Grand Manan, White Head Island, Deer Island, Campobello Island

Go island hopping in the Fundy Islands, a cluster of 25 islands with some of the most beautiful coastlines in Canada. The three main islands are an oasis of stunning scenery, fresh seafood, unique gift shops, and fun activities like whale watching, deep-sea fishing, or simply sea glass hunting.

To take-in what these islands have to offer, we recommend two excursions.

FERRY HOPPING

Grand Manan Ferry. Photo Cathy Lohnes Duguay

Deer Island Ferry. Photo Hodges Hamm

A highlight of the Fundy Isles is riding the ferries. Many between the small islands are free of charge.

For ferry information, visit Coastal Transport, the primary ferry operators.

• Ferry for Grand Manan leaves Black’s Harbor  and arrives in North Head (Cost)
• Ferry for White Head leaves Ingalls Head and arrives in White Head Harbor (Free)
• Ferry for Deer Island leaves L’Êtete and arrives on Route 772 (Cost)
• Ferry to Campobello leaves Cummings Cove and arrives on N Road in Welshpool (Free)

GRAND MANAN ISLAND

Golfing, hiking, biking, whale watching. Grand Manan has it all. See trail maps and tours links below. Brookside Golf Course is a 9 hole course with spectacular ocean views.

Top of The Island Boat Tours, Grand Manan

Machias Seal Island is a protected bird sanctuary and a must see for bird lovers. It is only available during certain months of the year. Contact Sea Watch Tours for details.

Dining, Lodging & Shopping

Dining

There are several casual dining options in Grand Manan that feature the best of the season.

Lodging

From rustic inns and cozy cottages to sleeping under the stars, Grand Manan has several lodging options. We’ve listed a few below.

Shopping

Grand Manan is a self-sufficient island with shops and retail of every sort providing everything you need.

Some of the touristy spots where you can buy souvenirs are listed below.

DEER ISLAND

Inhabited since 1770, Deer Island is a photographer’s paradise with each turn in the road bringing an opportunity to create an original masterpiece.  Beachcombing, cycling, hiking and bird watching are popular activities on the island.

Visit links below for more information on things to do.

Deer Island. Photo WeDrone

Dining

A couple of dining options for you on Deer Island are listed below.

Lodging

A few lodging options on Deer Island include a motel, an inn, cottages and a B&B.

Shopping

Bring back an incredible souvenir from your trip to Deer Island. Many local artisans produce some of the finest products made in New Brunswick. You will be amazed at our local talent!

CAMPOBELLO ISLAND

Two of Campobello Island’s most popular sites include the Roosevelt Campobello International Park, former summer home of President Roosevelt, and East Quoddy Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

Herring Cove golf course on Campobello is a 9 hole course with spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy.

Visit the links below for trail maps, whale watching tours, deep-sea fishing and lighthouse tours.

Herring Cove Provincial Park

FDR and his family spent summer vacations on Campobello Island over a period of fifty-six years.  They sailed, canoed, golfed, hiked, and picnicked on this, their beloved island. The Park was opened on August 20, 1964, with Prime Minister Lester Pearson and President Lyndon Johnson in attendance.

Dining, Lodging & Shopping

Dining

Restaurants on Campobello offer great comfort food and of course, fresh seafood.

Lodging

A few lodging options on Campobello island are:

Shopping

Find beautiful artisan products at the local gift shop on Campobello.

INTERACTIVE MAP :  Fundy Isles

Bouctouche, Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview, Shediac, Sackville, Hillsborough, Alma, Sussex

South East New Brunswick is blessed with beautiful coastline, warm ocean water and sandy beaches. There are two federal parks, Kouchibouguac and Fundy, and three provincial parks; Parlee Beach, Murray Beach and Hopewell Rocks. These are all great destinations to get outdoors and back to basics. The cities and towns in the South East offer great food, entertainment and shopping.

