Bathurst is situated on Bathurst Harbour, an estuary at the mouth of the Nepisiguit River at the southernmost part of Chaleur Bay. Bathurst is host to the annual Silver Stick Minor League Hockey Tournament. Silver Stick brings in several hundred children and youth NB weekends in November and early December for regional qualifying games.

Early settlers from France came to the area in the 17th century in what became part of the colony of Acadia. Following the fall of this part of Acadia to British control in the Seven Years' War, the region saw numerous English and Scottish settlers, particularly during the latter 18th century through the 20th century. The community was named by the Governor, Sir Howard Douglas (1823-1831), in honor of Henry Bathurst, 3rd Earl Bathurst (1762-1834), Secretary of State for the Colonies of the British government.

The opening of the Intercolonial Railway of Canada in 1876 provided a fast connection from the port of Bathurst to the rest of North America which was essential for developing the region's principal industries in forestry and zinc mining.

In 1881, the Roman Catholic Church constructed the Sacré-Coeur Cathedral.

In 1998, the Laval Titan QMJHL franchise relocated to Bathurst, taking the name Acadie-Bathurst Titan. Bathurst is the smallest market in the Canadian Hockey League.

The premier event on the Maritime Snowmobile Racing Federation's International Circuit. Held in Downtown Bathurst at sea level, with perfectly shaved ice, steamed mussels for pit food, and our northern hospitality, the AtlanticWinternationals has made Bathurst " The best Place to Race in North America ". The spectacle of speeds reaching 136 MPH in 5.08 seconds on the 660 foot ice track provides great fun and excitement for the whole family.

Blaze a trail through the province of New Brunswick! Five incredible ways to start loving snow, all in one region. The Acadian Peninsula, Campbellton, Edmundston, Miramichi, and of course, the Bathurst area! Together, they make a continuous loop where you never have to retrace your steps! Believe us, it's a genuine snowmobiling rush...a White Gold Rush!

Rich in multiculturalism in both food and language, bustling with activity is the city Farmer's Market, located at 150 Main St. in downtown Bathurst. Come and enjoy the ambiance and fun with the customers streaming through the market as a reminder of the old W.J.Kent's store of yesteryear. There are meats, fresh local produce, and lots of crafts to buy and friends to meet. 

Located 15 minutes away in nearby Petit-Rocher, the Mining Centre promotes the mining patrimony in New Brunswick. Upon your arrival, you will be treated to traveling exhibits from the Canadian Museum of Nature, graphics, a projection room and videos. You'll also experience a simulated underground descent.

There is an observation deck looking over the beautiful Bay of Chaleur, Picnic areas and playgrounds, and of course, access to the beach.

Atlas Park is located just 20 minutes from Bathurst, the Recreational and Tourist Center at Atlas Park is located on the edge of an old quarry thirty meters deep with a surface of 26,000 square meters filled with cool, clear water offering a great number of activities. The chalet's reception area is a tourist information center which welcomes visitors to relax in the cafeteria, the lounge, or on the outdoor terrace, all with a superb view of the lake.

During the summer, Atlas Park offers the following activities: scuba diving, fishing, rowboats, paddle boat tours, walking paths, an amusement park for children, barbecues, and picnic grounds.

A remarkably authentic historical site in North America (Phoenix Award Winner and Attractions Canada 2001/2002), the Village Historique Acadien strives to portray the lives of Acadians between 1770 and 1939. More than 40 complexes are staffed by interpreters in period costumes who bring ancestral customs and traditional trades back. Each of them has a story to tell! Allow a minimum of 3 hours for a complete visit.

The Village Historique Acadien is located near Caraquet, in northeastern New Brunswick, 50 km/30 miles east of Bathurst and 130 km/78 miles north of Miramichi.