Hopewell Rocks: Getting There

The Hopewell Rocks, also known as the Flowerpot Rocks, are a series of rock formations known as sea stacks caused by tidal erosion. They are located in the Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park in New Brunswick, Canada, on the shores of the upper reaches of the Bay of Fundy. The park is open from late May through mid-October and is one of the most popular attractions in New Brunswick, with over a quarter of a million visitors each year.

The Hopewell Rocks are characterised by their distinctive shapes, with some resembling people or animals, such as the Elephant, Bear, Dinosaur, and ET. The rocks stand 12-21 metres tall and, due to the extreme tidal range of the Bay of Fundy, their bases are covered in water twice a day. The magnitude of this phenomenon can be appreciated in just six hours, as the high and low tides differ by up to 13 vertical feet per hour.

The park offers a variety of experiences, including walking on the ocean floor at low tide, exploring coves, and kayaking at high tide. Visitors are advised to stay for a full tidal cycle to appreciate the tides and formations fully. The park also features walking trails, panoramic look-offs, and an Interpretive Centre with multimedia exhibits, a café, and a gift shop.

Check tide times before you go

The Hopewell Rocks, also known as the Flowerpot Rocks, are rock formations known as sea stacks caused by tidal erosion. They are located on the shores of the upper reaches of the Bay of Fundy, which is known for having the highest tides in the world.

Due to the extreme tidal range of the Bay of Fundy, the base of the Hopewell Rocks formations is covered by water twice a day. The high tide can reach up to 16 metres (52 feet), and there is only a six-hour window between high and low tides. Therefore, it is essential to check the tide times before planning your visit to ensure you can experience both high and low tides during your trip.

• Sunday, June 2, 2024: High tide at 8:54 AM and 9:23 PM; Low tide at 2:56 AM and 3:23 PM.
• Monday, June 3, 2024: High tide at 9:53 AM and 10:19 PM; Low tide at 3:57 AM and 4:22 PM.
• Tuesday, June 4, 2024: High tide at 10:50 AM and 11:12 PM; Low tide at 4:55 AM and 5:18 PM.
• Wednesday, June 5, 2024: High tide at 11:43 AM; Low tide at 5:50 AM and 6:11 PM.

You can experience the Hopewell Rocks in different ways at high and low tides. At low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor, explore coves, and admire the distinctive sandstone formations topped with trees. At high tide, you can kayak around the tops of the sea stacks. Many visitors choose to stay for the whole day to witness both tides and explore the various walking trails and lookouts in the area.

Wear sturdy footwear

When visiting the Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick, wearing sturdy footwear is a must. The site is famous for its massive tides, which occur twice a day due to the extreme tidal range of the Bay of Fundy. This means that exploring the area involves walking on the ocean floor, which can be muddy and slippery. Therefore, it is essential to wear appropriate footwear that can handle these conditions.

The Hopewell Rocks, also known as the Flowerpot Rocks or simply the Rocks, are rock formations known as sea stacks. These impressive structures stand 12-21 metres (40-70 ft) tall and are located on the shores of the Bay of Fundy. The formations consist of red-brown sedimentary conglomerate, sandstone, and minor mudstone rock. The large volume of water flowing in and out of the bay has shaped these rocks over thousands of years, resulting in their unusual shapes.

When planning a visit to the Hopewell Rocks, it is crucial to check the tide schedules in advance. This will ensure that you can safely explore the ocean floor and appreciate the full magnitude of the tidal phenomenon. The park offers a variety of well-groomed, wheelchair-friendly trails, lookouts, and access points to the ocean floor. However, sturdy footwear will provide the necessary traction and protection from the elements during your exploration.

The recommended footwear for this type of terrain includes hiking boots, rubber boots, or any other sturdy shoes that can withstand muddy and wet conditions. These shoes should have strong treads to provide grip on the slippery surfaces. Additionally, it is advisable to bring an extra pair of shoes, as your footwear is likely to get muddy during your visit.

In conclusion, when visiting the Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick, wearing sturdy footwear is essential. The terrain can be challenging, and the tides bring in mud and water, requiring shoes that can handle these conditions. By wearing appropriate footwear, you will be able to comfortably and safely explore the magnificent rock formations and experience the unique natural wonders of the area.

Visit at both high and low tide

Visiting Hopewell Rocks at both high and low tide is the best way to truly appreciate the height and range of the tides. The tides at Hopewell Rocks come in and out every six hours and 13 minutes, and the park is open for two consecutive days with the purchase of a ticket, so you can see both tides in one day or spread it out over two days.

At low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor, explore coves, and look up at the distinctive sandstone formations topped with trees. It's important to wear appropriate footwear as the ocean floor is extremely muddy and wet. There are three access points to the ocean floor: the main deck, North Beach, and the Demoiselle Beach area. The main deck is the most popular access point, with about 100 steps leading down to the ocean floor. At North Beach, there is a gently sloping ramp for wheelchair and stroller access. Demoiselle Beach is a more secluded option, with a trail that slopes down to the beach.

At high tide, you can paddle a kayak around the tops of the sea stacks. There are three guided kayaking tours offered by Baymount Outdoor Adventures: a signature high tide tour, a mid-tide tour, and an after-dark tour. During high tide, you can also visit the overlooks and the Interpretive Centre, which has a multimedia exhibit, cafe, and gift shop.

Explore the coast from the water

The Hopewell Rocks, also known as the Flowerpot Rocks, are a series of rock formations known as sea stacks caused by tidal erosion. The sea stacks stand 12–21 metres (40–70 ft) tall and are located on the shores of the upper reaches of the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world. The Hopewell Rocks are accessible from three primary entry points, with the Main Deck offering a large metal staircase with 99 steps leading down to the ocean floor. For those who are unable to take the stairs, there is a wheelchair-accessible ramp further north, although the ocean floor may still be challenging to navigate. The third entry point is a trail leading south from the Interpretive Centre, which gently descends to sea level.

The vast sediment planes in the basin of the Bay of Fundy support a variety of biological productivity, and various shorebirds are often seen flocking to nest and feed in the area. The large volume of water flowing in and out of the bay modifies the landscape surrounding it, and the Hopewell Rocks are no exception. The formations consist of red-brown sedimentary conglomerate, sandstone, and minor mudstone rock. 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 are located near the end of a series of Fundy coastal tourism hubs, including Fundy National Park and the Fundy Trail. Visitors are advised to stay for a full tidal cycle to appreciate the magnitude of the tides and formations fully. The high tide can reach up to 16 metres (52 ft), and the ocean floor is accessible to explore at low tide.

Visit the Interpretive Centre

The Interpretive Centre at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is a great place to visit to learn more about the Bay of Fundy and the surrounding rock formations. The centre features multimedia exhibits, including time-lapse videos, audio of whale sounds, and a life-like rubbery skin display of a Fundy Right Whale. You can also learn about native Mi'kmaq legends that explain the mysteries of the Bay of Fundy.

The Interpretive Centre is a great place to start your visit to the park, as it can give you a better understanding of the natural wonders you will be experiencing. The centre also has helpful interpretive staff who can answer any questions you may have and provide information about the park.

In addition to the exhibits, the Interpretive Centre also has a café and a gift shop. The café offers a variety of food options and is a great place to take a break during your visit. The gift shop has a wide range of items, including souvenirs and local crafts.

The Interpretive Centre is located at the beginning of the Demoiselle trail, which leads to ocean-floor access. This trail is wheelchair accessible and gently descends to sea level, making it a great option for those who do not want to take the stairs or ramp to the ocean floor. The centre also offers a shuttle service for a nominal fee, which can take you to the top of the stairway that leads to the ocean floor.

Frequently asked questions