Kouchibouguac National Park

Kouchibouguac protects a gentle, sun-warmed slice of Acadian coast in eastern New Brunswick, barrier islands and golden dunes, warm lagoons, salt marshes and quiet forest along the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Famous for having some of the warmest saltwater north of Virginia, its long sandspits, tern colonies and easy biking and paddling make it a beloved family and nature retreat.

Fast facts

• Established: 1969
• Size: about 92 square miles (238 km²) on the New Brunswick coast
• Coast: barrier islands, dunes and warm lagoons on the Gulf of St. Lawrence
• Wildlife: one of the largest tern colonies in North America, plus seals and shorebirds
• Name: Mi’kmaw for “river of the long tides”
• Managed by: Parks Canada

The landscape

The park is a soft coastal mosaic, long barrier-island dunes sheltering warm lagoons and salt marshes, backed by Acadian forest, bogs and slow tidal rivers. This rich edge between land and sea supports piping plovers, huge tern colonies, grey and harbour seals, and a nursery of marine life, all reached by boardwalk, bike path and paddle.

Best time to go

Summer is the prime season, when the lagoon water warms up for swimming and the full network of trails, beaches and rentals is open. Early fall is quieter and pleasant. Winter turns the park over to cross-country skiing and fat biking, with reduced services and a stark, beautiful coast.

Getting there and around

The park lies on the eastern New Brunswick coast via Highway 11 and Route 117, between Miramichi and Moncton. A vehicle brings you to the entrance and campgrounds, but inside, the park shines for cycling, a scenic bikeway network links the beaches and forest, and for paddling the lagoons and rivers.

Things to do

Bike or walk the trails and the long boardwalk out to Kellys Beach across the dunes, swim in the warm lagoon water, and sea kayak or canoe the sheltered waterways. Watch for seals and terns, join interpretive programs on the Acadian and Mi’kmaw heritage, and camp from serviced sites to canoe-in wilderness spots.

Staying safe

Even the “warm” sea can turn cold and develop rip currents, so heed beach guidance and supervise swimmers. Coastal storms can blow up quickly for paddlers, sun on the open dunes is strong, and ticks and mosquitoes are present. Use repellent, carry water and stay on the boardwalks to protect the fragile dunes and nesting birds.

Know before you go

A Parks Canada pass is required and camping should be reserved, especially in summer. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report; always confirm current conditions, reservations and closures with Parks Canada before your trip.

Coordinates

46.8311, -64.9605

Magnetic declination

16.5° W (2026)

Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.

Best seasons

Summer, Early fall

Difficulty

Easy to moderate

Access / trailheads

On the eastern coast of New Brunswick via Highway 11 and Route 117, between Miramichi and Moncton; the main entrance is near the visitor centre.

Water

Potable water at campgrounds; carry water on trails.

Cell / satellite coverage

Patchy cell service. Carry a map.

Nearest ranger / SAR / emergency

Parks Canada dispatch: 1-877-852-3100; life-threatening emergencies: 911.

Permits & regulations

A Parks Canada pass is required; camping (including canoe-in and rustic sites) needs a reservation.

Leave No Trace

Protect the fragile dunes and tern colonies, stay on boardwalks, pack out all waste, and follow Leave No Trace.