Salt marshes, a beach and a seasonal market give Beresford several distinct reasons to visit. The salt marshes offer opportunities for nature watching and photography; at Beresford Beach, there are also walking trails, boardwalks, an observation tower and water activities. If you’re looking for accommodation, you can first decide whether the focus of your trip will be the landscape, activities on the water or a market day. The seasonal and timing conditions for each activity are also important.

Salt Marshes and Trails Around Beresford

Beresford’s salt marshes are home to the largest population of Maritime Ringlet butterflies. The landscape offers opportunities for birdwatching and photography. Visitors can also kayak there and look for Maritime Ringlet butterflies. Seasonal conditions and equipment availability may vary; check in advance if you plan to go kayaking.

A forest trail for pedestrians and cyclists connects Beresford with Bathurst. This offers another way to get around on foot or by bicycle, in addition to activities in the salt marshes. The route is specifically a forest trail for non-motorized use.

Beach, Water Sports and Other Activities

Beresford Beach has walking trails, two wooden boardwalks and an observation tower. Fat bikes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to borrow free of charge. Check the availability of the seasonal rentals before your trip. This lets you combine a beach visit with a hike or a water sport without conflating the different offerings.

A floating chair is available to people with reduced mobility during beach opening hours. Check the beach’s opening hours if you plan to use it. Parc Les Amis de la Santé has water fountains, various water buckets, swings and a range of play equipment. The park adds more play options to the activities available in Beresford.

Farmers Market and Local Offerings

The Beresford Ecofriendly Farmers Market takes place every Saturday throughout the summer, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check the dates and opening hours again for the year of your trip. The market offers fresh produce, crafts, traditional and international foods, and unique local products. Since vendors and product selection may change seasonally, the market is a reason to visit in its own right, but what it offers cannot be predicted in detail for every Saturday.

The activities have different timing considerations for planning: the market takes place on Saturdays in summer, while beach rentals are seasonal and the floating chair is available during beach opening hours. If any of these is important to your trip, check the relevant dates and availability against your travel dates.

Getting Around on the Water

A boat launch is located on Parc E Street near the Beresford Arena. Check local access rules before using it. There is also a dock on rue des Chalets in Beresford (Belle-Baie).

Cultural and Nature Destinations in Gloucester County

Gloucester County also has distinct cultural and nature-related attractions. Walker Trading Establishment in Bathurst, Gloucester County, was built in 1768 as a fishing station, trading post and summer home. In Caraquet, Gloucester County, L’Église Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens was built in 1857; it is one of New Brunswick’s oldest stone churches. The two sites offer different historical perspectives.

Miscou Lighthouse on Miscou Island in Gloucester County was built in 1856 and has guided fishers and seafarers in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Chaleur Bay ever since. Visitors can climb the lighthouse, enjoy the view and watch birds along the sandy beaches. The lighthouse has a paved parking lot, washrooms and picnic tables.

Choose Accommodation Based on Your Travel Plans

Check the timing conditions for the activities you want to enjoy before setting your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Bathurst, Salmon Beach, Inkerman, Pointe-Verte, Caraquet, Bertrand, Shippagan, Tracadie-Sheila.

Back to the main travel overview: Gloucester County.