Cape Enrage, New Brunswick, 6/25-6/26

On our way to Ponderosa Pines Campground on Hopewell Cape from Saint Johns, we made a side trip to Cape Enrage.  Cape Enrage was on our itinerary for the next day but we wanted to take the opportunity to see the lighthouse and surrounding area during the low tide.  We knew that we would be visiting at high tide the following day.  This particular area can see upwards of 35’ difference between high and low tide.  The cape was originally named by the French and named for the turbulent and sometimes dangerous conditions do to the tides, weather, and reef to the south.

The lighthouse was originally constructed in 1840 and moved from its original location three times due to erosion on the cliff face.  The light was originally steam powered and the steam was generated from a coal burner.  It was a huge manpower effort to keep the light active.  The light and foghorn were automated in the 1970s and are still controlled by the Canadian Coast Guard.     

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Having the good fortune to be at Cape Enrage during both extremes of the tide we were able to get several comparison pictures from different viewpoints near the lighthouse.

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During low tide we were able to take the stairs down to the beach and explore the rocky beach for a short time.  Other than the large number of small snails, we didn’t see any cool wildlife.  The seaweed was abundant, and we have been told it is indeed edible.  We did not try it, however.

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Another interesting display at Cape Enrage is the collection of plant fossils that have been discovered in the area.  It interesting to note that although plant fossils are very abundant, no animal fossils have ever been found in the area.

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In 1992 the site was reimagined by Moncton Hight School teacher Dennison Tate and his wife Anne.  They worked to restore the lighthouse and establish the site as an adventure park as well a conservation and tourism not-for-profit enterprise.  The site has a restaurant, gift shop, boarding for some of the seasonal workers, a zip line and repelling setup.  

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