Culture Days
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27 Sep
15 Aug
Khronos, The Celestial Garden
The celestial garden Khronos, a unique creation by the Artist Éveline Gallant Fournier, presents another multimedia show this year.
The site, open daily to the public when the Botanical Garden is open, presents many interesting features that offers an environment for creation and exploration. Divided in 5 components: the heavenly gate, the two pillars of creation, the cosmic egg, the circle of stones and the mirror of time, Khronos offers a meeting point between the man, the Earth and the cosmos as an observatory and laboratory.
Here is a picture that was taken during the show.
At dusk, the 12 granite monoliths are illuminated to present the multimedia show, offered mainly in French. A journey to the heart of mayan mythology and in the center of the mystery surrounding the end of the world promised by the end of their famous calendar. I was pleasantly surprised to see, this year, an educative show, presenting a critique of society as it has become.
The show is presented from Wedndesday to Saturday at dusk until August 31st. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see this show projected on 220 degrees with an amazing sound system.
You’re into architecture and mystery? Khronos and its multimedia show will definitely fill up your mind for a few days!
For more information, you can visit http://maya2012.jardinnbgarden.com/maya2012.htm
Sébastien Bérubé
Information agent
Edmundston’s Visitors Information Centre
08 Aug
Herbalism workshop at the New Brunswick Botanical Garden
Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend to one of the herbalism workshop, taught by Chantal Dufour, a certified herbalist. In the ecological pavilion, I learned more about plants and vegetation; mainly medicinal and aromatic plants. It definitely engaged all of my senses!
During the workshop, we touched, tasted and smelled different plants. Chantal really allowed us to appreciate all of the colors that were surrounding us.
The pavilion was filled at its maximum capacity with people carefully listening to Chantal’s explanations and warnings. In addition to tasting the different plants (as herbal teas, lemonade, or simply enjoying the plant itself) Chantal offered a full lesson on their benefits. How can their benefits allow humans to achieve well-being? How can some plants replace medication? It’s with this perspective that some of the plants were presented as anti-stress, antidepressants or energy boosters.
While learning about all these plants, I discovered one that really sparked my curiosity, a plant that is called “Oreille de mouton” in French, meaning sheep’s ears. This plant, as its name shows, really looks like a sheep’s ear. Its leaves are entirely covered in hairs, some kind duvet that really makes it look like a real sheep’s ear. All around me, people were having fun playing with this plant, some rubbing it in their palm, and others against their faces. Whether they were 8 years old, or 70, all of the participants seemed amazed by this plant that had the feel of a piece of fabric.
Chantal Dufour has created a paradise to educate people about medicinal and aromatic plants; you definitely need to visit the pavilion, as well as the garden itself, an oasis of colors and smells that takes you straight into the pavilion.
It is with great pride that I recommend this attraction in my small part of the world. You never know, maybe you’ll get the chance to hold one of these “sheep’s ear” in your hand.
For more information on the New Brunswick Botanical and its herbalism pavilion, visit: http://tourismedmundston.com/en/quoifaire2.php?c=9&i=19
Sébastien Bérubé
Information Agent
01 Aug
Let’s get moving in the Prospecteur Trails!
Want to get moving and get fresh air, but not sure where to go? I highly recommend you try the Prospecteur Trails; you won’t be disappointed! Two weeks ago, I sent an invitation to everyone to go for a long leisure walk in those trails. We took the trail called “Mésange à tête noire”, that is located at the end of des Ormes street, and it was simply amazing! I have to say that all of these trails are really well constructed and indicated and every time I use them, I just can’t believe how lucky we are to have them in Edmundston! No need to spend some money to get back into shape… and they are located right within the city limits!
Here are the people that came with me on this leisure walk. They enjoyed it so much that asked me what day I was willing to go back!
There are many starting points: des Ormes street, du Pouvoir road, Richards street, etc., so you can choose the trails you’d like to try out depending on their length and level of difficulty. This information is indicated on a poster at each starting point. You’ll see inspiring names like: Sapin baumier (fir), La Mine d’Or (The Gold Mine), Mésange à tête noire (black-capped chickadee), Castor (Beaver), and many more. Overall, there are around twelve amazing trails that have us wanting to go on an adventure!
The map of the trails, along with all the necessary details, can be found on this website:
http://tourismedmundston.com/en/quoifaire2.php?c=9&i=34
Breathing fresh air, while exercising!
In conclusion, I am personally inviting you to take advantage of this great trails network, a real gem of calm and serenity, accessible to all.
