New Brunswick's Unesco World Heritage Sites

While there are 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada, none of them are located in New Brunswick. However, the province is home to the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark, which showcases a billion years of Earth's history. The geopark covers 2,500 square kilometres of New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy region and includes almost 60 geosites that are of special scientific interest. Visitors can experience the geopark through a variety of activities, including hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, ziplining, and cruising. The geopark's landscape was formed by colliding continents, the opening and closing of oceans, volcanic activity, earthquakes, ice ages, and climate change.

Saint Croix Island

In June of 1604, Dugua and his expedition established a settlement on Saint Croix Island. They built houses, a storehouse, kitchen, and chapel, and formed strong alliances with the local Aboriginal tribes. However, the winter of 1604-1605 was cruel to the settlers, as freezing temperatures, a lack of fresh water and game, and isolation took their toll. Of the 79 men who remained on the island for the winter, 35 perished. By the spring, the local Passamaquoddy Indians were able to trade game for bread, improving the health of the remaining settlers.

In June 1605, French ships returned to the settlement with more supplies and men. However, Dugua decided to move the settlement to a more reliable location—Port Royal, near today's Annapolis Royal in Nova Scotia. The Saint Croix Island settlement marked the beginning of a continuous French presence in North America.

Today, the island is located in Maine and is recognised as the Saint Croix Island International Historic Site. While visits to the island itself are not encouraged due to its fragile nature, Parks Canada and the US National Park Service provide visitors with exhibits and trails on the mainland park sites adjacent to the island. The interpretive trail on the US side features a bronze statue of Pierre Dugua, while the Canadian side offers a self-guided trail with panoramic views of the island.

Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is a bay between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, with a small portion touching the U.S. state of Maine. It is an arm of the Gulf of Maine and has the highest tidal range in the world. The Bay of Fundy is a fascinating place for those visiting Nova Scotia to explore one of the area's most impressive natural landscapes.

The Bay of Fundy is home to a variety of wildlife, including humpback whales, minke whales, finback whales, North Atlantic right whales, harbour porpoises, dolphins, puffins, and grey seals. It is also a popular spot for surfing, with surfers lining up twice a day to catch the influx of water that flows through the rivers in the upper bay.

The Bay of Fundy is also known for its dramatic sea caves, which are only accessible during low tide. Visitors can walk on the ocean floor and explore the caverns along the cliffs. The Bay of Fundy is also home to several waterfalls, including Match Factory Falls, Third Vault Falls, Bennet Brook Falls, and Dickson Falls.

The upper portions of the Bay of Fundy have been designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, with 50 designated "amazing places" found within its boundaries. One of these is Johnson's Mills, one of the largest gathering spots in the world for migrating shorebirds. The Bay of Fundy is also home to the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark, which showcases a billion years of Earth's history. The landscape of the geopark has been shaped by the collision of continents, the opening and closing of oceans, volcanoes, earthquakes, ice ages, and climate change.

The Bay of Fundy has a unique history that brings many people to its shores. The Miꞌkmaq fished in its waters and lived in communities around the bay for centuries before the first Europeans arrived. The first European settlement in the area was founded by the French at Saint Croix Island in Maine, followed by Port Royal, established by Pierre Dugua and Samuel de Champlain in 1605. Later, the bay became a site of military action and attacks on settlements, first as the French and British fought for control of the area, and later during the American Revolution and the War of 1812.

Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark

The geopark covers 2,500 square kilometres of New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy region, stretching from the village of Saint Martin's in the east to the towns of Norton and Hampton in the northeast, the Kingston Peninsula in the northwest, and Lepreau Falls in the southwest. Within this vast area, visitors will find over 60 geosites of geological significance, spanning almost every period from the Proterozoic to the Quaternary, except for the Jurassic.

The name "Stonehammer" pays homage to the region's rich geological exploration history. In 1857, a group of young men from Saint John formed the "Steinhammer Club" to study the local geology, guided by the reports of Dr. Abraham Gesner, the first Provincial Geologist in the British Empire. Dr. Gesner also established one of Canada's first public museums. The club's members went on to establish the Natural History Society of New Brunswick, and their legacy continues to attract geologists to the park.

Stonehammer offers a diverse range of activities for all ages and interests. Adventure seekers can try ziplining over the Reversing Rapids, walking on the glass-floored Skywalk, or kayaking through sea caves. Nature lovers can explore Rockwood Park's 55 walking trails or discover the Irving Nature Park's kilometres of hiking trails and breathtaking coastal views. History buffs can visit the New Brunswick Museum to learn more about the geopark and its significance.