BEACHES

La Dune de Bouctouche

So many to chose from in New Brunswick. From the stunning beaches and dunes in Kouchibouguac and Bouctouche, to the highly visited beaches in Shediac and Cap Pelé and the prestine shores in Shemogue and Port Elgin.

HIKING

Third Vault Falls, Fundy National Park

This area is a hiker’s dream. In addition to the national and provincial parks, every town and city has extensive walking trails that are free of charge.

Below are links to trail maps in various towns and cities.

Sackville Waterfowl Park

The Sackville Waterfowl Park has free admission with guided tours from May to August. In addition to the trails and boardwalks, this park is a bird watchers haven with 160 bird species.

Cape Jourimain, Confederation Bridge

Take a walk under the Confederation Bridge at The Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Area in Bayfield. Not only does it offer the best views of the bridge, it is a nature lover’s oasis with its wetland habitats, sand dunes and 12 km of scenic trails. The buildings on site remain closed for the season.

Sandpipers, Johnson’s Mills Shorebird Reserve, Dorchester. Photo Dianne Currie

Take part in the stunning acrobatic show of thousands of sandpipers at the Johnson’s Mills Shorebird Reserve in Dorchester. This area is a critical stop for shorebirds that migrate from the Arctic all the way to South America.  Although the interpretive center is closed, the reserve remains open to visitors.

FUN ACTIVITIES

Magic Mountain water park is open with guests being required to pre-purchase tickets online for specific days. The Magnetic Hill Zoo is right next door.

Centennial Park, Moncton

Le Pay de la Sagouine, Bouctouche

Be entertained in a historic Acadian village by characters who tell their stories through theatre and music at the Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche.

The Hopewell Rocks

There are many opportunities to get on the water whether it’s boating, kayaking or paddle boarding. Boat rentals are available in many parks and some of the more popular waterways with companies like Shediac Paddle Shack, Shediac Bay Cruises and Baymount Outdoor Adventures in Hopewell Rocks.

Do a wine tasting at the Magnetic Hill Winery and enjoy their beautiful view of Moncton.  Cross over to Usva spa which is right next door for a relaxing thermal experience.

MUSEUMS

Numerous museums offer fun looks into the areas past. Stop by for a spot of tea in Moncton at the Thomas Williams House. Visit an old horse carriage factory in Sackville at The Campbell Carriage Factory museum. Discover the people of the tides at the Albert County Museum and stop by the New Brunswick Railway Museum in Hillsborough on your way. Visit an old convent at the Kent Museum in Bouctouche.

Fort Beausejour Historical Site, Aulac

FOOD & DRINK

Bistro Le Moque-Tortue, Shediac

There is also great asian food such as Osaka Hibachi, Mai Restaurant, House of Lam, Red Satay and Oriens Modern Asian Cuisine, all in the Moncton area. For something flavourful and unique try Barakat African Cuisine in Moncton.

Craft Breweries and Distillers

As one of New Brunswick’s fastest growing industries, there are many unique craft breweries and distilleries to visit.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Among the many local accommodations, we’ve listed a few unique ones to help you change things up a little.

Old Church Cottages, Boundary Creek

Stay in a repurposed church at The Old Church Cottages in Boundary Creek.  This couple has a love for saving unused churches and turning them into destinations.

Spend a night in jail at the Dorchester Jail BnB, the only privately-owned provincial jail in Canada.

St Martins Country Inn is a beautiful historic building that looks more like a castle with a panoramic view of The Bay of Fundy.

Le Griffon B&B in Shediac offers the best breakfast in town with a menu that changes daily.

Cozy up and relax at L’Ancrage B&B in Saint Louis.

INTERACTIVE MAP : South East NB (Link)

Saint John, St Stephen, St George, St Andrews, The Fundy Isles, Fredericton, Woodstock Nakawic

HIKING

The South West is packed full of adventures for you and your family with two of the province’s biggest cities offering fun things to do and great food.

