In the September/October 2013 issue of SkyNews magazine, I took the first look at the dark sky preserves of Eastern Canada. Over the next year, I’ll have reports from a dark sky preserve in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and five in New Brunswick, including the one spotlighted here, Kouchibouguac National Park.
As promised, here some additional photos and information on observing sites, accommodations, and local dining:
Observing info and locations:
Kouchibouguac Clear Sky Chart (astronomy-centric weather forecast)
Park map, including Kelly’s Beach, the best stargazing spot in Kouchibouguac
Nearby observatory and astronomy club meeting information
***The next “Kouchibouguac Star Fest” star party will be June 6-8, 2014*** ( check back here in 2014 for details)
Accommodations in and near Kouchibouguac:
South Kouchibouguac Campground (car/RV/tent sites in the park)
Auberge O’Leary Inn (details and reviews via TripAdvisor.ca)
Jardine’s Inn (details and reviews via TripAdvisor.ca)
Kouchibouguac Resort (details and reviews via TripAdvisor.ca)
Les Chalets du Havre Vacation Resort (details and reviews via TripAdvisor.ca)
Silver Birch Motel (details and reviews via TripAdvisor.ca)
Full-service hotels are also availible 25 minutes to the north in Miramichi
Dining:
As mentioned in the print edition, by far the coolest find in the area is the highly-authentic Acadian restaurant La Fiouk – just outside the park on Highway 11, near the small village of Kouchibouguac.
Other local restaurants include:
G K’s Wharfside Restaurant (highest rated by-far in the area)
Silver Birch (some local cuisine)
VN Star (home-cooked “comfort food”
Other Kouchibouguac-area resources:
Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) New Brunswick Centre
More on the dark sky designation on Kouchibouguac’s official Parks Canada site
*** Special thanks to Tourism New Brunswick – This and other coverage of dark sky preserves in New Brunswick was made possible by funding and logistical support from the Tourism, Parks and Attractions department of the New Brunswick Provincial Government ***