Kouchibouguac National Park is a fascinating blend of peat bogs, salt marshes, freshwater estuaries, sand dunes and sheltered lagoons.

Bird watching is one of the most popular activities in the park, which is home to large colonies of common terns and piping plovers. And to crown it all, Kouchibouguac was declared a "Dark Sky Preserve" in 2009 by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

SWIMMING

The park's beaches (Kellys Beach and Callanders beach) offer some of the warmest salt water north of Virginia. Don't miss this opportunity to relax and enjoy the moment... after all, you are on holiday! (Late June to late August.) The park is a real paradise for building sand castles, but also for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts who can paddle on calm lagoons and rivers, protected by the dunes.

Ryans Equipment Rental, located next to the South Kouchibouguac campground, rents kayaks, mountain bikes, paddle boards and pedal boats to help you explore the beauty of your surroundings.

WALKING ON KELLYS BEACH

Distance (one-way): 1.2 km
Time (one-way): 30-45 minutes
Level: Easy

Kellys Beach Boardwalk is without a doubt the most travelled trail in the park. This easy 1.2 km (one-way - about 30-45 minutes) hike is a must-do activity for the whole family. As well as providing access to magnificent Kellys Beach, the trail provides interpretive signs explaining the evolution of the barrier island dunes, the salt marshes, and the animals and plants that live there.

Every day from mid-May to mid-October (swimming from late June to late August). La plage Kellys, the most popular beach in the park, is supervised by lifeguards (late June to late August) and features showers, toilets, a canteen (mid-June to mid-October), a lookout and a picnic area.