Black Point Lookout, Fundy Trail Parkway. (Photo Fundy Trail)

Fredericton and Saint John have well mapped out trails systems that are free to use. For something unique, try the Calithumpians Haunted Hike in Fredericton.

Take a drive on the ocean floor to get to Ministers Island in St Andrews and hike the 7 km loop around the island. How cool is that! Enjoy spectacular ocean views on a trail that is rated for all skill levels.

Ministers Island, St Andrews (Photo Wikipedia, Parkerjh)

WALKING TOURS, MUSEUMS

International Sculpture Trail, Saint John

Did you know NB is part of the International Sculpture Trail? Sculptures are mostly located in Fredericton, Saint John and the St. Stephen area. Check out the trail map and plan some road trip fun. How many can you visit this summer!

Paddle & Pint Tour, Second Nature Adventures

Something fun to do in Fredericton is the Paddle & Pint tour put on by Second Nature Adventures. Enjoy a guided paddle board tour down the Wolastoq River followed by local craft beer from Graystone Brewing.

Gallery 78, Fredericton

For lovers of local art and jewellery, Gallery 78 in Fredericton is a must see. They have beautiful pieces made by NB artists. And while you’re there, stop by the NB Sports Hall of Fame. The NB Military History Museum in Oromocto offers exhibits depicting Canadian Military History.

Ganong Chocolate Museum, St. Stephen

In Saint John, visit the NB Museum and learn about our provincial history. This is a great spot to bring the kids. Chocolate lovers have to go to the Ganong Chocolate Museum in St. Stephen. Learn about a century old family run business and try the Chocolate Tasting Experience.

Quilli’s Water Park, Upper Kingsclear

Worlds Largest Axe, Nackawic (Photo Destination Nackawic)

Hampton Town Hall, Hampton

Creek Village Gallery Café, Woodstock

FOOD & DRINK

Some uniquely local food stops include The Joyce Pub and the Caribbean Flavas Restaurant in Fredericton, the Clam Digger in St Andrews, Ossie’s Lunch in St George, the Saint John Ale House.

Stop by the craft breweries and distilleries in the area for some of the tastiest beverages and inspiring tales of how they got into business.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Kingsbrae Arms in St Andrews is a luxury resort filled with antiques and original artwork. Blair House Heritage Inn in St. Stephen is a British style B&B situated on the St. Croix River.

Blair House Heritage Breakfast Inn, St Stephen

Try a dream dome or a deluxe cabin at the Ridgeback Lodge in Kingston, NB. With no phones, TV or internet, this is the perfect spot to disconnect and relax.

Ridgeback Lodge, Kingston

The Colonel’s Inn B&B in Fredericton offers old world charm in the heart of the city.

The Chipman Hill Suites in Saint John are a must when visiting that city. The owner has a passion for preserving and restoring heritage properties by turning them into luxury suites.

INTERACTIVE MAP : South West NB (Link)

Campbellton, Kedgwick, Edmundston, Grand Falls, Perth Andover, Florenceville

Grand Falls Gorge

The North West of New Brunswick is characterized by stunning river valleys, gentle rolling hills and ancient mountains known as the Notre Dame Mountains.

CANOEING

Restigouche River

Canoe the Restigouche river with a guide or on your own. This river will give you a whole new appreciation of how beautiful New Brunswick is. Because of its’ popularity, there are well-organized groups that can help you experience this adventure in an all-inclusive fashion.

WALKING TOURS, MUSEUMS

Madawaska Bridge, Edmundston

Explore a region on foot to discover what makes it unique. Take a guided walking tour in Campbellton with Destination Campellton or do the self-guided tour of Edmundston and immerse yourself in the city’s culture and history.

Covered Bridge Potato Chips, Waterville

All you potato chip lovers, head over to Covered Bridge Potato Chips in Waterville for a factory tour and a taste of the best kettle cooked chips ever.

