Murray Beach Provincial Park - Little Shemogue, NB
Murray Beach is an ideal spot to relax during your tour of the southeastern portion of New Brunswick's Acadian Coastal Drive. You'll want to take in the breathtaking views of sunrises and sunsets over the mighty Northumberland Strait, enjoy stunning vistas of the world-famous Confederation Bridge and visit the nearby Cape Jourimain Nature Centre. Birdwatchers will fall in love with the avian bounty to be found in this area. Many activities and attractions are nearby, including sea kayaking, farmers markets, lighthouses, covered bridges, festivals and historic sites. Murray Beach’s unsupervised, warm saltwater and sandy beach is the perfect place to go beachcombing, escape the daily routine and re-energize the soul with the sounds of the sea. Pets are not allowed on the beach, but they are allowed on leash in the rest of the park. Change houses, washrooms, playground and picnic areas are available on site. Murray Beach Provincial Park has an inviting community seaside campground with 126 sites and 8 cabins for you to enjoy. The sounds of the sea invite you at Murray Beach!
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Murray Beach Provincial Park — where the sea meets sky — is an ideal low-light refuge for astrotourists seeking wide horizons and quiet, coastal nights. The park’s long, sandy beach faces the Northumberland Strait. It offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the eastern horizon—ideal for watching the Milky Way rise or catching spectacular sunrises and auroral glows reflected on the water. The park runs a 126-site community campground plus cabins, with basic services that make overnight observing accessible to photographers, amateur astronomers, and families alike.
Dark-sky strength here is notable: independent astrotourism listings report skies typically better than Bortle 3 in nearby observing spots, meaning many deep-sky objects and the Milky Way are visible to the naked eye on clear, moonless nights. That combination of accessible camping and truly dark horizons makes Murray Beach a strong choice for both casual stargazers and serious observers.
The park’s natural layout amplifies its night-sky appeal. A perimeter trail skirts the campground and beach, offering raised vantage points above the shoreline and pockets of pine that shelter telescopes from coastal breezes while still keeping horizons clear. At the eastern end, red bluffs and rocky outcrops frame viewing locations and add dramatic foregrounds for night-scapes and astrophotography.
A CVA Astro-destination Top Experience
Astro-strengths:
Away from significant light pollution, you will enjoy darker skies than Bortle 3, giving stargazers and astronomers alike the opportunity to view and experience the night sky and all its wonders.
Bortle Zone: better than Bortle 3
Visual Equipment: n/a
Visual Equipment Rental Cost: n/a
Perfect for Beginners to advanced astronomers, astrophotographers, nightscape and nature lovers, and those looking to relax and rejuvenate their minds, bodies, and spirits.
Booking details: https://www.parcsnbparks.info/en/parks/11/murray-beach-provincial-park
Book directly with: https://parcsnbparks.ca/
ADD A STARGAZING EXPERIENCE
Travelling in a group or wish to make very special out-of-this-world memories with your family or special someone? Book a private stargazing experience with the award-winning Cliff Valley Astronomy. The Canadian leader in stargazing events and travel!
Contact starparty@cliffvalleyastronomy.com for a quote and details! Or visit their website HERE!
CANCELATION POLICY: Please refer to policy on partner's website.