Kouchibouguac National Park has always been the first “welcome to the Atlantic Ocean” stop on our trips across Canada from the west. It has shady and peaceful campgrounds, sheltered lagoons and stunning white sand beaches. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty on hiking trails, coastal biking paths and by canoe or kayak. It’s the perfect destination to take an active holiday at a relaxing pace, if that makes sense!
Whether you’ve popped in for the day, the weekend or are taking a longer holiday, we hope you find the information you need to plan a memorable trip.
The Mi’kmaq and the River of Long Tides
Kouchibougauc National Park is located on land that the Mi’kmaq people have inhabited for thousands of years, and they have a deep and enduring relationship with the land, water, and its resources. We honour their history, culture and ongoing connection to the land and are grateful for the opportunity to explore and experience it.
The history of Kouchibouguac is deeply intertwined with the Mi’kmaq people and their traditional ways of life. The name Kouchibouguac is in the Mi’kmaq language, and it means “river of the long tides.” This area is within Mi’kma’ki, the traditional gathering and hunting territory of the Mi’kmaq, and there is evidence of their presence and use of the resources here for thousands of years.
When European settlers arrived, the Mi’kmaq became helpful trading partners. But over time, the rich coastline was taken over by European settlements competing for resources. The Mi’kmaq were displaced.
Fortunately, their people were able to maintain their cultural traditions. The Mi’kmaq language is still alive and taught to children, and their people continue to have strong cultural connections to Kouchibouguac National Park. You’ll find Mi’gmaq interpreters in the park, sharing oral histories and wisdom that has been passed down through generations.
Learn more about the Mi’gmaq culture and programs in the park.
Things to do in Kouchibouguac National Park
Beaches
There are a few beaches in Kouchibouguac National Park, with varying water temperatures! The popular beach is Kelly’s Beach, known for its impressive dunes and sweeping white sands. Here are some details.
Kelly’s Beach
Your trip to Kelly’s Beach begins at the Kellys Beach Boardwalk, which meanders above a salt marsh, through lagoons, over dunes and finally to the sand-swept beach. There is a lifeguard on duty during the day and a canteen at the boardwalk entrance selling concession-style meals, snacks and soft serve ice cream.
Things to know about Kelly’s Beach:
- Lifeguards are on duty here.
- Bikes are not permitted on the boardwalk. Please leave them at the bike racks.
- Dogs are not permitted on Kelly’s beach.
- The dunes are sensitive, so please don’t walk on them.
- Stay clear of the fences set around Piping Plover nesting sites.
Callanders Beach
If you want to escape the crowds of Kelly’s Beach, try out Callanders. It’s less busy and has lovely golden sand. There is a barrier beach in front of Callanders Beach that separates this shallow lagoon and salt marsh from the ocean, so it is best for wading, kayaking or paddle boarding.
The beach is known for softshell clam fishing (permit required). You’ll find the Migmag – Cedar Trail and a wigwam nearby, where First Nations interpretive programs are run each summer.
Things to know about Callanders Beach
- Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash at all times.
- There are no lifeguards on duty.
- Softshell clam fishing is permitted with a proper permit. Please follow regulations.
Côte-à-Fabien Campground Beach
This is not an official “beach” listed on Kouchibouguac National Park visitor information sites, but if you’re camping there, it’s worth a visit. The water in this lagoon is shallow and remarkably warm. It’s perfect for young children who love to wade, splash and play!
Paddling
There are several areas in Kouchibouguac National Park that offer sheltered paddling opportunities. You can paddle in one of the lagoons or up the Kouchibouguac River in a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. There are also two backcountry campgrounds accessible via canoe or kayak: Sipu and Pointe-à-Maxime.
If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent one at Ryan’s Rental Centre. You can rent a boat for an hour or multiple days, and launch right from Ryans. They are usually open through July and August from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Check here for rates and more information.
Cycling
We thoroughly enjoyed cycling in Kouchibouguac National Park. There are 60 kilometres of mostly flat, well-maintained gravel bike trails that go through forests, bogs, and follow the shores of saltwater lagoons and the Kouchibouguac River. These routes criss-cross the park, offering numerous rest areas and exceptional scenery.
Parks Canada shares some great bike routes in Kouchibouguac National Park.
Things to know about cycling in the park:
- Bikes are not permitted in coastal areas, including beaches, dunes, lagoons and rivers.
- Pit toilets are available along the path in the central area of the park.
- Please refrain from skidding your rear tire on the trails.
- The trails are well-marked, so look for location maps!
Hiking
Kouchibouguac offers many family-friendly hiking trails that can get you closer to nature. There are trails that explore the coastline, woodland, beaches, salt marshes, peat bogs and rivers. Several of the trails can be completed in under 30-60 minutes. Though these are easy to moderate hikes, always check trail conditions before you go!
Here are a few of our favourites. Discover more hiking trails in Kouchibouguac National Park.
Mi’gmaq Cedar (Loop, 0.9 km, 30 minutes): Starting at Callanders Beach, you’ll see the wigwam and follow boardwalks through a cedar swamp. You’ll see how the Mi’kmaq value, respect and use the cedar tree. The trail also offers views of the lagoon and dunes.