Kedgwick Forestry Village & Museum (Photo travelgumbo.com)

The Kedgwick Forestry Village and Museum is full of interesting facts about one of the most important industries in New Brunswick. And of course the on-site restaurant offers a lumber jack breakfast that will keep you stuffed all day.

Potato World Museum, Florenceville-Bristol

The McCain Potato World museum in Florenceville-Bristol is a great spot to learn about a NB family that built a successful global brand. The museum café offers up potatoes served in all the best ways.

New Brunswick Botanical Garden, Saint-Jacques

Find your zen by visiting the NB Botanical Gardens in Saint-Jacques. Learn about the therapeutic, cosmetic and culinary benefits of plants while touring the various themed gardens and the butterfly pavillon. Finish your visit with a bite of homemade food and aromatic herbal tea at the onsite Café Flora.

ENTERTAINMENT

Grey Rock Casino, Madawaska Maliseet First Nation, Edmundston

Grey Rock Casino is a modern, state of the art casino, entertainment center with two restaurants on site for dining and of course a large Bingo hall.

PARKS

Take a chairlift up the mountain in Campbellton’s Sugarloaf Park or Edmunston’s Mont Farlagne.

There are many great hiking and biking trails in these parks for those enthusiasts who are not afraid of steep climbs.

Mount Carleton Provincial Park, Saint-Quentin (Photo NB Parks)

And of course Mount Carleton Provincial Park offers some of the best views from the highest peak in the province. Being a mix of Acadian Forest and mountain range, the park has more animal species than any other part of the province. It also offers a good mix of trail levels from wheelchair-accessible to intense mountain hikes.

FOOD & DRINK

FRESH, Fine Dining, Florenceville-Bristol

In addition to the restaurants mentioned above, there are options for unique, fine dining such as Fresh in Florenceville-Bristol which is a restaurant in a train wagon. Or find local fair in cafés such as Fiddlehead Café at the Grey Rock Casino in Madwaska and Café d’la Vieille Forge in Edmundston.

Plan a refreshing stop at a local craft brewery such as Les Brasseurs du Petit-Sault in Edmundston, and Grand Falls Brewing. Visit Moonshine Creek Distillery in Waterville (makers of Chicken Bone Liqueur) and learn about a passion for distilling while sipping a unique hand crafted drink.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Experience nature at its’ finest in a local chalet, lodge or a houseboat.

Castle Inn, Perth Andover

For some more modern conveniences, the Castle Inn in Perth Andover has it all; superb dining, 4 star Canada Select accommodations, outdoor adventures, all in a relaxing old warm charm.

Lakeway Houseboat Vacations, Mactaquac

Or try out a unique vacation experience in a houseboat rental from Lakeway Houseboat Vacations in Mactaquac.

INTERACTIVE MAP : North West NB (Link)

Dalhousie, Bathurst, Miramichi, Caraquet, Tracadie-Sheila, Shippagan, Lamèque Island, Miscou Island, Néguac

BEACHES

Sandy beaches and the soft ocean breeze. New Brunswick is surrounded by ocean coastline and some of the most stunning beaches can be found in the Acadian Peninsula. See map for more details.

Miscou Island

North East Beaches Map

TUBING

Miramichi is well known for its excellent fishing which attracts celebrities from all over the world. But there is another way to get on the river and that’s in a tube!  Tubing the Miramichi river has become increasingly popular over the years and is a great way to spend a day with the kids.

Stewart’s Tubing

EXPERIENCES

Take a step back in time and see how settlers lived in the 1770s at the Village Historique Acadien. With accommodations, a gift shop, restaurant and fun activities, this is a great family destination.

The NB Aquarium and Marine research center in Shippagan is a must see on your treck in the area.

La Promenade in Bathurst and the Ile-Aux-Foins park & bird sanctuary also offer spectacular views of the ocean and its’ wildlife.

