Kouchibouguac National Park
Discover Kouchibouguac National Park's warm beaches, extensive trails, and dark skies. A coastal gem in New Brunswick for all seasons.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warmest beach weather
Kouchibouguac National Park
Best Time
Warmest beach weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Kouchibouguac National Park's warm beaches, extensive trails, and dark skies. A coastal gem in New Brunswick for all seasons.
"Beautiful beaches, walking trails and scenery to blow your mind."
Pack a Cooler!
Bring a cooler for beach days, especially with kids. You can also use picnic areas.
Bike Rentals Available
Consider renting bikes to explore the park's extensive trail network.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kelly's Beach Dunes
South Kouchibouguac
Expansive sandy dunes and warm waters perfect for a relaxing beach day. Look for sea birds and seals!
Saltwater Beaches
Various locations
Enjoy the unique charm of Kouchibouguac's warm, saltwater beaches, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Extensive Bike Trails
Throughout the park
Explore over 60 km of relatively easy bike trails winding through forests and along the coast.
Kouchibouguac River Trail
Kouchibouguac River
A scenic, longer trail offering beautiful forest scenery, perfect for a challenging hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tides
Trail Prep is Key
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a Cooler!
Bring a cooler for beach days, especially with kids. You can also use picnic areas.
Bike Rentals Available
Consider renting bikes to explore the park's extensive trail network.
Check Tide Charts
Plan beach visits around low tide for best access and exploration.
Dog-Friendly Areas
Most of the park is dog-friendly, but check specific beach regulations. [^Review]
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Cooler!
Bring a cooler for beach days, especially with kids. You can also use picnic areas.
Bike Rentals Available
Consider renting bikes to explore the park's extensive trail network.
Check Tide Charts
Plan beach visits around low tide for best access and exploration.
Dog-Friendly Areas
Most of the park is dog-friendly, but check specific beach regulations. [^Review]
Stargazing Gem
Experience incredible night skies in this Dark-Sky Preserve.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Kouchibouguac National Park's beautiful beaches, extensive trail network for biking and hiking, and abundant wildlife. Many highlight the park's family-friendly atmosphere and the peaceful, natural setting. Some note that services can be limited, and it's wise to check specific beach regulations regarding pets.
"Beautiful park. We were lucky and got the last serviced lot. Friendly staff at the visitor centre. Park was clean and routinely saw park staff driving around, cleaning, landscaping. Great trails for walking and biking. A super cute Cafe down one of the trails close to the beach. ( no dogs allowed on one of the beaches (Callender beach?)"
Christine W
"Beautiful beaches, walking trails and scenery to blow your mind. Wonderful wooden walkway from the multiple parking lots to the waterfront shoreline. Amazing bird watching and we saw seals swimming close to the shore, long bike trails through the park. .. 🐻 we saw a bear too 😄."
BajaRVLiving
"We loved camping at this park. There are sites that aren't so private but there are lots that are more private and treed. There's lots of great walking and biking trails. Very dog friendly. Great spots for access to water and beaches. Nice and quiet during the week in May."
Carrie Sheldrick
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kouchibouguac National Park is located in New Brunswick, Canada. It's accessible by car via Highway 11. The closest major cities are Moncton and Miramichi. Parking is available within the park, with some areas offering direct beach access.
Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. Renting a car or driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Kouchibouguac National Park.
The park is quite spread out. While you can drive between different areas, biking is highly recommended for exploring trails and reaching beaches. Walking is also a great option for shorter distances.
Yes, there are daily fees for entry into Kouchibouguac National Park. You can purchase passes at the visitor centre or online. Consider an annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass if you plan to visit multiple national parks. [^Review]
Kouchibouguac National Park is approximately a 1-hour drive from Moncton and about 1.5 hours from Miramichi, making it a feasible day trip or weekend getaway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kouchibouguac National Park is open year-round, but services and facilities may vary by season. The visitor centre typically operates during peak season. Always check the official Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date hours of operation. [^Review]
While not always mandatory, booking your entry or camping permits in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak summer months, to secure your spot. [^Review]
Parks Canada offers various passes, including daily, monthly, and annual passes. The Parks Canada Discovery Pass is a great option for frequent visitors to national parks across Canada. [^Review]
Refund policies can vary. It's best to check the specific terms and conditions when purchasing your tickets or passes, especially if booking in advance. [^Review]
Parking is generally included with your park entry fee. However, some specific areas or activities might have separate charges. Always check signage at parking lots. [^Review]
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Kouchibouguac River Trail for a longer hike (17.6 km), and the boardwalks leading to Kelly's Beach. The park also offers numerous bike trails suitable for various skill levels.