Tina Lemieux
Edmundston’s resident
25 Jul
Strawberries U-Pick
Buying freshly picked local strawberries at the “Bon Accueil” farm’s kiosk on a Saturday morning at the Hill Street Farmers market is really great. But if you’re like me, you’ll definitely want to experience it as well! So why don’t you get out there with your family and visit the farm, located at 1021 Mgr-Lang Road in Saint-Basile, to pick your own basketful of strawberries.
I really like this idea as it allows us to get in touch with nature and it makes us more aware of where our food comes from. This activity also allows us to breathe fresh air while exercising a bit. Whether you’re on vacations or having visitors at home, take advantage of a sunny day to get out on the farm and enjoy the strawberry U-pick.
See how the lovely Maélie discovers strawberries in the garden and how happy she is to eat the strawberries she picked herself. These moments of wonder really have no price.
Richard Blaquière
Edmundston’s resident
For more outdoor activities, visit the Edmundston®ion website
18 Jul
Du réel au miniature : Railroad Interpretation Centre
When you visit the railroad interpretation centre, the owners, two railways enthusiasts, are welcoming you straight into their home to teach you all about their passion; trains.
My colleague Janik and I went to visit this attraction last week to ensure that we have a good knowledge of our regional tourism products. When we arrived, we were really surprised by the infrastructures that looked like an old train station. The exterior of their house has been completely remodeled so that visitors really get the feeling that they are about to experience an amazing adventure.
On their property, on top of presenting artifacts relating the New Brunswick railway history, you will also encounter many great pieces like a museum built entirely with recycled material, a giant human sundial, a life-size ticket office, a children playground built like a train and a monument to thank their generous sponsors,
Each year in the museum, which is built exactly like a former train repair shop, you will find a different exhibition with a specific theme. This year, the focus is on lighting throughout the era of railroading. Using objects, they will explain how the engines and the train tracks were lit, from the candle to the electric module that we use today. The owners will take great pleasure and pride to explain each piece with care. Some of these pieces are as old as 100 years old.
Okay, so now you are asking: “Why is there the word « miniature » in this attraction’s name?” Very easy to explain: After the visit of the museum, the guides will take you to another location that they take great pride in: their basement. Many people are really proud of their basement, but only because they have never seen this one! What did we find in there? The complete New Brunswick railway network! Yes, you did read correctly…. A huge model that spreads over 3 different rooms in their house… and everything is on scale! Tunnels in between the walls, electronic systems and hand painted decoration. We’re not talking about toys here… I can guarantee you this!
I could go on and on about this attraction because Janik and I were really impressed by the quality of this railroad interpretation centre, and we will definitely be back! You need to see it for yourself in order to understand why we are so enthusiastic! If you’re in the region, make sure this is on your to-do list!
To learn more on the Railroad Interpretation Centre, visit our website : http://goo.gl/da1nn
Sébastien Bérubé
Tourism Agent
11 Jul
Petit-Sault Blockhouse
Yesterday, Sébastien and I went to visit the Petit-Sault blockhouse, an imposing fort, which you really can’t miss when you visit the city of Edmundston. We had the opportunity to visit the fort, learn about the way the soldiers lived and why it was built during the “Aroostook Bloodless War”.
The interpreter started off by bringing us to the second floor, where we saw reproductions of bunk beds that were used by the soldiers. The real surprise was when we looked at the amazing view by the small windows; and we didn’t know what was yet to come! We also saw a miniature reproduction of the fort, made by one of the local wood worker, Albert Deveau, which is made of almost all of the same materials that the original fort is made of.
Afterwards, we climbed up the steep stairs to go to the 3rd floor, where a huge cannon is located. This is where we saw the breathtaking panoramic view from the windows! There are also artifacts that were found during the reconstruction of the fort, including a cannon ball weighing 25 pounds.
Our favorite moment was certainly when we descended into the basement by a trap in the floor. It was the place the soldiers kept their food and gun powder, as it is the coldest location of the fort. There, you can also see some of the original stones from the fort’s foundation, before it burned down due to a thunderstorm.
We invite you to visit the Petit-Sault blockhouse, open every day from 11am to 7pm.
Have a good visit!
For more information on the blockhouse, visit: http://tourismedmundston.com/en/quoifaire2.php?c=12&i=7
Janik Thibodeau
Information Agent
Municipal Information Centre
04 Jul
Oh làlà! Café & Gelato
A few weeks ago, my colleague Janice and I, had the great idea to have lunch at the Oh làlà! Gelato & Café restaurant. We have to tell you right away… if you are having a rough day… the food and the pink color they chose as an accent color, will cheer you right up!
