News Blog

Re-opening of Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre

Re-opening of Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre

Church Point (N.S.), June 21, 2021 – Effective Monday, June 21, 2021, the Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre will re-open to the public.

Due to the pandemic, a maximum of 10 persons at a time will be permitted in the centre (25 % capacity).

Masks Required

A non-medical mask must be worn at all times. Masks will be available at the visitor Information centre counter for those who don’t have one.

You will also be asked to:

  • Disinfect your hands upon entering the building
  • Maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres at all times
  • Provide your name and phone number for contact tracing
  • Only one person at a time is permitted in the washrooms
  • Familiarize yourself with the new protocols

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or who refuses to wear a mask will be refused access.

Hours of Operation (as of Monday, June 21, 2021):

Visitor Information Centre / Acadian Interpretive Centre (Museum) / Le Trécarré Art Gallery

Monday to Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm. Closed Sunday.

The café and boutique are currently closed.

All new procedures and subsequent updates will be posted on the Centre’s website at https://rendezvousdelabaie.ca/en/  

We recognize that the reopening will require a period of adjustment and continued collaboration from all users and we thank you for your patience and understanding. We are delighted to welcome you once again to the Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre.

Contact: Jean-Paul Kalwahali, Manager, Rendez-vous de la Baie, 902-769-2345, bienvenue@munclare.ca

Re-opening of Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre

Re-opening of Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre

Church Point (N.S.), September 29, 2020 – Effective September 18, the Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre has re-opened to the public.

Before arriving at the centre, it is important to be informed on the new procedures for your visit. Due to COVID-19, a maximum of 8 persons at a time will be permitted in the centre.

Masks Required

A non-medical mask must be worn at all times. Masks will be available at the visitor Information centre counter for those who don’t have one.

You will also be asked to:

  • Disinfect your hands upon entering the building
  • Maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres at all times
  • Provide your name and phone number for contact tracing
  • Only one person at a time is permitted in the washrooms
  • Familiarize yourself with the new protocols

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or who refuses to wear a mask will be refused access.

Hours of Operation: Visitor Information Centre

Monday to Friday: 9 am to 12 noon; 1 pm – 4 pm. Closed 12 – 1 pm.  Closed Saturday & Sunday.

Museum / Acadian Interpretive Centre

To coordinate a visit, it is recommended to make a reservation by email at vicclare@gmail.com or by phone at 902-769-2345. Please do not touch the exhibits.

Le Trécarré Art Gallery

The Trécarré Art Gallery is expected to re-open by mid-October. A maximum of 3 persons will be permitted at a time in the gallery.

The café and boutique are currently closed due to the pandemic.

All new procedures and subsequent updates will be posted on the Centre’s website at https://rendezvousdelabaie.ca/en/  

We recognize that the reopening will require a period of adjustment and continued collaboration from all users and we thank you for your patience and understanding. We are delighted to welcome you once again to the Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre.

Contact: Chantal Surette, Manager, Rendez-vous de la Baie, 902-769-2345, vicclare@gmail.com

Sponsor of the Month – October 2019: Clare Township website

claretownship.ca Website: http://claretownship.ca/
Contact: Marcelle Comeau (902) 989-1954
Email: mmcomeau@outlook.com


The Rendez-vous de la Baie is very pleased to announce that the Clare Township website is the sponsor of the month for October 2019. Their generous contribution provides everyone with free access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre museum halls.

For the sixth consecutive year, we are very pleased to sponsor admission to the ‘Acadian Interpretive Centre’ for October, 2019. The Interpretive Centre is a great introduction to the history of Baie-Sainte-Marie (Clare) and pays tribute to the fortitude and ingenuity of the first settlers to arrive on its shores in 1768. The Centre also beautifully showcases the arts and culture which have evolved at Baie-Sainte-Marie since those early days.

My generation is the bridge between the old and the new: we are the last generation in Clare to have experienced a way of life that has all but disappeared. To this end, John and I have developed a website to record and preserve the history of Clare for genealogists and researchers in particular, but also for anyone interested in the history of our beautiful Baie-Sainte-Marie, its founding families and their descendants. In Phase One, we photographed every grave-marker in the Catholic cemeteries in Clare and developed a fully searchable grave-marker database; this is currently the backbone of our website. We also added a brief history of the churches and parishes at Baie-Sainte-Marie.

The next module we added was a brief overview of Shipbuilding in Clare, authored by Delbé Comeau. We also worked with Old Photos of Clare to bring you an old photos display at the Rendez-Vous and a rotating slide show in the Acadian Interpretive Centre.

After a hiatus to work on Canada150, Clare250 and Chipoudie monument projects, we plan to begin adding new material to our website, building on research we carried out for the celebrations mentioned. Areas of interest include the genealogy of the founding families of Baie-Sainte-Marie; supporting genealogical documentation for some of the names on the ‘Lost at Sea’ Cape St. Mary monument; documenting some of the historic homes in Clare and featuring selected historical figures from Projet de l’Association Madeleine LeBlanc, 150 + 100 femmes inspirantes de la Baie Sainte-Marie (Clare) N.-É.

Because we plan to keep adding material to our website, check us out periodically at http://claretownship.ca/ http://claretownship.ca/

– Marcelle Comeau & John Berkey

Access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre (Museum) at Rendez-vous de la Baie is now free of charge. New since 2012, the admission fees have been replaced by a Donation box, as well as a new Corporate Sponsorship Program.

For more information on the Corporate Sponsorship Program, please view the PDF.

Mark’s RV & Auto Repair – Sponsor of the Month – September 2019

Mark’s RV & Auto Repair

Civic Address: 9865 Hwy 1, Saulnierville NS B0W 2Z0
Website: http://marksrvandautorepair.com/
Contact: 902-769-2323 or 902-769-7353 Fax: 902-769-3722
Email: info@marksrvandautorepair.com


The Rendez-vous de la Baie is very pleased to announce that the Mark’s RV & Auto Repair is the sponsor of the month for September 2019. Their generous contribution provides everyone with free access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre museum halls.

New in 2019, Mark’s RV & Auto Repair have added RV Sales and RV Rentals to their list of services. In addition, they are a full service RV and Auto repair facility with 2 RV mechanics, 2 automotive mechanics and a friendly receptionist. Mark enjoys meeting new people and working with the public. His goal is to create a positive ambiance for his staff and customers. He tries to ensure his customers have the best experience possible.

They offer RV repair at your location or at the shop. See below to see a full list of services available. They are dedicated to providing you with up-front and courteous family style service, whether your job is large or small. They can order parts and accessories for both RV and Automotive uses. If they don’t have it on stock ask and they may be able to special order it for you!

RV Dealer for:
• Impression
• Kodiak
• Aspen Trail

Full RV Repair Facility
• Insurance Jobs
• Batteries
• Electrical Systems
• Towing Service
• Winterizing
• De-winterizing
• Full Trailer Inspections
• Propane
• Hardware
• Plumbing
• Furnaces
• Appliances
• Windows and Doors
• Mobile Services
• and much more

Full Auto Repair Facility
• Brake / ABS
• Computerized Engine Diagnosis
• Cooling System
• Batteries
• Axle
• Driveline
• Fuel Pumps and Lines
• Oil Change, Filters & Lube
• Steering & Chassis
• Tires / Wheel Balancing
• Transmission
• Tune Ups
• Rack & Pinion Steering Systems
• Electrical System
• and much more
They are happy to welcome new customers anytime. Drop in or call us at 902-769-2323 and they will be pleased to serve you.

Access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre (Museum) at Rendez-vous de la Baie is now free of charge. New since 2012, the admission fees have been replaced by a Donation box, as well as a new Corporate Sponsorship Program.

For more information on the Corporate Sponsorship Program, please view the PDF.

L’Association des Acadiens – Métis Souriquois (AAMS) – Sponsor of the Month – August 2019

AAMSLogo1440x720

Association des Acadiens – Métis Souriquois (AAMS) Website: http://www.acadiens-metis-souriquois.ca/
Contact: Joseph Jacquard, President
Claire Robicheau, Office Administrator
902-746-3652 (AAMS Office)
Email: aams.office@gmail.com


The Rendez-vous de la Baie is very pleased to announce that the Association des Acadiens – Métis Souriquois (AAMS) is the sponsor of the month for August 2019. Their generous contribution provides everyone with free access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre museum halls.

L’Association des Acadiens Métis Souriquois is a colourful and diverse association. It is specifically designed and created for Acadians of aboriginal ancestry to restore a sense of pride in their heritage and to celebrate traditional Acadian values while promoting Indigenous pride and spiritual values.

Access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre (Museum) at Rendez-vous de la Baie is now free of charge. New since 2012, the admission fees have been replaced by a Donation box, as well as a new Corporate Sponsorship Program.

For more information on the Corporate Sponsorship Program, please view the PDF.

Fort Anne and Port Royal, partners for the month of July 2019

Parks Canada logo

Fort Anne
Website: www.parcscanada.gc.ca/fortanne
Contact: (902) 532-2397
Address: 323 St. George St. Annapolis Royal NS Port-Royal Habitation
Website: www.parcscanada.gc.ca/portroyal
Contact: (902) 532-2898
Address: 53 Historic Lane Port Royal NS


Rendez-vous de la Baie is very pleased to announce that Fort Anne and Port Royal NHS are our partners for the month of July 2019. Their participation provides everyone with free access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre museum halls.

Fort Anne

Fort Anne is the oldest national historic site in Canada, designated in 1917.
Over 4000 years ago the Mi’kmaq used this location as a stopping place in their voyages.
In the 1600s and 1700s, the site was the centre 
of early European colonization and settlement in the area called Acadie by the French, Nova Scotia by the British. The French and the British in turn had their colonial capitals here. This was one of the most hotly contested territories in North America. The 1702 earthworks are the earliest Canadian example of a Vauban-style fort. Come Explore!

