Explore the Bay of Fundy – New Brunswick Canada
If you are in awe of the ocean and love coastal exploration, this is the adventure for you! Imagine endless rugged coastline, succulent seafood, historic cities and villages, towering rocks sculpted by nature, openly friendly locals, and some of the most unique tidal phenomenons in the world. If this piques your interest, read on because there is so much more to experience as you explore the coastline of the Bay of Fundy in the Canadian Maritime province of New Brunswick.
If you are craving a seaside adventure out of the ordinary, exploring the shores of Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick will not disappoint. Traveling through the province by car is the best mode of transportation. This slice of Canada’s coastline is spectacular any time of year however, May through October is the most popular time. We visited in October, considered slightly off-season for the booming tourism industry in Canada. Our travel timing was designed to award us the most fun for our money and a quieter traveling experience. Visiting this coastal province by car lets visitors be in control of their experience. You can plan around the weather, see roadside attractions at your leisure and leave plenty of room for spontaneity or…getting lost. Just make sure to pack appropriately for all weather conditions because New Brunswick is known for its changeable weather.
The Maritime Provinces of Canada consist of three provinces, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. They are all located in the north eastern part of the country, bordering the vast and merciless waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The relentless Atlantic Ocean takes its toll on the coastline and the massive tidal flow into and out of the mighty Bay of Fundy is truly something to behold. 100 billion tons of water, a volume equal to all of the world’s rivers, enters and exits the Bay of Fundy twice a day. The highest tide ever recorded was 53.6 feet at Burncoat Head on the shores of the Bay of Fundy. Burncoat Head is just across the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia and has the highest tidal range in the world! Its tidal range is between 47.5 and 53.6 feet allowing visitors to walk on the ocean floor when the tide is out. If you can’t tell, I’m absolutely in love with and in awe of the Bay of Fundy.
The ocean is an integral part of Canada’s Maritime Provinces and is woven into the area’s long maritime history and indigenous traditions. Life on and around the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic coast revolves around the tide so it is a best practice to consult the tide tables to plan any excursions near the water. The high and low tide times will vary slightly, depending on the location around the bay so it’s incredibly helpful to pay close attention to the tide stations near your desired activity. Most people who live along any ocean’s coast are familiar with tides and tidal fluctuation but if you happen to live inland you won’t have to consider tides along most of the world’s inland waterways. The moon’s gravitational pull on the oceans generates what we know as the tidal force. The tidal force causes the rise and fall of sea level all around the world as the moon orbits and the earth rotates. It’s incredibly fascinating how the tides of the world are influenced, fluctuate and vary by location and time. The tide tables will give you all the tide info you will need to plan your trip along the shoreline of the Bay of Fundy.
The Canadian people are noted to be some of the friendliest on the planet and we would wholeheartedly agree. Many locals are quick to offer visitors a warm welcome and helpful tips to explore like a local on their Canadian adventure. The First Nations People of this region have a beautiful and vibrant culture that is still very much alive today. The heritage of the First Nations People is evident in many aspects of life in New Brunswick including, but not limited to their exquisite art, culture and cuisine.
Where to Start on your Bay of Fundy Adventure?
Grab your passports, check the current Canadian entry requirements for your country of residence and lets get going! This adventure through New Brunswick begins in historic St.John and finishes in the city of Moncton. Feel free to enjoy this adventure in reverse or cross the border into Canada by car if you prefer not to fly. If you do decide to fly, you can fly in and out of Moncton or St.John depending on what flights work best, since the airports are only 98 miles/157 km from each other.
The St.John airport is located approximately 9 miles outside of the historic city. When booking your flights and car rental for St. John, make sure not to confuse St.John, New Brunswick Canada with St. John’s, Newfoundland Canada. St. John’s in Newfoundland has an international airport and comes up in many Google searches but its nowhere near St.John, New Brunswick. The St.John airport in New Brunswick is not an international airport so you will need to connect through Montreal, Quebec or Toronto, Ontario to get there.
If you choose to fly into Moncton, New Brunswick the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport is about 4.5 miles from downtown Moncton. Both airports have a wonderful selection of rental car agencies to choose from so we recommend shopping around for the best car rental deals allowing you to be as cost-effective as possible. As soon as your luggage is located and your car keys are in hand, away we go.