Yes, the park's saltwater beaches, like Kelly's Beach, are known for their warm waters and are excellent for swimming during the summer months.
Visitors often spot various seabirds, seals swimming near the shore, and sometimes even bears. Keep a safe distance and never feed the wildlife.
Absolutely! With its warm beaches, easy bike trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, it's a fantastic destination for families. The wooden walkways to the beaches are also very accessible.
Yes, the park offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, particularly on the Kouchibouguac River and its estuarine systems. Rentals may be available seasonally. [^Review]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe located on one of the trails near the beach that offers refreshments. For more extensive dining options, you'll need to venture outside the park to nearby towns. [^Review]
Yes, picnic areas are available throughout the park, and bringing your own food is a great way to enjoy a meal amidst nature. Many visitors bring coolers for their beach outings.
While there might be small convenience stores in very nearby communities, larger grocery stores are typically found in towns like Richibucto or Bouctouche, which are a short drive away. [^Review]
The cafe generally offers light snacks, beverages, and simple meals suitable for a day out in the park. It's a convenient spot for a quick bite. [^Review]
Bringing your own food and drinks is often more economical and offers greater variety, especially for families or those with specific dietary needs. The cafe is more for convenience. [^Review]
📸 📸 Photography
Kelly's Beach with its dunes, the scenic bike trails, the wooden boardwalks, and the Kouchibouguac River offer stunning photographic opportunities. Sunrises and sunsets can also be spectacular.
A versatile setup is ideal. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and dunes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions or capturing long exposures of the water.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always check with park authorities if you have specific plans.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful, soft light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but is good for capturing the vibrant blues of the water. [^Review]
Yes, but always maintain a safe and respectful distance. Use a telephoto lens to get close-up shots without disturbing the animals. [^Review]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
[^Review] Consider bringing a stroller or wagon for younger children, as the wooden boardwalks to the beaches are quite manageable. The park's natural beauty and opportunities for discovery make it an engaging and memorable experience for all ages. The visitor centre staff can also offer tips on the most family-friendly trails and activities. [^Review]
🚗 Budget Travelers
Camping at the park can be a cost-effective accommodation option, with many sites offering good privacy. If you're looking to explore further without breaking the bank, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when crowds are smaller and prices might be lower. Utilizing the extensive trail system for biking and hiking also provides a full day of entertainment without additional costs. [^Review]
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
[^Review]Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the park's rich biodiversity. Keep an eye out for various bird species, seals, and other coastal wildlife. The park's designation as a Dark-Sky Preserve also offers an unparalleled opportunity for nocturnal nature observation and stargazing.
[^Review]Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Kouchibouguac's Coastal Wonders
[^Review]The park's coastal ecosystem is also a vital habitat for various species. Birdwatchers will delight in the abundance of seabirds, and it's not uncommon to spot seals swimming close to shore. The park is also home to different types of jellyfish, such as the Arctic Red Jellyfish and White Moon Jellyfish, which can sometimes be seen in large numbers, particularly on Kelly's Beach.
[^Review]Beyond the beaches, the park's estuarine environment is crucial. The lagoons and marshes are important nurseries for fish and invertebrates, and they support a rich diversity of plant life adapted to saline conditions. Exploring these areas, whether by kayak or on designated trails, offers a deeper understanding of this dynamic coastal ecosystem.
Adventures on Two Wheels and Foot
+1For those who prefer to explore on foot, Kouchibouguac offers a variety of hiking trails. The Kouchibouguac River Trail is a notable option for a more challenging and immersive experience, covering a significant distance (around 17.6 km) through beautiful forest scenery. Shorter, more accessible trails also lead to key attractions like the beaches, often featuring wooden boardwalks that protect the fragile dune environments.
[^Review]When planning your hikes or bike rides, it's essential to be prepared. Given the distances involved, especially on longer trails, carrying water and snacks is highly recommended. Comfortable footwear is a must for both activities. The park's varied terrain means that trail conditions can differ, so checking with the visitor centre for current information is always a good idea.
+1A Haven for Families and Stargazers
[^Review]Beyond daytime activities, Kouchibouguac offers a unique nighttime experience as it is designated as a Dark-Sky Preserve. This means the park has exceptionally low levels of light pollution, offering visitors a chance to witness the brilliance of the night sky. Stargazing here can be a truly magical experience, with countless stars visible on clear nights.
For campers, the park provides well-managed campsites, many of which are noted for their privacy and treed surroundings, contributing to a peaceful family camping experience. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at the visitor centre are also a great resource for families looking for activity suggestions. [^Review]
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