Kouchibouguac National Park

Kouchibouguac National Park is two 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. There are obviously plenty of picnic sites, as well as a number of good beaches for bathing in summer, and skiing trails in winter.

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 guided nature trails.