If you’re looking for a coastal walk near Moncton, you won’t regret checking out the Bouctouche Dunes only 45 minutes away. Stick to the short boardwalk or make your way down to the beach for a sandy walk beside the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, you can look across the water and see Prince Edward Island. For a longer adventure, head toward the Bouctouche Lighthouse (but don’t forget to bring water and snacks).
Last Updated: February 2026
I recently returned to Canada after four months abroad — two weeks in Ghana for work, a month in Costa Rica, and then the rest in Colombia. I’ve been living a nomadic lifestyle for over a year now and enjoying the flexibility for the most part. Since I don’t have a permanent location at the moment, I joined Trusted Housesitters to explore different parts of Canada and find some good company with four-legged fur friends. Through the platform, I basically trade house and pet sitting for accommodation — a great experience overall! My sister Sarah and I have been housesitting not far from Bouctouche and have visited the Bouctouche Dunes a couple of times. Keep reading to learn all about it.
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Bouctouche Dunes Trail Map (New Brunswick)
About the Bouctouche Dunes
Location: Bouctouche, New Brunswick
Distance: Up to 22.5 km out and back (boardwalk section is much shorter)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (due to length)
Elevation: Minimal elevation gain
Time: 5 – 7 hours
Family-Friendly: Yes, and stroller-friendly on the boardwalk.
Dog-friendly: No, dogs are not permitted.
Features: The Bouctouche Dunes include 800 metres of well-maintained boardwalk with scenic lookouts and easy beach access. Bouctouche Beach is a popular sandy swimming area in summer, and a lighthouse sits at the end of the sandbar along the Northumberland Strait.
Finding the Bouctouche Dunes Trailhead
If you’re driving from Moncton, start by heading north on the Veterans Highway (Hwy 15) toward Shediac / Sackville. Keep left when the highway splits to merge onto Hwy 11 toward Shediac / Kouchibouguac / Miramichi. Continue for about 24 km and then take Exit 32 towards Bouctouche. Turn right onto Irving Boulevard (Hwy 134) and follow through the town of Bouctouche and continue straight for 9 km. You will see parking signs and turn left to access the parking area. Walk back toward the road and cross to find the boardwalk. Driving from Moncton will take around 45 minutes.
Read next: Ministers Island Loop Near St. Andrews, New Brunswick
Bouctouche Dunes Beach Walk (Easy New Brunswick Hike)
We’ve been over to the Bouctouche Dunes a couple of times since my return to Canada. The first time, we walked halfway to the lighthouse and then turned around to get back to the car for our “eclipse glasses” before the once-in-a-lifetime event. Watching the total eclipse from the beach was incredible. Many had the same idea and flocked from near and far (which, honestly, added to the magic!).
After that first visit, I knew I had to go back and walk down to the lighthouse. There’s nothing too difficult about walking along the beach. If you’re planning to go to the lighthouse, just be prepared for 5.5 to 6 hours for 22.5 km. We walked most of the way barefoot which may have been questionable in May (especially since the temperature dropped and rain clouds rolled in). Thankfully, we brought sandals to cross over the dune grass near the lighthouse. After the long walk, we made it back to the car before the serious DOWNPOUR began. I was glad to be driving in a warm car instead of outside in that torrential rain.
If you have time, heading to the lighthouse is a fun outing. That being said, walking on shifting sand can be challenging. Try to find the hard sand to stop yourself from backsliding too much as you walk (the wet sand close to the water is best). If time doesn’t allow for a long trek, you could always take a short walk on the sand bar or go for a swim at Bouctouche Beach beside the boardwalk. There’s something for everyone here!
Note: A storm surge destroyed about half of the original 2 km boardwalk in December 2010. Following this damage, the boardwalk was rebuilt but only to half the original length. Today, the boardwalk is around 800 metres long.
What To Bring — Bouctouche Dunes Boardwalk
Most people would consider the Bouctouche Dunes more of a beach walk than a proper hike. That being said, trekking down to the lighthouse on the sandy beach and dune grass requires some preparation. Remember to bring everything you need to stay safe out there. I brought my 18-litre day pack with a couple of water bottles and snacks for our trip. Trail runners or sturdy sandals are both good options (if you don’t want to walk barefoot). When hiking in New Brunswick, it’s wise to carry a rain jacket and even a warm layer just in case. If you don’t (or even if you do…) like the weather, just wait a few minutes. On a sunny day, don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. At the end of the sand bar, you’re a few hours from the parking area, so be prepared to be self-sufficient.
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Know Before You Go
Parking: There’s an official parking area for the Bouctouche Dunes with accessible parking close to the boardwalk entrance. Additional parking is across the street (follow the signs). There’s no entrance fee or parking fee.
Toilet: Pit toilets available at the eco-centre during
Garbage: If you pack it in, please pack it out (even organics like orange and banana peels). Use the garbage bins or dispose of your waste at home. Garbages are closed during the off-season. No garbage bins are available after the boardwalk.
Pets: Dogs are not permitted on the boardwalk or along the sand dune to help protect nesting birds and sensitive plants.
Wildlife: Please respect wildlife and keep your distance from wild animals. Do your part to help keep wild things wild.
Season: The Irving Eco-Centre is open during summer months, but Bouctouche Dunes are accessible year-round. During July and August, visitor access to the dunes between 8am and 5pm is limited to the first 2,000 people.
Leave No Trace: When I was a kid, my elementary school took regular field trips to clean up the shore, called “beach sweeps.” If you pack it in, please pack it out. Consider bringing a plastic bag to carry out litter. Help leave the beach better than you found it (you’d be a local superhero). Learn more about Leave No Trace principles before you head out.
Safety: Safety is your responsibility. Bring what you need to stay safe and warm. Carry a small first aid kit to deal with minor injuries. You may have cell service but I also like to bring a satellite communications device for emergencies.
Navigation: You won’t find any signs along the beach, but it’s easy to follow. Download Bouctouche Beach Trail from AllTrails for offline use.
More New Brunswick Hikes
Are you looking for more New Brunswick hikes to try? Here are a few that are worth checking out:
- Mount Carleton Hike: Highest Peak in the Maritimes
- Split Rock Trail: One of the Best New Brunswick Hikes
- Ministers Island Loop Near St. Andrews, New Brunswick
- Turtle Mountain Hike Near Saint John, New Brunswick
- Barnaby Head Trail in New River Beach Provincial Park
Have you visited the Bouctouche Dunes? Did you walk all the way to the lighthouse? Let me know in the comments below.
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
