Petitcodiac

Petitcodiac is a town in southeastern New Brunswick, Canada. It is situated in Westmorland County on the Petitcodiac River, upstream from the river’s tidal estuary at the Bay of Fundy. The town sits within a rural region and is connected to surrounding communities by provincial roads.

Historically, the area was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Mi’kmaq, before being settled by Acadians in the 17th and 18th centuries. The community developed through agriculture, forestry and river-based trade, with the river serving as a key transportation route. Over time Petitcodiac grew as a small rural municipality that remains linked to the river and to nearby urban centers.

Geography and features of the area include the Petitcodiac River, which is known for its tidal bore—a surge of seawater that travels upstream during certain tidal conditions. In the late 20th century, a causeway across the river restricted tidal flow, impacting the estuary and local fisheries. In the 2010s, a restoration project breached the causeway to restore tidal flow and improve the ecological health of the river and its surroundings.

Today, Petitcodiac maintains a residential and service-oriented character, with local schools and municipal services serving residents and nearby rural communities. The town provides access to river-related recreation and tourism, including boating, fishing, and opportunities to observe the tidal phenomena associated with the Petitcodiac River.