Following Acadian Waters to the Seals
Magic moment with seal and rainbow
I thought I was heading out on a boat tour to see a few seals. Instead, I found myself immersed in the rich history of the Acadians and the beautiful waters of the Kouchibouguacis River.
As we eased away from the dock, the pace of life seemed to change. The quiet stretches of shoreline made me forget about life for a while and simply enjoy being there.
Phoca Tours calls Saint-Louis-de-Kent, New Brunswick, home. Their 30-foot pontoon boat, PHOCUS, comfortably seats up to 12 passengers in a relaxed lounge-style setting. Honestly, there isn't a bad seat on the boat. Everyone gets a fantastic view. Please call ahead for bookings.
Our adventure began at The Forge ("Le parc des forgerons"), a public park located at the corner of Principale Street and Côté Nord Road in Saint-Louis-de-Kent. That’s where you will meet Kores and the crew.
Le Parc des Fourgerons
Phoca Tour Pontoon Boat.
Meet your Guides
Our guides Arnold Ands Camilla
My guides for this tour were Arnold and Camilla, two proud Acadians who each spent more than 20 years working at Kouchibouguac National Park. Their passion for the region is contagious. They love sharing stories about the river, its wildlife, and the area's rich Acadian and Mi'kmaq heritage.
Arnold, in particular, has a gift for storytelling, and let's just say, he's been known to stretch a tale or two! LOL.
I won't spoil the stories. That's part of what makes this tour so enjoyable. Some things are better heard while drifting along the river with the people who know it best.
Saint Louis de Kent is also home to the world's largest Acadian flag, a massive flag measuring approximately 30 by 60 feet (9 x 18 metres) flying from a 130-foot pole.
Life on the Kouchibouguacis River
Nature doesn't always need to be dramatic to be memorable.
As we drifted along, Camilla pointed out an important archaeological site along the river, where evidence of Mi'kmaq life dating back thousands of years had been uncovered in the 1940’s
It was a quiet reminder that long before this was a destination for visitors, these waters sustained generations of Indigenous people. I didn't need a history lesson, I just appreciated knowing that this beautiful river has been shaping lives for centuries.
Seems like the grey seals weren't the only ones hauling out for the afternoon.
As we came into the The Narrows, (“Les Etrouettes” as the locals call it) I realized the seals weren't the only wildlife putting on a show. Fishing boats had gathered along the shoreline, families were cooling off with a swim, and the whole place felt like a floating neighbourhood barbecue.
The Seals
Of course, the stars of the tour are the grey seals.
As we approached the sandbars in the lagoon, the excitement on the boat started to build. Every pair of eyes was scanning the water, binoculars & cameras in hand, waiting for that perfect moment.
I have to admit, I laughed more than once.
Their playful curiosity is part of what makes the experience so much fun. They seem just as interested in watching us as we are in watching them.
Depending on the season, the sandbars become a gathering spot for hundreds even thousands of grey seals. Unfortunately for us, they weren’t lounging on the dunes that day, but the shallow waters still offered a safe place for them to rest.
If you’re lucky, dozens of curious faces will pop above the surface to see who’s visiting.
And getting the perfect shot, well that was a lot like like playing Whack-a-Mole.
Just when you think you've got the perfect shot... plop! They're gone, only to pop up somewhere else a few seconds later. LOL It was entertaining to say the least.
Thank You, Phoca Tours
A heartfelt thank you to Phoca Tours for welcoming me aboard and sharing one of New Brunswick's hidden gems. It's experiences like these that remind me how fortunate we are to have incredible adventures waiting right here in our own backyard.
If you're planning to book a tour, here are a few tips:
Reserve ahead. Tours can fill up, especially during the summer months.
Dress in layers. Even on a warm day, the temperature on the water can change in a heartbeat. I was glad I had a sweater.
Bring your camera. Trust me—you'll want it! Just be prepared for a game of "seal whack-a-mole." 📸
Leave the binoculars at home. Phoca Tours provides them for everyone on board.
Enjoy the treats. A light snack is included during the approximately 2½-hour tour.
Every tour is a little different. Guides may vary, but each brings their own personality and stories, making every trip unique.
