Located about 163 miles north of Saint John at the mouth of the Nepisiguit River, Bathurst is the seat of Gloucester County. The city has a long history that dates back several hundred years ago. In 1534, Jacques Cartier became the first European to arrive on the shores of the Bay of Chaleur, which he named. It wasn't until 1619 that French settlers started living in the area. However, the settlement was abandoned several years later, but it was resettled in the mid-18th century by Arcadian refugees who were expelled from present-day Nova Scotia.
During the 19th century, Bathurst became a trading hub in the Chaleur Region, while its surrounding areas were transformed into farming and fishing communities. In 1914, the Bathurst Power and Paper Company established a pulp mill in the city. As a result, the pulp and paper industry became the main economic activity in the region throughout the first half of the 20th century. Nevertheless, after large deposits of zinc and lead were discovered near Bathurst in the early 1950s, mining slowly replaced pulp and paper production as the most important industry in the region.
Today, Bathurst is home to about 15,500 residents and covers an area of 35.4 square miles. While it continues to be a major mining community, the city has been experiencing rapid growth in its tourism and human resource industries in recent years.
What is the best time to visit Bathurst, NB?
Bathurst experiences comfortable summers and freezing, snowy winters. Temperatures typically range from 4 degrees to 76 degrees Fahrenheit over the course of a year and seldom go below minus 12 degrees or above 85 degrees. If you're planning to spend a lot of time in the outdoors during your visit, the best time to be in Bathurst is from late June to early September, when average temperatures vary from the mid-60s to mid-70s.
When you're planning your trip, you should also consider whether you want to visit Bathurst during the peak or off-peak season. The busiest time for tourism is from June to August. While you'll have access to more activities during this time of the year, you also have to deal with higher hotel rates and limited room availability. You'll also encounter heavy crowds at most of the popular attractions. If you want to keep your travel costs low and have a quieter vacation, consider going to Bathurst in mid-June or early September.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Bathurst, NB:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Bathurst, NB. Analyze these charts to calculate the most cost effective time to book in Bathurst for any future trips.
What are the top hotels in Bathurst, NB?
For a more comfortable stay, consider booking a room at Best Western Plus Bathurst Hotel & Suites. This hotel in downtown Bathurst is within walking distance to Bathurst Heritage Museum and La Promenade Waterfront, less than a mile to Coronation Park, and 1.4 miles from Squire Green Golf & Country Club. Each of its 60 rooms is equipped with an LCD TV, cable programming, pillowtop bed, and complimentary internet access. During your stay, you can take advantage of amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, 24-hour business center, and conference center.
If you don't mind staying some distance away from town, Rodd Miramichi River is another high-quality accommodation that's worth considering. Located about 40 miles south of Bathurst in Miramichi, this eco-friendly hotel is about 1.7 miles from Middle Island Irish Historical Park, 33 miles from Kouchibouguac National Park, and 35 miles from Pabineau Falls. It has 79 well-appointed rooms that feature free Wi-Fi, cable programming, a coffee maker, and a hair dryer, along with access to an indoor pool, fitness center, on-site restaurant, and business center.
Are there affordable hotels in Bathurst, NB?
If you're traveling on a budget, you can save money by staying in a hotel farther from Bathurst. Located about 42 miles south of Bathurst in Miramichi, Econo Lodge Miramichi gives you easy access to attractions such as the historic Beaverbrook House, French Fort Cove, and Miramichi Golf & Country Club. It offers 38 individually furnished rooms with an LED TV, cable programming, refrigerator, and Wi-Fi, as well as a fitness center, on-site restaurant, and computer station.
Alternatively, you can stay at Howard Johnson Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Miramichi. This hotel is within walking distance to Ritchie Wharf, 4.7 miles from Miramichi Golf & Country Club, and 38 miles from Kouchibouguac National Park. All its 62 rooms come with free wired and wireless internet connection, cable programming, a refrigerator, and a fireplace. On-site amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, picnic area, on-site restaurant, and business center.
Where can I find the best discounts in Bathurst, NB?
