A trip to the Maritimes is not complete without a visit to Shediac New Brunswick, the “Lobster Capital of the World” and home to the largest lobster in the world.
This vibrant community is heavily Acadian and has a long-standing Acadian-Cajun twinning agreement with Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Here you will find some of the warmest beaches and the freshest local seafood and great Acadian food. The sunsets here are amazing.
Note: Sheciac’s claim as “Lobster Capital of the World” is hotly disputed by Barrington, Nova Scotia, and Maine. As ocean temperatures rise due to global warming, lobsters are moving further north to cooler waters.
World’s Largest Lobster in Shediac New Brunswick
You can’t miss one of the most photographed spots in the Maritimes. The World’s Largest Lobster, weighing around 90 tonnes, was erected in 1989. It stands 11 m (35 ft.) in length, 5 m (16 ft.) in width, and 5 m (16 ft.) in height.
Located near the World’s Largest Lobster, find quaint shops, restaurants featuring overflowing lobster rolls, and a shop where you can rent paddleboards.
The World’s Largest Lobster is located in Shediac New Brunswick. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Quaint shops and restaurants at the World’s Largest Lobster. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Quaint shops and restaurants at the World’s Largest Lobster in Shediac. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©New Brunswick
Shediac Lobster Festival
In July, attend New Brunswicks’s oldest festival. Shediac’s annual Lobster Festival just celebrated its 75th anniversary this summer. This family-friendly event is a lobster-focused culinary extravaganza.
In 2024, 40,000 participants joined the celebration, and the Shediac Lobster Shop provided a whopping 2,000 pounds of lobster for the festival. In 2025, the festival will be held from July 5 to 13. Make plans early, as tickets sell fast for the most popular events.
There are amusement rides, musical performances, a Culinary Stage with food demonstrations from well-known chefs, lobster eating contests and a Lobster Roll Challenge. Popular signature events are Corks & Claws, Ales & Tails, The Succulent fine dining experience for 100 guests by the ocean and the La Grande Table serving 700 on a long communal table for a traditional lobster dinner on Main Street.
Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf
Learn about the history of Pointe-du-Chene Wharf through the informative panel displays. Standing on the wharf today, you would never realize it was once an important transportation hub for the ferry and train. In 1840, when it was built, it provided the first ferry service to Prince Edward Island and the first transatlantic seaplane made flights to Europe with mail and passengers.
It’s a great gathering place for visitors and locals. Stroll along the wharf and find a variety of shops selling art, souvenirs, ice cream, coffee, and various events in the summer months.
Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf is a lovely area to wander through. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
One of the Pointe-du-Chene Wharf informative panel displays. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Shediac Bay Cruises offers wonderful fresh lobster meals while learning the history and culture of the area. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf as viewed from the water on Shediac Bay Cruises. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Captain Ron, owner of Shediac Bay Cruises, tells us entertaining stories about lobster fishing and the area of Shediac. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Lobster meal served on Shediac Bay Cruises. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Art on the Wharf Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf
In the summer, stop by Art on the Wharf. This delightful gallery features the works of talented local artists. Often, events featuring local musicians are held in front of the studio.
Meet the talented local artists at Art on the Wharf Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf. When I stopped by, artist Susan Jardine told us about her art. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Artist Susan Jardine talks about why she lives in Shediac.
Parlee Beach Provincial Park
Only 1 km from Downtown Shediac, beautiful Parlee Beach has the warmest ocean waters in Canada. The mobi-mat makes getting to the water easy for those with mobility issues or strollers. The stunning park also provides plenty of bird-watching opportunities.
Downtown Shediac
Don’t miss out on a stroll through charming downtown Shediac. There are plenty of shops and dining options to explore, and numerous events are happening throughout the year. Parking is free.
Discover more: Friendly Fredericton New Brunswick: Best places to Save and Splurge, Friendly Fredericton New Brunswick: Best places to Save and Splurge, The Best Nova Scotia Road Trip Adventure – 14 Day Itinerary.
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Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
I’ve been to Nova Scotia’s South Shore Lobster crawl. I love reading about Canada’s lobster industry. Thank you!
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