Since Canada has their own currency you may need to get some Canadian money to have on hand. Most places will accept credit and debit cards but most banks and credit card companies charge customers a foreign transaction fee, and that can really add up over time. There are some credit cards that do not charge a foreign transaction fee like the Capitol One Quicksilver Card that we use along with many others. Some places in New Brunswick will be cash only and you will usually get a better exchange rate from a well known bank ATM. Most likely you will have to pay an ATM fee but if you take out the maximum amount of cash in one transaction that will keep the ATM fees to a minimum. In a foreign country it is always a good idea to have some local cash on hand, you never know what can happen.
St. John, New Brunswick
St. John is a quaint and historic seaport city full of excitement and tradition. The city was established by royal charter in 1785 and holds the current title of the second largest city in the province. It also happens to be the country’s oldest incorporated city. The self-guided walking tours available though the streets of St.John will bring the history of this magnificent municipality to life. Walking will give you a leisurely feel for the city and let you get your bearings, just make sure to pack your most comfortable walking shoes!
The Loyalist Trail walking tour retraces the footsteps of St.John’s founders by exploring the places they landed in 1783. The Victorian Stroll walking tour allows wanderers to view the elegant homes along the tree-lined, 19th century residential streets of central Saint John. The Prince William Walk focuses on the merchant heritage of St.John by directing visitors to the finest surviving examples of 19th century commercial facades in all of Canada. There is something for everyone in St.John, even a tasty food and beverage walking tour with Uncorked Tours!
The rich maritime history of St.John is also pretty amazing. St. John’s seaport is currently Canada’s third largest port by tonnage and hosts an incredible amount of cargo ships and cruise vessels every year. Early on, Saint John blossomed into a thriving timber trading city and its wooden shipbuilding industry grew into the third largest in the world by the mid-1800s. Later, St.John played a prominent role during the Second World War because of its dry dock and port facilities keeping its shipbuilding heritage alive.
Things to do in St. John
The City Market
There is so much to see and do in St. John and a stroll through the City Market is a must do! Since 1876, the City Market has been in continuous use and is believed to be the oldest common-law market in Canada. It’s also a Canadian national historic site. The aromas wafting down the isles are enough to make your mouth water and delight your senses. Enjoy the delectable local delicacies or the delicious international street food available year round. The market is full to the brim with local butches, bakers, fishmongers, sausage makers, cheese vendors, local artisans, fruit & vegetable vendors and so much more. The vibrant colors of the City Market draw you in and the merchants who are incredibly friendly and will keep you entertained for quite a while. Browsing the local offerings at the City Market is a highly recommended stop when you visit St. John.
Reversing “Falls” Rapids
The reversing “falls” rapids are boasted to be one of the greatest tidal impacts on a river in the world! This natural wonder is certainly a must see when you visit St. John, New Brunswick. The reversing rapids are located at the mouth of the St. John river, where it meets the unparalleled tide of the Bay of Fundy. Because of the location and the tidal range of about 28 feet, this tidal phenomenon is something quite unique. The incoming high tide collides with the outflowing river at the narrow gorge creating a series of rapids that look like they are going in the wrong direction, or “reversing”. There are a few different viewpoints on either side of the Reversing Falls Bridge. The most popular viewing area is at SkyWalk, located at GPS address: 200 Bridge Road, Saint John, NB E2M 7Y9. The SkyWalk gives viewers a unique view of the reversing rapids from their rooftop viewing platform for a fee, but you can enjoy the gift shop and restaurant at no charge. There are two other free roadside viewing areas on the opposite side of the river that usually have less visitors, but no facilities.
Where to Eat & Drink in St. John
St.John is a vibrant city with international culinary delights around every corner. The restaurants and pubs throughout the city offer a warm welcome and their own unique vibe. New Brunswick is known for its seafood, especially lobster and it’s not hard to find a delicious lobster roll in St.John. Other favorites in St.John include traditional Canadian poutine, dulse (dried seaweed), craft beer and scallops. St. John’s restaurants offer a little bit for everyone and it’s difficult to try everything in one trip. Here are a few favorites.
Cask & Kettle Irish Gastropub
The Cask and Kettle is a great gastropub that celebrates its Irish roots in their traditional dishes, cocktails and atmosphere. This lively pub is nestled along Prince William Street right in the heart of town. The welcoming feel of the Cask and Kettle is evident by its friendly service, cozy booths and warm, hearty meals. The Cask & Kettle offers more than expected with their extensive brunch menu, fabulous selection of appetizers and specialties.
