Kouchibouguac National Park

Kouchibouguac National Park protects barrier islands and dunes, lagoons, tidal rivers, salt marshes, bogs, and coastal forests on New Brunswick’s Acadian coast. Warm summer waters (by regional standards), long beaches, and an extensive trail network make it a favourite for family cycling, paddling, birding, and seaside camping.

At a glance — Kouchibouguac National Park

Location	Southeastern New Brunswick on the Gulf of St. Lawrence (between Miramichi and Bouctouche)
Province	New Brunswick
Established	1969
Area (approx.)	≈ 239 km²
Notable features	Barrier islands & dunes, lagoons, salt marshes, bogs, Kouchibouguac & Kouchibouguacis Rivers; long beaches (e.g., Kellys Beach)
Nearby communities	Kouchibouguac, Saint-Louis-de-Kent, Richibucto, Rexton; regional hubs: Miramichi, Moncton

Overview

Kouchibouguac (“river of the long tides” in Mi’kmaw) is a classic Atlantic coastal landscape where wind and waves shape shifting dunes and island chains that protect calm lagoons and marshes. Inland, spruce–fir woods transition to peat bogs dotted with pitcher plants and sundews. The park’s multi-use paths, boardwalks, and river routes offer easy access to beaches and nature viewing.

Landscapes and ecosystems

Barrier islands, dunes, and beaches: Wide, gently shelving sands with dune systems stabilized by marram grass. Dunes are fragile—use signed access points only.
Lagoons and salt marshes: Brackish waters behind the barrier islands support eelgrass beds, invertebrates, and rich birdlife.
Bogs and coastal forest: Oligotrophic bogs with carnivorous plants; surrounding spruce–fir and mixed-wood forests host songbirds and mammals.

Wildlife highlights include terns, herons, waterfowl, and the endangered piping plover (seasonal beach closures); fox and white-tailed deer are common; seals and porpoises may be seen offshore.

Things to do

Beaches & boardwalks: Family-friendly swimming and sun at Kellys Beach and other day-use areas; boardwalks cross dunes to the shore.
Cycling: Dozens of kilometres of easy, signed multi-use trails connect campgrounds, beaches, viewpoints, and marsh lookouts.
Paddling: Calm-water canoeing and kayaking in lagoons and tidal rivers; rentals and guided outings may operate seasonally.
Hiking & nature watching: Short loops to bog boardwalks, coastal lookouts, and birding platforms.
Camping & roofed stays: Frontcountry camping with serviced/unserviced sites and oTENTik options; backcountry is limited to designated areas. Reserve ahead in peak summer.
Winter: When conditions allow, groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails provide off-season access.

Access and visitor services

The park is signed from Route 11 with internal access via Route 117 and park roads to beaches, day-use areas, and the visitor centre. Nearby communities offer groceries, fuel, and accommodations. Peak months (July–August) are busy—arrive early for popular beaches and secure reservations for camping and oTENTik units.

Safety and low-impact travel

Beach and water safety: Surf, rip currents, and changing weather require caution; obey posted advisories and respect closures for nesting shorebirds.
Sun, insects, and exposure: Carry water, sun protection, and layers; mosquitoes and blackflies can be active near wetlands.
Dune protection: Stay on boardwalks and marked paths; fragile dune vegetation is easily damaged.
Keep wildlife wild: store food securely and never feed foxes, gulls, or other animals. Follow fire bans and Leave No Trace.

External links (official)

Parks Canada — Kouchibouguac National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/kouchibouguac
Parks Canada — Reservations (camping/roofed accommodations): https://reservation.pc.gc.ca
Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, beach & wildlife advisories): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp