Bay of Fundy among options for nature lovers
IAN STALKER
Flora Gassier is in a great position to put the kibosh on rumours that wealthy American heiress Patty Hearst was holed up in a prominent New Brunswick resort while she was on the lam close to half a century ago.
Gassier — a native of France who joined the French military police and was stationed in the French Caribbean, fighting the likes of white collar crime, before relocating to New Brunswick and joining Tourism New Brunswick — says rumours that Hearst hid in New Brunswick’s Hearst Lodge while on the run from authorities were unfounded.
The Hearst Lodge was built by a member of the Hearst Corp. — which has widespread newspaper and magazine holdings — around 1961 near the Bay of Fundy community of St. Martins and hosted Donald Sutherland and other celebrities before closing around 2015. There are reportedly plans to reopen it.
“Sorry to disappoint you,” Gassier told delegates to Rendez-vous Canada 2023 who might have been intrigued that a woman who was arguably the most famous kidnap victim in American history might have laid low in an isolated New Brunswick retreat.
Gassier also told her late May Quebec City audience that the Fundy Trail Parkway is a scenic trail that offers “stunning views,” with waterfalls being among the attractions. Also to be found are a suspension bridge, interpretive centre, ancient rock formations, hiking and biking trails, and beaches.
Many different types of birds can be seen on the Parkway as well, and summertime whale-watching is available in the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides.
Coastal Shediac is the “lobster capital of the world,” Gassier continued, adding that visitors can get their pictures taken with a giant lobster.
This Aug. 24-26 will see Dieppe host YQM Country Fest, with country music performers including prominent musician Keith Urban.
New Brunswick is home to other festivals, including ones revolving around food.
Le Pays de la Sagouine, a showcase for Acadian culture found in the Atlantic coast community of Bouctouche, will this summer begin Lumina, which is being described as an “enchanted…night walk.”
Gassier also said the Creekside RNR retreat offers guests both luxury glamping and an “immersive nature experience.” The lodging is in the central New Brunswick community of Cocagne and has guests stay in geodesic domes.
