Driving along the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick as the as the tide recedes is breathtaking. A massive “river” of water becomes a deep, muddy valley with a stream trickling through the middle in less than 4 hours.
The Bay of Fundy located along the Canadian coasts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is the home to the world’s highest tides. Dramatic changes from low to high tides can be as much as a 52 foot increase in some places of Nova Scotia!
Bay of Fundy New Brunswick
Hopewell Rocks, NB
Erosion caused by the amount of water flowing through the rock beds along the Bay of Fundy has created some very interesting tourist locations like those at the Bay of Fundy Hopewell Rocks, one of New Brunswick’s most popular tourist attractions. The rocks themselves are referred to as the ‘Flower Pots’ or ‘Pot rocks’ because of their unique shape and the plants that grow out of their tops- like plants in a pot.
While the tide is low you can walk out and explore the Hopewell Rocks by foot. Make sure you check a tide chart first. You can plan on exploring the 2 KM space for about 3 hours before low tide and 1-2 hours after. Any later than that and you could be putting yourself at risk as the tides come in quickly and the waters can rise and trap you before you’re even aware.
As you walk be sure to watch your step. Many of the rocks are covered in seaweeds and can be slippery. It’s amazing how plant life can survive in such extreme situations- under water for 3/4 of the day and open to the air and sun the rest of the day.
Don’t forget to look up though too, trees have managed to find crevices in even the hardest of rocks and are growing with a vengeance. In a few hundred years their root systems will probably cause the rock to break apart and add to the natural erosion as well.
Depending on the time of year and the times of the high and low tides there are multiple options for enjoying the tides. Kayak adventures are offered for those that want to explore the rocks during high tides. Kayaking trips are only offered during the summer months, so you may need to plan your trip to leave time to experience high and low tides along the Bay of Fundy, even if it’s from afar, next to a campfire.
Hopewell Rocks:
When to go: Open May 15- October 12 (You will need a Canada Park pass or pay the entrance fee). Park is open to visitors during the rest of the year, but at your own risk and without amenities.
Location: From Hopewell Cape follow Route #114 south just barely over 2 miles until you see signs for ‘Fundy’. Turn left. To walk along the shore at low tide stay straight on the lower road, to go to the park and enjoy the views from above turn right and drive up the hill a ways.
Where to stay: The Artisian Suites in nearby Hopewell Cape are large, comfortable and provide a full kitchen, jacuzzi bath and views of the bay. Breakfast is included with your stay.
Fundy Trail
If you enjoy getting out into nature and hiking the Fundy Trail needs to be on your bucket list. Great views overlooking the Bay of Fundy New Brunswick are worth it. You can spend several days hiking the entire trail or drive along the Fundy Trail Parkway and park at one of the many stops for an hour hike out to one of the overlooks.
