Food & Drink
You'll find a range of food and drink options in Sackville. The Greenslades house guide provides a more detailed look at what's available, but here are a few local spot you should check out.
A Sackville landmark, lit by its iconic neon sign since 1945. A classic postwar diner with a milkshake counter and brilliantly-stocked jukebox to match, it’s a must-visit. Offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options of the burgers & fries variety with a side order of local gossip.
Mel's Tea Room Ltd
17 Bridge StA Sackville landmark, lit by its iconic neon sign since 1945. A classic postwar diner with a milkshake counter and brilliantly-stocked jukebox to match, it’s a must-visit. Offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options of the burgers & fries variety with a side order of local gossip.
Excellent espresso, coffee and teas from 7 am every day. Healthy breakfast and lunch meals made from scratch, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
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Black Duck Café
19 Bridge StExcellent espresso, coffee and teas from 7 am every day. Healthy breakfast and lunch meals made from scratch, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Artisanal bakery in a historic home with breakfast from 7 am to 11 am every day. Daily soups and sandwiches, as well as salads, handpies, and other seasonal treats. Frozen meat and fruit pies are great for heating up here. Gluten-free options as well.
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Cranewood Bakery
113 Main StArtisanal bakery in a historic home with breakfast from 7 am to 11 am every day. Daily soups and sandwiches, as well as salads, handpies, and other seasonal treats. Frozen meat and fruit pies are great for heating up here. Gluten-free options as well.
Japanese & Korean fare with much-loved lunch specials until 3 pm. Their bulgogi is particular highlight, and they offer a range of sushi rolls. All items on the menu are available for take out.
Song's Chopsticks
12 Bridge StJapanese & Korean fare with much-loved lunch specials until 3 pm. Their bulgogi is particular highlight, and they offer a range of sushi rolls. All items on the menu are available for take out.
New Brunswick’s first and only exclusively gluten-free bakery and café. It’s not just for celiacs, though: along with the café, the shop also offers a wide range of specialty foods, Fair Trade organic coffee and tea, local and international foods along with natural vitamins & supplements, eco-friendly household and body products and unique gifts.
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Cackling Goose Market
38 York StNew Brunswick’s first and only exclusively gluten-free bakery and café. It’s not just for celiacs, though: along with the café, the shop also offers a wide range of specialty foods, Fair Trade organic coffee and tea, local and international foods along with natural vitamins & supplements, eco-friendly household and body products and unique gifts.
Sackville’s oldest and largest pub, it’s a local mainstay with surprisingly extensive tap options: usually with 36 beers including many Maritime craft selections, as well as 6 ciders. It’s also venue for live music; most weekends, after 10:30 the bar becomes a bit of a student dance club. TV screens will also have sports on. No real food options but you can usually bring or order in your own.
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Ducky's Pub
Bridge StreetSackville’s oldest and largest pub, it’s a local mainstay with surprisingly extensive tap options: usually with 36 beers including many Maritime craft selections, as well as 6 ciders. It’s also venue for live music; most weekends, after 10:30 the bar becomes a bit of a student dance club. TV screens will also have sports on. No real food options but you can usually bring or order in your own.
Part pub, part restaurant, Joey’s offers pizza and pasta dishes in-house as well as to-go. You can also have a pint in the bar area and watch the game on screens above the bar. Open until midnight.
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Joey's Pizza, Pasta, Bar & Grill
16 York StPart pub, part restaurant, Joey’s offers pizza and pasta dishes in-house as well as to-go. You can also have a pint in the bar area and watch the game on screens above the bar. Open until midnight.
Offers standard pizza and donairs fare, but also plenty of Lebanese options: combine the two and get a tawouk pizza or a shawarma panzerotti.
Goya's Pizza
96 Main StOffers standard pizza and donairs fare, but also plenty of Lebanese options: combine the two and get a tawouk pizza or a shawarma panzerotti.
