It’s impossible to explore Acadie without being tempted to stop by Bouctouche and its unique attractions.
Acadie is at the heart of Antonine Maillet’s work, and in Bouctouche, her hometown in the southeastern part of Acadie, a thematic park is dedicated to the world of La Sagouine, her spirited character. Built around her work, Au Pays de la Sagouine is a culturally vibrant destination where Acadian traditions come alive, and the contagious joy of life is ever-present. Visitors can breathe in the salty air of Bouctouche Bay while strolling along the boardwalk leading to Île-aux-Puces, where magic unfolds in a bustling world of endearing characters, performances, music, and theater from June to September. At sunset, Akadi Lumina lights up the nearby wooded trails with an enchanting 1.5-km nighttime journey celebrating vibrant Acadian culture from May to October.
To the east of Bouctouche, the Irving Eco-Centre, sponsored by the billionaire Irving family from New Brunswick, showcases the Dune de Bouctouche, one of the longest dunes in North America, stretching 12 km across Bouctouche Bay. The dune is home to a fragile ecosystem that provides essential habitat for numerous plant and animal species.
In September, the annual Bouctouche Eco-Festival celebrates the region’s exceptional natural and cultural heritage by highlighting coastal ecosystems and local products, while addressing current environmental issues and providing tools for action.
At the Restaurant La Sagouine, located next to the inn of the same name in the heart of the town, visitors can savor Acadian dishes or renowned seafood specialties. It’s a favorite stop for excursion groups, who often unload their passengers for an afternoon meal. The breakfasts here are especially famous.