Clamming is the process of harvesting bivalve molluscs from a tidal location. New Brunswick is one of the best places for clamming in North America, but if you’re looking for fresh clams, don’t expect to find them at your neighborhood store.
The best way to get these clams is to harvest them by hand. The most common time to dig clams is during low tide when water recedes from the shoreline, exposing a slimy layer called “turbidity”.
The Best Spots for Clam Digging in New Brunwick
Saint Andrews
Saint Andrews is one of the best places for clam digging in New Brunswick.
There are a number of beaches in this beautiful town where you can participate in clam digging early in the morning. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you’re bound to meet other people here looking for their own plans.
There are a large amount of easily accessible beaches here with a decent tide, which makes clamming in Saint Andrews one of the best places across the province.
Bouctouche Bay
Another great spot for clam digging is Bouctouche Bay near the small town of Bouctouche.
If you’re staying in Shediac or you’re looking for somewhere close to Moncton for clam digging, this is one of the most popular spots.
The scenery is beautiful, the beaches are clean, and you’ll definitely find other people clamming here. Some people have mentioned that it’s quahogs That you’ll mostly find here, although you can still get lucky with some clams.
Mace’s Bay
Mace’s Bay is a great place for clam digging if you’re looking for somewhere near Saint John.
The beach here is beautiful and it’s one of the most popular places for people coming from Saint John that are looking for somewhere clean with an abundance of oysters.
This location is halfway between Saint John and St. Andrews and there are a number of places you can stop along the way to put your shovel in to find some clams.
Baie-Saint-Anne
Close to the beautiful town of Miramichi is Baie-Saint-Anne. This is another favorite in New Brunswick when it comes to places for clam digging.
The bay is sheltered along with great tides so there is a lot of opportunity for finding clams early in the morning.
There’s also a number of other Bays along this route that you can stop in to put your shovel in to see what you can find.
Do You Need a License for Clamming in New Brunswick?
No, a license is not required for soft-shell clams, bar clams, mussels, or razor clams.
You only need a license if you’re planning on harvesting oysters or scallops.
It’s easy to order this license online but not something you need to worry about if you’re just looking for clams
Tips For Going Clamming
- Wear glasses or goggles.
- Sturdy boots, a long sleeved shirt, pants and socks. Also bring water and sun block.
- Wear sturdy shoes, a long sleeve shirt, pants and socks. Also bring water and sun block.
- A pair of goggles to protect your eyes from the dirt water while digging. Or sunglasses.
- A helmet or hat with a brim that won’t fly off or get caught in the clams.
For more information, visit the province of New Brunswick’s shellfish website here.
