Nearly ten kilometres of coastline, consisting mostly of beaches, give New Carlisle a strong connection to the water. There are also trails through a bird sanctuary and dunes, marked stops highlighting local history, and winter activities. For planning, it helps to consider the different timeframes: the Heritage Tour takes 90 to 120 minutes, while the trail through the Jean-Paul-Dubé Bird Sanctuary takes 20 to 45 minutes.
Local History and Culture
The Kempffer Cultural and Interpretation Centre opened in 2008 and features the permanent exhibition “De diversité et de raffinement” about the history of New Carlisle. The ground floor also houses the exhibition “L’enfant libre: René Lévesque et la Gaspésie, de 1922 à 1937,” created in collaboration with the Fondation de la Maison René-Lévesque. Two rooms in the basement are used for temporary exhibitions and various cultural activities.
The Heritage Tour starts at Kempffer House and follows 19 green signs highlighting local history. Its duration of 90 to 120 minutes provides a practical timeframe for this historical walk. A different aspect of the local culture is showcased by the “Les concerts à St-Andrews” concert series: Héritage New Carlisle has organized it at St-Andrews Church since 2009 to support young artists.
Trails and Nature
The trail through the Jean-Paul-Dubé Bird Sanctuary passes through the protected area and dunes; you can also return along the beach. At 20 to 45 minutes, its stated duration is shorter than that of the Heritage Tour. Including both trails in your plans lets you explore two different themes: local history along the marked signs, and a route through the sanctuary and dunes.
The Black Lake Recreational Trails also offer different options depending on conditions. The trails are open year-round: when there is no snow on the ground, you can walk there; in winter, you can go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. This adds a seasonal outdoor option to the coastal trails, without requiring the same activity to be the focus of every visit.
Beaches and Walks
The Green is a mostly sandy beach with a snack bar, picnic area, washrooms, shelters, and a children’s playground. Sports facilities include volleyball, basketball, and baseball areas; there is also access to the boardwalk. This beach brings together several specific amenities in one place.
The Harbour is considered the sandiest beach in New Carlisle and has a picnic area. It is near the bird sanctuary and can be reached at the end of Church Street. Bible Camp Beach is also mostly sandy and quiet, with scenic views and small waterfalls.
At Wharf Beach, you can walk on the beach or along the railway tracks and watch the sunsets. The same options are available at Christies Rock Beach, which also offers a view of Christies Rock. Each beach is distinguished by its stated features, from the picnic area at The Harbour to the view of Christies Rock.
More Activities and Getting There
New Carlisle’s Municipal Park has a statue of René Lévesque, a picnic area, washrooms, and tennis and basketball courts. For winter sports and skating, there is both an indoor and an outdoor ice rink. You can also play curling indoors. The outdoor rink is open for skating during the day and in the evening; a friendly hockey game is also often held there, and visitors can join in.
New Carlisle is accessible via Route 132, which loops around the Gaspésie. Information about the trails helps with planning your schedule, while the different beach features and recreational activities offer more ways to plan your stay.
Discover more destinations: Sacré-Coeur-Saguenay, Saint-Léon-De-Standon, Saint-Denis-De-Brompton, Saint-Simon-De-Rimouski, Nouvelle, Val-Des-Monts, Saint-Casimir, Saint-Blaise-Sur-Richelieu.
See the regional travel overview: Quebec.