Knuckles Truffles Chocolates
26 York StFine hand-made chocolate treats, including cheesecake and macarons.
Located a short 15-minute drive from Sackville on the route towards PEI, Bistro Le Chatte Bleu is in the village of Baie Verte. This bistro is a local fave in a former general store with a menu that's both Mediterranean and Asian-inspired. It's certainly worth the drive even if you’re not headed all the way to PEI.
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Bistro Le Chat Bleu
342 NB-970Located a short 15-minute drive from Sackville on the route towards PEI, Bistro Le Chatte Bleu is in the village of Baie Verte. This bistro is a local fave in a former general store with a menu that's both Mediterranean and Asian-inspired. It's certainly worth the drive even if you’re not headed all the way to PEI.
Cozy arts-friendly watering hole, with a busy events calendar featuring performances by independent artists. Varied selection of drinks with weekly cocktail features.
Thunder & Lightening Ltd
23 Bridge StCozy arts-friendly watering hole, with a busy events calendar featuring performances by independent artists. Varied selection of drinks with weekly cocktail features.
Every Saturday morning from 9 am to noon, an array of local artisans, farmers and producers set up at the Sackville Commons. Great spot to get fresh vegetables and meats, as well as homemade authentic Asian and Indian foods among other options. Stock up and make dinner here!
Sackville Farmers Market
18 Main StEvery Saturday morning from 9 am to noon, an array of local artisans, farmers and producers set up at the Sackville Commons. Great spot to get fresh vegetables and meats, as well as homemade authentic Asian and Indian foods among other options. Stock up and make dinner here!
This nanobrewery opened in 2017 and offers a rotation of craft brews available in growlers, as well as in a few local pubs.
Bagtown Brewing Company
45 Main StThis nanobrewery opened in 2017 and offers a rotation of craft brews available in growlers, as well as in a few local pubs.
Shopping & Entertainment
There's plenty of unique shops and events to check out in Sackville. Here are a few highlights:
With its roots in the 19th century, this leather-working shop became famous for its hand-made horse collars. Today, it makes a range of goods – getting a leather belt made here is rite of passage for Mt. Allison university students. Stop in, soak in the ambience, and maybe pick up a beautifully hand-made bag or jingle bell collar.
Sackville Harness Shop
39 Main StWith its roots in the 19th century, this leather-working shop became famous for its hand-made horse collars. Today, it makes a range of goods – getting a leather belt made here is rite of passage for Mt. Allison university students. Stop in, soak in the ambience, and maybe pick up a beautifully hand-made bag or jingle bell collar.
Whether you’re looking for something local or the latest bestseller, Tidewater is a well-stocked independent bookstore with an engaging gift shop and home goods section as well.
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Tidewater Books
13 Bridge StWhether you’re looking for something local or the latest bestseller, Tidewater is a well-stocked independent bookstore with an engaging gift shop and home goods section as well.
True to its name, Dave’s offers both rock records and gems. The emphasis here is on vinyl classics, both newly-pressed and second-hand. There’s also a poster section, and of course plenty of crystals, rocks and gems. Occasionally hosts live performances.
Dave's Rock Emporium
15 Bridge StTrue to its name, Dave’s offers both rock records and gems. The emphasis here is on vinyl classics, both newly-pressed and second-hand. There’s also a poster section, and of course plenty of crystals, rocks and gems. Occasionally hosts live performances.
This locally-run flower shop offers bouquets, gift baskets, and plants of all kinds in a range of styles from traditional to innovative using local and exotic flowers.
Blooms
24 York StThis locally-run flower shop offers bouquets, gift baskets, and plants of all kinds in a range of styles from traditional to innovative using local and exotic flowers.
Now in Sackville at 14 York St. - yes, its name (and much of its aesthetic) is inspired by Kate Bush. Mostly women’s vintage denim, leather and more, though there are also options for men. Charming shop with a friendly atmosphere.
Hounds of Vintage
14 York StNow in Sackville at 14 York St. - yes, its name (and much of its aesthetic) is inspired by Kate Bush. Mostly women’s vintage denim, leather and more, though there are also options for men. Charming shop with a friendly atmosphere.
Built in 1946, this art deco-styled single screen theatre seats 279 – though you’re likely to have plenty of choice of seating. It shows a mix of current blockbusters, arthouse favourites and the occasional live performance. Plus, of course, all the popcorn you can handle.
Vogue Cinema
9 Bridge StBuilt in 1946, this art deco-styled single screen theatre seats 279 – though you’re likely to have plenty of choice of seating. It shows a mix of current blockbusters, arthouse favourites and the occasional live performance. Plus, of course, all the popcorn you can handle.
Originally founded by Mt. Allison theatre students over 30 years ago, Live Bait Theatre has gone from presenting edgy, intimate performances to becoming a beloved local institution offering a mix of crowd-pleasers, locally-themed productions – without shying away entirely from more challenging fare. Look for posters around town for productions and show locations.
Live Bait Theatre
3 Main StOriginally founded by Mt. Allison theatre students over 30 years ago, Live Bait Theatre has gone from presenting edgy, intimate performances to becoming a beloved local institution offering a mix of crowd-pleasers, locally-themed productions – without shying away entirely from more challenging fare. Look for posters around town for productions and show locations.
A music venue in a historic church in nearby Dorchester, Shepody House hosts much-loved shows by touring and local musicians. It's still mostly an "occasional" venue so keep your eye out for posters or look up Parkindale Productions online.
Shepody House
3476 Cape RdA music venue in a historic church in nearby Dorchester, Shepody House hosts much-loved shows by touring and local musicians. It's still mostly an "occasional" venue so keep your eye out for posters or look up Parkindale Productions online.
Sights
Sackville is a wonderful place to explore. Here are a few must-sees:
Founded in 1839, Mount Allison University has become a highly-regarded liberal arts school and its historic campus is located just next to downtown. It’s a lovely wander, particularly the iconic Swan Pond located on Main St. across from the salmon-pink St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
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Mount Allison University
62A York StFounded in 1839, Mount Allison University has become a highly-regarded liberal arts school and its historic campus is located just next to downtown. It’s a lovely wander, particularly the iconic Swan Pond located on Main St. across from the salmon-pink St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
A 55-acre wetlands park featuring 3 km of boardwalks and trails, more than 150 species of birds and 200 species of plants have been found here. Perfect for both a brisk morning constitutional or a serene evening stroll, it’s one of Sackville’s most photogenic spots year-round. It has numerous entrances, including one near Cranewood Bakery so you can easily grab a snack before you take a walk.
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Sackville Waterfowl Park
34 Mallard DrA 55-acre wetlands park featuring 3 km of boardwalks and trails, more than 150 species of birds and 200 species of plants have been found here. Perfect for both a brisk morning constitutional or a serene evening stroll, it’s one of Sackville’s most photogenic spots year-round. It has numerous entrances, including one near Cranewood Bakery so you can easily grab a snack before you take a walk.
While no longer in use (though the VIA passenger trains still uses the platform), this station was open in 1907 using locally-quarried plum and olive coloured sandstone. For now, it awaits a new function but for generations it was where many people said hello and goodbye to Sackville.
Sackville VIA Train Station
66 Lorne StWhile no longer in use (though the VIA passenger trains still uses the platform), this station was open in 1907 using locally-quarried plum and olive coloured sandstone. For now, it awaits a new function but for generations it was where many people said hello and goodbye to Sackville.
This freshwater swimming area also features a small park for kids. It’s the nearest place to go swimming outdoors, but check it out before you go in: it’s equally notorious for occasional high bacteria counts and leeches. But if the lifeguard is on duty, you’re generally safe to swim.