HIKING

Pabineau Falls

The Pabineau Falls Trail near Big River is 20 km of breathtaking views and woodsy forest smells.

FOOD & DRINK

ALOHA Café-Boutique

Dining options in the North East are plentiful offering fine cuisine from places like Origine Cuisine Maritime in Caraquet and Fresco Kitchen in Bathurst, to must have fish shacks, idyllic cafés with their homemade pastries and local craft breweries.

We’ve listed a few with their locations but be sure to share your favourite with us.

Four Rivers Brewing Co.

Stop by the craft breweries and distilleries in the area for some of the tastiest beverages and inspiring tales of how they got into business.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Cielo Glamping

There are many options of places to stay in the North East from chain hotels to local B&Bs, luxury domes and tree houses. Chose a local accommodation and take in the culture and way of life of the people in the area.

INTERACTIVE MAP: North East NB (Link)

An abiding love of nature and a desire to source natural solutions inspired Geneviève Losier to launch Woodsmoke & Fir Botanicals in 2015, before rebranding the company to Skogen Apothica in 2018. Based in Memramcook, NB, Losier spoke with Excellence NB about the founding of the company and the challenges in operating a business.

How did you get into this business?

I’ve always had an interest in wild plants, and since I was a child I’ve spent most of my free time exploring nature and feeling more comfortable being in the woods than anywhere else. Approximately 15 years ago I was challenged with multiple health issues and pharmaceuticals were making my situation worse, and so I turned to alternative medicines for help. I was desperate, but I knew that if I immersed myself in my herbal studies that there was a solution, somewhere. And with a complete change in attitude, in diet and in medicines, I was able to reverse and heal my health issues.

Being completely self-taught and having made herbal medicine as well as natural home alternatives since 2005 it was a natural progression for me to start my business. Also, my background as a business owner; creator of an upscale cloth diapering brand and eco-feminine wear since 2002 shaped and helped me in knowing how to produce products that fill a need with families.

I’ve always loved helping others and found there was a big need for not only completely natural alternatives, but the interest in wild food and medicines was also growing, and I knew I could share my knowledge with the world. My experience showed that many people want to make changes, but aren’t sure how to make that happen. This is my way of showing up in the world and helping others, as well as myself and my family.

What are the pros and cons of this business?

I absolutely adore that I have creative freedom in my business, and I get to spend so much time outdoors with the plants, and nature that surrounds me. I love crafting unique combinations of upscale oils and butters, while adding a wild element to my formulations. The feedback from customers and other likeminded businesses has been phenomenal, and we seem to be making a big impact as a company that promotes the zero-waste movement, while also utilizing local, wild and abundant plants. We’ve been humbled and ecstatic with the testimonials pouring in from our customers, and couldn’t be prouder to offer such products from our local terroir. Already we have businesses reaching out and wanting to carry our products in their stores, and we have big plans in the works on new product lines that change with the seasons.

Managing every single aspect of a small business can be challenging, no matter how much passion you have for it. Time management, planning, marketing, fabrication, distribution, web design and accounting all falls under the hands of the owner/director. It’s a dream of mine to grow this business enough so I can employ local passionate people to work alongside me.

Can you think of an example of how you support local?

Since 2002, my family has been extremely conscious about supporting local, and always choose the local option over anything ordered online or not within Canada. Be it produce bags made locally, or health food stores that are local, we always choose the better option: Supporting local whenever we can!! As the movement towards conscious living and plastic alternatives grow, we are right there alongside you, making a difference.

What is it about your work that inspires you?

Working with plants, getting to know their whims, their growing seasons, their medicinal values, feeling connected in the natural world, and knowing I am helping others choose a more sustainable lifestyle, one that focuses on local and abundant plants, not plants or spices that are imported from overseas, or are often overharvested. We are passionate about teaching the local and online population about sustainability, and about using what we have here in our local terroir.

Do you have any advice for others looking to start a business?

