Located in downtown Moncton, the Aberdeen Cultural Centre is a historic building that houses several cultural organizations and artists' studios, serving as an important gathering place for the artistic community in southeastern New Brunswick.
It is also the location of the restaurant Les Brumes du Coude, which opened in 2014 with chef Michel Savoie at the helm. The bistro quickly made its mark among the top 100 restaurants in Canada. It offers simple and tasty cuisine—a true French bistro cuisine, a result of his seven years of cooking in France.
The restaurant is housed in a former classroom of the Aberdeen School, which became the Aberdeen Cultural Centre in 1986. In 2017, the centre added a 50-seat cultural terrace, managed by Les Brumes du Coude during the summer season.
So, where does the name of his restaurant come from? The city of Moncton is known for its Petitcodiac River, whose name means "which bends like a bow" in Mi'kmaq. The Acadians who settled there in 1733 called this place Le Coude because of the bend in this powerful brown river, where the mists from the marshes hide. To this day, Moncton is still nicknamed Le Coude.
However, the name Les Brumes du Coude has a very different meaning for the owner-chef Michel Savoie. He explains this term as being a description of what inspires him in cooking: the misty smells of simmered dishes, the vapors that are the result of physical effort, or elbow grease.
His cuisine is generous, fair, and on point, in the spirit of a French bistro. Inspired by seasonal local and sea products, it features a blend of French, Acadian, and other culinary traditions. "There is always something new to discover at Les Brumes du Coude because, just like the menu, the wine and cocktail list is constantly evolving. The team at Les Brumes du Coude will be pleased to welcome you to this lively, warm, and friendly space," he explains.
Originally from Tabusintac, a small village north of Néguac, Michel Savoie was not destined for the restaurant business. Before the end of his high school studies, he had not really shown an interest in cooking. Financial reasons did not allow him to attend university. At 18, with no particular qualifications, he found himself working in a kitchen, starting as a dishwasher. Gradually, he discovered a certain talent in the pots and pans.
He has been in the restaurant industry for about twenty years, mainly in Montreal and Tours, France, often holding positions at the lower end of the hierarchy. His move to France was because he followed his then-wife, who was French. Did he receive formal culinary training? He spent a few months at the ITHQ in his early twenties but was unable to complete the training due to financial constraints.
His desire to combat pervasive junk food, even in Moncton, motivated him to move forward with opening his own restaurant.
Could he be contributing to the reinvention of Acadian cuisine with his attempts to revalue local products? He would rather cook as much as possible with local and sea products from here. One might call it Acadian cuisine if the terroir in question corresponded to an Acadian territory. However, he prefers not to get involved in the thorny debate over the borders of Acadia.
In the meantime, we have the leisure and privilege of enjoying the place, its charming decor, its enticing menu, and the beautiful culinary discoveries that Michel Savoie shares with his clientele. And if you are a fan of mussels, know that the best of the kind have been savored here, in proportions to satisfy the greatest appetites.
Les Brumes du Coude
lesbrumesducoude.com
140 Botsford Street
Moncton, NB E1C 4X5
506 858-0777
Born in Drummondville in 1954, Claude Bibeau pursued a career as a painter for more than 20 years. In 1973, he gained recognition by founding the Mouvement Bonbon with fellow painter Colin Chabot.
Whether labelled hyperrealist, naïve or surrealist, Bibeau’s paintings above all reveal a singular artistic personality and a sharp, original view of society. With his great command of drawing and colour, Bibeau left behind a rich, mature and, sadly, unfinished body of work. Two of his major paintings, “Figure de tragédie” and “Sébastien,” are part of the permanent collection of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.
He explored the themes of naïve art, stylizing landscapes, objects and figures. His influences included pop art, of which he was one of the only exponents in Québec, as well as psychedelic imagery, hyperrealism and surrealism. His work was exhibited in France, Mexico and Canada, and most of it is held in private collections in Europe and North America.