Big Tide Brewing Company
Located on Princess St, behind its brick facade this fun and lively brewery is a welcoming place to stop. Big Tide Brewing Company boasts that it is St.John’s only brew pub and restaurant so if you enjoy craft beer and good food, this is the place for you! Enjoy one of their local dishes highlighting the maritime history of the reign, wash it down with one of their culturally inspired beers and get competitive with one of their many tabletop games. This brew pub cooks up dynamite fish and chips, standout nachos and a sizable burger along with many other options including vegetarian and gluten free offerings.
Callahan’s Sports Bar
We really love finding the local hangouts because you meet some of the most interesting people who can share the insight that only locals know. Located on Princess Street, Callahan’s Sports Bar is a simple, no frills, local watering hole that is just as advertised,…a sports bar. The beverages are affordable and the atmosphere is relaxed. The bar gets energized when it hosts live music regularly and it has a dance floor and pool table. The vibe in Callahan’s is laidback local haunt with a sprinkling of St. John’s maritime heritage.
Where to Stay in St. John
St. John offers overnight visitors a plethora of hotel accommodations, bed and breakfasts and even a hostel. It is easy to find a place to stay downtown in the fall, the only issue is parking. Most hotels charge for parking downtown, but if you are like us we calculate that into our room rate when we decide where to stay. We also look for a place that is within walking distance to the city center so we chose the historic and wonderful Earle of Leinster Bed and Breakfast. This inn style bed and breakfast offers a variety of rooms, a decadent breakfast and a few, free parking spaces. The parking spaces are by reservation only so call ahead. We stayed in their comfortable and romantic carriage building. We absolutely loved having a full kitchen, but we never needed to use it because the breakfast was so incredibly filling! The Earl of Leinster’s hosts, Dwight and Cheryl cooked up an amazing stuffed french toast that is to die for! We absolutely loved our stay and would highly recommend the Earle of Leinster in St. John.
Continuing on your New Brunswick adventure starting with a fantastic breakfast makes it difficult to leave St. John. There is still so much to see and do in New Brunswick so we recommend packing water, a picnic lunch and some snack options for the journey. The grocery stores in St.John offer an affordable way to eat while traveling through an area where food and drink may not be so readily available. Driving northeast along the coastline of the Bay of Fundy gives you the opportunity to enjoy the scenery at your leisure so take advantage of the most spectacular coastal drive in New Brunswick, the Fundy Trail Parkway!
The Fundy Trail Parkway
The magnificent Fundy Trail Parkway is a not-for-profit run coastal nature park located in Saint Martins Parish of New Brunswick. If you take the coastal road detours from St.John the drive is only about an hour to the southern gate of the Fundy Trail Parkway. Take in the absolutely stunning views of the Bay of Fundy as you drive or hike through this fantastic nature park. The welcoming picnic tables available throughout the park make it easy to stop for a picnic lunch so you can explore the park as much as possible. The Fundy Trail Parkway is 19 miles, 30 kilometers long and it takes approximately 45 minutes to drive from end to end. For a nominal fee you’ll get to enjoy all that this beautiful and extensive park has to offer.
The Fundy Trail Interpretive Center is a little over 6 miles, 10 kilometers into the nature park. The building is a reconstruction of a bunkhouse provided by the Pejepscot Paper Company housing the lumber work men who settled in this area from the late 1800’s to mid 1950’s. The interpretive center features an array of genuine artifacts and historic photographs of the logging and boat building heritage of the Big Salmon River settlement. This settlement was arguably the most important and prosperous lumbering communities along the Fundy coastline, if not all of Canada. The area was also said to have some of the finest wood in the world.
The Fundy Trail Parkway is open May through October. The opening and closing dates vary every year and the operating hours change based on the time of year so be sure to check the hours of operation to maximize your exploration time. This outdoor lover’s paradise has so much to offer it can keep you entertained for as little or as long as you have time for. If you are interested in exploring 22 miles of hiking trails, putting your toes in the sand, marveling at four magnificent waterfalls, wildlife watching, taking in the view or just driving through, the Fundy Trail Parkway is the place for you.
If you would like spend a night or two to explore more of the Fundy Trail Parkway the majority of bed and breakfasts, inn and campgrounds are located south of the parkway in St. Martins or a few north of the parkway in Alma. Depending on what time of year you visit will dictate availability so we recommend you plan ahead.
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park
Less than two hours north of the Fundy Trail Parkway is a unique and enchanting natural masterpiece sculpted by the incredible tides of the Bay of Fundy. Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is home to one of the most incredible and awe inspiring experiences along New Brunswick’s Fundy coastline. The massive tides of the Bay of Fundy have been patiently eroding and shaping over twenty freestanding sea stacks along the coast of this provincial park. The sea stacks are all different shapes and sizes with ground foliage and trees growing atop, giving them the nickname the flowerpot rocks.
