Bertrand: History, Art and Nature

Bertrand offers several ways to enjoy a vacation: at the Village historique acadien, the focus is on the history of Acadian families; at the Réjeanne Godin Morin Art Gallery, it’s on art. At the boat launch, you can also go birdwatching and stand-up paddleboarding. Cyclists can also access a trail from Bertrand that winds through forests and along the sea.

Acadian everyday life over a long period

The Village historique acadien presents the everyday life, customs and ingenuity of Acadian families from 1770 to 1949. This offers a broad historical perspective, focusing on family life rather than just individual events. If you’re travelling with children, you can use this focus as an opportunity to think together about which questions about everyday life and traditions interest them most.

A 2.2-kilometre trail passes about forty historic buildings. Costumed, bilingual interpreters bring the buildings to life in English and French. The trail’s length and the number of buildings provide a clear framework for your visit: you can discover history along the trail and at each house. The trail is therefore a destination in its own right for anyone interested in Acadian life and its historical context.

Art and techniques in Bertrand

The Réjeanne Godin Morin Art Gallery in Bertrand features watercolours, acrylic paintings, and individually painted cards and bookmarks. The different formats offer a glimpse into various forms of artistic expression. Demonstrations and explanations of the techniques used are also available. So, alongside viewing the works, you can focus on how they are made. Families can plan a visit to the gallery as a cultural highlight in its own right, alongside the historical theme of the Village.

Birdwatching, water and trails

The boat launch in Bertrand is considered an excellent spot for birdwatching. There is also calm water for stand-up paddleboarding. This means the same named location offers two different pursuits: watching birds or spending time on the water. If you’re travelling with family, you can decide together which activity is a better fit for your stay.

From Bertrand, cyclists can access the Acadian Peninsula cycling/hiking trail. It runs through forests and along the sea. Its name encompasses cycling and hiking, and the landscapes it passes through range from woodland to coast. If you’re planning a trip with a focus on outdoor activity and nature, this offers a different theme from visiting the historic Village or the gallery.

The Véloroute Péninsule acadienne was built on a former railway line. Its origins give this cycling route a distinctive historical connection. The Oktoberfest des Acadiens takes place in Bertrand in early September, adding a specific event with a set date to the year-round attractions. These two details appeal to different interests: the history of a railway line and a festival held in early September.

Which focus is right for your stay?

The Village historique acadien focuses on everyday history and traditions; the gallery highlights art and techniques. Birdwatching, stand-up paddleboarding, and cycling and hiking trails appeal to other interests. This makes it easy to choose activities that suit your travel companions’ preferences.

More places to explore: Tracadie-Sheila, Janeville, Lamèque, Inkerman, Pointe-Verte, Beresford, Shippagan and Petit Rocher.

See the regional travel overview: Gloucester County.