South Kouchibouguac Dune Beach

South Kouchibouguac Dune lies to the south of the Kouchibouguac River estuary where it empties into the Northumberland Strait. Located in Kouchibouguac National Park, it is on the east coast of New Brunswick.

Pronounced “kooshi-boog-wac”, the word “Kouchibouguac” in Mi’kmaq means “River of long tides”. Like the neighbouring North Kouchibouguac Dune, this south dune is an offshore island or sand spit connected only by a boardwalk/footbridge to the mainland. The low flat dune stretches for about 25 km, running parallel to the shore.

It is an ever-shifting sand dune that is home to birds and animals including Terns (it has one of the largest Tern colonies in North America), Red-breasted Mergansers, Gulls and endangered Piping Plovers. Areas may be closed to visitors during the nesting season and dogs are not permitted on the beach.

The dune is held together with marram grass and strand wheat which is sometimes washed out during winter storms and the process of rejuvenation begins again. This eco preserve is good for long beach walks, shelling, camping, swimming and birdwatching. The golden sand is good for sandcastles too.