by Barbara Thibodeau Gîte Toutes Saisons B&B
Welcome to down home Acadie-Bathurst New Brunswick. Here you can discover why so many call this place ‘Down Home’. A land of true hospitality, hugging the sea, and sheltered by the grand Bay of Chaleur - ranked as one of the 32 Best Bays of the World. Life here is slow paced and abundant; so much to see and do no matter what season.
Many of the B&Bs use the term Gîte (jit) : an old French word that meant 'little corner to cuddle'. The meaning has evolved to denote bed and breakfast. The word 'Gîte' is also part of the phrases, gîte du passant, place to stay for passers-by and gîte du voyageurs, a place to stay for travellers.
Getting There:
by road
from the Province of Quebec #132 to Campbellton. New Brunswick. Cross the bridge and follow #134 along the coast.
from Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island #11 to Miramichi then #8 to Bathurst. Follow #134 the scenic route.
from Calais, Maine U.S.A. (U.S. Rte 1) to St. Stephen, New Brunswick#3 to #8 through Fredericton, to Bathurst. Follow #134 the scenic route.
from Houlton, Maine U.S.A.(I-95) to Woodstock New Brunswick #2 TransCanada north to St. Leonard 317 east to Campbellton. Follow #134 along the coast
by train
VIA Rail to Bathurst, New Brunswick.
by plane
Air Canada JAZZ Montreal to Bathurst Airport or international flights to Moncton Airport, transfer to car, bus or train.
Where to stay:
CBBH recommends the award-winning, platinum rated Gîte Toutes Saisons B&B, (Toot say-zons) means 'all seasons'. The views are spectacular in all seasons. All four guest rooms have sea views; the two large upstairs bedrooms have private balconies onto the sea and fireplaces. And the abundant breakfasts include seafood. Packages available to base your explorations or to savour a getaway. Evening meals on reservation.
For visitors who prefer heritage accommodations select The Hayes House B&B, a fine example of the local interpretation of Queen Anne Style. The beds are comfortable, rooms well-appointed, country atmosphere calm and the food is fabulous.
What to do:
Do you want to stretch out on a quiet beach, roar with the best in snow mobile racing, hike through untouched woods, bike the coast, picnic on fresh seafood, dine on the best cuisine, tap your toes at a kitchen party or be enthralled with dramatic theatre?
Climb to the top of the Martimes, (http://www.out-there.com/carleton.htm) dive to the floor of the ocean, gasp at the wondrous Autumn colours, challenge the renowned Gowan Brae Golf Course– Pebble Beach of the North – ( http://www.gowanbrae.ca/) float down a river in silence, and throughout all your explorations experience truly bilingual service.
History buffs get involved at Acadian Historical Village.(http://www.villagehistoriqueacadien.com/) Photographers return – the light in September glows - amateur paleontologists rave about the fossils waiting for them, families gather to sing, share stories and just relax around a beach fire.
Eating well:
Long established restaurants offer seafood, Greek-style, Classical French cuisine, authentic Acadian dishes. Discuss with your B&B host when booking.