Sadly, Claude Bibeau was diagnosed as HIV-positive in the early 1990s, and his health began to decline after 1996. He made a few trips to Europe with Uwe von Harpe, his partner of 17 years. In 1997, however, his partner’s sudden death and his own worsening health forced him to give up painting. On July 30, 1999, after several months battling AIDS, he died surrounded by his closest friends.
You can discover this unique artist by visiting L’Espace Claude Bibeau at www.galeriecb.com, which is managed by Christian Bédard.
On the heights of Campbellton, near the Restigouche River, stands a grand manor over a hundred years old that Philippe Lévesque acquired, renovated, and lovingly furnished with good taste over the past seven years, a true passion project. But what will first delight
travelers who visit is the lush and vast garden that surrounds the property.
The owner's background in botany is evident in the profusion of flowers and plants of all kinds that can be admired from May to October. Not to mention the large number of green plants and other types of greenery that occupy various spaces inside.
On its three floors, rooms and suites filled with antique or vintage furniture make this cottage a place where history and regional traditions have converged since 2022, all year round. This lover of vegetation and nature cultivates the art of warm hospitality as much as that of the plants in the vast garden.
According to some comments read on the booking site, the quality of the stay at Maison Napier is noteworthy. “The architecture and associated furniture, Napier House has retained its charm! Philippe's welcome is very warm, the breakfast just perfect, with silverware and homemade jams,” can be read among the mentions.
From the entrance, you can smell something baking in the oven, which adds to the pleasure of the stay. Breakfasts are always a precious moment of the day.
Maison Napier offers 4 bedrooms and a two-bedroom apartment for rent daily or weekly. The house's decor is in keeping with its architectural style and age, but it offers all the comforts of modern life.
Its host and owner continues his work of landscaping and renovating the residence which once hosted a senior American executive of a manufacturing company who stayed there with his family during his tenure with the Campbellton company.
Worth noting, the place is only a few steps from the Interprovincial Bridge that connects Listuguj and Pointe-à-la-Croix at the start of the Baie des Chaleurs in Quebec, and the Restigouche region on the New Brunswick side.
Maison Napier
5 Stanley Street
Campbellton, NB
506-760-1945
phili664.wixsite.com/maison-napier
The very name of this ecotourism company already evokes something special. A blend of spatial escape and earthly experience comes to mind even before discovering what it offers.
Pat Gauvin and Émilie Leblanc founded Cielo Glamping Maritime, a year-round ecotourism accommodation site open since January 2019 in Haut-Shippagan, within Acadian territory in New Brunswick. Yet, nothing initially pointed these two young professionals—who worked in vastly different fields—toward entrepreneurship. He was a film and television producer-director; she worked in health and research.
In 2017, when they conceived this project, it was their deep connection to the community, their Acadian heritage, and their desire to showcase local and regional products and producers to a wider audience that inspired them. “There was no model like it in the region or anywhere nearby. Our concept was unique. The dome structures we wanted didn’t exist in the country. We found them in Poland. Then, we designed and built the interiors ourselves. The development site was untouched wilderness, with only a single path leading to it,” explains Patrick, whose family has a long entrepreneurial history near Moncton. Patrick grew up in Haut-Shippagan, while Émilie hails from the region.
Cielo Glamping is located on the shores of St. Simon Bay, where guests can enjoy stunning sunsets from one of five luxurious domes available for rent. These domes, nicknamed the Pearls, are fully equipped small homes featuring a full kitchen, a bathroom with a glass shower, a charcoal BBQ, a hammock, a seasonal outdoor shower, and year-round electric hot tubs.