Lillas Fawcett Park
9 Morice DrThis freshwater swimming area also features a small park for kids. It’s the nearest place to go swimming outdoors, but check it out before you go in: it’s equally notorious for occasional high bacteria counts and leeches. But if the lifeguard is on duty, you’re generally safe to swim.
Sackville is surrounded by the striking, desolate beauty of the Tantramar marshes, and one good way to see them is by taking a drive along the High Marsh Road. You’ll cross over a 1916 covered bridge, one of the longer ones still remaining in the province.
High Marsh Road
High Marsh RoadSackville is surrounded by the striking, desolate beauty of the Tantramar marshes, and one good way to see them is by taking a drive along the High Marsh Road. You’ll cross over a 1916 covered bridge, one of the longer ones still remaining in the province.
It’s a bit of a drive but if you want to see old carriages, coffins and hearses – and you do – then this is the place. It doesn’t take long to explore, but it charts the history of a single family-run business through the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Campbell Carriage Factory Museum
19 Church StIt’s a bit of a drive but if you want to see old carriages, coffins and hearses – and you do – then this is the place. It doesn’t take long to explore, but it charts the history of a single family-run business through the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Located on the Mount Allison University campus and established in 1895, the Owens features both a permanent collection as well as rotating exhibitions. Admission is free and it is well worth a visit.
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Owens Art Gallery
61 York StLocated on the Mount Allison University campus and established in 1895, the Owens features both a permanent collection as well as rotating exhibitions. Admission is free and it is well worth a visit.
Renowned Canadian artist Alex Colville lived in Sackville and taught at the university, and now his family’s residence has been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and work. Admission is free but it is only open through July and August.
Colville House
York StreetRenowned Canadian artist Alex Colville lived in Sackville and taught at the university, and now his family’s residence has been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and work. Admission is free but it is only open through July and August.
This small but thriving gallery is dedicated to the exhibition and sale of original artworks by Canadian artists, particularly from Atlantic Canada. Original artworks by painters, printmakers, photographers, sculptors and artisans are presented year-round in monthly solo, group or themed exhibitions. It’s best to call ahead as hours are flexible.
Fog Forest Gallery & Framing
14 Bridge StThis small but thriving gallery is dedicated to the exhibition and sale of original artworks by Canadian artists, particularly from Atlantic Canada. Original artworks by painters, printmakers, photographers, sculptors and artisans are presented year-round in monthly solo, group or themed exhibitions. It’s best to call ahead as hours are flexible.
The scrappy, unpredictable cousin to Sackville’s other galleries, Struts is an artist-run centre with a distinctly independent streak. In addition to artist residencies and workshops, they also host all-ages concerts, multi-media events and even the occasional barbeque.
Struts Gallery Inc
7 Lorne StThe scrappy, unpredictable cousin to Sackville’s other galleries, Struts is an artist-run centre with a distinctly independent streak. In addition to artist residencies and workshops, they also host all-ages concerts, multi-media events and even the occasional barbeque.
This collection of buildings celebrates the town’s long-ago heritage as a shipbuilding centre. (Where’s the waterway, you might ask? The Tantramar River changed course in the 1920’s due to erosion. And now you know.) A well-curated look into the past.
Boultenhouse Heritage Centre
29 Queens RdThis collection of buildings celebrates the town’s long-ago heritage as a shipbuilding centre. (Where’s the waterway, you might ask? The Tantramar River changed course in the 1920’s due to erosion. And now you know.) A well-curated look into the past.
Day Trips
One of the best parts about Sackville is that it's located in the very centre of the Maritimes, which means you can see lots of places and be back at Greenslades ever night. Here are a few favourites worth hopping in the car for:
A quick 15-minute drive away is the village of Dorchester, which overlooks Shepody Bay and is home to a number of historic buildings – notably Keillor House and The Bell Inn. Since 1880, it’s also been home to a penitentiary; the old jail is actually now an Airbnb, albeit one much less comfortable than this one. A short drive away is the Johnson’s Mills Shorebird Interpretive Center, and in late summer millions of tiny sandpipers descend on this tiny stretch of beach to feed.
