Want to get your photo taken with the world's largest lobster? Head to Shediac, New Brunswick, in Atlantic Canada, for all things lobster. 

Here's what to see, do, and eat in Shediac, New Brunswick

Shediac has many things to see and do, including, of course, lobster activities galore. We visited on a cloudy summer day, but the water was warm, the lobsters were being hauled in, and the food was delicious.

First stop: Visitor Information Centre

Head to the Visitor Information Centre for info in both English and French. You'll also find shops, picnic tables, rest rooms, and more, including kayak and SUP rentals. 
Resources: 
https://shediac.ca/en/visitors/visitors-information-centre
https://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/T/Town-of-Shediac.aspx

Where to Stay

There are a variety of hotels in Shediac - click here for rates and available dates. Perhaps you'd like to stay at the Maison Tait House? It's a beautiful country inn, right downtown - book early because everyone loves it so! You can also camp, if you've got an RV or tent...

Swim

Of course! Hit the beach - these are some of the warmest saltwater beaches in Canada. We recommend Parlee Beach Provincial Park, where you can swim, play volleyball, sculpt sand, and participate in daily scheduled activities (as well as camp, if you're so inclined). Learn more (including entrance fees): https://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/Parks/ParleeBeachProvincialPark.aspx

You can swim at the Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf, which has a $2 fee per car to enter (walking/biking on is free). There's free wifi, public restrooms, and ladders to climb back up onto the wharf after you jump in. Or, walk in (less attractive for active kids) from shore. Learn more: http://www.pointeduchene.com/

History

The Shediac Old Train Station Museum

Artefacts, photos, and more in this old train station that was the site of the first railway system in the Maritimes, built in 1906. Free. 

The Pascal Poirier Historical House/Artisans' House

Located in an ancestral Acadian house (built around 1825 - the oldest home in town), you'll see a museum, gallery, local artisans at work, craft workshops and history talks, and exhibits. Senator Poirier was the first Acadian politican appointed to the Senate, and is hailed as a defender of the Acadian cause. Fee by donation. Learn more: https://www.rfmse.com/shediac-en

Smokehouse Museum

Just southeast of Shediac in Cap-Pelé is North America’s largest exporter of smoked herring. Meet your guide, Artémise, at the Visitor Information Centre and begin your tour in the Smokehouse Museum. Learn more: http://www.cap-pele.com/en/attractions/smokehouse-museum

Marine life

Learn about Lobster at the Homarus Eco-Centre, an interactive center where you can reach into a touch tank, learn about the Shediac Bay ecosystem, and discover facts about marine life in the area. Entrance fee. Located on the Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf.

Free movies & concerts in summer

On Wednesday nights, there are free movies shown at the Cine Shediac, held at the Multi-purpose Centre on Festival Street. Visiting in the fall? Make plans to check out the Shediac Film Festival. There are also concerts held in summer, outdoors. 

Lobster

Take an interactive lobster tales culinary cruise with Croisières Shediac Bay Cruises - you'll not only eat well, but learn about local fishing, the difference between male and female lobsters, and hauling in lobster traps. After eating, head upstairs to the top deck and take in the view while listening to traditional Acadian music. Located on the Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf. 

Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf is where the fishing boats come to dock and unload lobster; people can also fish from the pier. Follow the road signs from the visitor centre.

But there are also several places to eat, including Captain Dan’s Restaurant Bar & Grill, the Sandbar, and Cool Scoops, where I got both poutine AND a lobster roll. Delicious! 

Some shops are located along the wharf, as well, if you'd like lobster-themed and other local souvenirs. 

Check out the video I made from when a lobster boat was unloading:

And, of course, there are all things edible lobster throughout town...

Oh Wait. That Giant Lobster...

It's at the Visitor Information Centre, and it's free to take a photo there. The lobster was created by artist Winston Bronnum from Penobquis, New Brunswick. It is 11 m (35 ft.) in length, 5 m (16 ft.) in width, and 5 m (16 ft.) in height, and weighs over 90 tons. Climb on and smile!

Have you been to Shediac? What did you love most?

All photos courtesy and copyright Wandering Educators