Do your research: Abide by the rules set out by the New Brunswick government and Health Canada.

Follow your passion: This way of making a living can be challenging, with many ups and downs, but you have to know that you will work through it and not quit, even if that’s the first thing you want to do when there’s a hiccup down the road! It takes years to establish a business, be sure to work diligently each and every single day.

Look for funding opportunities: There are wonderful groups out there wanting to help entrepreneurs make their dreams come true, like the CBDC groups, Women in Business and others.

As an entrepreneur, what would you say to others asking why you choose to live here and operate a business in NB?

I was ecstatic to move here 12 years ago and subsequently establish our family here in 2007. We absolutely love the community we live in, as well as the laid-back, relaxed atmosphere only the Maritimes can offer. We chose to establish our business in New Brunswick to connect with likeminded folks who want the same thing we do: a relaxed, comfortable living experience, pristine wilderness that is accessible year-round, and fabulous natural sites that offer a multitude of wild foods and medicines.

What do you think about this initiative to encourage NBers to buy products and services made in NB?

I am absolutely thrilled about Excellence NB encouraging people to buy locally-made products. It is important, not just for our own economy, but because we have so much to offer. I personally think we have some amazingly talented and creative entrepreneurs in this province that deserve to be recognized for their work!

For more information, visit : Skogen Apothica

A.L.P.A. Equipment LTD., headquartered in Balmoral, NB, is a forestry and construction equipment supplier and manufacturer. This local company credits its’ success in this competitive industry to their customer service and their willingness to adapt to their clients’ needs. Launched in 1976, they have grown to over 100 employees and have several offices in NB and NS.

Serge Landry, co-owner, talks about helping the business started by his father grow beyond his family’s wildest expectations and the key to their success.

Tell us about the pros and cons of being in this business? 

One of the most exciting aspects of the business is the passion we bring to what we do. It’s always been about achieving results over the long-term. We’ve watched the company grow from the basement, where we started 42 years ago, to the workforce of 130 employees we have today.  And being a New Brunswick-based company servicing Eastern Canada, there is a lot of pride in that.  

Talk to us about some challenges you faced?

One of the biggest challenges we’ve had to navigate was around 2006 when a number of sawmills and papermills in the province were closing down. A lot of major companies like UPM left the province at that time in search of bigger economies, and it wasn’t until 2010 that things started to turn around.  

One of the most challenging aspects of operating a business in New Brunswick has been finding the right employees for the job. It’s not necessarily a new challenge but it is one of the biggest ongoing concerns.  

What is it about your work that inspires you?

As a privately-held, family company that competes against large corporations, it’s our customers that inspire us to do the best job we can. We manufacture our own purpose-built harvester in Balmoral.  There aren’t a lot of companies that can make that same claim here in Eastern Canada. People tell us all the time they can’t believe this equipment is being built right here at home, but it is. We take a lot of pride in that.  

Do you have any advice for others looking to start a business?

Regardless of the kind of business you’re looking at starting, you need a clear vision as well as a passion for what you do. You should be prepared to work hard. Respect your customers and your employees, and ensure you’re able to offer support to both.  

As an entrepreneur, what would you say to others asking why you choose to live here and operate a business in NB?

Life in New Brunswick is simple. We benefit from a low cost of living and are surrounded by nature. We employ people in small communities that take a lot of pride in what they do.  

What do you think about this initiative to encourage NBers to buy products and services made in NB?

I think it’s sometimes easy to forget that we’re capable of doing anything we want here in New Brunswick. Rather than buying something on the internet that could be coming from a major city elsewhere in Canada or the U.S., or even overseas, I feel it’s important to not overlook what we might have available in our own backyard. Supporting local business should be a priority for all New Brunswickers.   

I feel it’s something that’s very important. Local business needs local support. International companies like Amazon don’t support local initiatives or kids’ hockey teams like local or regional businesses do.  