Visiting Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is certainly a bucket list destination and should be explored during low tide to enjoy the full experience. We highly recommend you check your tide tables to plan your visit. The ideal arrival time would be towards the end of the ebbing tide so the tide is on its way out, this will give you the most amount of time on the ocean floor. There are three ocean floor access points in the park with plentiful parking. The park is only open May through October so make sure to reference the park’s seasonal operating dates before planning your visit. The entry ticket to the park is good for two consecutive days allowing visitors to see the rocks at both high and low tide. It is possible to spend the whole day exploring the park and see both high and low tide on the same day if the timing is right.
The experience of visiting the flowerpot rocks at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is like no other. As you descend down to the ocean floor you can smell the salt in the air and feel the caress of the cooler temperature wafting up from the ocean. The gravelly sand below your feet leaves impressions behind you as you wander the beach and enjoy the sea air. Meandering along the shoreline, you peak around a corner and are stunned by the size of the stationary sea stack giants towering all around you. The feeling of being so small alongside something so large is truly magical. There are small caves along the shore to explore as well as astounding archways and pillars to navigate. The glistening seaweed and kelp attached to the rocks is a rich forest green color that lays flat against the rocks just as if it had been combed by Poseidon as the tide receded. As you wander farther along the shore you will be amazed by the unique size and shape of each sea stack, made even more remarkable when you realize that it took thousands of years for the ocean to create such beauty. Since the ocean is continuing its unrelenting erosion of these distinctive coastal features, some day they will not be standing as they are today. We recommend planning your adventure to this provincial park this summer if possible.
We can’t express how stunningly beautiful, yet potentially dangerous accessing this unique natural wonder is if the necessary precautions are not taken. The tide waits for no man, or woman so always be mindful of the incoming tide. The tide comes in at an astounding rate and can take you by surprise if you are not careful. Swimming is not permitted at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park but feel free to dip your feet into the chilly Bay of Fundy. Wear sturdy footwear because some of the rocks and trails can be slippery and uneven. The park is a self guided park so as you explore, please adhere to any cautionary signage and the park staff’s direction so everyone has a safe and amazing adventure.
Moncton, New Brunswick
Leaving Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, a short and picturesque 40 minute drive along the mouth of the historic Petitcodiac River brings you right into downtown Moncton. Moncton is the most populated city in New Brunswick and offers visitors a fantastic array of things to do, hotels, restaurants, entertainment and another natural tidal phenomenon. The history of Moncton has been dotted with economical trauma, even losing its civic charter at one time. This vibrant city has rebounded from industrial collapse on more than one occasion and proudly adopted the motto Resurgo, in Latin it means “I rise again”.
The city today is diverse and proud of its legacy with a booming economy and the well earned nickname “Hub City” because of its great heritage as a centrally located transportation hub for the Canadian Maritime Provinces. The city is vibrant, progressive, friendly to visitors and celebrates the diversity of its residents. Moncton salutes its well known food culture with its incredible food and drink festivals throughout the year as well as its weekly public market. The city also hosts fantastic music festivals year round so there is always something going on in Moncton.
Where to stay in Moncton
Moncton has numerous well known and established hotels in the heart of the city. Staying downtown will give you plenty of options for shopping, dining and entertainment within walking distance of your hotel. The Residence Inn by Marriott Moncton or Delta Hotels by Marriott Beausejour are very centrally located and the Hyatt Place Moncton and Hilton Garden Inn Moncton are a tad farther away, but still close to everything. We recommend shopping around to find the best deal. During our visit, we wanted to stay within walking distance of Bore Park which is the best viewing area for the incredible tidal phenomenon known as the tidal bore. When we visited Moncton the timing of the first tidal bore was before 6am so we wanted to stay close by. Our hotel of choice was Chateau Moncton Hotel & Suites. We found it comfortable and affordable with only a 4 minute walk to Bore Park.
