The town is situated on the Richibucto River where it discharges into the Northumberland Strait.

Richibucto had been the location of an annual Mi'kmaq summer coastal community prior to British colonisation.

[3] The town takes its name from "Elsipogtog" or "L'sipuktuk" Mi'kmaq terms meaning "river of fire".

On 1 January 2023, Richibucto amalgamated with the village of Saint-Louis de Kent and all or part of four local service districts to form the new town of Beaurivage.

The downtown area, situated on the mouth of the river, has commercial fishing wharves, several restaurants, and local stores.