Canada's Lesser-Known Park Is An East Coast Gem Filled With Endless Beach Fun And Scenic Seaside Camping

Of Canada's three Maritime provinces, New Brunswick is often overlooked in favor of neighboring Prince Edward Island (PEI). Yet, its lush forest and dramatic Atlantic shoreline make it a more rugged, and relatively crowd-free, alternative to popular seaside destinations on Canada's East Coast. Among New Brunswick's jewels is the lesser-known Murray Beach Provincial Park, a quiet seaside escape often left behind on tourist routes. The park is tucked along the southeastern edge of the peninsula, directly opposite PEI. 

With stunning vistas over the Northumberland Strait, warm-water sandy beaches, and dramatic red sand bluffs and boulders, Murray Beach Park is ideal for travelers looking for a seaside escape that combines picturesque landscapes, plenty of activities, and the opportunity to camp directly on site. Beachcombing, trail walking, and nearby wildlife sanctuaries are only some of the opportunities based around Murray Beach Provincial Park. For those who want to stay overnight, the park's built-in campground caters to all options, from tents to larger RVs and campervans. It's also an appealing destination even after dark, as its location makes it a perfect spot for stargazing against pristine dark skies.

Reaching Murray Beach Provincial Park is easy by either car or airplane. The park is 46 miles (about 50 minutes) from the city of Moncton, which is home to Greater Moncton International Airport (YQM). Plus, if you you're traveling by car, you can begin the Acadian Coastal Drive at Murray Point.

As the name suggests, the main feature of Murray Beach Park is its half mile of pristine sandy beach. Thanks to the shallow waters of the Northumberland Strait and its positioning on the trail of the Gulf stream, New Brunswick is home to some of the warmest ocean swimming spots north of Virginia. Murray Beach Park is among the coastal stretches affected by this climate buoyancy, which visitors can appreciate while swimming and relaxing along the shore. Beachcombing is another popular activity, with periwinkles, crabs, starfish, and other treasures found on the sandy banks, carried ashore by the changing tides. In addition to changing rooms and restrooms, the park is also equipped with picnic areas, making it a versatile location for off-season activities. Sea kayaking is another way to enjoy Murray Beach, especially during the warmer months.

While walking on the soft sands and reveling in tidal pools are popular ways to enjoy the scenery up close, there are also scenic forested trails running through Murray Beach Park. Embark on the 3.7-mile Perimeter Trail loop to walk among pine and larch trees, accompanied by clifftop views of the coastline below. The trails in Murray Beach Park are also ideal for keen wildlife watchers, who can spot maritime ringlet butterflies, white-tailed deer, moose, and even bears, as well as migrating and resident birds, such as puffins and herons. You can also spot whales off the coast during whale watching season, between late May and early October. 

Those planning to explore the area beyond Murray Beach Park will also find Kouchibouguac National Park nearby, a stunning outdoor haven with camping, hiking, and warm-water beaches.

As is to be expected from a country renowned for its natural wonders, some of Canada's most scenic campgrounds are tucked into parks, islands, and storybook towns, and this the case with Murray Beach Park. The campground features 126 sites and eight cabins, catering to a wide variety of camping arrangements, from tents and RVs to campervans. Advance booking is required for all New Brunswick campsites, and it can be done directly on Parks NB's official page.

The campground itself is surrounded by the scenic Perimeter Trail, and most sites are quite close to the beach itself. Those staying overnight can enjoy sunset views of the dramatic red sandy cliffs, and even of the scenic Confederation Bridge, which is located within close proximity of the park. Campers can also enjoy the park's stunning skies after dark, with minimal light pollution making Murray Park a stargazing haven. It is possible to see the Milky Way and some star clusters on clear nights, thanks to the park's layout and positioning. Make sure to familiarize yourself with light pollution rules that, if not followed while camping, could ruin your view.

Before setting up camp for the night, travelers can prolong their wildlife expedition by visiting the Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Area, located only 9 miles east of Murray Beach Park. This reserve on the tip of the peninsula is a multi-ecosystem wonder home to about 170 bird species.