Hiking NB

Description

The Ecological Park of the Acadian Peninsula is the only ecological park in the province of New Brunswick. The park was developed to demonstrate the wonders of all the wildlife on Lameque and Miscou Islands. For example the Black-Crowned Night Heron, which is the official emblem for the park. The park represents the unique plants and animals of the Acadian Peninsula. There have been over 115 types of birds and 150 types of plants identified in the park. The park is situated adjacent the estuary where the salt water of the Bay of Lameque mixes with the fresh water from Jean-Marie Brook. The three goals of the park are education, protection and recreation.

The park is open from mid-May to October.

The trail begins at the interpretation center. Guided tours of the trails are sometimes available but were only available in French on our last visit. There is a 7 meter viewing tower behind the interpretation center that gives a birds eye view of the park. The trail starts by crossing the 300 meter boardwalk across the estuary. From hear you will see many birds in and around the shallow waters. After the Boardwalk the trail comes to a T. The trail from here is a large loop so you can choose either direction. Turning right will take you to the Arboretum, which is a small side trail that has 27 different species of trees on display. The trail then continues on through the woods and eventually comes out along the edge of the estuary. There is an Osprey nest to your right along the edge of the estuary. The trail has three lookouts with benches built for viewing the estuary. The first lookout has a panel with information about the Osprey, and provides a good viewing platform for the nest. The trail continues past the other two lookouts and loops back to the boardwalk. There are more than 20 educational panels throughout the park.

Directions

From Shippigan follow highway 113 north-east across the bridge to Lameque Island. At the lights in the Town of Lameque continue straight onto Route 313. After about 300 meters turn right and continue on Route 313. At this point you can follow the road signs or the large painted arrows on the pavement showing you which way to go. The Eco-Center is another 700 meters on your right. If you cross a small causeway you have gone too far and you should see the boardwalk off to your right.

Other Trails in the Area

• Beresford Boardwalk
• Daly Point Nature Reserve (Bathurst)
• Île-aux-foins Trails (Neguac)
• Millbank Nature Trails
• French Fort Cove Park Trails (Miramichi)

Trail Last Hiked: August 28, 2021.

Page Last Updated: January 16, 2023.