$7/adult
$6/students & seniors
Ferry Service to Beaubears Island & The Restored Trail Network (10-5pm)
With the help of Parks Canada, we have restored 6km of historic trails on the Island. This self-guided experience allows you to view the remnants of the 19th century shipyard, and the foundations of several buildings. Marvel at the lofty pines which have stood sentinel for more than two centuries, and keep watch for the Island's abundant wildlife, including our family of bald eagles.* maps and Flora/fauna guides provided at no charge(allow 60-90 minutes)
Please note that all visitors who wish to use the Ferry Service, must sign our boat waiver in person at the Interpretive Centre. Copy of this are provided below to look over:
English French
Starting Date:
June 23
$13/adult
Senior $11.50
Student $11.50
Guided Island Tour (10-4pm)
See history come alive when you hear the stories of Acadian mothers, venerable soldiers, and Commander Boishebert himself. From there, our historic tour carries you and yours into a time when the sound of auger, saw, and file were heard plainly among the pines and the Island shipyard turned out some of the finest vessels in the world.* includes a visit to the Interpretive Centre and boat transport to/from the island(allow 60-90 minutes)
Starting Date:
June 23
Adult $20
Senior $18
Student $19
“Tour Through Time Re-imagined: Tides & Tribulations”
(Sundays only)
This personalized full-day (10:30am – 3:30pm) interpretive tour will include Wilson's Point and Beaubears Island and authenic Mi'gmag, Acadian and Scottish cuisine. The historic journey adds another layer to the guided tour, as our cast of costumed characters will take you on a personal journey through the past and allow you to converse with residents through the centuries, and gain a greater appreciation that history and meaning is all around us.
Starting Date:
July 4 to August 22
Wondering what the tour is all about?
The history of Beaubears Island spans thousands of years, beginning with the early First Nations people who fished and hunted on the Island. In the mid-1600s, they welcomed the first French settlers to the area, who had come in search of fish and furs. During the 7 Years War, Acadians living in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island were expelled from their homeland by the British, and Beaubears Island acted as a refuge for hundreds of these Acadians. After 1765, the first English-speaking settlers arrived in the Miramichi area and under their ownership, Beaubears Island emerged as an important shipbuilding site.
Today, Beaubears Island is a peaceful piece of land whose eventful history has been concealed by time and nature. Our knowledgeable tour guides and colourful, costumed characters will help you discover just what made Beaubears Island such a central part of Miramichi's history.