Rankin Trail Re-Opening and Expansion

Kouchibouguac National Park (KNP) will be re-opening and expanding Rankin Trail. Originally connected to the Osprey Trail, Rankin Trail was closed in the 1990s due to unknown circumstances. Currently, the 1.8 km straight stretch of trail has remained in very good condition and will require minimal funding and maintenance to reopen. Additionally, two extensions will be added to the end of the current trail. The first extension will be 1.5 km and is intended to make Rankin Trail into a loop. The second extension will add an additional 0.6 km on to the end of the current trail which will allow visitors to reach an outlook over the Black River estuary. Installation of the first extension is expected to be minimal. No subsurface ground disturbance will be necessary however, minimal grubbing and additional fill is likely required for certain sections. Vegetation removal/clearing will be a major aspect in establishing the new section however, the trail's path will be constructed with a focus to avoid as much vegetation removal as possible. The same is expected for the second expansion with exception to the installation of a new 20-meter bridge/boardwalk which will be installed over a small inlet. The project is set to begin in 2025 with the first expansion starting in the summer and the second (trail extension and bridge installation) taking place over subsequent seasons.

Latest update

August 9 2025 – The public comment period on the project is closed. Parks Canada is considering comments received to help inform its determination on whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Participate

Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
1 New project being assessed by Parks Canada - Public comments invited from July 10 2025 to August 9 2025 - July 10, 2025

Contacts

Kouchibouguac National Park
186, Route 117
Kouchibouguac, New Brunswick E4X 2P1
Telephone: 506-876-2443
Email: ia.publicreg-NNB-ei.regpublic@pc.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Kouchibouguac National Park of Canada (New Brunswick)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Recreation and Tourism

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2025-07-10

  • Proponent

    Parks Canada

  • Authorities

    • Parks Canada Agency

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    89724

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
Report a problem on this page
Date modified: