Musquash Estuary Nature Reserve

At the Musquash Estuary Nature Reserve, the majestic Musquash River winds through Wabanaki (Acadian) forest and vast marshes to meet the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy. This Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) property is the organization’s largest nature reserve in Atlantic Canada and serves as a haven for wildlife. At-risk species like peregrine falcon thrive here, as well as bobcat, moose, deer and harbor seal.

Located along the Atlantic Flyway, the Musquash Estuary is a key stopover site for many species of migratory birds, including white-winged scoter, surf scoter, black guillemot, common eider and semipalmated sandpiper.

Thanks to our donors and partners, we have built a large conservation area around the Musquash Estuary that protects important coastal forest and wetland habitat.

Just 20 kilometres from Saint John, this beautiful nature reserve was once targeted for development. Since 2001, NCC’s Musquash Estuary has grown piece by piece through land donations and community partnerships, and conservation efforts continue. The estuary is a conservation success story in the making. Our goal is to see a total of 4,800 hectares conserved surrounding the Musquash Estuary through the combined efforts of NCC and our partners.