Port-Royal Habitation

The Port-Royal Habitation is a reconstruction of a small French compound begun in 1605. It was home to one of the earliest European settlements on this continent. Mi’kmaq people lived along these shores for centuries and it was here that the French and the Mi’kmaq formed an enduring friendship and alliance. The Habitation survived until 1613 when it was destroyed in an attack by Captain Samuel Argall of Virginia. As you visit the Habitation you will have the chance to discover the trials and successes of the French colonists who settled for a time along this coast. Plan to spend an hour or more at the site exploring the buildings, the wigwam and talking with the costumed interpreters.

Access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre (Museum) at Rendez-vous de la Baie is now free of charge. Since 2012, the admission fees have been replaced by a Donation box, as well as a new Corporate Sponsorship Program.

Historic Gardens – June 2019 Partner of the Month

441 St. George Street, Annapolis Royal
Website: www.historicgardens.com
Contact: Trish Fry, 902-532-7018
Email: admin[à]historicgardens.com


The Rendez-vous de la Baie is very pleased to announce that Historic Gardens of Annapolis Royal is the sponsor of the month for June 2019. Its generous contribution provides everyone with free access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre museum halls.

Imagine a beautiful garden where the winds of history blow softly through the trees. Imagine warm summer days filled with the scent of more than 270 cultivars of roses. You have just imagined yourself in the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, where we delight and astonish visitors from around the world.

Located in historic Annapolis Royal, the Historic Gardens was named “Canada’s Garden of the Year” in 2015. With 17 acres of gardens telling the story of Nova Scotia from a horticultural perspective, the Gardens are a “must see” attraction. One highlight of significance is the reproduction of a 1671 thatched Acadian house, garden and dyked lands, reminiscent of the time when the Annapolis Royal area was thriving as the Cradle of Acadie.

With a Gift Shop featuring Maritime handcrafts, and the Elm Tree Café situated under the canopy of a giant weeping elm, we suggest you plan a couple hours to relax in our Seventeen Acres of Paradise!

La Société acadienne de Clare – sponsor of the month – May 2019

la societe acadien de clare logo avec drapeau

Website: www.saclare.com
Contact: Natalie Robichaud, 902-769-0955
Email: dg[à]saclare.com


The Rendez-vous de la Baie is very pleased to announce that La Société acadienne de Clare is the sponsor of the month for May 2019. Their generous contribution provides everyone with free access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre museum halls.

La Société acadienne de Clare is made up of individuals and organisations that work together to preserve and promote the Acadian language and culture in the Clare region. We represent La Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse in the Municipality of Clare. We organize many community base projects. Naturally, most of are activities and projects are conducted in our maternal French language, but they do not exclude the participation of the other official language community nor other minority groups. Visit our office at 795 Comeauville, in the Radio-CIFA building.

Access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre (Museum) at Rendez-vous de la Baie is now free of charge. New since 2012, the admission fees have been replaced by a Donation box, as well as a new Corporate Sponsorship Program.

For more information on the Corporate Sponsorship Program, please view the PDF.

Caisse populaire de Clare – Sponsor of the Month – April 2019

Caisse populaire de Clare

Website: www.caissepopclare.com
Contact: Renel Doucet, 902-769-5315
Email: rdoucet[at]caissepopclare.com


The Rendez-vous de la Baie is very pleased to announce that the Caisse populaire de Clare is the sponsor of the month for April 2019. Their generous contribution provides everyone with free access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre museum halls.

Caisse populaire de Clare is a locally owned, progressive cooperative financial institution offering quality, professional and personal service to our members while enhancing the social well-being of the community. The credit union is a full service financial institution offering products and services for personal and commercial members. They have two full service branches/ATMs located in Church Point and Meteghan.

ATM Caisse populaire de Clare

Access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre (Museum) at Rendez-vous de la Baie is now free of charge. New since 2012, the admission fees have been replaced by a Donation box, as well as a new Corporate Sponsorship Program.

For more information on the Corporate Sponsorship Program, please view the PDF.

Le CDÉNÉ – Partner of the Month – March 2019

CDENE logo + services ENG

Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse – Business Development & Entrepreneurship (BDE) Website: http://cdene.ns.ca/en/services/business-and-entrepreneurship
Contact: André LeBlanc 902-769-3902
Email: entrepreneur@cdene.ns.ca


The Rendez-vous de la Baie is very pleased to announce that the Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse – BDE is the partner of the month for March 2019. Their generous contribution provides everyone with free access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre museum halls.

The Conseil de développement de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ), Business Development and Entrepreneurship Services provides high-quality business services in the rural Acadian and Francophone regions of Nova Scotia. The team members are able to work with you to develop different strategies to manage or grow your business in addition to realizing your ideas to start your own business.

CDÉNÉ primarily offers business counselling and consulting services for aspiring entrepreneurs and for those wishing to expand and/or upgrade their business.

CDÉNÉ provides entrepreneurs a range of information relevant to the business world and frequently organizes networking events. The center conducts numerous activities to raise awareness (especially for young people) to the importance of entrepreneurship.

We invite you to visit our website: http://cdene.ns.ca/en/services/business-and-entrepreneurship

Access to the Acadian Interpretive Centre (Museum) at Rendez-vous de la Baie is now free of charge. New since 2012, the admission fees have been replaced by a Donation box, as well as a new Corporate Sponsorship Program.

For more information on the Corporate Sponsorship Program, please view the PDF.