Salt Marsh Trail (Loop, 0.9 km, 30 minutes): This short loop gives a good representation of salt marsh habitat in the region. You’ll follow a boardwalk through a wet, soggy and interesting area. Bring bug spray, there are mosquitoes on this trail!
Kelly’s Beach Boardwalk (1.2 km one-way, 30 to 45 minutes): The most popular and travelled trail in the park, Kelly’s Beach Boardwalk will not disappoint. It leads the way to the iconic beach, but in this case, the journey is just as stunning as the destination. Take the time to read the interpretive signs and learn more about how much life thrives in this fragile habitat.
Interpretive Programs
Start your visit to the park with a trip to the Visitor Centre! It has several exhibits and displays that share the natural and cultural history of Kouchibouguac National Park. In addition, you can get information about ongoing interpretive programs, tours and special events. There is programming available for all ages, and it will help you discover a more meaningful connection to your natural surroundings in this culturally rich place.
Discover interpretive programs at Kouchibouguac National Park.
Stargazing
Kouchibouguac National Park is a Dark Sky Preserve. That means the natural darkness of the night sky is preserved, and lights are kept to a minimum. That makes it an ideal place for stargazing and to immerse yourself in all the cosmic wonders of the night sky. Additionally, the park hosts several stargazing events throughout the year. Check out their events page for more information.
Camping in Kouchibouguac National Park
There are a few options for camping in Kouchibouguac National Park, including serviced and unserviced sites, backcountry camping and comfort camping in an oTENTik. All campsites and oTENTiks can be reserved online.
South Kouchibouguac Campground
The South Kouchibouguac Campground is closest to the Visitor Centre, Ryan’s Rental Centre and an awesome cycling path that leads to the main beaches. If you’re looking for a campsite with full RV hookups and full washrooms, this is where you’ll find them! Perched on the edge of the Kouchibouguac River, there is a range of sites with varying degrees of shade and privacy.
South Kouchibouguac Campground Information
- 311 campsites
- 98 unserviced
- 59 with electricity
- 126 with electricity, water and sewer hookups
- Washrooms with flush toilets and showers
- Kitchen shelters throughout
- Dumping station
- Two playgrounds
There are also 25 oTENTiks located in South Kouchiboguac, which takes the hassle out of camping and makes it a little easier and more comfortable for those who prefer that. The oTENTiks are like a blend between a cabin and a tent, and come with beds, furniture, patio chairs, a fire pit and a picnic table. Learn what to bring when you reserve an oTENTik.
Côte-à-Fabien Campground
This is our favourite campground at Kouchibouguac National Park. It’s on the north side of the park and the Kouchibouquac River, so it is a bit isolated. It’s more rustic, offering pit toilets and well water through an old-school pump (boil water advisory). However, it is small, quiet, peaceful and has a beautiful little beach. Several of the sites are right on the water, offering lovely views and quick access to paddling, swimming and beach days.
Côte-à-Fabien Campground Information
- 31 unserviced sites
- 10 are walk-in tenting sites
- Pit toilets
- Well water pumps (it must be boiled before drinking)
- Group campsites available
- Waterfront sites
- Access to the lagoon
Côte-à-Fabien is also close to the Loggiecraft Wharf, which is a working wharf and boat launch. Kids might enjoy taking a walk to the wharf to check out the fishing boats moored there.
Backcountry Campsites at Kouchibouguac
While we didn’t personally explore them, there are three backcountry campgrounds in Kouchibouguac National Park. All three are a short distance away and could make a good introductory backpack or paddle for beginners or families with children.
Petit-Large: This campground is in a field surrounded by forest, and is a 3.5 km walk from the Pijeboogwek. It is open year-round and offers eight sites with picnic tables, fire pits, shared pit toilets and a bear pole.
Pointe-à-Maxime: This paddle-access backcountry site is about 4.4 km from Callanders Beach and only 2.5 km from Cape Saint-Louis Wharf. There are four sites with firepits, picnic tables and shared pit toilets. There is no water on site, so you must bring your water. You should also be mindful of tides, currents and fishing boats on route.
Sipu: Located on the south shore of the Kouchibouguac River, Sipu is accessible by foot from Pijeboogwek (5 km) or by canoe or kayak from Ryan’s Rental Centre (5.5 km). It offers four sites with picnic tables, firepits, shared pit toilets and a bear pole. There is well water here, but it is under a boil water advisory.
‘’Sipu’’ is a Mi’gmaq word, pronounced ‘’see-boou,’’ that means ‘’River”.
Firewood is supplied at all three sites (please check advisories for fire bans), but it might vary throughout the year, so come prepared with your camp stove for cooking. Reservations are required for all three campgrounds. Book your campsite.
Getting to Kouchibouguac National Park
The park is located along the Acadian Coastal Drive in Kent County, on the east-central shore of New Brunswick. By car, it’s about one hour north of Moncton and four hours from the Quebec border.
- From Moncton: Take Highway 15 to Shediac. From there, you can take the scenic (but longer) route along the Acadian Coastal Drive or head north on Highway 11.
- From Miramichi: Choose between the scenic Acadian Coastal Drive (Route 117) or drive south on Highway 11.
Flying? The closest major airport is the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport in Moncton.
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