Visitation Increases for Parks Canada Places in Eastern New Brunswick in 2015
News Release
Visitor services and activities offer new ways to experience Kouchibouguac National Park and national historic sites
December 21, 2015 Moncton, New Brunswick Parks Canada Agency
As Parks Canada prepares for the 2016 season, the national park and national historic sites in eastern New Brunswick are looking back at a very successful 2015 visitor season. Kouchibouguac National Park, located on the Northumberland Strait, and all of the national historic sites (NHS) in eastern New Brunswick saw increases in visitation this year.
With over 160 full-serviced sites, three new permanent all equipped campsites and 15 oTENTiks (a cross between an A-frame cabin and a tent), Kouchibouguac National Park saw its entry increase by over 18% and campground nights increase by over 21%. With the growing demand for serviced sites to accommodate RVs, the national park will be adding more sites with three services (electricity, water and sewer services) over the next few years as part of the more than $30 million infrastructure announcement made by the Government of Canada in July 2015.
In 2015, the national park introduced the Dancing Dunes Festival and saw the return of the Fabulous Fall Festival in early September, two activity-packed events that connected visitors of all ages with the natural and cultural treasures of the park. Activities included two Star Fest festivals, a 10 km walk under 10 million stars, a special biking event for kids with local firemen, police, and bike vendors, and geocaching 101 workshops, among others.
National historic sites in eastern New Brunswick each saw an increase in visitation from the 2014 season. Fort Beauséjour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site saw an increase of 6%, Boishébert and Beaubears Island Shipbuilding NHS received 13% more visitors and Monument Lefebvre NHS saw an increase in visitation of 43%.
This year, visitors will be able to plan earlier for the upcoming camping season with Parks Canada reservation system accepting new reservations for sites at Kouchibouguac National Park starting January 25, 2016.
Quick Facts
- Kouchibouguac National Park is open year-round and offers a variety of winter activities to its visitors, including groomed cross-country trails, marked snowshoeing trails, rustic shelter accommodations and winter camping. Visit the park’s website for more information on special winter programming.
- Kouchibouguac National Park is designated as an official Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. It also offers geocaching in partnership with CacheUp NB and works with the International Mountain Biking Association to offer great cycling experiences to its visitors.
- Monument Lefebvre NHS and Boishébert and Beaubears Island Shipbuilding NHS are managed by valued partners who offer an array of visitor experiences throughout the season. Fort Beauséjour – Fort Cumberland NHS is managed by Parks Canada and featured the Xplorer program, a fun program for children who explore the site using a booklet full of learning adventures, and a new artefact exhibit unearthed from the Chignecto Isthmus area.
Quote
“Parks Canada staff were pleased to meet so many people at our sites in eastern New Brunswick this year to experience and learn more about our environment and our heritage. We invite Canadians to celebrate our national treasures. Parks Canada contributes to building Canada’s reputation as a destination of choice for visitors from around the world, and supports local tourism and creates jobs.”
Géraldine Arsenault,
Superintendent, Northern New Brunswick Field Unit
Associated Links
Parks Canada Reservation System
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Contacts
Julie Bastarache
Partnering, Engagement and Communications Officer
Kouchibouguac National Park, Parks Canada
Office: 506-876-1288; Cel.: 506-521-4739
Julie.Bastarache@pc.gc.ca
www.facebook.com/KouchibouguacNP
www.twitter.com/KouchibouguacNP
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
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