Perhaps my negative opinion comes from nothing more than disappointed expectations. But the travel brochures made Shediac out to be a quaint little tourist beach town. “Quaint” it is definitely not.

It’s got a main street with some utilitarian stores (ie. Radioshack, Shoppers, groceries), a few restaurants, and a nonstop traffic jam, being as it’s the only way to get through the town.

The best thing about it is Parlee Beach, which is a lovely clean sandy beach with what is apparently “the warmest water north of Virginia.” And it was warm! A great beach for kids, not only the sand of course but a very gradual drop to the water depth – you can walk out for a long time and still only be to your waist.

If staying here I recommend finding a place within walking distance of the beach to avoid the $9 parking fees. Or arrive before 9am when the gate is open and there’s free entrance.