If you are already travelling along Highway 1 you are on the right track. If you are travelling along Highway 101 take Exit 32 to Highway 1 which will allow you to experience the region of the Clare Acadian Shore.
Mavillette Beach Provincial Park
Explore the peacefulness and tranquility of the villages of Mavillette and Cape Saint Mary. You will find one of Clare’s most precious natural treasures,Mavillette Beach Provincial Park,a 1.5-km-long sandy beach backed by fragile marram grass-covered dunes protected by boardwalks.
Discover its countless little treasures—driftwood,stones,shells,beach glass and more! And a great place to birdwatch.
Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park
Turn left onto Cape St Mary Road to the fishing wharf at Cape Saint Mary,guarded by houses perched on the hill overlooking the sea. During the summer,fishermen share their village with summer residents who return each year to bask in the beauty of the sea and the scenery.
Enjoy panoramic ocean views over Saint Mary’s Bay and the Gulf of Maine from Clare’s newest park: Cape Saint Mary Lighthouse Park. In July 2018,a granite monument was installed to commemorate those lost at sea in the Municipality of Clare. Other amenities include an accessible picnic shelter,viewing scope,interpretive signage and portable toilets. A great place to sit and watch waves break!
Like to run? Two events start at the lighthouse: The Fog Run in June and the Cape to Cliff beach run in August.
Smugglers Cove Provincial Park
Continuing in Meteghan,be sure to enjoy the sweeping sea views and learn about rum running at picturesque Smuggler’s Cove Provincial Park. If you have children,the Meteghan Family Park overlooking St. Mary’s Bay located just up the road is a perfect stop to stretch your legs.
Meteghan Family Park
This family-friendly park overlooking St. Mary’s Bay is popular with all ages.
Meteghan Wharf
The port at Meteghan evolved around Clare’s most important industry: fishing. Scallop draggers,trawlers,herring seiners,and ground fish and lobster boats land their catches at the Meteghan Wharf,where nearby fish plants and lobster pounds provide employment for many workers. A visit to the wharf will give you an opportunity to observe the different types of boats and feel the pulse of the region’s most important industry.
Dragonfly Kayak Rentals
Kayak the Mi'kmaq & Acadian historic trading route and discover the beauty of pristine nature on the calm waters of the Meteghan River. Explore islands,lakes,wetlands,and the Meteghan River.
Church Point Lighthouse
An excellent spot for watching seals,porpoises and birds as well as the spectacular sunsets on the bay.
Le Petit bois
A network of pathways will lead you around the Université Sainte-Anne campus,situated in a wooded environment and along the majestic shores of Saint Mary’s Bay. Maps available for download. Guided tours available ($).
Sainte-Marie Church
In Church Point you cannot miss Sainte-Marie Church Museum,reputed to be the largest wooden church in North America. Although the interior is closed,the impressive architecture,an interpretive panel and a great photo opp makes this a worthwhile stop. The main entrance to the Le Petit Bois trails is behind the church.
Acadian Cemetery and Chapel
The village of Grosses Coques was named after the large clams that the first Acadian settlers discovered on the tidal flats. Turn right onto Major’s Point Road and discover the first Acadian chapel and cemetery at Pointe-à-Major,the site of the first Acadian settlers in 1758.
Belliveau Cove Farmer’s Market
The Saturday Farmers Market is your opportunity to support and meet local food producers,artists and artisans.
Belliveau Cove Municipal Park
Belliveau Cove was a renowned boat-building community during the age of sail. At the Belliveau Cove Municipal Park you will also find a 5-km seaside walking trail,a lighthouse,a Saturday Farmer’s Market and an art market on Sundays.
On Friday evenings,enjoy the sunset over the bay at the Beaux Vendredis seafood suppers and enjoy fresh lobster and clams. A clam-digging experience with a local expert is offered at low tide throughout the summer.
Saint-Bernard Church
Just up the road along the main highway you can’t miss the majestic Église Saint-Bernard Church. The impressive architecture and art expo makes this a worthwhile stop. Take a walk around the back for impressive views of the bay.
