Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Dr. Jessie Voigts's picture
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One of the Seven Wonders of North America, the Bay of Fundy is, obviously, a treasure. It's located between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and has the highest tidal range in the world (!!!). 

We were lucky enough to explore the New Brunswick side of the Bay, and LOVED it. If you're looking to explore a unique place during your Canada holidays, here are our tips for the best of the Bay of Fundy.

Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Tides

Hopewell Rocks 

Head to Hopewell Rocks, in The Rocks National Park, to see the world's highest tides. They reach a height of 46 feet twice a day, and each tide contains around 100 billion tons of water! Go during low tide to poke around on the sea floor, and meander amongst giant, wave-sculpted rocks. When you climb the stairs back up, imagine the water going that high! Once you're back up top, watch the tide come in so quickly. It's a marvelous sight.

Hopewell Rocks. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Hopewell Rocks. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Hopewell Rocks. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Hopewell Rocks. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Hopewell Rocks. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Hopewell Rocks. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Moncton's tidal bore

Another way to see the tide in this area is to stay in Moncton, to watch the tidal bore. When we were there, it wasn't extremely high, but people can actually surf the tidal bore up the river at times! Head down to the river and watch the water surge in. Moncton is located in-river from Hopewell Rocks.

Sea caves in St. Martins

Another cool place to see during high or low tides are the sea caves in St. Martins. Located along the Fundy Parkway, east of Saint John, this is a hidden treasure. I mean REALLY hidden. Meander along the parkway, and when you come to a huge open spot, pull in. There's an on-side restaurant, and plenty of parking. At low tide, walk quite far along the rocky beach, hop the creek heading to the bay, and gaze in wonder among the many sea caves. Be brave and climb the seaweed-covered rocks, and head around the corner to see even MORE caves. If you arrive at high tide, kayak!

Sea caves in St. Martins. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Sea caves in St. Martins. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Sea caves in St. Martins. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Fundy National Park

A national treasure, stretching for 80 miles along the bay, Fundy National Park is also a Dark Sky Preserve, and part of the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve. There's much to see during the day - 25 hiking trails, over 2 dozen waterfalls, an interpretive center, and incredible beauty at every turn; visit (or stay at an onsite campground) at night to see the stars. Each August, there's a Rising Tide Festival. 

Fundy National Park. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Fundy National Park. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Fundy National Park. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Fundy National Park. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Fundy National Park. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Saint John City Market

Dating from 1785, the Saint John City Market is quintessential Canada. It is the oldest continuing farmer's market in the country, and is open every day (except Sundays and holidays). Get gelato or a meal, souvenirs, vegetables and fruit, picnic fixings, and even dulse (edible dried seaweed).

Saint John City Market. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Saint John City Market. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Saint John City Market. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Saint John City Market. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Saint John City Market. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Saint John City Market. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Changing of the Guard, Fredericton

While there are many family friendly things to do in Fredericton, one of the coolest is to see the changing of the guard. Take a look!

Whale watching tour, St. Andrews

Of course! What is the Bay of Fundy without whales? St. Andrews has whale watching tours - we loved our trip with Island Quest. Besides the possibility of seeing whales, you'll spot seals basking, lighthouses, and tall ships. On board, Island Quest also teaches about marine life in the bay - we touched a starfish, sea cucumber, and more.

Whale watching tour, St. Andrews. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Whale watching tour, St. Andrews. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Kingsbrae Garden

While you're in St. Andrews, make time to explore Kingsbrae Garden. There are 19 flower gardens, animals (including curious llamas), a children's garden, water features, art around every corner, and plenty of space to wander and discover. Most paths are wheelchair-friendly, but there are also stairs, so not all areas are handicap accessible.

Kingsbrae Garden. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Kingsbrae Garden. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Kingsbrae Garden. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Kingsbrae Garden. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Kingsbrae Garden. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

Kingsbrae Garden. From Eight Surprising Delights Around Canada's Bay of Fundy

 

 

All photos courtesy and copyright Wandering Educators