Kouchibouguac National Park Travel Guide

Kouchibouguac National Park, whose name comes from the Mi'kmaq word meaning "river of the long tides," protects a remarkable portion of New Brunswick's eastern coastline. Established in 1969, the park spans 238 square kilometers, encompassing a diverse landscape of barrier islands, lagoons, salt marshes, and Acadian forests.Visitors can explore the park's unique ecosystems, including the popular Kellys Beach with its warm saltwater and expansive sand dunes. The park also features a network of hiking and cycling trails that wind through forests, bogs, and along the coast, providing opportunities to discover the region's natural beauty.Kouchibouguac's history is intertwined with the Mi'kmaq people, who have inhabited the area for centuries, as well as Acadian, Scottish, Irish, and English settlers. The park's creation, however, involved the relocation of over 200 households, a controversial event that is now commemorated in a permanent exhibit at the Visitor Centre.Today, Kouchibouguac National Park offers a wide array of activities, including swimming, camping, canoeing, and bird watching. In winter, the park transforms into a snowbound fun zone, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve, making it a celestial masterpiece at night.