NEW BRUNSWICK 610 km of happiness

610 km of happiness

Biking the Acadian Peninsula

BY SHELLEY CAMERON-MCCARRON

More than 610 kilometres of happiness. That’s how the biking trail, Véloroute de la Péninsule acadienne (VPA), bills itself, and on this gorgeous September afternoon, a day when the sun is warm and the world full of possibility, I couldn’t agree more. My husband and I have detoured off a terrific road trip through northeast New Brunswick to rent bikes in Tracadie-Sheila. That’s how we find ourselves sailing off onto a quick adventure, breathing in sweet freedom as we pedal past marshland and over little bridges, heady with excitement as we sample a small section of the Véloroute, a much-loved network of small and large biking circuits running throughout the countryside that—amazingly—covers the whole of the Acadian Peninsula.

In fact, this cycling gem, which parallels fields, forest, sea and road and borders both Chaleur Bay and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, connects more than 300 kilometres of trail— most of it paved and generally flat, making it ideal for all, from beginners and families to experienced cyclists. In all, the VPA covers more than 600 kilometres with its 14 circuits connecting municipalities, towns, fishing ports and local service districts. We’re told one can cycle all the way up to Miscou Island, at the peninsula’s edge.

Here, cyclists can follow rivers famed for trout fishing, see fields of blueberries, pull over to gaze upon majestic churches, detour for a beach break, call into award-winning Distillerie Fils du Roi for a tasting of their renowned gin, ride past peat bogs and marshes, see oyster farming, listen to the sound of the sea, bike out to lighthouses, breathe in the scent of forest fresh air—and perhaps best of all take a deep dive into Acadian culture on this peninsula of some 50,000 inhabitants, famously known for their hospitality, joie de vivre and living history.

Armand Caron, special advisor VPA, rides daily through different sections of the Véloroute Péninsule acadienne, and he knows firsthand its benefits—including trail points providing access to the sea, where he often stops to admire the beauty of the surroundings and appreciate the presence of birds and ducks of various species.

Says Caron: “I regularly use the 70 km off-road trail, which allows me to bike safely. The Véloroute also allows me to meet cyclists from here and elsewhere, to visit other communities, businesses, tourist attractions

and to take a break to share a coffee or a meal with cycling friends.

“Often, the bike route is an opportunity to enjoy fish and seafood in local restaurants.”

Caron says the Véloroute is important for the region because it contributes to the well-being and health of the local population, plus it creates a significant economic impact by attracting visitors who wish to discover the Acadian Peninsula and its attractions other than by car. Additionally, it promotes respect for the environment by encouraging active transportation in the communities.

Spend any time in the region and it’s easy to see the trail is well used by local residents for biking and also walking, running, and rollerblading. The terrain, with its low elevation and narrow coastline bordering both Chaleur Bay and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, is ideal for cycling, says Myriam Beaudin, VPA Communication and Marketing, as the trail passes through diverse ecosystems, past bays, beaches and bottlenecks.

Along with geographic blessings, the route gives visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Acadian culture, from sitting down to fresh seafood and traditional fare at area restaurants to visiting museums and significant historical sites.

Beaudin says the idea for a cycling route stretches back 30 years to 1991 when work began to develop a bicycle path on the former Canadian National Railway line. In 2005, at the annual meeting of the Acadian Peninsula Tourism Association, Grand Caraquet sector, Serge Dugas suggested the idea of a cycle route covering the entire Acadian Peninsula.

Two years of hard work later, a milestone was met with the creation of the Association des ami(e)s de la Véloroute de la Péninsule acadienne inc. and the first section of paved path between Caraquet and Bertrand.

MATHIEU DUPUIS PHOTOGRAPH

You can enjoy getting in some great exercise plus take a deep dive into Acadian culture along the Véloroute Péninsula acadienne.

Beaudin says thanks to contributions from the Government of New Brunswick, the 2009 Congrès mondial acadien, and the Ami(e)s de la Véloroute, a fund established in 2010 helped create a permanent office. The new corporation, Véloroute de la Péninsule acadienne inc., is tasked with building and managing the route, which steadily and surely grows. Another milestone was reached in 2018 with funding from the governments of Canada and New Brunswick and three Acadian Peninsula municipalities for the reconstruction of the Sentier NB Trail cycle path.

Today, visitors can bring their own bikes or rent them (including electric-assist bikes) at various sites along the trail. The VPA’s website, velo.nb.ca/veloroute-de-la-peninsule-acadienne/ is a great resource to find these listings (the rental enterprises are also listed on Ondago) and for cyclists to consult for tips to plan their trip. “Our 600 km of trails, both off-road and on-road, offer a variety of possibilities: whether you are on Miscou Island, around the Tabusintac River and Hay Island, in Grande-Anse or on our 70-km off-road section where you can visit five municipalities,” says Beaudin.