The Stonehammer Geopark is about more than just geology; it's about people, society, and culture. The park showcases the connections between the region's natural history and the diverse perspectives and experiences of its communities. It is located on the traditional territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Peskotomuhkatik, and Mi’kmaq peoples, and it strives to honour and interpret the unique natural, cultural, and intangible heritage of the area.

Hopewell Rocks

The Hopewell Rocks, also known as the Flowerpots Rocks, are rock formations known as sea stacks. They are located on the shores of the upper reaches of the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world, at Hopewell Cape in New Brunswick, Canada. The Hopewell Rocks are part of the Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, which is one of New Brunswick's top tourist destinations.

The Hopewell Rocks were formed by tidal erosion in the Hopewell Rocks Ocean Tidal Exploration Site. They stand 40 to 70 feet tall and consist of red-brown sedimentary conglomerate, sandstone, and minor mudstone rock from the Carboniferous Hopewell Cape Formation, part of the Mabou Group. The formations are the result of the large volume of water flowing in and out of the Bay of Fundy, which modifies the landscape surrounding it. After the retreat of the glaciers in the region following the last ice age, surface water filtering through cracks in the cliff has eroded and separated the formations from the rest of the cliff face. In addition, the advancing and retreating tides, along with the associated waves, have eroded the base of the rocks at a faster rate than the tops, resulting in their unusual shapes.

The Hopewell Rocks can be viewed from ground level at low tide, and it takes about six hours for the ocean floor to transform. The park offers three primary access points to the ocean floor: a large metal staircase with a spacious viewing platform, a ramp with benches, and a trail leading south from behind the Interpretive Centre that gently descends to sea level. The park also features a network of well-groomed, wheelchair-friendly trails that provide access to stunning lookoffs, secluded vistas, ocean floor access, and natural forests. The Interpretive Centre offers a multimedia exhibit, café, and gift shop.

The Hopewell Rocks are best viewed at both high and low tides to appreciate the magnitude of the tidal phenomenon. At low tide, visitors can walk on the ocean floor, explore coves, and admire the distinctive sandstone formations topped with trees. At high tide, kayaking offers a unique perspective of the sea stacks. The park recommends staying for a full tidal cycle to fully appreciate the tides and formations.

Northumberland Strait beaches

New Brunswick does not have any UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, residents have suggested that the Bay of Fundy, which is home to the "highest and lowest tides in the world", would be a good candidate.

The Bay of Fundy is also home to the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark, which is located in Southern New Brunswick. The Geopark features almost 60 geosites, including beaches, and offers activities such as hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing.

While not in New Brunswick, the Northumberland Strait beaches are also worth mentioning. Located in Nova Scotia, these beaches are known for their warm saltwater swimming and red sand. Here is a detailed description of the Northumberland Strait beaches:

The Northumberland Shore is a popular seaside destination in Nova Scotia, known for its relaxing rural communities and beautiful beaches. The area offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and sailing. It is also home to quiet communities along the Northumberland Strait, such as Malagash, Tatamagouche, Pugwash, and Amherst Shore, which are popular spots for cottaging, camping, and beach trips.

One of the most well-known beaches in the area is Melmerby Beach Provincial Park, which offers 2km of sandy shoreline and warm waters. The beach is located in Little Harbour and is named after a barque ship that sank off its coast in 1890. The beach is equipped with flush toilets, change houses, salt-rinse showers, a picnic area, a boat launch, and ample parking. It is supervised during the summer months and is a great spot for families.

Another popular beach in the area is Munroe's Island Beach, located in Caribou-Munroes Island Provincial Park. The park offers a mile-long stretch of sandy shoreline and warm saltwater swimming. It also provides excellent opportunities for camping and nature appreciation. The park has an open picnic area and is easily accessible, located 6km north of Exit 36 off Highway 104 on St. Georges Bay.

For those seeking a quieter beach experience, Rushton Beach Provincial Park in Tatamagouche is a great option. This beach, located 4km east of the tiny community of Brule, features wide sandbars at low tide and a salt marsh that attracts a variety of birds. The park has a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and a sheltered picnic area.

Amherst Shore Provincial Park, located on the gentle shores of the Northumberland Strait, is another excellent choice for campers and beachgoers. The park offers red sand beaches and warm waters, making it a quintessential North Shore spot. Pack your tent and essential supplies, such as a waterproof jacket, insect repellent, and warm layers for the cooler nights.

In addition to its beaches, the Northumberland Shore is also home to an iconic vineyard and one of the province's best breweries. The area offers a unique blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and cultural experiences.

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