The Pearl of the Woods: Named for the surrounding forest. Sparse trees and coastal hay highlight an unrivaled view of St. Simon Bay. The Munro Pearl: Offers a unique view of Munro Island, framed by the famous sunsets over the water. It is the only dome with a semi-accessible ramp for people with reduced mobility. The St. Simon Pearl: Showcases the beautiful St. Simon Bay, whose breathtaking sunsets are unforgettable. It is also named after the famous oyster cultivated by Huîtres Mallet. The Moon Pearl: The only dome where guests can bring their dog. Watch the stars from the second-floor bed in this moon-inspired dome. The Lunatia Pearl: Inspired by the Atlantic moon snail found in the bay and the skylight that lets you glimpse the moon.
To give guests a full Acadian experience and showcase local products, they created the Hub—a space focused on sharing resources and networking between community members, visitors, and local producers. The Hub emphasizes developing, producing, promoting, and selling new local products. The Cielo site includes extensive gardens where vegetables, small fruits, and edible flowers are grown and transformed in the on-site kitchen.
Since its inception, the Hub team has created dozens of new products, either made in the commercial kitchen or in collaboration with various regional producers.
The Hub’s unique dining concept revolves around discovering these products and others from New Brunswick producers. Guests can select products from the Hub’s gourmet shop, and the team will transform them into exquisite Cielo sharing boards. Gift boxes with three or more products can also be assembled.
Cielo’s owners, Patrick and Émilie, are thrilled with their growing international recognition, with features in multiple publications and television programs locally and abroad. According to them, 60% of their clientele comes from New Brunswick, about 30% from Quebec and Ontario, and the rest from European tourists.
For now, there are no plans to add more domes or undertake major work. However, the entrepreneurial couple is working on a unique new accommodation project: converting a crabbing boat into a tourist lodging. Patrick and Émilie are sure to keep surprising everyone.
Also, watch for upcoming events in 2024 and 2025: the Hub will host performances by various artists (singers, musicians, etc.) from Acadia and beyond. Memorable evenings await.
Cielo Glamping Maritime
glampingcielo.com
232, Chemin des Huîtres
Haut-Shippagan, New Brunswick
506 601-8005
The team behind Clorid’Art just announced the symposium’s fifth edition will happen in Cloridorme, right in the l’Estran part of Gaspésie, on July 31, August 1, and 2, 2026. Everything takes place in the village school gym, a spot where the landscape, the people, and the art all seem to click. This year, the honorary president is Philippe Roy, an artist who grew up in Cloridorme.
It’s the first time they’ve picked someone who’s already taken part in three earlier editions. “We wanted to thank Philippe for everything he’s brought to the event,” says Marc-Alain Marticotte, one of the founders, “and also celebrate his 80th birthday in 2026.”
Artists from any discipline and any region had until June 14 to send in their applications. They were asked to talk about their own way of working and to let the place, its rhythm, its people, guide them.
The committee will reveal the chosen artists in early July. Last year, about twenty creators showed their work at Clorid’Art, and more than 125 visitors stopped by.
Want more details or the list of 2026 participants? Check the Clorid’Art Facebook page in the next few weeks.
Since 2019, Val d’Or has hosted the Festival Fierté Val d’Or, a celebration of sexual and gender diversity in Abitibi. It’s the only LGBTQ+ festival in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.
The 7th edition runs from June 5 to 7, 2026. Expect comedy, live music, glitter, and three days of parties to honor sexual and gender diversity.
On Saturday, June 6, Fierté Montréal presents Community Day starting at 1 p.m. at Place Agnico-Eagle. It’s a chance to spend an afternoon together, festive, inclusive, and full of good vibes. Meet local organizations, learn about different experiences, and celebrate diversity in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
For the eighth year running, the festival wraps up with the Diversity March, hosted by The KaraoKings. On Sunday at 11 a.m., LGBTQ+ folks and allies are invited to gather at Place Agnico-Eagle in their brightest rainbow gear. Together, they’ll march through Val d’Or’s streets to stand against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.
After the march, the Aqua-lition Family Picnic starts at 1 p.m. at Plage Lemoine. The event is put on by the Coalition des familles LGBT+. Plage Lemoine is a small, sandy, free beach on Lac Lemoine, just a few minutes from downtown Val d’Or.