For more information, visit : ALPA

Inspired by the four rivers that flow into the Bathurst harbour – Nepisiguit, Tetagouche, Little and Middle – Four Rivers Brewing Co. has been delighting New Brunswick microbrewery and beer aficionados since opening at the start of 2018.

We spoke with co-founder René Legacy about the burgeoning microbrewery scene in New Brunswick and what he feels keeps customers coming back.

How did you get into this business?

My oldest son Chris was attending university in Halifax and noticed how popular microbreweries had become during the time he was there. When he came back to Bathurst, he looked at the feasibility of importing microbrewery products back to the Bathurst area, but that turned to discussions about making our own beer instead. It’s something that we felt could hold a lot of potential.

It seems as though the microbrewery landscape in New Brunswick has just exploded over the last decade. What do you attribute its’ success to?

Flavour has a lot to do with it. Microbreweries use natural, fresh products to make their beer and once people get a taste of that, they tend to want to expand their horizons. I think it’s also the experience that microbreweries offer; they give people the opportunity to sample something they might not have tried if they hadn’t gone to the microbrewery itself. But I think the biggest reason behind microbreweries’ success is the fact people want to support locally-made products.

With so much growth in this industry, do you worry about the fact there’s a significant amount of what could be perceived as competition?

There’s a very cordial relationship between the brewers in the province. We share information among one another and work well together. It’s been a rewarding experience. But I don’t know that any of us see other microbreweries as competition. I think we each have our niche, and, because people are more likely to try other microbreweries once they’ve tried one, there’s room for everyone.

What do you like about this business? What don’t you like?

The most obvious part of what we love about the business is the sense of local pride. It’s not just about us selling beer, it’s about people in the Bathurst community and the product serving as an ambassador of sorts for the region. It’s stirred up a real feeling of pride among those here in Bathurst and those people who might not be living here anymore. People have been quick to send us messages about how much they enjoy the product.

And honestly, I can’t say there’s really anything I don’t like about the business just yet. We’re still in the honeymoon phase. There has been a bit of a learning curve for all of us, but it’s been exciting.

What was a challenge you faced in this business?

Every day tends to be different, but one of the biggest overall challenges so far is how everything seems to take a lot of time. It’s hectic, but not in a negative way.

Being a small province, I’d consider the biggest challenge is the population density, especially in the northern part of the province. If Bathurst was a city of 100,000 or 150,000 people, it might make the business easier to run in some respects. Logistically speaking, we have to go further to get our product out there to the rest of the province, but it’s not impossible by any means.

What is it about your work that inspires you?

The fact that it’s a creative, youthful environment. It’s a lot of fun to be around and also fun to be a part of because we regularly encounter people who are interested in more than just the beer. They come in wanting to sample the region’s food and get a taste of what we’re all about.

Can you think of an example of how you support local?

We buy as much as we can locally, from our merchandise to some of the ingredients we’re using. We’ve started reaching out more to the agricultural community for product ingredients, and we also support them by giving our grain to farmers to help feed their animals.

Do you have any advice for others looking to start a business?

Plan ahead and, most importantly, stick to the plan. There will be a lot of curves in the road, and while it may be tempting to deviate from your plan based on the advice or opinions of others, you ultimately have to stay true to yourself.

What would you say to others asking why you choose to live and operate a business in NB?

Truthfully, I’ve never bought into the negative stigma about NB. I think you’re going to get out of your business what you put into it. I’ve always been a big believer in my hometown and my province and think we all win when we rally behind that. Virtually all successful business people in the Maritimes have weathered tough times but ultimately figured it out. Nothing is easy but you’ll emerge stronger in the end.

What do you think about this initiative to encourage NBers to buy products and services made in NB?

I think it’s great because if I have a product I want to sell to the world, how can I successfully do that if I can’t convince the people in my backyard to support it? I have no doubt that New Brunswick-made products can compete on the world stage.

For more information, visit: Four Rivers Brewing Co.