Bathurst is located at the mouth of the Nepisiguit River at the southernmost part of Chaleur Bay. French settlers came to the region in the early 1700s and Bathurst became part of the early colony of Acadia. This Acadian Culture is a French society that still endures today.

Bathurst's Chaleur Bay is known for a phantom ship legend, claiming that a ship burned in the waters north of the city over two centuries ago . Witnesses state this ghost ship is visible in certain weather and light conditions.

Bathurst has a strong passion for Hockey. They even have a Major Junior Hockey Team represented by the Canadian Hockey League. Bathurst industries in forestry and zinc mining were greatly developed by the opening of Intercolonial Railway of Canada in 1876, a quick connection from the port of Bathurst to North America. The airport in Bathurst accommodates general aviation, and service to Montreal, Quebec.

Bathurst New Brunswick accommodations include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds.