Why You’re Going to Want to Make Miramichi Your Outdoors Destination This Year
In the province of New Brunswick, Canada, there’s an area that few foreigners know about. Perhaps a few in-the-know fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts in Canada are aware of Miramichi, but word is about to get out about this haven for catching Atlantic salmon and striped bass. With world-class, full-service lodges, tour providers, and sport fishing and hunting, Miramichi has something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors.
“The Miramichi River is tidal, so it brings fresh water and fresh fish at least three times a day. [The area] is rural in nature, so while we call it the city of Miramachi, it’s a very small city of about 20,000 and it’s spread out quite far. So it’s geographically large, but not very dense,” states Jeff MacTavish, the Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the city.
This unique natural feature allows visitors to experience fishing that is found in very few other locations in the world. Atlantic salmon are at a critical part of their lifecycle when fishing is most common in Miramichi in the summer. Having spent the winter under the ice of the Miramichi River, the salmon return in the warmer months to spawn–which makes for exciting sport fishing.
Of course, the best way to make sure that you will catch one of the two main species of fish in the area is to hire a guide, and Miramichi has them in abundance. Whether you have spent days on the river or you are just learning to angle, several providers offer options for guests. MacTavish recommends a few of them, such as Miramichi Sport Fishing or Miramichi Bay Outfitters for those looking to spend a half-day or full-day out on the water.
MacTavish also recommends a guide for several other reasons. Due to licensing requirements and catch-and-release regulations, a guide can help visitors to find the most fruitful areas that will allow them to fully enjoy without worrying about breaking any laws or worrying about hunting or fishing in areas they are not supposed to go.
For those looking to stay in the area more than a day, Miramichi offers full-service lodges with accommodation options that range from budget-friendly to more luxurious. Most of these are independently-owned and operated, and each has its own flavor and experience for guests.
“The most unique thing is your lodge,” MacTavish explains. “Some are new while others might be over 200 years old.”
The Retreat at the Big Murphy, Country Haven Lodges and Cottages, and the Ledges Inn are all recommended lodges ideal for visitors to the Miramichi area looking for a complete, fully-outfitted adventure.
Outdoor enthusiasts who are not interested in hunting or fishing have plenty of other activities available. Kayaking, hiking, ziplining, tubing, and Indigenous experiences are also nearby and are worth checking out on your trip there. The Metepenagiag Heritage Park tops the list of attractions for those interested in learning more about the Metepenagiag People and their contributions to the preservation of this pristine region for over 3,000 years.
If you are coming from out of the country, MacTavish suggests being in touch with your chosen lodge and provider beforehand in order to make sure you’re prepared with the proper gear. Some of your equipment, such as firearms if you are hunting, might not be allowed across the Canadian border, which is another reason to consider a fully-outfitted lodge for your adventure.
Miramichi’s stunning scenery, well-stocked river and bay, and tourism apparatus make it the ideal place for any outdoor adventurer looking to explore a truly rare spot. MacTavish speaks to the beauty of the place and why locals find it so special.
“In the 49 years I’ve lived here, I’ve had a hard time finding a more beautiful place. I find it a very relaxing place to live.”
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