Kouchibouguac National Park

Kouchibouguac National Park is one hours' drive north of Moncton, along the Gulf of St Lawrence, where inland once lived the Micmac Indians.

The National Park of 238sq.km (92sq.mi) has a unique ecosystem, with all kinds of coastal vegetation, including around 25 species of orchid, salt marsh, high dunes, long sandbars and tidal lagoons stretching for close on 30 km (19 mi.), its coastline different after every storm.

The marshes and lagoons are breeding grounds for a whole world of water loving creatures. It is a birdwatcher's paradise, with thousands of duck, geese, and other wildfowl, while seals love to bask on the sandbanks offshore.

Further inland the park supports black bear, beaver, moose, deer, fox and coyote.

The park has its own campsites and trails, and can be explored by bike or canoe. The park is known for its 60 km of biking trail and offers bike rental services. Recreational walkers will appreciate the parks 10 different walking trails some of which are self-guided. The park can also be explored by canoe as it has 5 rivers that run through it. Canoe rentals are also available. There are obviously plenty of picnic sites, as well as a number of good beaches for bathing in summer. During the winter the park offers cross country ski trails, snowshoe trails and winter walking trails. Skis and snowshoes are available for rent. Visitors can also stay overnight in an isolated rustic shelter that can only be accessed via the cross country skis trail or by snowshoes.

A visitor center of generous proportions provides plenty of information about the plants and creatures of the National Park. There are also audiovisual shows and interpretation programs.