Miramichi bills itself as Canada’s Irish capital. Early residents began arriving in numbers after the Napoleonic Wars and, by the 1870s, were well established here.
Lumber, fishing and shipbuilding became mainstays of the economy and remained so for more than 50 years. Today the area’s economy is focused mainly on mining, forestry and fishing. Other nationalities with strong roots in the region are the English, the Scots and the Acadians and this heritage is celebrated in annual events such as the Folksong Festival, the Irish Festival, the Scottish Festival and the Fiddle Festival.
Situated at the mouth of the Miramichi River, the city supports an outdoor culture centred around the water. The warm waters of Miramichi Bay are a haven for sailing enthusiasts and an extentive network of trails lies along its banks. Residents of Miramichi are called Miramichiers. Many speak their own dialect – a derivative of Maritime English so don’t be too surprised to be wondering what is being talked about!