New Brunswick | Every Extraordinary Moment Counts

Start your hunt by touring the Republic of Madawaska from Lac Baker to Saint-Léonard.  Routes 120 and 144 are the scenic rides with a visit into the city of Edmundston.

On your travels see how many of the “Chainsaw Giants” you can find – (here’s a hint - there are six).

The provincial and local Visitor Centres can point you in the direction of whatever you would like to see or do while cruising the Republic.  You will probably be enticed to stay overnight to take in some of the special summer cultural and musical events.

Ride down Route 144 to Saint-Léonard then along Route 17 to Saint-Quentin.  Visit the old-fashioned general store, the Roy Heritage House, to find something reminiscent of bygone days.

If a trip down the Restigouche River by canoe is of interest, the Visitor Centre can direct you to a reliable canoe outfitter who will guarantee safety for your bike while you are off paddling as well as everything you will need for a pleasant and safe trip down this world-renowned salmon river.  Transportation back to your bike will be provided.

A visit to Mount Carleton Provincial Park will give you the opportunity to stretch your biker legs.  Before you venture into the park area, check at the Visitor Centre about the condition of the road – some potholes and gravel were detected earlier.  Once in the Park, the scenic views are worth the visit.

Northern New Brunswick is rich in rivers and streams.  As you cruise on toward Campbellton on Route 17 you will cross many – add their names to your Scavenger Hunt list.  Some of these rivers have been known to host notables from around the world as they fly fish for Atlantic salmon.

Route 17 is a delight to ride, but be vigilant about moose on the side or in the middle of the road.  If you see a few cars stopped on the side of the road, it may mean that moose are in view.

You have a few options for getting to Campbellton.  

(1)   At Dawsonville you may take the local road leading along Rafting Ground Brook then to Route 134 along the Restigouche River.  This road may have some gravel sections but they will be hard packed and relatively easy for bikes.

(2)   At Glen Levit you can take the local road to Route 134 to Flatlands, then through Tide Head to Campbellton.  At Tide Head you should stop at the Morrissey Rock Park for a view of the mouth of the Restigouche River.

(3)   Or you can stick to Route 17 that takes you in to Tide Head and Route 134.  This is probably the shortest route, but you may miss the beauty of the upper sections of the Restigouche River.

Cruise along Route 34 toward Campbellton where there are many options for accommodation and restaurants. 

The city of Campbellton will be a pleasant surprise.  Check with the Provincial Visitor Information Centre about things to do and see, but don’t miss the downtown boardwalk and ride along the riverfront.  Add Restigouche Sam, the world’s largest model of a salmon, to your Scavenger Hunt.

Cruise down Route 134 along the river to Dalhousie where you will find more to add to your list.  Find the water tank on tank hill – you may have to ask a local for directions – from there you can get the best view of Chaleur Bay, a member of one of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World Club.  From there travel down Inch Arran Avenue or Goderich Street to Inch Arran Park.  See if you can add the Bon Ami Rocks and the Arch Rock to your hunt.

The ride from Dalhousie along Route 134 to Bathurst takes you along the edge of Chaleur Bay through towns with diverse English and French names, and English and French cultures.  Check out the lobster feasts at the Eel River Bar First Nation. Add the names of the rivers and brooks to your Scavenger Hunt list.

Enjoy the salt air along the bay, and check out each village for its different celebrations and summer activities.  You’ll be torn between the ride and the stops!  You may want to stay in Bathurst as there’s enough of interest to keep you for a couple of hours or a couple of days.  Check out the local Visitor Centre for a list.

If you want to make the loop back to Madawaska County, take Route 180 West to Saint-Quentin.