Shediac Bay Lobster Cruise: A One-of-a-Kind Canadian Seafood Experience
This summer, I set out on a mission to find the best Canadian seafood and the coolest Canadian seafood experiences. My mission was accomplished in Shediac Bay, New Brunswick.
On a rainy August afternoon, my friends and I made the quick 30-minute drive from Moncton to Shediac Bay to embark on a “Lobster Tales” experience with Shediac Bay Lobster Cruises.
I didn’t know much about the experience beforehand, only that it was going to last about 2.5 hours and there was lobster involved. Needless to say, they had me at “lobster”.
Our journey began by boarding a 53-foot vessel which was clearly designed specifically for this experience. The interior was lined with picnic tables that can seat up to 56 hungry guests. The boat is also fully heated (much appreciated on this chilly day!) and has an upstairs deck with a 360-degree view of the New Brunswick coastline.
After getting settled in at our picnic table, Captain Ron gave a quick safety briefing and told us what to expect on the trip. Essentially, we’d be cruising around Shediac Bay and some of New Brunswick’s most prized lobster grounds. Along the way, we’d learn about lobster fishing and the region’s Acadian history. And of course, we’d get to try our hand at pulling up our own lobster traps before learning the proper way to crack and eat the delicious shellfish.
As we cruised further away from the bay, Captain Ron talked a lot about the history of lobster fishing in New Brunswick and some of the conservation measures put in place to ensure the sustainability of the lobster fishery for the long-term. “We have a moral responsibility to make sure we leave something for the next generation.” he told our group as he explained the fishermen-led quota changes that have taken place over the years to reduce pressure on the fishery.
About 20 minutes into our journey, Captain Ron stopped at our “fishing spot” where the lobster traps had been laid. A handful of guests volunteered to help him pull the lobster trap out of the water and bring aboard two very tasty looking American lobsters.
Over the next 30 minutes, Captain Ron explained how the traps are designed to only catch lobsters of a certain size – another conservation measure to ensure the fishery continues to thrive. With a lobster trap aboard for all to see, Ron explained how lobsters enter the traps and get caught and how they’re then brought to the surface. With our two lobsters as demonstration props, Captain Ron showed us how to tell a female lobster from a male lobster (hint: look at the width of their tails!) and how to handle a lobster without getting in the way of their claws. Because as he reminded us all, “lobster claws won’t cut off your finger, but they will break it.”
Finally, after we were well versed in lobster anatomy, traps and conservation measures, it was time to learn how to eat lobster! Captain Ron provided guests with a step-by-step tutorial on the proper way to break down a lobster to ensure not an ounce of precious meat is wasted. Then, it was our turn to try. Freshly steamed lobsters were placed in front of us along with all the required tools and plenty of napkins.
The chatter on the boat hushed as everyone went to work cracking and slurping. Captain Ron definitely taught me a thing or two about how to maximize the amount of lobster meat I was getting. While I’d cracked lobsters before, I’d never done it the Acadian way that Ron showed us. His methods ended up being the most efficient means of dismantling a lobster! Not a single morsel of lobster meat was wasted and I was sufficiently full by the end of our tour. The vessel is also equipped with a full-service bar for guests who want to purchase a drink to pair with lobster, which I highly recommend. What better pairing is there than ice cold beer and fresh lobster?!
After our bellies were stuffed and the tables were littered with lobster shells and discarded napkins, it was time to head back to shore. We took the opportunity to enjoy those 360-degree views from above and relish in the incredible culinary experience that we just enjoyed.
I feel so fortunate that seafood tourism experiences like this exist right here in Canada. The seafood industry has been notoriously opaque and difficult for the average consumer to understand. Experiences like those offered by Shediac Bay Cruises are changing that.
If you find yourself in the Shediac Bay or Moncton area of New Brunswick, I highly recommend hopping on a Lobster Tales adventure with Ron and his crew. It’s an invaluable learning experience and provides great views of the bay. And did I mention – fresh lobster?!
Shediac Bay Cruises “Lobster Tale” experience runs from June to October.
Depending on the season, there are either two or three departures each day.
Tickets are $83 CAD + tax per person
