Discover Miramichi: Trails, History and Music

Miramichi combines hiking trails with a history of shipbuilding and islands, as well as a distinctive festival scene. When choosing your vacation rental, it helps to first consider the focus of your trip: do you mainly want to spend time outdoors, explore historic sites or plan around events?

Trails between the beach, island and cove

At Wilson’s Point, trails, beach and wharf go hand in hand: visitor information for the 2026 season lists 6 km of hiking trails with access to the beach and wharf. The Scottish Heritage Association restored original burial sites and trails at this location, established a wharf and trading post, and built an interpretive centre. Wilson’s Point is a place of great significance to Miramichi’s history.

The Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Site of Canada offers a different historical perspective. It includes the remains of an early 19th-century shipyard, as well as archaeological resources that remain in situ. The Beaubears Island Interpretive Centre offers guided tours of the centre and the island, including guided hikes and boat tours around the island. Beaubears Island also has more than 6 km of maintained hiking and walking trails.

The trail distances are similar: Wilson’s Point has 6 km, while Beaubears Island has more than 6 km. The settings differ: at Wilson’s Point, the beach and wharf shape the trail experience; on Beaubears Island, the paths connect with shipbuilding history and guided tours. This lets you choose the focus that appeals to you most.

French Fort Cove also offers different perspectives. The Over the Cove Zipline crosses French Fort Cove Park from one side to the other. The 4 km French Fort Cove Trail loops around historic French Fort Cove. These offer two different options: crossing the park or following a trail around the cove.

Places and stories in Miramichi

The Miramichi Natural History Museum is designated a Local Historic Place because it is considered the oldest museum of its kind in New Brunswick and the third-oldest in Canada. This museum adds another dimension to the cultural history of Miramichi, complementing the historic sites outdoors. Together with the shipyard remains on Beaubears Island and the history of Wilson’s Point, it provides a multifaceted picture, with each place having its own distinct historical focus.

Festivals and practical information

The Miramichi Folksong Festival lasts four days and celebrates authentic traditional and contemporary folk music from Miramichi. The Irish Festival features pubs, music and cultural activities. The Miramichi Striper Cup is held in the city every year. Dates and programs may vary from one edition to another. If a festival is important to your trip, check the dates for the edition in question before choosing your accommodation.

Ritchie Wharf is a useful local landmark for getting your bearings: the waterfront park is just a short walk from the shops in the Newcastle Business District and from accommodations. Individual shops may change. If being within walking distance of shops is important to you, this location may help you choose an area.

A regional perspective on Northumberland County

The wider destination of Northumberland County offers additional historical themes that broaden the picture of the region. Nelson Hollow Bridge is considered the oldest covered bridge in New Brunswick and the only covered bridge still standing in Northumberland County. Enclosure Park in Derby Junction served as a refugee camp in 1756 following the expulsion of the Acadians. In Red Bank, Augustine Mound is a historic ceremonial site associated with the culture and spirituality of the early Mi’kmaq. The Oxbow Site in Red Bank was an ancient fishing village and the home of the ancestors of the Miramichi Mi’kmaq for thousands of years. These examples are in Northumberland County and broaden the regional historical context.

Discover more destinations: Beaver Brook, Blackville, Derby, Neguac, Chelmsford.

Return to the main travel overview: Northumberland County.