🚣‍♂️ Festival des Rameurs 2025 – Petit-Rocher Rowers Festival

📍 Petit-Rocher, New Brunswick
📅 Sunday, July 6 – Sunday, July 13, 2025
🌐 festivaldesrameurs.net

Get ready for one of New Brunswick’s most iconic summer festivals — the 56th edition of the Festival des Rameurs, held in the scenic coastal village of Petit-Rocher, nestled along the vibrant shores of Chaleur Bay. This beloved week-long event combines athleticism, Acadian pride, and family-friendly fun, offering a dynamic celebration of maritime heritage and community spirit.

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🏘️ Welcome to Petit-Rocher, NB

Petit-Rocher is a quaint Acadian village in northern New Brunswick, famous for its spectacular sunsets, seaside charm, and deep-rooted Francophone heritage. Founded in the late 18th century by Acadian settlers, the village remains a hub of maritime traditions, where French is widely spoken, and cultural values are cherished year-round.

Set against the dramatic beauty of Chaleur Bay, Petit-Rocher’s relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, and picturesque views make it the perfect host for one of Atlantic Canada’s most cherished sporting and cultural events — the Festival des Rameurs.

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🌟 Highlights of Petit-Rocher:

• 📍 Strategically located between Bathurst and Dalhousie via Route 134
• 🌅 Famed for its panoramic sunsets over Chaleur Bay
• 🏖️ Offers beach access, walking trails, and peaceful picnic areas
• 🎪 Hosts seasonal events and open-air markets that showcase Acadian culture
• 🏠 Population: Approximately 2,000 residents

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🚣‍♀️ The Festival’s Main Event: The Legendary Rowing Race

The heart of the Festival des Rameurs lies in its legendary rowing competition — an intense, 35-kilometre (22-mile) open-water race across Chaleur Bay. Rowers train for months to conquer the challenging course, testing their strength, teamwork, and endurance while drawing enthusiastic crowds to the bayfront.

This signature event not only celebrates Petit-Rocher’s maritime traditions but also brings visibility to Atlantic Canadian rowing culture, making it one of the most respected races in the region.

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🌊 Chaleur Bay – Jewel of Atlantic Canada

Chaleur Bay (Baie des Chaleurs) is a crescent-shaped bay that extends between northern New Brunswick and southeastern Quebec, meeting the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Named by French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1534, the bay is renowned for its warm waters, sandy beaches, and tranquil beauty — and is often referred to as one of the warmest saltwater bays in Canada.

📸 Why Chaleur Bay Is a Must-See:

• 🌅 Unforgettable sunsets that ignite the sky
• 🐬 Marine life including seals, porpoises, and even the occasional whale
• 🛶 A perfect location for kayaking, rowing, sailing, and boating events
• 🏖️ Sandy beaches and surprisingly warm waters — ideal for swimming
• 🌲 Coastal trails and forested landscapes dotted with Acadian villages

📐 Fast Facts:

• Area: ~96 km long and up to 50 km wide
• Connected to the Gulf of St. Lawrence
• Part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve zone (Miguasha nearby)
• Cultural importance to Mi’kmaq and Acadian communities

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🚣‍♂️ A Perfect Venue for the Festival des Rameurs

Chaleur Bay’s wide, calm waters provide the ideal conditions for long-distance rowing competitions. The bay acts as both a natural arena for rowers and a breathtaking stage for spectators. Its gentle summer winds, long daylight hours, and stunning surroundings make it an unforgettable location for this thrilling test of physical and mental stamina.

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🎉 A Week of Activities for All Ages

The Festival des Rameurs is more than a race — it’s a vibrant community celebration packed with events for visitors and locals alike:

Daily & Evening Events:

• 🎶 Live concerts from Acadian musicians and local bands
• 🎲 Bingo nights, friendly competitions, and evening gatherings
• 🎈 Children’s activities including inflatable games, face painting, crafts, and storytelling
• 🍔 Food vendors and booths featuring local favorites and Acadian dishes
• 🧺 Artisan markets, heritage exhibits, and cultural showcases

Whether you’re a fan of sports, music, food, or coastal traditions, the Festival des Rameurs promises something for everyone — all in a festive, family-oriented setting by the water.

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❤️ The Spirit of the Festival

What makes the Festival des Rameurs truly special is the spirit of cooperation and community behind it. The success of this long-running event depends on the commitment of:

• 💪 Dedicated rowers, who train rigorously throughout the year
• 🙌 Local volunteers and community members
• 🤝 Sponsors and partners who make the event possible
• 🏛️ Support from municipal leaders and staff

It’s this collaborative energy that keeps the festival growing and thriving year after year — a true reflection of Acadian resilience, pride, and joie de vivre.

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🗺️ Nearby Attractions & Day Trips

Extend your stay and explore these Chaleur Bay communities:

• 🏙️ Bathurst – Restaurants, boutiques, and cultural attractions
• 🏡 Dalhousie – Scenic trails and ocean views
• 🌊 Caraquet – Known for its Acadian history and cultural events
• 🚢 Paspébiac (Quebec) – Across the bay, rich in Quebecois coastal heritage

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📣 Final Word: Don’t Miss the 2025 Festival des Rameurs!

Whether you’re cheering from the shore or soaking in the cultural vibe, the Festival des Rameurs 2025 is a can’t-miss event that captures the best of summer in New Brunswick.

📅 July 6–13, 2025
📍 Petit-Rocher, Chaleur Bay, NB
🌐 festivaldesrameurs.net

Come for the race — stay for the music, food, and unforgettable East Coast memories.
#FestivalDesRameurs #PetitRocher #ChaleurBay #NBEvents #RowingFestival2025

First Photo by New Brunswick Tourism
First Location: Nepsiguit River/Rivière Nepsiguit