Campbellton, New Brunswick – Festivals, Sugarloaf Mountain, Restigouche River & Indigenous Heritage
Campbellton Awesome Festival 2025 – Stand-Up, Laughter & Community Fun
📅 Dates: September 16–20, 2025
📍 Location: Campbellton, New Brunswick
Welcome to the Campbellton Awesome Festival – where comedy takes center stage in the heart of northern New Brunswick! From September 16 to 20, 2025, Campbellton will transform into a comedy hotspot, bringing together top Canadian and international comedians for a week of unforgettable entertainment.
What to Expect
🎤 Stand-Up Comedy Shows – Featuring some of the best comedians in Canada.
😂 Fresh Jokes & Endless Fun – An atmosphere where the laughs never stop.
🏔 Beautiful Location – Campbellton, home to the stunning Sugarloaf Mountain, provides the perfect backdrop for this comedy celebration.
🎉 Community Spirit – A not-for-profit event run by passionate locals who want to share the joy of laughter while showcasing Campbellton’s culture and hospitality.
Why Campbellton Awesome Festival is Special
The festival isn’t just about comedy – it’s about community. Organized by local volunteers, it aims to:
- Promote Campbellton and the Restigouche region as a cultural hub.
- Attract visitors from across Canada to experience the charm of northern New Brunswick.
- Create a welcoming atmosphere where laughter brings people together.
Festival Highlights
- Multiple nights of comedy shows with nationally recognized acts.
- A warm and inclusive festival atmosphere.
- Affordable entertainment for locals and visitors alike.
- The chance to discover Campbellton’s scenic beauty, rich culture, and friendly vibe.
Whether you’re a stand-up comedy fan or just looking for a night of fun, the Campbellton Awesome Festival guarantees plenty of laughs, great energy, and memories that will last long after the punchlines.
👉 Learn more and grab tickets at the official site: awesomefestival.ca
✨ Stay Awesome, Campbellton! #StayAwesome

Campbellton, New Brunswick – Gateway to Adventure & Culture
Campbellton is a vibrant city in northern New Brunswick, located on the banks of the Restigouche River and just steps from the Québec border. Known as the gateway to the Atlantic provinces, Campbellton blends natural beauty, cultural charm, and outdoor adventure.
Highlights of Campbellton
🏔 Sugarloaf Mountain – A year-round destination for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, offering panoramic views of the region.
Sugarloaf Mountain – A Landmark in Northern New Brunswick
Sugarloaf Mountain is one of New Brunswick’s most recognizable natural landmarks, rising proudly above the city of Campbellton. This extinct volcano, estimated to be more than 400 million years old, is located within Sugarloaf Provincial Park, a four-season destination that attracts hikers, skiers, and nature lovers from across Atlantic Canada.
Hiking & Outdoor Adventure
🚶♂️ Hiking Trails – The summit trail to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain is short but steep, rewarding hikers with a 360-degree panoramic view of Campbellton, the Restigouche River, and the rolling hills stretching into Québec.
🚴 Mountain Biking – Sugarloaf Provincial Park is home to some of Atlantic Canada’s top-rated mountain biking trails, with options for all skill levels.
🌲 Nature Exploration – The park offers scenic walking trails through dense forests and peaceful surroundings perfect for birdwatching and photography.
Winter Sports
⛷ Skiing & Snowboarding – Sugarloaf Provincial Park is a hub for winter activities, featuring ski slopes, snowboarding areas, and snowshoeing trails.
❄️ With reliable snowfall, the park has become a regional favorite for families and winter sports enthusiasts.
A Community Landmark
Sugarloaf Mountain is more than just a natural wonder—it’s a symbol of Campbellton and northern New Brunswick. Whether admired from the city’s streets or climbed for its breathtaking views, it represents both the rugged beauty and adventurous spirit of the region.
Why Visit Sugarloaf Mountain?
- Hike to one of the best viewpoints in Atlantic Canada.
- Explore year-round outdoor activities in Sugarloaf Provincial Park.
- Experience both thrilling adventures and peaceful nature in one place.
- Enjoy the charm of nearby Campbellton and the majestic Restigouche River.
✨ Whether you’re seeking adventure on the trails, skiing down snowy slopes, or simply soaking in the view from the summit, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-visit destination that showcases the natural beauty of northern New Brunswick.
🐟 Restigouche River – Famous for salmon fishing, kayaking, and scenic waterfront walks.
Restigouche River – A Jewel of Northern New Brunswick
The Restigouche River is one of Atlantic Canada’s most iconic waterways, flowing through northern New Brunswick and forming part of the natural border with Québec. Known for its breathtaking scenery and world-class salmon fishing, the Restigouche has become a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, and nature lovers alike.
A River Rich in History & Culture
For centuries, the Restigouche River has been central to the lives of the Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous peoples, as well as to the history of early settlers and traders. The river even played a key role in the Battle of the Restigouche (1760), an important event during the Seven Years’ War. Today, it continues to carry cultural and historical significance, connecting communities along its banks.
Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Peoples of New Brunswick – History, Culture, and Heritage
New Brunswick is home to a rich Indigenous heritage, shaped for thousands of years by the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet), and Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy) peoples. These First Nations communities have lived on the land since time immemorial, building deep connections to the rivers, forests, and coasts of the region.
The Mi’kmaq People
The Mi’kmaq Nation traditionally occupied much of Atlantic Canada, including parts of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and the Gaspé Peninsula. Known for their resourcefulness, the Mi’kmaq lived in harmony with the natural world, relying on fishing, hunting, and seasonal migration to sustain their communities.
Today, Mi’kmaq communities in New Brunswick continue to preserve their cultural identity through language revitalization, traditional ceremonies, and education programs that connect youth with ancestral knowledge.
Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet)
The Wolastoqiyik, whose name means “People of the Beautiful River,” traditionally lived along the Wolastoq (Saint John River). Their culture and survival were deeply tied to this waterway, which provided food, transportation, and fertile lands. The Wolastoqiyik are recognized for their artistry, particularly birchbark canoe building and intricate basket weaving, which remain vital cultural practices today.
Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy)
The Peskotomuhkati Nation traditionally lived around Passamaquoddy Bay, straddling the border of New Brunswick and Maine. Renowned for their knowledge of coastal life, fishing, and marine resources, the Peskotomuhkati maintain a strong cultural presence in the region and continue to advocate for recognition of their ancestral lands and heritage.
Cultural Contributions and Modern Presence
Indigenous peoples have made invaluable contributions to the cultural fabric of New Brunswick:
- Language: Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey languages are being revitalized through immersion schools and cultural initiatives.
- Art and Craft: Traditional basketry, beadwork, drumming, and dance remain central to Indigenous cultural expression.
- Community Events: Powwows and cultural gatherings across the province celebrate traditions, showcase music and dance, and strengthen community bonds.
- Stewardship of the Land: Indigenous communities continue to lead conservation efforts, protecting waterways, forests, and wildlife.
Truth, Reconciliation & Partnerships
Today, New Brunswick acknowledges the vital role of Indigenous peoples in its history and future. Through Truth and Reconciliation initiatives, partnerships in education, and land stewardship, the province works alongside Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, and Peskotomuhkati Nations to foster greater understanding and respect.
Why It Matters
Visiting New Brunswick offers a chance to learn from Indigenous cultures and histories that have shaped the province for millennia. From exploring cultural centers and attending powwows to discovering traditional crafts and stories, travelers can connect with the deep Indigenous heritage that continues to thrive today.
✨ The Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous peoples are not only the original caretakers of New Brunswick but also vital voices in shaping its future—ensuring that their traditions, languages, and stories remain strong for generations to come.
Activities on the Restigouche
🐟 Salmon Fishing – The Restigouche is world-renowned for Atlantic salmon fishing, drawing anglers from around the globe.
🛶 Canoeing & Kayaking – Paddle along its pristine waters while surrounded by untouched wilderness.
📸 Scenic Beauty – Towering forests, rolling hills, and clear waters make it a photographer’s dream.
🌿 Wildlife Viewing – Spot bald eagles, moose, and a variety of bird species along the riverbanks.
Gateway to Adventure
The Restigouche River runs alongside communities like Campbellton, making it an accessible yet unspoiled destination for visitors. Whether you’re standing on the Campbellton waterfront, crossing the bridge into Québec, or exploring hidden coves upriver, you’ll be captivated by the river’s natural charm.
Why Visit the Restigouche River?
- Experience one of the world’s most famous salmon rivers.
- Explore history, from Indigenous traditions to colonial battles.
- Enjoy outdoor adventures in all four seasons.
- Discover the warmth of local communities along the river.
✨ The Restigouche River is more than just a waterway—it’s a destination that embodies the wild beauty, cultural richness, and welcoming spirit of northern New Brunswick.
🎭 Festivals & Events – Home to celebrations like the Campbellton Awesome Festival and Salmon Festival, bringing locals and visitors together through comedy, music, and culture.
🎨 Arts & Heritage – Discover local museums, Indigenous culture, and community art initiatives that showcase Campbellton’s rich history.
🌲 Outdoor Recreation – From snowmobiling in winter to cycling and hiking trails in summer, Campbellton is a playground for nature lovers.
Why Visit Campbellton?
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🎭 Laughing at the Campbellton Awesome Festival
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🏔 Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain
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🐟 Fishing or paddling the Restigouche River
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🎨 Exploring Indigenous and local heritage
…you’ll find something unforgettable.
✨ Whether you’re here for a festival, a fishing trip, or to explore the beauty of Sugarloaf Mountain, Campbellton offers an authentic and unforgettable Atlantic Canada experience.
Location: Campbellton, New Brunswick