This Canadian National Park Is A Total Hidden Gem With Gorgeous Beaches And Camping Spots

Alongside the coastline of New Brunswick lies the lesser-known, beautiful Canadian National Park, Kouchibouguac. Just an hour's drive north of the larger city of Moncton, this natural wonder remains a hidden gem among outdoor enthusiasts. Boasting not only breathtaking beaches but also pristine camping spots, Kouchibouguac is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Kouchibouguac is celebrated for its untouched beauty and diverse ecosystems. The park's 92 square miles feature a unique landscape of salt marshes, vast dunes, lush forests, and a multitude of rivers and lakes. All year long, the various landscapes within Kouchibouguac offer visitors an opportunity to explore a wide range of natural wonders within a single park. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence lure swimmers, while the skies are a haven for birdwatchers, and the miles of paved trails entice hikers. Plan your trip to Kouchibouguac, where you can pack your days full of outdoor activities and sleep at ease camping beneath the myriad of stars in the night skies.

In the warmer months of the year, you'll find some of the nicest beaches north of the U.S. within Kouchibouguac National Park. Because of its location along the Acadian Coast, water temperatures can get up to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. With abundant pristine sandy shores hugging the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this nature reserve offers a coastal escape that will leave you in awe. Throughout the park, you may find smaller, more remote shores to plop yourself for the day. However, the park offers two official public beaches — Callanders Beach and Kellys Beach.

Callanders Beach is a dog-friendly beach with a unique land formation from a shallow lagoon and narrow salt marsh. This particular environment makes Callanders the perfect place for wading, kayaking, and canoeing. It also makes it a hotspot for clamshell fishing, granted you have a permit acquired from the Park Administration Office or Visitor Information Center. You'll also find a spacious field beside Callander's sandy shores, a prime location to enjoy leisurely sports or lay out a picnic.

If you're looking for a family-friendly beach, Kellys Beach is the dream option. Unlike Callanders, Kellys Beach, in the summer, offers a lifeguard, canteen, and showers to rinse off. Additionally, it is home to one of the most popular walking paths in the vicinity — Kellys Beach Boardwalk. Unfolding alongside salt marsh grass and lagoons, this trail will give you the chance to spot wildlife up close.

For those searching for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, consider camping in Kouchibouguac National Park, where the experience is second to none. With a variety of camping options, Kouchibouguac has everything from minimalist backcountry sites to cushy glamping ones. For those in search of the former, camping at Pointe-À-Maxime is essential. This primitive campsite sits in a secluded location adjacent to the Cap Saint-Louis wharf in the southern portion of the park. This campsite is especially exciting for avid outdoorsy people because it can only be accessed by canoe or kayak. But don't worry, you won't be entirely roughing it as the park offers fireplaces, picnic tables, pit toilets, and firewood.

If that sounds a bit too hard-core, consider camping in an oTENTik unit within the South Kouchibouguac Campground. These hybrid tent-cabin structures provide guests with beds, light, a heating stove, and more. It's like the light version of camping. Beyond Pointe-Á-Maxime and the oTENTik units, there are over 300 additional campsites suited to varying levels of camping expertise. Confirm you have secured a campsite ahead of time by making a reservation at the official Park Canada reservation page.