Kouchibouguac National Park: Difference between revisions
Created page with "'''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. __TOC__ <div style="float:right; clear:right; margin:0 0 12px 16px; width:320px; border:1px solid #e5e7eb; border-radius:8px; backgroun..." |
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<div style="font-weight:700; color:#b91c1c; margin-bottom:6px;">At a glance — Kouchibouguac National Park</div> | <div style="font-weight:700; color:#b91c1c; margin-bottom:6px;">At a glance — Kouchibouguac National Park</div> | ||
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! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Location | ! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Location | ||
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | | | style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px; overflow-wrap:anywhere;" | Acadian coast of southeastern New Brunswick on the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Northumberland Strait) | ||
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Province | ! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Province | ||
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | New Brunswick | | style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px; overflow-wrap:anywhere;" | New Brunswick | ||
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Established | ! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Established | ||
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | 1969 | | style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px; overflow-wrap:anywhere;" | '''1969''' | ||
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Area (approx.) | ! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Area (approx.) | ||
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | ≈ ''' | | style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px; overflow-wrap:anywhere;" | ≈ '''238–240 km²''' | ||
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Notable features | ! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Notable features | ||
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Barrier islands & | | style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px; overflow-wrap:anywhere;" | Barrier islands, sand dunes & lagoons; extensive salt marshes and bogs; warm, shallow Gulf waters & long beaches ('''Kellys Beach''' boardwalk); Acadian forest & multi-use cycling trails; piping plover & tern colonies; Kouchibouguac River estuary | ||
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Nearby communities | ! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Nearby communities | ||
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Kouchibouguac, Saint-Louis-de-Kent, Richibucto, Rexton; regional hubs: Miramichi | | style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px; overflow-wrap:anywhere;" | Kouchibouguac, Saint-Louis-de-Kent, Richibucto, Rexton; regional hubs: Moncton, Miramichi | ||
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Latest revision as of 21:22, 2 November 2025
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 | Acadian coast of southeastern New Brunswick on the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Northumberland Strait) |
|---|---|
| Province | New Brunswick |
| Established | 1969 |
| Area (approx.) | ≈ 238–240 km² |
| Notable features | Barrier islands, sand dunes & lagoons; extensive salt marshes and bogs; warm, shallow Gulf waters & long beaches (Kellys Beach boardwalk); Acadian forest & multi-use cycling trails; piping plover & tern colonies; Kouchibouguac River estuary |
| Nearby communities | Kouchibouguac, Saint-Louis-de-Kent, Richibucto, Rexton; regional hubs: Moncton, Miramichi |
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.
See also
- Fundy National Park • Prince Edward Island National Park • Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- National parks of Canada • Travel in Canada • Geography of Canada
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