What an awesome day to spend in Sackville, New Brunswick strolling along the boardwalk that circles the waterfowl park. The sun was shining, a gentle June breeze was blowing through the leaves and we enjoyed some great sightings on our walk!
Mother Duck with Ducklings at Sackville Waterfowl Park. The Ducklings were looking for food and mama duck had to come and give a Quack Quack to call the little ones back closer to her. The marsh has such great food for the young ducks…it’s no wonder they like to swim here and there to slurp duckweed and grab some grass in the big pond! This day in June was great to see so many creatures!
It was so nice to see everything so green and the sunny day was perfect for DD to enjoy an ice cream cone as we started our walk. There are so many interesting aquatic plants that grow in the marsh and we always stop on the boardwalk to look at the variety of water plants. The trail and boardwalk around the marsh allows for so many bird sightings as well as great aquatic plants and wonderful insects and ducks!
The Tree Swallows were feeding their chicks in the nesting boxes at the Sackville Waterfowl Park and in this picture we see one of the Sparrows peeking out as a family of young ducklings and their mother duck paddles beside their nest. The ducklings were nibbling on the duckweed and algae while the swallows were feeding insects to their chicks. It was an amazing thing to see!
There were lots of birds out! Many ducks and geese and assorted birds. We also saw frogs and a muskrat. The boardwalk through the birch trees is one of my favorite spots…we spent well over an hour taking pictures of the creatures and enjoying the lovely day.
Smiling Frog sitting on Pond Weeds. We saw at least three different frog species at the Sackville Waterfowl Park and they had a great habitat with all the pond weed around them they could just sit on top of the matts of plants and grab their supper! The boardwalk around the park allows so many benches ands viewing spots to stop and watch these creatures. Frogs are fantastic!The dragonflies were darting across the surface of the water sometimes resting on a branch before continuing their chase for insects. It’s hard to take pictures of these little creatures but I finally did when this little dragonfly stopped for a few seconds to rest.
If you are in South-Eastern New Brunswick, Sackville is only half an hour from Moncton on the highway towards Nova Scotia, you should take a few hours and enjoy the Sackville Waterfowl Park.
Mother goose was leading her 8 goslings in a fluffy little train as Father Goose followed at the rear to make sure everyone stayed in line! It was so cute to see this family slowly swimming across the pond. When they got into deeper water they mother and father started showing the little goslings how to carefully wash and clean under their little wings. They were all splashing around and it was such a cute bath time!!
From the lookout tower high above the island you can see the lighthouse and little Acadian village that is Le pays de la Sagouine.
Ever since coming to New Brunswick I have wanted to visit Le Pays de la Sagouine up in Bouctouche.
On our trips to the dunes of Bouctouche and the Irving Gardens we have driven past the colorful island and it always seemed like a fun place to visit.
DD had gone last summer with her mama and they really enjoyed it and so when we had another vacation all together I was very happy to finally be going!
What is Le Pays de la Sagouine?
The saguine.com website describes it best: “Located on a small island in the Town of Bouctouche, New Brunswick, Le Pays de la Sagouine is an eclectic reproduction of an Acadian village inspired by the town’s very own distinguished novelist, Antonine Maillet, and her most celebrated character, La Sagouine.
The living village comes alive each summer with theatre, music, comedy, and dance, allowing visitors to discover not only the tales of the Acadian heroine, La Sagouine, but also the unique Acadian culture of the region.”
The lighthouse om Flea Island at Le Pays de la Sagouine
It is a bit like a theme park but so down to earth, friendly and heart warming. Not like a stuffy museum but full of real flesh and blood spirits and mischief from the past. Traditional music fills the air and story tellers help bring the past to life in ways that speak to young and old alike.
Puppets in a wheelbarrow waiting to become a part of one of the theatrical presentations at Le Pays de la Sagouinne
The actual site is on an island surrounded by lush green shore grasses that blow like hair in the wind. The island is called l’Île-aux-Puces which I think means Flea Island but I think it is not named because there are fleas in the grasses but because the island is a tiny little thin in the bay. Boats drift buy and the view of Bouctouche from the island is great.
It is such a fun way to get introduced to Acadian folk, there is live musicians and theatrical presentations which are interactive and quite fun.
Strolling around the boardwalk, eating ice cream, wandering into period piece general stores and chatting with the characters really takes you to another time and place in history.
There is a brunch and lunch served at the main building with the gift shop. The buffet style lunch we had was yummy; some traditional Acadian dishes as well as hearty soups and an assortment of salads and main courses. There is an outside deck that has windows with many tables to sit at with a fantastic view of the boardwalk stretching over to the island.
Shore grass on Flea Island in Bouctouche, New Brunswick
It’s a great place to eat before heading over to see the actors and hear the music. It’s definitely a must see destination in Bouctouche. We’ve gone a few times now and every visit is different as there are different characters acting different skits.
We sometimes park down by the marina and ride our bikes as there is a nice bike trail through Bouctouche that rides out to the main building of Le Pays de la Sagouine. The trail winds through a nice forest as you approach the island and it skirts along the salt water bay making it a great way to approach the facility.
DD and Mama D with their new souvenir hats after visiting Le Pays de la Sagouinne
We really had a good time, and DD and Mama D got some souvenir hats, and I think it will be an annual tradition to go at least once every summer.
They have family seasonal passes available for the real fans and when I was there it seemed like there are a lot of them. The parking lot was quite full each time we went and they have many special events throughout the season to help celebrate the heritage of the Acadians.
Le Pays de la Sagouine is in Bouctouche, New Brunswick which is from 40 to 60 minutes outside of Moncton depending on the route you take. It’s lovely in that area so go slow and enjoy the sites!
Dates and hours of operation: June 24th to September 2ndth (open 7 days a week) From 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. (open until 7 pm. on shows evening) Le Pays de la Sagouine Website: www.sagouine.com
