We had the opportunity to chat with Black Rapids Retreat’s Co-owner, Jeremy McCabe and Marketing Manager, Carlie Cormier regarding this very popular destination for salmon fishing on the Miramichi River, that began as an outfitter, offering equipment and supplies for outdoor enthusiasts but now is a peaceful, quiet setting, offering sustainability, authenticity, relaxation and a variety of year-round activities for retreat guests on the North Shore of the Miramichi River in Blackville, New Brunswick
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Black Rapids Retreat is named after the rapid water on the Miramichi River. It blends the nostalgia of a classic fishing camp with modern comforts, offering the perfect group getaway where rustic charm meets upgraded amenities like outdoor saunas, hot tubs, and firepits.
Since purchasing the property in 2023, Jeremy McCabe and partners have transformed both lodges on the property to make it their own – giving it a rustic yet modernized vibe that feels both timeless and inviting. The retreat’s lodges have been thoughtfully refreshed to preserve their original character while elevating the guest experience. Warm cedar walls, vintage fishing décor, and classic artwork capture the spirit of the past, while updated kitchens, entertainment areas, and recreational spaces bring a modern touch.
“Both lodges have been left more rustic with most renovations being more cosmetic to keep the charm of the property, with some modernization, but still keeping that same feel that was there originally,” states Jeremy. “A lot of the classic fishing décor and artwork remains as we wanted to keep the fishing lodge kind of feel that has always been part of Black Rapids Retreat’s charm, but modernized it and added a lot of awesome amenities,” adds Carlie Cormier.
Black Rapids Retreat offers two beautiful, spacious lodges for rental – the Atlantic and the Pacific. The Pacific, built in the 1980’s and the Atlantic, built in the 1990’s both hold so much character for their guests to experience.
At one point in the property’s history, golfer Jack Nicklaus and his wife Barbara were considering purchasing the lodges. Upon their visit to the property, Barbara walked a little too close to the edge of the water and fell in for an unintentional swim in the Miramichi River. Because of the mishap, Jack was unable to convince his wife to buy it, but it worked out okay.
Around 2005-2006, major renovations took place by the previous owners, including lifting the lodge to add a basement space, new bathrooms in each room, and a new roof.
In the Pacific Lodge, you will be greeted by all-new kitchen cabinets, appliances, mattresses, and a new bar. Every room has its own full bathroom. This fully renovated lodge directly on the river consists of 2 levels. On the main level, you’ll find a spacious living room with a wood stove, dining room, and full kitchen. Additionally, there are 3 bedrooms with their own bathrooms. The lower level is equipped with a full bar, pool table, poker table, lounging area, and TV. Enjoy the outdoors on the 2 patios or by the fire pit. The sauna is the perfect way to unwind after a day of outdoor activities, or as part of a quiet getaway.
The Atlantic Lodge boasts rustic charm with modern comforts. It features 3 bedrooms, 6 beds, and 3.5 bathrooms. Enjoy tranquil river views from 2 balconies and revel in the world-renowned fishing spot right outside, and you can melt your cares away in the barrel sauna, which can be used by guests of both lodges.
If you’re looking for deeper relaxation, Black Rapids Retreat offers a true thermotherapy cycle that alternates hot, cold, and rest. Guests can combine the hot tub, cold plunge, and sauna for a thermal cycle Nordic spa experience. For those a little more adventurous, a dip in the Miramichi River is always a cooling sensation to release endorphins and bring you into that relaxed state.
When creating and running a business, you will continuously run into challenges, but they are always followed by positive reminders of why you took the chance in the first place. Jeremy explained that one of the biggest challenges since purchasing the property is the fact that the buildings are a bit older and sat unoccupied for a long period of time. So, we soon realized the repair work was going to be much more than we originally anticipated. As for the positives, they speak for themselves – it’s a great place for friends to gather or to host an event, which they often do themselves from time to time.
Unlike other lodges in the area, Black Rapids Retreat is truly your one-stop destination for any getaway, celebration, or gathering. Upon booking, guests can choose to customize their stay with different add-on experiences. For example, you can choose a private in-house cooking experience and have a private cook prepare all your meals for you during your stay. An all-inclusive experience is also available, where your alcohol is included with your accommodations.
Holding a group or corporate event and looking for something a little different or unique, Black Rapids Retreat can bring in a yoga instructor for yoga classes during your stay or book an individual who’s certified in doing emotional intelligence testing. There’s even an option to book a shuttle to the nearby golf course – the opportunities are truly endless. There are no other resorts, retreats, or AirBNBs in the area that offer so much versatility to ensure their guests have the best experience possible; the comforts of the lodges are just a bonus.
When asked what advice they would have for someone looking to get into the industry, both Jeremy and Carlie had different takes on their advice, but both equally sound. “If they’re as fortunate as we are to have a group of friends that are close, my advice would be to do something like this with your friends. We all have very busy schedules, and all love to work – so it gives us a chance to enjoy Black Rapids Retreat, which we are essentially working at,” Jeremy says. “My advice would be to really put the work in to make it stand out, make it special, make it an experience for your guests but also make it a place that you would want to go and enjoy yourself and not just see it as a business but see it as your own place that you love, so you get to enjoy it too,” states Carlie.
As for the future of Black Rapids Retreat, Carlie feels as if they’re done with making it “an awesome place” and plan to focus more on creating unique experiences and hosting more corporate events – to really make that their “niche”.
As Black Rapids Retreat continues to evolve, its heart remains rooted in what makes it truly special-the balance of nostalgia, comfort, and experience. What began as a renovation project has grown into a destination where friends, families, and teams can gather, unplug, and create lasting memories. With its rustic charm, thoughtful modern touches, and a dedication to crafting unforgettable stays, Black Rapids Retreat stands out as more than just a place to visit — it’s a place to belong and unwind.
Whether it’s a celebration, a corporate getaway, or a peaceful escape, Black Rapids Retreat offers something for everyone, with experiences that will create more than just a great stay but lifelong memories for its guests.
by Krista Legge-Wakeley