For the full schedule, check out the website of Fierté Val d’Or
or their Facebook page .
By Gaëtan Vaudry
Tadoussac is arguably one of the most beautiful summer tourist regions in Quebec. However, this North Shore region is much quieter in winter. Fortunately, thanks to our friends at Chalets-camping Domaine des Dunes, it is possible to have very pleasant moments there, even in the winter season!
Located between the tourist village of Tadoussac and the famous Dunes (two huge marine sand terraces exposed by the last ice melt about 10,000 years ago), the Domaine des Dunes site, nestled in a birch forest, is simply enchanting. It offers both camping and chalet rentals that can accommodate up to six people, as well as the rental of a kamook and even a wooden tipi... nothing less! "We resume service in winter, to the delight of our customers," says co-owner Bernadette Roduit Bender, with a broad smile. "The experiences in kamook and tipi are done in camping styles, that is, with access to a sanitary facility with toilets and showers, washer and dryer, as well as a community room."
Several activities are available even in winter at Domaine des Dunes, including a highly appreciated welcome for snowmobile enthusiasts in the boreal forest, trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In summer, the region abounds with activities, including whale watching cruises, black bear observation, sea kayaking, marine mammal interpretation center, the region's fine dining, and much more.
Bernadette, who is joined by her daughter and son for all aspects of Domaine des Dunes, has worked very hard in recent weeks to welcome you this winter. During my short visit to Tadoussac at the end of November, the family was busy making final adjustments to welcome numerous clients for the beautiful winter season. Moreover, Bernadette and her team invite you to book your chalet, kamook, or wooden tipi for the holiday season before December 10th. They even promise a nice surprise!
Domaine des Dunes (Chalets-camping)
585, Chemin de la Rivière-du-Moulin-à-Baude
Tadoussac
418 235-4843
domainedesdunes.com
They say that a people or community's future depends on knowing its history. If that's true, a visit to the Acadian Historical Village in Blanchard, near Caraquet, is a must for anyone interested in the history of Acadia and its people.
From June to September, the Village showcases the daily life of Acadians from 1770 to 1949, thanks to some forty historical buildings brought to life by costumed, bilingual interpreters. This vast open-air museum also offers a hotel and a restaurant, in addition to activities and entertainment.
Located in the heart of the Village, the Château Albert Hotel offers 14 rooms and is a replica of the Château Albert, built in 1907 in Caraquet. The rooms respect the historic character, with a few minor details. Enjoy the tranquility of yesteryear in a modern setting. A buffet breakfast is offered to guests.
During a visit to the Historical Village, you can also treat yourself to a snack or a delicious meal. The Village Café-Bistro is a 40-seat family restaurant with a terrace, near the Village entrance. It offers a menu of Acadian dishes and contemporary cuisine staples, as well as a selection of specialty coffees. Open from June 6 to September 16, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
La Table des Ancêtres is housed in the historic Dugas house. The 30-seat restaurant offers traditional Acadian dishes, in addition to the best sugar pie in the region. Discover the delights of yesteryear served with love, just like at Grandma's, from June 6 to September 16, 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
The 2024 season has started since June 6. Season passes are available for visits all summer long, for the whole family. The Acadian Historical Village identifies as LGBTQ+ friendly (homosympa).
Acadian Historical Village
villagehistoriqueacadien.com
506.726.2600
5, rue du Pont
Bertrand, NB E1W 0E1
When Mathieu Guimond was developing his vision for a unique and distinctive lodging site in Gaspésie during the pandemic, he was struck by a spark of motivation that drove him to search for the perfect location.
It was upon seeing this expansive plot of land overlooking Gaspé Bay, perched atop the cliffs somewhere between Percé and Gaspé, that he decided this would be the place to bring his vision to life. It took him four months to negotiate with the Ontario-based owner. He even acquired adjacent plots and another strip on the mountain for future projects.
In 2020, he began work to prepare the vacant site, draft occupancy plans, design various chalet styles, develop the construction and interior design concepts, and coordinate with contractors to start building.
He planned underground electrical installations for each chalet, a potable water supply, and septic systems, ensuring that no unsightly elements would detract from the setting. The result is almost like a small independent village.
Chalets Nautika were built to offer an unforgettable Gaspésie experience. Stay in style and comfort while maintaining a connection with the natural beauty of a region full of attractions. You can even visit to enjoy the joys of Gaspésie’s winter. In addition to cozy, inviting accommodations, you'll be near places to enjoy unique activities like fat biking on the beach and in the forest, skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, skating, Nordic spas, and more.
The chalets feature a modern, minimalist design while being warm and welcoming. They are equipped with everything necessary for modern life. Mathieu has gone above and beyond to ensure travelers feel entirely at ease. The mattresses are superior to anything else on the market, he emphasizes. "All you need to bring are your clothes, toiletries, and food—everything else is already there," he says.
Nautika offers a form of “glamping”—a blend of glamour and camping. This eco-friendly lodging immerses you in nature while providing the luxury and amenities of a hotel room. Here, it’s upscale “ready-to-camp.”
From the moment you step in, the light-filled space with its large windows invites nature inside. Throughout the seasons—under the sun, the stars, or with the sunrise on the point—Chalets Nautika provide a serene oasis. This scenic location offers panoramic views and top-tier comfort in Gaspésie.
Currently, the site features 20 chalets: 2 double units in the front, 5 double units in the rear, and 13 regular two-bed units scattered throughout. Plans are underway to add two more rear units and seven on a neighboring lot by 2023–2024. The site operates year-round. Chalet access is via a code for a key box mounted outside.
The site offers abundant entertainment options, including children’s games, hiking trails, cross-country ski tracks, birdwatching, volleyball, badminton, pétanque courts, campfire wood, and an on-site laundry facility. A semi-private beach is just 1 km away.
Chalets Nautika are just 15 minutes from Gaspé and 30 minutes from Forillon National Park and Percé, making it an ideal base to enjoy nearby tourist attractions.
Reservations can be made online through the Nautika website or other platforms like Airbnb.
One thing is certain: Mathieu Guimond (pictured) has plenty more ideas and projects in mind for this site and the surrounding area. Stay tuned to see what he has planned next.
Chalets Nautika Gaspésie
chaletsnautikagaspesie.ca
1961, Boul. Douglas
Gaspé, QC G4X 2W9
1 (866) 467-0801
By Gaëtan Vaudry
If you find yourself near Sept-Îles and are looking for an exceptional relaxation experience, you must stop at Spa Renaissance, a favored location offering a vast terrace with a breathtaking view of the water and the most beautiful sunsets.
This relaxation center offers a variety of packages to its clients, ranging from medical aesthetics to fitness, including relaxation, aesthetics, wellness, and much more. What sets Spa Renaissance apart from its competitors is that couples can receive treatments simultaneously, benefiting from very advantageous packages: "We indeed offer several package options that you can enjoy side by side," proudly states the owner Martin Carrier. "You can choose from several treatments: pedicure, manicure, facial, massage, hydrotherapy, neuro spa thermal sector, and much more!"
Another special feature of Spa Renaissance, located in the popular Hôtel Sept-Îles, are the tailor-made packages, which often include a variety of treatments, a gift card for the Bistro, and an overnight stay at the hotel. Spa Renaissance also offers two well-equipped training rooms, delighting many customers. A package that catches my attention is the Thermal Plus for $316, offering two three-hour accesses to the thermotherapy sector, a $50 gift card to the Bistro, and a double occupancy overnight stay at the hotel. Truly interesting! Additionally, I suggest inquiring about the Tropic and Havana packages, available until December 24th and perfectly fitting into a Christmas card, to offer your loved ones a special moment.
Spa Renaissance
451, avenue Arnaud, Sept-Îles
418 968-0606
sparenaissance.ca
