Bay of Fundy

Home to the world's highest tides, the Bay of Fundy is a natural wonder that will leave you in awe. Twice daily, over 100 billion tonnes of seawater surge in and out, revealing dramatic sea caves, flowerpot rocks, and fossil-rich cliffs. This is a place where you can walk on the ocean floor at low tide and kayak above ancient forests at high tide—all in the same day. The Bay's rugged coastline, dotted with quaint fishing villages and lighthouses, offers a quintessential Maritime experience that blends raw nature with warm local culture.

Highlights & What to See

• Hopewell Rocks: Iconic flowerpot-shaped rock formations carved by the tides. Time your visit to see them at low tide (walk among them) and high tide (kayak around them).
• Fundy National Park: A stunning park with coastal trails, waterfalls, and forested hikes. Don't miss the Dickson Falls boardwalk and the dramatic views from the Matthews Head Trail.
• Reversing Falls: Near Saint John, where the Bay's tides force the Saint John River to flow backwards, creating rapids and whirlpools. Best viewed from the Reversing Falls Bridge or a jet boat tour.
• Joggins Fossil Cliffs: A UNESCO World Heritage site with a 300-million-year-old fossil record. Walk the beach at low tide to see tree trunks and footprints preserved in stone.
• St. Martins Sea Caves: A series of caves accessible at low tide. Combine with a visit to the twin covered bridges and the village's historic lighthouse.
• Whale Watching: The Bay is one of the best places in the world to see fin, humpback, and right whales. Top spots include St. Andrews, Grand Manan Island, and Digby.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience the Bay's tidal rhythm, plan at least three to four days. This allows you to visit both Hopewell Rocks at high and low tides (ideally on the same day), explore Fundy National Park, and take a whale-watching trip. If you're short on time, a two-day itinerary can cover the highlights from either the New Brunswick or Nova Scotia side—but you'll miss the full tidal cycle. Pace yourself: the Bay's tides shift about 50 minutes later each day, so plan your activities around the tide tables.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Saint John, NB: New Brunswick's largest city, with a historic uptown, the City Market, and easy access to the Reversing Falls.
• Fundy National Park, NB: A must for hikers and campers—combine with the nearby village of Alma for fresh seafood.
• St. Andrews by-the-Sea, NB: A charming seaside town known for whale watching, the Algonquin Resort, and the Huntsman Marine Science Centre.
• Grand Manan Island, NB: A remote island with dramatic cliffs, puffins, and a slower pace. Accessible by ferry from Blacks Harbour.
• Digby, NS: On the Nova Scotia side, famous for its scallops and the scenic Digby Neck peninsula, with more whale-watching opportunities.
• Brier Island, NS: At the tip of Digby Neck, a prime spot for whale watching and seabird colonies. Don't miss the hike to Balancing Rock.

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