Discover the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick

On the arm of the Atlantic Ocean, between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, lies the Bay of Fundy, one of the seven wonders of North America. The natural wonder is home to the world’s highest tides, with waters that rise and recede twice each day by a difference as great as 15 metres. The result? A dramatic coastline sculpted by the tremendous volume of water rushing in and out of the bay over thousands of years.

But, there’s more to the Bay of Fundy than just its tides. The perfect way to experience all the bay has to offer is via car on an Eastern Canada road trip. From exploring the sea caves at low tide to kayaking around flower-pot-shaped sea stacks, here are the top things to do along the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick.

Hopewell Rocks

Home to the world’s highest tides, the Bay of Fundy sees water levels rise and fall as much as 15 metres each day, exposing the extremely beautiful Hopewell Rocks in the process. The natural phenomena was created over millions of years as the sea eroded towering cliffs along the Hopewell Cape, leaving these tree-topped sandstone pillars separate along the shore. Nicknamed Flowerpot Rocks for their terra-cotta colour and narrow bases, Hopewell Rocks are a prime example of the scale and power of the Bay of Fundy’s tides.

At high tide, the water covers all but the tree-covered tops of the Hopewell Rocks. Admire the giant pillars from a platform or venture onto the Bay of Fundy in a kayak. At low tide, descend to the dust-coloured ocean bed to walk among the Flowerpot Rocks, that tower as much as 21 meters above the ocean floor.

St Martins Sea Caves

Head east of Saint John and you’ll find St Martins, a picturesque village filled with many lovely vistas. The premier attraction of the area, however, is also one of the best gems along the Fundy Trail: St Martins sea caves. Over millions of years, the dramatic coastline was masterfully carved by the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy. While the sea caves and caverns are fully submerged during high tide, you can venture across the rocks over the sea floor and into the St Martins sea caves during low tide.

The best way to explore St Martins sea caves, however, is on a kayak. Paddle afloat the world’s highest tides, past charming bridges and colourful fishing boats, to the red-rock geological formations. While out on the water, you may even spot marine wildlife, from porpoises to seals.

Fundy Trail Parkway

Near the former shipbuilding town of St Martins, the 30 kilometre Fundy Trail Parkway begins. Hugging the southern coast of New Brunswick, the scenic low-speed auto parkway runs high above the coast, winding past cliff-top lookout points, hiking trails with cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches. Drive along the ancient shoreline of the Bay of Fundy — sculpted by the world’s highest tides over thousands of years — and make plenty of stops to explore all the Fundy Trail has to offer.

Part of two UNESCO designated sites, the Fundy Biosphere Reserve and Stonehammer Global Geopark, the wonders of the Fundy Trail Parkway are awesomely plentiful. Add the Suspension Footbridge to your itinerary, an 84-metre long suspension foot bridge that crosses the Big Salmon River, as well as any of the other 30 trails scattered throughout the parkway.

St Andrews Whale Watching

It wouldn’t be a trip to the Bay of Fundy without catching sight of the majestic whales that linger in the water. Dubbed one of the best places in the world for whale watching, the Bay of Fundy is home to as many as 12 species of whales and other marine animals, including minke and humpback whales, white-sided dolphins and the rare North Atlantic Right Whale. While some of the whale population stays here until October, they become especially active during the summer.

An hour west of Saint John, you’ll find a quaint town with unparalleled scenery and rich marine life. As the top destination for whale watching on the Bay of Fundy, St Andrews offers a variety of cruises and tours that bring you closer to the gentle giants in their natural habitat.