Dorchester
A quick 15-minute drive away is the village of Dorchester, which overlooks Shepody Bay and is home to a number of historic buildings – notably Keillor House and The Bell Inn. Since 1880, it’s also been home to a penitentiary; the old jail is actually now an Airbnb, albeit one much less comfortable than this one. A short drive away is the Johnson’s Mills Shorebird Interpretive Center, and in late summer millions of tiny sandpipers descend on this tiny stretch of beach to feed.
Once a bustling industrial hub, today Amherst is a quieter place but it has some striking architecture that recalls its more affluent past – particularly along Victoria St. downtown. Located 10 minutes away across the Nova Scotia border, it’s also the closest spot for many chains should you need to stock up on anything.
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Amherst
Once a bustling industrial hub, today Amherst is a quieter place but it has some striking architecture that recalls its more affluent past – particularly along Victoria St. downtown. Located 10 minutes away across the Nova Scotia border, it’s also the closest spot for many chains should you need to stock up on anything.
While Parlee Beach in Shediac is the province’s number one sand destination, it can get very busy. A more modest but still enjoyable option is Murray Beach Provincial Park, which still features the warm saltwater of the Northumberland Strait.
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Murray Beach Provincial Park Campground
1679 NB-955While Parlee Beach in Shediac is the province’s number one sand destination, it can get very busy. A more modest but still enjoyable option is Murray Beach Provincial Park, which still features the warm saltwater of the Northumberland Strait.
Located next to the on-ramp to the Confederation Bridge to PEI, this nature centre features some charming pathways and a newly-restored lighthouse. There’s also a small café and some gift shops inside.
Cape Jourimain Nature Trail
Cape Jourimain Nature TrailLocated next to the on-ramp to the Confederation Bridge to PEI, this nature centre features some charming pathways and a newly-restored lighthouse. There’s also a small café and some gift shops inside.
Canada’s smallest province is less than an hour’s drive away from Greenslades, which makes it perfect for a day trip. You’ll cross the impressive Confederation Bridge which is 12.9 km long (though concrete barriers make the view fairly disappointing – if safer.) The island is geared heavily towards tourism, for better or for worse, but it’s undeniably beautiful with its red soil, vast green fields and charming houses dotting the landscape. There’s also the real Green Gables house, the province’s capital Charlottetown, sandy beaches at Cavendish, Brackley Beach and Singing Sands, and of course seafood galore. Best to try and make it back before it gets too dark, though, as the road back to Sackville can be more difficult at night.
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Prince Edward Island
Canada’s smallest province is less than an hour’s drive away from Greenslades, which makes it perfect for a day trip. You’ll cross the impressive Confederation Bridge which is 12.9 km long (though concrete barriers make the view fairly disappointing – if safer.) The island is geared heavily towards tourism, for better or for worse, but it’s undeniably beautiful with its red soil, vast green fields and charming houses dotting the landscape. There’s also the real Green Gables house, the province’s capital Charlottetown, sandy beaches at Cavendish, Brackley Beach and Singing Sands, and of course seafood galore. Best to try and make it back before it gets too dark, though, as the road back to Sackville can be more difficult at night.
This tiny village along Nova Scotia’s Sunrise Trail is chiefly notable for having street signs in English and Gaelic, as well as an annual Gathering Of The Clans festival to celebrate their Scottish heritage. But the drive there and back is full of pretty sights – one of those rare areas where farms are backdropped by the sea.
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Pugwash
This tiny village along Nova Scotia’s Sunrise Trail is chiefly notable for having street signs in English and Gaelic, as well as an annual Gathering Of The Clans festival to celebrate their Scottish heritage. But the drive there and back is full of pretty sights – one of those rare areas where farms are backdropped by the sea.
