Things to Do in Shediac, New Brunswick: Lobster Capital of the World
- Lyn (aka Jazz)
- 1 hour ago
- 8 min read
Shediac, New Brunswick, is the beating heart of Acadian culture and the undisputed Lobster Capital of the World. This charming town is famous for having the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada. Geographically, its position at the mouth of the Scoudouc River has defined its history—from a vital Mi'kmaq encampment known as Es-ed-ei-ik to a 19th-century hub for shipbuilding and the first passenger railway in the Maritimes. Keep reading for some ideas of things to do when visiting Shediac, New Brunswick and why you should plan on spending some time exploring the area.
Today, the economy thrives on a blend of traditional lobster fishing and a booming summer tourism industry. The climate is quintessential East Coast: bright, breezy summers with a salty mist that makes every afternoon feel like a postcard. Culturally, Shediac is a vibrant tapestry of French and English heritage, where the joie de vivre of the Acadian people is as plentiful as the seafood.
As many of you know from my solo cross-Canada road trip, life on the road is rarely a straight line. I had originally planned for Shediac to be a quick afternoon pitstop. However, the universe (and my electrical system) had other plans. A solar panel came loose just as I rolled into town, necessitating a multi-day wait for a repair appointment.
I have to give a massive shout-out to The Trailer Guys—they squeezed me into their busy schedule and fixed the issue with professional ease, saving my trip! What felt like a setback quickly turned into a stroke of luck. In a display of serendipity, my "forced" stay coincided perfectly with the legendary Shediac Lobster Festival.
If you're planning your own maritime adventure, be sure to check out my guides on The Ultimate New Brunswick road trip, Eating your way through the Eastern Provinces, and my 2-week Maritimes itinerary.
Table of Contents
Where to Rest Your Head
Choosing the right base in Shediac depends on whether you want the salt air in your lungs or a historic roof over your head.
If you are a traveller who enjoys a more boutique-style accommodation, you'll be delighted with Tait House. Located on Main Street, this historic mansion offers luxury and proximity. It’s ideal for travellers who want a quiet, upscale neighbourhood feel while being within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants.
For those travelling with family, Hôtel Shediac is a good choice. It is a modern hotel with an indoor pool and high-end amenities. It’s great for those who prefer the comforts of a full-service hotel over the "rustic" charm of camping.
I stayed at the Parlee Beach Provincial Park campground and cannot recommend it enough. For a solo road-tripper, it felt safe, social, and incredibly convenient.
The campground has over 190 sites ranging from unserviced tent spots to full-hookup RV sites (30 and 50 amp). Beyond the beach, the campground is a hub of summer energy. Kids flock to the modern playground and the amphitheatre, which hosts scheduled performances and movie nights. For those looking to stay active, there are professional-grade beach volleyball courts, ultimate frisbee areas, and a massive sandbox for the annual sand-sculpting competitions.
The park also features several multi-use trails. The Downtown to Parlee Beach Trail is a marvellous 2.8 km gravel path perfect for a morning cycle or a reflective walk through the woods and salt marshes into the heart of Shediac.
Things to do in Shediac, New Brunswick
The Giant Lobster
You simply cannot say you’ve been to Shediac without paying your respects to the World's Largest Lobster. This concrete and steel marvel, created by artist Winston Bronnum, is 11 metres long and 5 metres high. It is an absolute magnet for tourists—expect to see crowds of people clamouring for the perfect shot. It is extremely popular for visitors to climb right onto the lobster’s claws or its back for a triumphant photo op. Because of this, you’ll need to pack a little extra patience; if you’re hoping for a clean shot of the statue without a dozen strangers in the frame, be prepared to wait your turn in the "photo queue." It’s a quirky, joyful atmosphere that perfectly sets the tone for your visit.
Location:Â 229 Main Street (Rotary Park).
Cost:Â Free.
Visitor Info: Open 24/7. The adjacent Tourist Information Centre (open 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM in summer) offers great local maps and clean restrooms.
Downtown Shediac
Downtown Shediac is where the pace slows down to a coastal crawl. Exploring this area on foot is a must; you’ll encounter a delightful mix of colourful Acadian flags, blooming flower boxes, and Victorian-era architecture.
For the shoppers, expect to find unique treasures at boutiques or local art in small galleries. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, the Shediac Park Market in Pascal Poirier Park is a delight, featuring over 100 vendors selling everything from handmade soaps to world-class meat pies (poutines râpées).
The culinary scene here is surprisingly diverse for a small town. You can grab a quick, fresh lobster roll from a street-side stand or enjoy the eclectic decor and delicious food at Le Moque-Tortue Bistro. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, but whichever you choose, you're sure to get incredible, fresh seafood options.
Address:Â Main Street
Visitor Info: Most downtown shops are open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, with restaurants staying open much later. Parking is generally available on side streets or in the lot behind the multi-purpose centre.
Shediac Lobster Festival
If you time your trip for early July, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a town-wide party. The Shediac Lobster Festival is a high-energy celebration of Acadian pride and culinary heritage. Visitors can expect a packed schedule of events, ranging from the competitive—like the Lobster Eating Contest —to the cultural, featuring nightly live music from top Canadian and Acadian artists.
