Dr. Lili Nasseri - Freelance Travel and Health Writer

Doctor Prescribes a Walk in a National Park Maritime Traveller Times & Transcript, Moncton N.B. Published: Saturday Nov 4, 2006 Page: G3 Kouchibouguac National Park of Canada One of two wilderness Canadian national parks in New Brunswick, Kouchibouguac is a fascinating mosaic of bogs, tidal rivers, sheltered lagoons, and tall forests. The name Kouchibouguac (Kou-she-boo-gwack) is of Mi'kmaq origin and means "river of the long tides". Established in 1969, this 238 square kilometer national park provides a number of exciting activities year round for people of all ages and with different interests. The fall season transforms the forest and it looks as though someone has taken a paint brush and sprinkled the trees with color. The forest's floor is equally transformed into a tapestry of leaves inviting hikers and cycler's alike. Begin your day by stopping at the Welcome Center at the entrance of the park to pick up a map and pay your entrance fee (6.90$/adult, 3.45$/youth). There are 60 kilometers of paths in Kouchibouguac Park, including nature trails, bicycle trails and mountain bike trails. These all transform into cross-country ski trails during the winter. There are two beaches: Callanders Beach and Kelly's Beach. Both pretty spots to stop for lunch. Bring a picnic basket with you as the canteen is closed during the off season. Remember to pick up all your leftovers as you leave the site. This is black bear country and you wouldn't want any unexpected surprises (see below; "Tips On Hiking Safely"). Finish off your day with a walk on the boardwalk overlooking the sand dunes and do some bird-watching. There are piping plover nesting zones at either end of Kelly's beach. Bring your binoculars and you may be able to catch a glimpse of one of these endangered birds. You may even have the chance to spot a great blue heron and perhaps even a grey seal. To end a perfect day in the outdoors wait and watch the sky turn crimson as the sun sets over the dunes. Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic site of Canada Kejimkujik, the only inland national park of Canada in the Maritimes is found in South Eastern Nova Scotia. In this 381 square kilometer park, you will find an abundance of lakes and rivers ideal for canoeing as well as lush woodlands, home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed dear, black bears and land turtles. The park's 15 trails range from riverside strolls that you could walk in high heeled shoes, to half-day strenuous hikes. You can walk through groves of 300-year-old hemlock trees, follow a trail to an abandoned gold mine, or follow a path to Mill Falls. What makes this park so special is that there is a trail here for everyone, including those in a wheelchair. In fact, the Visitor Reception Centre is wheelchair accessible and the Mersey Meadow Trail has a boardwalk. Other wheelchair-accessible facilities include washrooms and picnic sites at Jakes Landing, and a playground and picnic area at Merrymakedge Beach. This makes it an ideal destination for families with members who have disabilities. A Few Tips on Hiking Safely • Hike in a group and make loud noises, whistle or sing. Most bears will leave you alone if they are aware of your presence. • Stay away from dead animals as it is a concentrated food source and bears will aggressively defend it. • Use caution when near natural bear foods such as berries, nuts or fish. • Leave your dog at home as they are know to infuriate bears and may bring on an attack. • If you encounter a bear, keep calm. Do not run as bears can run as fast as a race horse and running may trigger an attack. Instead back away slowly while still facing the animal and talking in a soft voice. • Good luck and have a great hike!

Doctor Prescribes a Walk in a National Park

Maritime Traveller
Times & Transcript, Moncton N.B.
Published: Saturday Nov 4, 2006
Page: G3

Kouchibouguac National Park of Canada

One of two wilderness Canadian national parks in New Brunswick, Kouchibouguac is a fascinating mosaic of bogs, tidal rivers, sheltered lagoons, and tall forests. The name Kouchibouguac (Kou-she-boo-gwack) is of Mi'kmaq origin and means "river of the long tides". Established in 1969, this 238 square kilometer national park provides a number of exciting activities year round for people of all ages and with different interests.

The fall season transforms the forest and it looks as though someone has taken a paint brush and sprinkled the trees with color. The forest's floor is equally transformed into a tapestry of leaves inviting hikers and cycler's alike. Begin your day by stopping at the Welcome Center at the entrance of the park to pick up a map and pay your entrance fee (6.90$/adult, 3.45$/youth). There are 60 kilometers of paths in Kouchibouguac Park, including nature trails, bicycle trails and mountain bike trails. These all transform into cross-country ski trails during the winter.

There are two beaches: Callanders Beach and Kelly's Beach. Both pretty spots to stop for lunch. Bring a picnic basket with you as the canteen is closed during the off season. Remember to pick up all your leftovers as you leave the site. This is black bear country and you wouldn't want any unexpected surprises (see below; "Tips On Hiking Safely").

Finish off your day with a walk on the boardwalk overlooking the sand dunes and do some bird-watching. There are piping plover nesting zones at either end of Kelly's beach. Bring your binoculars and you may be able to catch a glimpse of one of these endangered birds. You may even have the chance to spot a great blue heron and perhaps even a grey seal. To end a perfect day in the outdoors wait and watch the sky turn crimson as the sun sets over the dunes.

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic site of Canada

Kejimkujik, the only inland national park of Canada in the Maritimes is found in South Eastern Nova Scotia. In this 381 square kilometer park, you will find an abundance of lakes and rivers ideal for canoeing as well as lush woodlands, home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed dear, black bears and land turtles. The park's 15 trails range from riverside strolls that you could walk in high heeled shoes, to half-day strenuous hikes. You can walk through groves of 300-year-old hemlock trees, follow a trail to an abandoned gold mine, or follow a path to Mill Falls. What makes this park so special is that there is a trail here for everyone, including those in a wheelchair. In fact, the Visitor Reception Centre is wheelchair accessible and the Mersey Meadow Trail has a boardwalk. Other wheelchair-accessible facilities include washrooms and picnic sites at Jakes Landing, and a playground and picnic area at Merrymakedge Beach. This makes it an ideal destination for families with members who have disabilities.

A Few Tips on Hiking Safely

• Hike in a group and make loud noises, whistle or sing. Most bears will leave you alone if they are aware of your presence.
• Stay away from dead animals as it is a concentrated food source and bears will aggressively defend it.
• Use caution when near natural bear foods such as berries, nuts or fish.
• Leave your dog at home as they are know to infuriate bears and may bring on an attack.
• If you encounter a bear, keep calm. Do not run as bears can run as fast as a race horse and running may trigger an attack. Instead back away slowly while still facing the animal and talking in a soft voice.
• Good luck and have a great hike!