The Kouchibouguac River flows through Kouchibouguac National Park in eastern New Brunswick, situated along the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. The river is one of eight Class I (flat-water) rivers within the park, making it well-suited for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. The waterway passes through an estuary environment characterized by salt marshes, tidal lagoons, and sand dune barriers, with the North Kouchibouguac Dune protecting Kouchibouguac Lagoon from the open waters of the Northumberland Strait.

The primary access point is Ryan's Rental Centre, where paddlers can launch from a dock on the river. A 150-metre portage is required from the parking lot to the dock. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and paddleboats are available for rent at Ryan's, typically operating through July and August from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Additional launch sites include Major Kollock parking area, Callanders Beach, and Côte-à-Fabien. A national park pass is required to access the park.

From Ryan's, paddlers can head upstream on the Kouchibouguac River West to find a notable leaning red pine tree growing horizontally out of a sandstone outcropping — a roughly 20-minute paddle from the rental centre. The river also connects to the lagoon system, where routes lead south past the Kellys Beach boardwalk to Major Kollock Creek. The Sipu backcountry campground, located on the south shore of the Kouchibouguac River, is accessible by canoe or kayak from Ryan's (approximately 5.5 km). Well water is available at Sipu but is under a boil water advisory. The Pointe-à-Maxime backcountry campground is accessible from Callanders Beach (approximately 4.4 km) or Cape Saint-Louis Wharf (approximately 2.5 km); paddlers on that route should be mindful of tides, currents, and fishing boat traffic.

Night-time boating on the Kouchibouguac River is permitted only within marked channels. Personal watercraft (jet skis) are prohibited in all park waters. Motorized boats must launch from approved day-use sites at Cap Saint-Louis and Loggiecroft wharves. Overnight anchoring outside authorized wharf limits is also prohibited. Paddlers should respect marked closed and study zones protecting nesting sites and sensitive ecological areas. Planning paddles for early morning or a few hours before sunset is recommended for calmer water conditions.