Dune de Bouctouche Beach

Located on Route 475 in New Brunswick, the Dune de Bouctouche is in a remote and uncrowded area. The name comes from a native Mi’kmaq word meaning “Great little harbour” which refers to the nearby riverside town of Bouctouche.

Stretching for 12km, Bouctouche is one of the longest dunes on North America’s East Coast. The dunes and golden sandy beach are home to many birds and plants including the endangered Piping Plover. To minimize disturbance, visitors must only walk on the boardwalk or the wet sand and dogs are not permitted.

The beach is home to the Irving Eco Centre which is open from May to September and there is a designated parking area for beach visitors nearby. The centre has toilets, changing rooms and picnic tables as well as an observation tower and informative displays.

The beach is accessible all year round and is perfect for a long walk (24km out and back) to the Bouctouche Lighthouse. The first 800 metres is along a raised pier-like boardwalk and after that you can simply follow the seashore. The boardwalk was once 2km long but was frequently damaged by storms and finally never replaced At the 10km point you can leave the beach and walk across the dunes to the lighthouse.

This area is a great spot for clam fishing and many people arrive by boat. Despite its remoteness, it can be the busiest spot to find company.