If you're an AAA member, you can get a discount at Days Inn by Wyndham Miramichi New Brunswick. Situated 42.6 miles south of Bathurst in Miramichi, this hotel is within a 5-minute drive of popular attractions such as Ritchie Wharf, Beaverbrook House, and French Fort Cove. All rooms come with complimentary a microwave, refrigerator, pillowtop bed, Wi-Fi, and cable programming. As a guest, you'll have access to amenities such as a fitness center, barbecue grills, and business center.
Danny's Hotel Suites & Events Centre offers special rates to government and military personnel. Located 4.2 miles northwest of Bathurst, it's about 3 miles from Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club, 3.5 miles from Youghall Beach Park, and 4.3 miles from La Promenade Waterfront. It provides a pleasant stay with in-room amenities such as free Wi-Fi, cable programming, and a coffee maker. It also features an outdoor pool, fitness center, barbecue grills, on-site restaurant and café, 5,000 square feet of event space, and a complimentary airport shuttle.
What is best value option in the Bathurst area?
If you're looking for a hotel that offers good value for your money, check out Quality Inn & Suites Bathurst. Situated just outside downtown Bathurst, this highly sought-after hotel is close to attractions like the Bathurst Heritage Museum, Squire Green Golf & Country Club, and Daly Point Nature Reserve. It offers 74 rooms with a microwave, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, and cable programming. Additionally, it has a fitness center, on-site convenience store, and business center.
Comfort Inn Bathurst is another reasonably priced hotel that provides visitors with a delightful stay. It's located 1.8 miles from Bathurst, 1.7 miles from Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club, 3.9 miles from Youghall Beach Park, and 8.8 miles from Tetagouche Falls. Every room in this hotel is equipped with free Wi-Fi, LCD TV with cable, a refrigerator, and a hair dryer. While staying there, you can work out in the fitness center, relax in the picnic area, get things done in the computer station, and use the laundry facilities. Complimentary hot or cold buffet breakfast is available every day.
Does Bathurst, NB have fun attractions?
A trip to Bathurst won't be complete without exploring the picturesque La Promenade Waterfront. Located in downtown Bathurst, this area offers spectacular views of the Bay of Chaleur, which has been named one of the world's most beautiful bays. Take a relaxing stroll on the boardwalks and walkways, view inspiring artwork in art galleries, shop in a wide range of boutique stores, and enjoy a wonderful meal at a waterfront restaurant. The promenade also has an outdoor pavilion that hosts music performances and other events throughout the year.
Bathurst is also a fantastic place for outdoor activities. If you want to spend an afternoon on the beach, head down to Youghall Beach Park. Situated about 5 miles north of downtown Bathurst, this beautiful beach features golden sands and blue waters and offers activities such as swimming, picnicking, and beach volleyball. Lifeguards are on duty daily from June to August.
If you enjoy hiking and bird-watching, drive a few miles east to Daly Point Nature Reserve. Encompassing close to 100 acres, this park offers about 4.5 miles of trails for you to explore. It's home to hundreds of species of plants and animals, including the rare Maritime Ringlet Butterfly, which is only found in 10 salt marshes in the world. If you're there in the fall, you'll be able to experience the awe-inspiring sight of thousands of migratory Canadian geese.
In addition, Bathurst attracts many history buffs because of its interesting historic buildings and museums. It has dozens of buildings listed in the Canadian Register of Historic Places, including the 1885 Old Bathurst Post Office, 1873 St. George's Anglican Church, 1886 Sacred Heart Cathedral, and the 1922 Gloucester Hotel. To learn more about the city's storied past, you can tour the Bathurst Heritage Museum, Bathurst War Museum, and Nepisiguit Centennial Museum and Cultural Center.
Despite being a relatively small city, Bathurst has plenty to offer tourists. To ensure that you'll have a hassle-free vacation, make sure you choose a hotel that provides convenient access to the attractions you wish to visit and adequate amenities for a comfortable stay.
FAQs about hotels in Bathurst
What did travelers think of the city of Bathurst?
Below are reviews of the city of Bathurst, NB from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Lots of Restaurants"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lots of choices for restaurants!
Robert B., from 09-Aug-2023
The average traveler rating of the city of Bathurst, NB shown above is
4.0 out of 5 based on 1 reviews