~CANCELLED due to Hurricane Fiona~
Kouchibouguac National Park
Location~ South Kouchibouguac Campground near Site 194
~For itinerary and any last minute changes check the RASC NB Kouchibouguac Fall StarFest for updates and before heading out~
“New Brunswick’s dark sky ocean paradise and one of the most magical astronomy parks in North America” – Skynews.ca
Some facts about Kouchibouguac National Park~
- Pronounced (koochi-boog-wac), means ‘River of Long Tides’ in the Mi’kmaq Indian language
- Protected area of 238 sq. km (58,811 sq. acres)
- Over 25 km of shifting sand dunes
- Due to currents, the Northumberland Strait has warmest beaches north of Virginia (such as Parlee beach in Shediac)
- Diversity of salt marshes, peat bogs, freshwater systems, Acadian woodland and sandy beaches
- Rich tapestry of biological and plant life, including marine life
- In the centre of Acadian and Mi’kmaq Culture
- Hiking and cycling trails, wheelchair to easy (HikingNB lists 23)
- One of Canada’s Dark Sky Preserves as recognized by the RASC
Maps (click to view)~
Click on maps for larger view. Above: Parks Canada Map
How to reserve a campsite or check things out~
Clicking on the map above will take you to the Reservation Site for Loop 3 of the South Kouchibouguac Campground (where the Star Party is usually held near Site 194). Excellent serviced sites. Below, Loop 1 and 2 , mainly unserviced sites. Maps have a lot of info.
What usually happens at the Kouchibouguac Fall StarFest~
Friday~
7:00 to 8:00 PM – A “What’s Up?” slideshow presentation (in English) occurs at the Outdoor Theatre. These presentations are worth attending as they show you what you can expect to see as darkness falls and the night progresses.
8:00 to 11:00 PM – Night sky viewing with telescopes near site #194. Weather permitting, explore the universe through a variety of telescopes. The planets shine early, then constellations, nebula and star clusters become more visible as total darkness approaches. This is a great opportunity to see views through different kinds of equipment.
Saturday~
1:00 to 3:00 PM – Solar observing. Observe our nearest star safely through specially filtered telescopes. This is a great opportunity for adults and kids alike.
1:00 to 3:00 PM – Free telescope clinic. Bring your telescope for a tuneup and learn about astrophotography.
7:00 to 8:00 PM – “What’s Up?” slideshow presentation (in French) occurs at the Outdoor Theatre.
8:00 to 11:00 PM – Night sky viewing with telescopes.
Schedule~ Please see RASC NB Kouchibouguac Fall StarFest for details, updates and before heading out.
How to Attend~
If you do not have a telescope~ Just show up, or book your camping weekend if you want to be at the campground during the StarFest.
Activities take place near Site 194, South Kouchibouguac Campground, Loop 3.
If you do have a telescope~ Campsite reservations for volunteers in the astronomers’ area are obtained by visiting RASC NB Kouchibouguac Fall StarFest and clicking on the register for your spot link.
Info & Details: Please visit RASC NB Kouchibouguac Fall StarFest.
RASC NB–Kouchibouguac Fall StarFest
Facebook Event: usually posted on the RASC NB or Kouchibouguac National Park Facebook pages.
Star Party Etiquette–for any Star Party, Anywhere~
General Park Information~
Telephone: (Toll-free)~ 888-773-8888, (Office)~ 506-876-2443
Address: Kouchibouguac National Park, 186 Route 117,
New Brunswick, Canada E4X 2P1
Email~ Kouchilbouguac National Park
Parks Canada Website Tourism New Brunswick Website
More Info~ HikingNB Trails Lists Trip Advisor
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Dates: Open Year-Round
Other Star Parties in New Brunswick~
Kouchibouguac Spring StarFest
COW Mactaquac Star Party
Mount Carleton Star Party
Fundy Park StarGaze
General overview~ Star Parties in New Brunswick
You can also check our Upcoming Events page.
Tourism & Travel Info~ Tourism New Brunswick, Explore NB