The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Paroisse de Carleton

After the observation tower, the Bog Trail continues along a boardwalk path for another 600 metres. There are a few benches and marked viewpoints with signage, and the trail ends at an observation deck with a bench overlooking the rest of the bog.

About 400 metres in along the Bog Trail, you will reach this six-metre observation tower. The top of the tower is accessible via a spiral staircase and provides some great views over the bog and some informational signs.

After circling around from the parking area, you will find the Bog Trailhead clearly marked with a sign and entrance to a packed gravel trail that starts out in a wooded area. Gradually, the trail opens up to a boardwalk with views of the bog and informational signs about the habitat itself.

The Black River is a slow-moving, tannin-rich river bordered by forest, wetlands, and pockets of salt marshes. The river is home to ducks, herons, and other birds that feed along its edges, especially during migration seasons. Its banks are peaceful and shaded, giving visitors a relaxing body of water to take in and enjoy.

The Claire-Fontaine Trail is a short loop that takes hikers through forest and wetlands, following Rankin Brook, the Black River, and a nearby lagoon. In the fall, the aspen and other mature trees change color, and there is more bird activity. Part of the loop traces the old community of Claire-Fontaine, built by Europeans in the late 1700s.

Rankin Brook is a small, peaceful river that offers great viewpoints along the southern section of the Claire-Fontaine Trail. It flows through the forest, creating pockets of cool, damp mini-climates along the loop. Rankin Brook eventually flows into the nearby Black River and lagoon system, so its water levels can fluctuate with weather.

Major Kollock Creek Trail is a forest singletrack linking the Petit-Larg campsite area with the Major Kollock Creek parking lot. The route follows mixed woodland with short rises and boardwalk crossings over wetter sections near the creek. It’s suitable for both hiking and mountain biking, with mostly narrow trail tread and a few roots in places. Expect a quiet forest setting, occasional views of the creek, and links to wider Kouchibouguac trail networks. Watch out for bikers along the singletrack sections, especially where visibility is lower.

Kouchibouguac’s beach sits on a barrier island reached by designated access paths. The shoreline is long and open, with firm sand and wide tidal zones. It’s suitable for walking and running, and in calm weather you’ll see uninterrupted views along the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The dunes and protected piping plover habitat nearby are signed, so stay on marked paths when connecting the beach to your route.