New Brunswick’s most iconic location is a little over an hour away. These unique rock formations, created by the Bay of Fundy’s powerful tides, are best visited at low tide so check online for times. During tourist season, be aware that it will be very busy; if you can time it to go early or late in the day, you’ll get a more enjoyable experience.
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Hopewell Cape
New Brunswick’s most iconic location is a little over an hour away. These unique rock formations, created by the Bay of Fundy’s powerful tides, are best visited at low tide so check online for times. During tourist season, be aware that it will be very busy; if you can time it to go early or late in the day, you’ll get a more enjoyable experience.
If you get up early enough, you can make a day trip of visiting Fundy National Park which features some excellent hiking trails. The shortest driving route will take you to the top of the park but the better known areas are closer to the town of Alma.
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I-Fundy National Park yaseCanada
If you get up early enough, you can make a day trip of visiting Fundy National Park which features some excellent hiking trails. The shortest driving route will take you to the top of the park but the better known areas are closer to the town of Alma.
The province’s lesser-known national park is located along the Acadian Coastal Drive, keeping close to the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a remarkable spot year-round, with as many winter adventures as summer escapes. Located roughly 90 minutes away, it’s a bit of a hidden gem unknown to most non-Maritimers.
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Iparke yaseKouchibouguac
New Brunswick 117The province’s lesser-known national park is located along the Acadian Coastal Drive, keeping close to the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a remarkable spot year-round, with as many winter adventures as summer escapes. Located roughly 90 minutes away, it’s a bit of a hidden gem unknown to most non-Maritimers.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 15 km cliff is one of the world’s richest fossil deposits, including the world’s most complete fossil record of life in the Coal Age. You’ll most likely be able to find fossils of your own to take home. You’ll be able to see 300 million years of history, so the 45 minute drive there is pretty tame in comparison.
Joggins
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 15 km cliff is one of the world’s richest fossil deposits, including the world’s most complete fossil record of life in the Coal Age. You’ll most likely be able to find fossils of your own to take home. You’ll be able to see 300 million years of history, so the 45 minute drive there is pretty tame in comparison.
My personal favourite Maritime driving route – and one that’s little-known. It begins on the outskirts of Parrsboro and follows the shore of the Bay of Fundy passing through a number of tiny communities along the way. Initially a fairly flat drive, before you know it you’ll be cresting great cliffs, then quickly shooting down into tiny inlets before climbing another hill that provides a stunning view. Along the way, you can sit in a giant beach chair in Port Greville, visit the Age of Sail Museum, visit a cairn in Spencer’s Island commemorating the building of the ghost ship Mary Celeste, then take the off-road to mighty Cap D’Or lighthouse. Cap your trip with a visit to Wild Caraway restaurant in Advocate Harbour which grows their own herbs and more in a garden just outside the century-old house - make sure you check ahead for open hours. You’ll want to give yourself at least 4 hours for this trip, but it’s well worth it – and you’ll have a unique story to tell.
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Wild Caraway
3721 NS-209My personal favourite Maritime driving route – and one that’s little-known. It begins on the outskirts of Parrsboro and follows the shore of the Bay of Fundy passing through a number of tiny communities along the way. Initially a fairly flat drive, before you know it you’ll be cresting great cliffs, then quickly shooting down into tiny inlets before climbing another hill that provides a stunning view. Along the way, you can sit in a giant beach chair in Port Greville, visit the Age of Sail Museum, visit a cairn in Spencer’s Island commemorating the building of the ghost ship Mary Celeste, then take the off-road to mighty Cap D’Or lighthouse. Cap your trip with a visit to Wild Caraway restaurant in Advocate Harbour which grows their own herbs and more in a garden just outside the century-old house - make sure you check ahead for open hours. You’ll want to give yourself at least 4 hours for this trip, but it’s well worth it – and you’ll have a unique story to tell.