This charming café has a small menu in size, but it is very big in flavors! That week, they had an asparagus or a mushroom soup, the traditional “Montreal Smoked Meat” sandwich, a chili, a végépâté sandwich, and a turkey, brie and green apples sandwich.
After hesitating for a few second, I decided to try the turkey sandwich. Janice, being a real “végépâté’” fan, immediately opted for that.
The staff was really polite and we were pleasantly surprised by the fast service. The dishes were really appetizing and we even had a rough time not to eat everything before taking a few pictures! So here are the amazing dishes we had ordered, served with the asparagus soup.
No need to tell you that our lunch hour went by really fast with great food in a lovely décor. We will definitely be back! Unique to the region, Oh làlà! also makes their own gelato, a delicious Italian ice cream, in various flavors that often change. Here is the variety that was offered that week. Yummy!
For those of you who had the chance to taste the mouth-watering macaroons that Sucre et Cacao the chocolate factory, used to make… they are now available at Oh làlà!
They are also serving coffee and homemade muffins.
In conclusion, Janice and I are inviting you to discover this delicious restaurant, located at 40, de l’Église street (next door to the Vidéotron and Aux 4 saisons Florist). A big thank you to Karen and her team for these amazing dishes and we wish you the best.
Bon appétit !
Mylène et Janice
Tourism Coordinator
Edmundston Madawaska Tourism Office
27 Jun
Butterflies of the World
The Butterflies of the Word exhibit at the New Brunswick Botanical garden and offered in collaboration with the Montreal Botanical Garden, is showcased again this summer. The star of this year’s exhibit is the “Morpho”, a beautiful butterfly that lives in the tropical forests of Southern and Central America. This butterfly is also called “fragments of the sky” and has been popularized by the movie “Le Papillon Bleu”
The butterfly aviary, a space built to reproduce their natural environment, allows the visitor to walk inside and observe their life cycle. Plants, heat and humidity will make sure to remind you of the tropical environment these butterflies live in.
In addition to Morpho, many butterflies’ species will be presented in the aviary. Some of them, including the “Cobra”, reaching around 20 centimeters in size, will fly freely around you in the small ecosystem.
Group visits can be reserved in advance by calling the administration. Some presentations will also be made to the general public to ensure they have a great experience and learn many things on the butterflies. The life cycle, reproduction methods and feeding are some of the topics that will be presented.
If the butterflies and their evolution interest you, you definitely need to make a stop at the New Brunswick Botanical Garden. You will be enchanted by the variety of different colors that can be found in the butterflies’ wings.
Don’t forget your camera! Maybe you’ll be able to capture an image like this one:
(photo: Michel Fortin)
Sébastien Bérubé
Information Agent
Edmundston municipal information center
20 Jun
The Edmundston Jazz and Blues Festival
In Edmundston, when you start to hear about the Jazz and Blues Festival, it is the undeniable sign that summer has arrived!
This morning, the sun was shining brightly as renowned performers prepare themselves to play on the outdoor stage of the Jazz and Blues Festival downtown Edmundston.
I was on site at 11:30 this morning, to have the opportunity to take a few pictures of the last preparations. Let me tell you that the organizing committee worked tirelessly this morning to ensure that all the last minute details were taken care of.
I even had the chance to photograph a few jazz lovers, that are always the first ones on the site every year, and don’t leave until the day is over.
New to the Festival this year, there are a few new food vendors on site. This year, people will be able to enjoy a variety of food, including baby back ribs! Yes… you did read correctly! On site, there are: ChipMaker, Lemon Boy, Pirate de la mer and Voo-Voo BBQ.
On the schedule, we will have the opportunity to hear many great artists: like the very popular Chocolate Thunder, tonight at 10pm. Ben Racine Blues Band will play on Saturday, and Richard Carr Friday. They are all promising amazing shows. On the local aspect, The Lonesome Line, Gisèle Gaudreau and Marc Fournier, and CDJazz will be playing for the public.
Another interesting aspect is the fact that Thursday will be presented by the 2014 World Acadian Congress. Artists coming from the 3 hosts regions of the 2014 WAC: Northwestern New Brunswick, Temiscouata and Northern Maine.
The Terrace, presenting mostly jazz artists, is also back this year every day at 5:45 pm.
For those of you who were wondering, the night shows will be held outside if the weather permits. In case of rain, the show will be moved to the big tent, on Canada Road.
The complete programming can be found on the Festival’s website www.jazzbluesedmundston.com
Have a great festival!
Mylène
Tourism Coordinator
Edmundston Madawaska Tourism Office