The highlight of the festival has to be "The Longest Lobster Table."Â Imagine a table stretching down Main Street where 1,000 guests sit together to enjoy a traditional lobster dinner under the maritime sky. I was sad that I wasn't able to secure a ticket at the table.
Beyond the food, there is a full midway with carnival rides, a children’s entertainment village, and spectacular fireworks to close out the festivities. It is an immersive, feel-good event that makes every visitor feel like a local.
Location:Â Festival Grounds (Rotary Park and various downtown locations).
Cost:Â Ground admission is typically affordable (around $5-$10), but major concerts and the "Longest Table" dinner require separate, advanced ticket purchases.
Visitor Info:Â Typically runs for 5-9 days during the first full week of July.
Parlee Beach Provincial Park
I’ll be honest: I’m not usually one to spend hours just sitting on the sand, so I arrived with a healthy dose of skepticism. I had heard the local claims that the water here is the warmest north of Virginia, and I’m delighted to report that I was proven wrong; the temperature was absolutely pleasant and perfect for cooling off without the typical Atlantic "shock." While the stretch of sand closest to the parking lot can get quite crowded with sunbathers, a short walk along the shore quickly reveals quieter areas.
What truly won me over, however, was how much there is to do beyond hanging out on the beach. The beach is supported by a top-tier service complex featuring modern change rooms, showers, and a massive playground for the little ones. If you get hungry, the on-site beach restaurant and canteen is the perfect spot to grab a mid-day snack or a cold drink without ever leaving the park.
For a change of pace, you can wander into the quaint seasonal community of Pointe-du-Chêne, located just behind the dunes. This charming enclave of beach cottages and winding lanes feels like a step back in time, offering a wonderful glimpse into the local summer lifestyle that makes this area so special.
Address:Â 45 Parlee Beach Rd.
Cost: Daily vehicle entry fee (~$13–$17 CAD).
Visitor Info:Â Supervised swimming is available during the summer months.
Homarus Centre
For those who want to understand the science behind the "Lobster Capital," the Homarus Centre is an essential stop. It offers a fascinating look into marine biology and the delicate ecosystem of the Northumberland Strait. Visitors can explore the world of lobsters through interactive touch tanks, underwater footage, and the chance to see rare specimens, including blue and albino lobsters. It’s a perfect blend of education and hands-on fun.
The real highlight for me was the lobster nursery and hatchery. Seeing baby lobsters at various stages of their lifecycle is an eye-opening experience that makes you appreciate the sustainability efforts of the local fishery. You can even "adopt" a baby lobster to support their release programs! The centre offers insightful, bilingual, engaging guided tours that explain the lifecycle and habitat of lobsters.
Address:Â 229 Main Street (near the Giant Lobster).
Cost:Â Approximately $10-$15 CAD per adult.
Visitor Info:Â Interactive tours are available; check the website for seasonal hours.
Shediac Old Train Station Museum
To understand how Shediac became such a pivotal hub, you must visit the Shediac Old Train Station Museum. This beautifully restored 1906 sandstone building includes a gallery of artifacts that tells the story of the era when the railway brought the world to the Maritimes. Inside, you can explore exhibits on the local history of the Intercolonial Railway and see how the station served as a gateway for both people and the lobster export business.
One of the most unique aspects of the museum that caught me by surprise was information about a unique time in aviation history—specifically, the arrival of General Italo Balbo's Italian air armada in 1933, which chose Shediac as its first North American landing point.
Address:Â 222 Belliveau Ave.
Cost:Â By donation.
Visitor Info: Open seasonally (typically late June to late August), 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Quai Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf
The Quai Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf is a place where industry and leisure blend beautifully. You can watch the colourful lobster boats bobbing in the harbour or browse the eclectic seasonal shops that line the pier.
As the sun begins to set, the wharf transforms into one of the most romantic spots in New Brunswick. The restaurants here offer front-row seats to the sunset over the Northumberland Strait. Whether you're grabbing an ice cream cone or settling in for a full seafood platter, the atmosphere is distinctive Maritime hospitality.
Location: End of Pointe-du-Chêne Road.
Visitor Info:Â The wharf is free to walk, but vehicle parking in the lot usually carries a fee during peak summer hours.
Pascal-Poirier Historic House
To wrap up your journey, visit the Pascal-Poirier Historic House, the oldest home in Shediac. This gingerbread-style Victorian home was the birthplace of Pascal Poirier, the first Acadian to be appointed to the Senate of Canada. It’s a beautiful tribute to Acadian perseverance and heritage.
During the summer, the house becomes a hub for local artisans. You might find a weaver at work or a traditional craft market taking place in the garden. It’s the perfect place to pick up a meaningful souvenir while soaking in the history of the families who built this coastal gem.
Address:Â 399 Main Street.
Visitor Info:Â Open July and August. Guided tours are often available, and the garden is a lovely spot for a quiet rest.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at my time in Shediac, I’m reminded that the best travel moments are often the ones you don’t plan. If my solar panel hadn't failed, I might have only seen the Giant Lobster and moved on. Instead, I found a community that celebrates its heritage with infectious joy, a beach that redefined "warm" for this Canadian traveller, and a festival that fed my stomach and my soul.
Shediac invites you slow down, smell the salt air, and—of course—eat your weight in lobster. Whether you’re camping at Parlee Beach or exploring the Victorian charms of downtown, Shediac promises a summer experience that stays with you long after the van is back on the highway.
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