.The East Coast Expectation

There is a lot to be said about the Northern shore of New Brunswick so this is just the very beginning of our deep dive into daily life and things to do and see. I’m fortunate to have deep family roots dating back over 200 years in the rural communities of Belledune, Jacquet River, Nash Creek, Black Point, Sea Side and New Mills. All of these in which are along the Bay of Chaleur (Baie des Chaleurs). The sandy beaches, picturesque coves, and friendly people will make you never want to go home.

"There's no shore like the North shore that's for sure!" A common saying you'll hear from locals

The little bits and pieces that make up a person are connected to places, moments and the people you meet along the way. I can promise you that the connection you will make with nature and the people of the area will leave a lasting memory. As you make your way off the main highway and break through the woodlands of New Brunswick the peaks of the Gaspésie region of Quebec will peak over the horizon before you are greeted by the Bay of Chaleur. In the month of June the farmers are busy cutting the fields, leaving behind mounds of emerald green as if they were waves of the bay. The lobster boats are steady on checking the traps in the early morning, with seagulls following, hoping to fill their hungry bellies. Even on stormy days the Bay of Chaleur will leave you mesmerized, angry white caps crashing on the shoreline as a warning to stay a shore.

Let me tell you though about two of my favorite things all rolled into one establishment. Coffee and antiques! The Bored Whale Cafe at Antiques Plus will surely quench your thirst and satisfy your sense of wonder, even our ten month old was in awe. Recently opened in the last year or so the place was buzzing. While we waited for our lunch it gave us the opportunity to explore two stories of antiques (the largest store in Atlantic Canada!), searching through the treasures of yesteryear. Browse the walls and shelves with various art work and handcrafted jewellery, pottery, chalk paint and woodwork. Did I mention they have an Alpaca farm too! Follow their Facebook and Instagram page to find out what’s happening, including live music. The food and coffee was excellent but it was the friendly faces that made us feel so welcome.

Are you hooked yet? Life on the East coast no matter where you go is an escape. During our stay in Belledune I would go for a morning walk, not knowing anyone personally I was surprised that passing cars would give a friendly wave. A visit to the local grocery store and a conversation is easily shared with a complete stranger. It could possibly be the family connection that makes this coastal paradise so special but I think it’s so much more that that.

In the next segment on the North Shore we will discuss places to stay and some other tasty places to check out. In the meantime dream about shore birds, seashells and the trickling water in Dickie Cove where you can take a cool dip on a hot summers day.

https://www.instagram.com/boredwhale/?hl=en

Let’s talk about getting our hands dirty. The last two years many East coasters tried their hand at gardening because of the pandemic (so many raised garden boxes!) but that isn’t anything new in the Fraser household. As a family we decided to make it goal of ours to teach our children where our food comes from, to respect the land and appreciate what amount of work that goes into it. Farming and gardens thrive on the East coast, from potatoes to blueberries the possibilities are endless.

Lately I have noticed a huge interest in homesteading. Chicken coops are popping up in neighbours backyards, you can stock up on produce at the local farmer’s market or keep your eye open for people selling fresh rhubarb, yellow beans or smelts (during the winter) on the side of the road! Many of us have tomato plants growing on the patio. Once they are ripe they’re perfect for homemade salsa, pickling or a fresh toasted tomato sandwich. Having the knowledge to grow your own food is potentially a lost skill in this generation.

“Papa always said to plant your garden after the first full moon in June then there shouldn’t be any frost and fertilizer is your friend.”

Tanya McEachern (my aunt) quoting her grandfather. Above you can see some of her produce pictured.

Growing up in rural New Brunswick, it seemed like everyone had a garden. Our neighbours, relatives and friends had some variation of a green thumb. Swapping gardening tips or passing along advice that came from grandparents and hearing about how our ancestors worked the land to survive. My grandparents always had a large garden and us grandchildren had an endless supply of vegetables for the picking. I swear, you haven’t tasted a carrot properly unless it’s been freshly pulled from the earth and rinsed off with the garden hose. My grandfather who’s family has worked the land in Tabusintac, New Brunswick since the late 1700s carried on the practice of covering the garden at the end of the season with seaweed. Seaweed is a slow release fertilizer. Using crushed oyster or lobster shell as fertilizer was and still is common.

“Well wed, watered and work the earth.”

Helen McEachern (My grandmother)

This year we are taking advantage of the wild raspberries on our property, hopefully with some luck and good weather they will flourish! Along with our blueberry and blackberry bushes we hope to have a great variety at our disposal. Our goal is to have a plentiful garden and greenhouse in the future, so stay tuned for our progress! Have any tips you’d like to share? Feel free to comment below!

Living in the East is all about connection. Even though there are four provinces in the Atlantic region with an approximate population of 2.3 million I guarantee you’ll feel just at home. That’s the beauty of this land, even in the larger cities you’ll feel welcome.

There are days where it feels like we’re a little lost in the hustle and bustle of our lives. Sometimes all it takes is to crack open a cold drink and watch the sunset on the beach to reset. Time seems to stand still while you watch the sun slowly fall below the horizon but then if you blink you’ll miss it. Sometimes that’s what life feels like. Growing up next to the beach I have always taken for granted what was in my front yard, it wasn’t until I had a child of my own until I realized that.

Maybe you’re wondering what my goal is or the purpose of this blog. If you’ve made it this far I’m impressed! I want the world to know what a magnificent place the Eastern coast of Canada is. Yes the seafood is delicious, the local music scene is toe tapping and the views are breathtaking but it’s much more than that.

Bonjour, pjila’si, fàilte

Lobster season launch

Tabusintac, New Brunswick May 2022

Have you ever wondered what living on the East coast of Canada is like? Rest easy because this is where you can come dream or reminisce what the Atlantic way of life entails. The many cultures, food, music, local products and day to day life all at your fingertips. Close your eyes. Feel the warm sand between your toes, and the healing smell of the salty powerful ocean. Can you taste the fresh lobster just heaved over the side of the boat? Life here is what I would call an escape. Find out what it truly means to be an East coaster, more specifically a New Brunswicker. Every season is an adventure, through food, travel and traditions, I am so excited to share the life that I love and have built.