Campbellton
Around Campbellton
Photo: Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · New Brunswick · 13k people
Campbellton
Locals say Restigouche
Where the river meets the bay
Campbellton Tigers orange
Welcome to the Restigouche, where the river meets the bay and the mountains meet the sea. Whether you're here for the salmon run or the winter carnival, you'll find a warm community on both sides of the bridge.
Clubs for Campbellton
No clubs for Campbellton yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Campbellton. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Campbellton. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Restigouche Regional Museum Local history and culture exhibits.
- Dalhousie Lighthouse Historic harbour light in Dalhousie.
- Sugarloaf Mountain Iconic peak with hiking trails and panoramic views.
- Baie des Chaleurs Warm-water bay, popular for swimming and boating.
- J.C. Van Horne Bridge Connects Campbellton NB to Pointe-à-la-Croix QC over the Restigouche.
- Restigouche River World-class Atlantic salmon fishing.
- Outdoors Hike to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain
- Outdoors Fish for Atlantic salmon on the Restigouche River
- With kids Explore the Restigouche Regional Museum
- With kids Picnic at Sugarloaf Mountain park
- Evenings Cheer on the Campbellton Tigers at the Memorial Civic Centre
- Evenings Enjoy live music at local pubs
- Locals love Salmon fishing camps
- Locals love Covered bridges
Through the year
The region has cold, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers. The best time to be out is from June to September for outdoor activities, and September to October for fall colours. Winter is great for snowmobiling and skiing, spring brings maple syrup season, summer is perfect for the bay, and fall offers crisp air and foliage. Best: June to September for outdoor activities, and September to October for fall colours.
Getaways
- Bathurst Largest city in the area, with shopping and services.
- Matane Known for its ferry to the Gaspé and seafood.
- Miramichi Famous for salmon fishing and the Miramichi River.
- Edmundston Gateway to the Madawaska region and New Brunswick's northwest.
Local flavour
Teams
- Campbellton Tigers Maritime Hockey League
Eat and drink
- Poutine râpée
- Rappie pie
- Fiddleheads Seasonal fern shoots foraged in the region
- Atlantic salmon Famous from the Restigouche River
Where people go
- Salmon fishing camps Along the Restigouche River
- Covered bridges Scattered through the countryside
- Wharves and lighthouses Along the Bay of Chaleur
- Appalachian mountain trails Hiking and scenic views
- Sugar shacks Maple syrup season in the Quebec side
Heritage and traditions
Campbellton and the Restigouche region are proud of their bilingual Acadian and Mi'gmaq heritage, the wild Atlantic salmon river that runs through their heart, and the warm, small-town community that bridges New Brunswick and Quebec.
This time of year in Campbellton
- Fall foliage Fall September-October – the hills turn vibrant, perfect for drives and hikes.
Say it like a local: “De la belle ouvrage” — Good work / well done
Festivals
- Listuguj Mi'gmaq Pow Wow Summer (typically July) A gathering of Mi'gmaq communities with drumming, dancing, and crafts, held in Listuguj across the river.
- Acadian Day (15 août) August Celebrated with tintamarre parades and community meals in Acadian areas like Dalhousie.
Landmarks with a story
- Battle of Restigouche National Historic Site Commemorates the last naval battle between France and Britain in North America (1760), located in Pointe-à-la-Croix, QC.
- Listuguj Mi'gmaq First Nation A vibrant Mi'gmaq community across the river, known for its cultural centre and traditional crafts.
- Dalhousie Historic District A small downtown with 19th-century buildings reflecting the town's railway and shipping past.
- J.C. Van Horne Bridge A steel truss bridge (1961) linking Campbellton and Pointe-à-la-Croix, named after the railway magnate.
Food traditions
- Fiddlehead picking In spring, locals harvest wild fiddleheads from riverbanks, then boil or sauté them with butter and vinegar.
- Maple syrup season Sugar shacks in the hills open in March and April, serving ham, baked beans, and tire d'érable (maple taffy).
- Salmon barbecue Fresh Atlantic salmon from the Restigouche is often grilled or roasted over open fires during summer gatherings.
- Poutine râpée A traditional Acadian dumpling of grated potato and pork, boiled and served with molasses or butter.
- Rappie pie A hearty Acadian casserole of grated potatoes and meat, baked until crispy, popular at family dinners.
Music and arts
- Acadian fiddle music Traditional tunes with a French-Canadian flair, often played at community gatherings and kitchen parties.
- Mi'gmaq drumming and singing Cultural songs and drum circles at Listuguj and other local events.
A little history
- 1760 Battle of Restigouche
- 1870s The Intercolonial Railway arrived, boosting Campbellton as a hub.
- Early 20th century The pulp and paper industry became a major employer in Atholville and Dalhousie.
- 1961 The J.C. Van Horne Bridge was completed, connecting New Brunswick and Quebec.
Rivalries
- Campbellton Tigers vs. Edmundston Blizzard Fierce hockey rivalry in the Maritime Junior Hockey League.
- Campbellton vs. Dalhousie Friendly town rivalry in sports and community events.
- New Brunswick vs. Quebec Friendly cross-river rivalry between the two provinces.
- Game day Campbellton Tigers junior hockey
- Game day Salmon fishing derbies
- Outdoors Salmon fishing on the Restigouche
- Outdoors Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain
- With kids Sugar shack visits in spring
- With kids Beach days at Carleton-sur-Mer
A bilingual mix of Acadian French and Maritime English. French speakers often use a distinctive Acadian accent with 'ch' sounds; English speakers have a soft Maritime lilt and may sprinkle in French words. Both sides of the river share local expressions.
Only here
- The only bridge crossing the Restigouche River between New Brunswick and Quebec at this point – the J.C. Van Horne Bridge.
- The Restigouche River is one of the last great Atlantic salmon rivers in North America, drawing anglers from around the world.
- The name 'Restigouche' comes from the Mi'kmaq word meaning 'good river' or 'river of the long point'.
- You can stand on the bridge and watch the salmon jump in the river below during spawning season.
New here? A few tips
- Learn a few French phrases; even in Campbellton, bilingualism is appreciated and often expected in local shops.
- Try poutine râpée and rappie pie early on – they're the local comfort foods.
- In spring, ask about fiddlehead picking spots; locals love to share their secret patches.
- When driving, watch for moose, especially at dawn and dusk on rural highways.
- Get used to the tides – Baie des Chaleurs has significant tidal swings that affect beach plans.
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Nearby
Every areaRestigoucheNew BrunswickAcadian heart, river soulBaie-des-ChaleursQuebecWhere the bay warms the soulBathurstNew BrunswickLocal rooms for Chaleur.La MatapédiaQuebecWhere the river meets the forestMataneQuebecGateway to the Gaspé, where the river meets the sea.Haute-GaspésieQuebecWhere the mountains meet the seaMiramichiNew BrunswickWhere the river runs deepEdmundstonNew BrunswickLocal rooms for Madawaska.
Campbellton. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.