Things to do in Moncton
The Tidal Bore
The infamous tidal bore in Moncton is certainly a must see while visiting the city. This unique phenomenon happens twice a day and is created when the wall of water from the incoming tide creates a standing wave that travels up the Petitcodiac River. The exceptional incoming tide of the Bay of Fundy pushes against the outgoing flow of the river, then finally overcomes the outgoing river entirely. During certain lunar phases the tides are so powerful it generates a wave large enough to surf on. To view a larger than normal tidal bore and hope to see someone surfing it, visit Moncton around the full moon and new moon. Tidal Bore times for Moncton are approximate and this time table will help you plan your visit. You will definitely want to be ready with your camera about 20 minutes ahead of time to get a good spot along the river bank and not miss the tidal bore. If you are facing the river, set up your camera looking left to catch the tidal bore.
Before walking down to the riverside to see the incredible tidal bore we tore ourselves out of bed before dawn to snagged a coffee and breakfast at our hotel. We picked a great spot with a full view of the river and had it all to ourselves. As we waited in the quiet predawn moments, we had no idea what to expect. The Petitcodiac River was extremely calm at daybreak. Its chocolate brown colored water was flowing at a lazily pace, the shore birds were just waking up and the sun was peeking above the horizon when we heard it… The sound of roaring water in the distance was the indicator that the tidal bore was on its way. The exceptional and unique roar of flowing water got closer and closer and louder and louder, then we saw it.. The standing wave was moving towards us so quickly. The chocolate color of the river was now awash with white water as the wave pushed it’s way up stream. All around us were the sounds of a continuously breaking wave until the tidal bore passed by us on its journey up river. The experience was over in just a minute or so but I was truly ecstatic to have experienced this incredible tidal anomaly. Getting out of bed before dawn was SO worth it!
Magnetic Hill
The Magnetic Hill in Moncton is a complete marvel of optical illusion. This unique and historic wonder is located about 15 minutes outside of the city. Magnetic Hill is one of New Brunswick’s most popular tourist attractions and has been captivating visitors since it opened in 1931. This mind boggling naturally intriguing attraction will make you question your own perception of gravity. Be prepared to be amazed when you drive to the bottom of this famed hill, put your car in neutral and watch your car roll uphill! This astounding location has been dazzling visitors for decades and it’s not hard to see why.
In addition to the magic of the Magnetic Hill, the area offers even more to see and do. Explore and enjoy the Magnetic Hill Zoo, sample the vintage at the Magnetic Hill Winery or play a round of golf at Mountain Woods Golf Course. If the weather is inclement you could try your hand at the nearby casino, have a spa day or explore local history at the Lutz Mountain Heritage Museum. The area surrounding the Magnetic Hill has so many things to see and do you could spend a few days exploring them all.
Where to Eat & Drink in Moncton
Pump House – Brewpub & Restaurant
Since we were only in Moncton for a short time we didn’t get to dine at many of the restaurants, pubs and cafés as we would have liked but the one place that made an impression on us was the Pump House Brewpub and Restaurant. The Pump House has a fantastic selection of their own beer as well as others. Their menu features quality dishes with something for everyone, and it will still keep you on budget.
The Pump House has a warm and inviting pub feel with the smell of barley and hops lingering in the air. The mouth watering smells wafting over from the kitchen will give you quite an appetite. The atmosphere is joyful and boisterous when it’s busy but If you get lucky enough to be seated on one of their horse shoe shaped booths you get the perfect cozy hideaway. If you enjoy chatting with the locals and visitors alike, we always recommend sitting at the bar. The bartenders are cheerfully pulling drafts from the unique fire hydrants taps as you tuck in and marvel at the array of mug club mugs hanging from the ceiling. The pub’s interior embodies the appreciation of the founders previous firefighting occupation making it a very inviting atmosphere.
The Pump House Brewpub has been serving up their unique brews since 1999 and have been credited with the coveted award of “Canadian Brewery of the Year” after winning quite a few medals from the Canadian Brewing Awards. They serve delicious scratch made wood fired pizza among other menu items and you can wash it down with their incredible, and very popular blueberry beer. The Pump House Brewpub is a lively local feeling place to enjoy good food, drink and atmosphere when you visit Moncton.
Final Thoughts on our Bay of Fundy Adventure
As our amazing adventure along the coast of the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick was coming to an end we reflected on all of our adventures. We were wowed by some incredible tidal phenomenons, explored two historical and vibrant Canadian cities, connected with nature and the great outdoors, met some wonderful people and ate some delicious food, all within a small slice of this beautiful Canadian province. New Brunswick has so much more to offer and we can’t wait to explore more of the Canadian Provinces. Stay tuned for our next adventure through Nova Scotia on the opposite side of the magnificent Bay of Fundy.
If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, please like it and share it with your family and friends. Bon Voyage!
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