Geocaching & The National Parks

With the Fundy National Park launch behind us now, I thought maybe a quick little article about geocaching in our parks was in order.

Fundy National Park has been running an official geocaching program for several years now. Originally kicked off by the folks at the Atlantic Canada Geocaching Association, Cache Up NB took over the program a few years ago. This program has proven to be very successful in NB and hopefully is going to lead to other programs as well.

One of the biggest reasons for the success is the actual park itself. If you have spent any amount of time at Fundy, you’ll know what I’m talking about. From the trails to the scenery, it is truly an amazing place to visit and spend some time in. Add in geocaching, and it seems like a perfect spot for us geocachers to spend some time in.

For those unfamiliar with the geocaching program at Fundy National Park, the premise is simple. Around 5 geocaches are typically hidden within the park each year. Geocachers are invited to find those caches and mark them on a special “passport” using an orienteering punch found in each container. Once the passport is full, you can redeem it for a free trackable geocoin.

This year was saw more than 210 people come out to the official “launch” event. This event always draws large numbers in both the experienced and newcomer side of geocaching. Thankfully, the park has seen the benefit to having this program in place and has continued to support it. Cache Up NB is committed to insuring this program continues on as long as it benefits both the park and geocachers.

In other parts of the country, and the world for that matter, similar programs are in place. Whether it be for a national park, or just a local community, these geocaching programs are popping up all over the place.

The next one happening in our region is being hosted by our partners at the ACGA for Kejimkujik in Nova Scotia. If you have the chance, check it out.