Discover Kent County: Trails, Coast and Culture

Kent County offers opportunities for outdoor excursions as well as cultural visits: Kouchibouguac National Park has the park’s longest hiking trail, while Bouctouche offers a dune beach, cultural programming and a nighttime experience. In Richibucto, the beach and park facilities are part of the visitor experience; Rexton offers historic sites and seasonal events. You can shape your stay around nature, culture or a mix of both.

Hiking Trail and Coastal Habitat

At 11.3 kilometres one way, the Kouchibouguac River Trail is the longest hiking trail in Kouchibouguac National Park. The distance given is one way, not a round trip. It helps you gauge the length of a hike and take the distance into account when planning.

At the Irving Eco-Centre, La Dune de Bouctouche, a saltwater beach is paired with seasonal programs and presentations by interpreters about the coastal habitat. This means nature topics are also a focus, in addition to the beach. If you plan to take part in these activities, check the seasonal schedule.

Beach and Park in Richibucto

Jardine Municipal Park also has a saltwater beach. Its amenities also include washrooms, changing facilities, parking, swimming pools, a canteen, showers, a playground and a picnic area. Municipal facilities may vary seasonally. At Jardine Municipal Park Campground, visitors can walk along the beach, swim and use the park trails; check the campground’s operating dates.

Both places offer a saltwater beach, but have different focuses: Dune de Bouctouche adds seasonal interpretation about the coastal habitat, while Jardine Municipal Park brings together a range of visitor facilities. Which option better suits your plans depends on whether you are mainly looking for nature interpretation or a variety of amenities for a visit to the park.

Culture and History in Bouctouche and Rexton

Le Pays de la Sagouine opened in 1992 on a small island in Bouctouche Bay. It offers live performances and a rich cultural program from April to December; program details may vary seasonally. Visitors can also enjoy a fricot there. The island setting, performances and food offer several cultural and culinary points of interest.

In Rexton, Bonar Law Common includes the birthplace of Andrew Bonar Law, as well as the historic Bonar Law House and its associated farm. The local museum displays artifacts and has a gift shop. The site’s historic focus is complemented in summer and fall by the festival area, where activities, events and gatherings take place overlooking the Richibucto River. Since the visitor program is seasonal, it’s a good idea to check the schedule before your trip.

A Nighttime Experience in Bouctouche

Akadi Lumina is an immersive nighttime experience featuring a walking trail through nature. Lighting effects, projections, soundscapes and set design shape the experience. Unlike a hike or a visit to historic sites, the focus here is on the interplay of these visual and audio elements. Dates are seasonal; check the schedule if you’d like to include the experience in your travel plans.

Accommodation Options in Kouchibouguac National Park

Kouchibouguac National Park offers tent and RV camping, oTENTik accommodations and basic camping. These options differ in their named forms: you can consider tent or RV camping, an oTENTik accommodation or basic camping. Check seasonal availability for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Louis De Kent, Aldouane, Rexton, Browns Yard, Bouctouche, Richibucto, Cocagne, Restigouche County.

For the broader travel overview: New Brunswick.