Exploring Alma, New Brunswick: A Guide To The Town's Treasures And Adventures

Nestled in the Bay of Fundy, the charming village of Alma, New Brunswick, offers a plethora of attractions and thrilling activities for visitors seeking adventure. As the gateway to the vast Fundy National Park, Alma presents a diverse range of outdoor pursuits, from hiking and kayaking to witnessing the world-renowned Fundy Tides. The village itself exudes a welcoming atmosphere, with vendors lining the roadsides and cosy businesses along the main street. Seafood enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to savour fresh lobster and scallops, while those with a sweet tooth can indulge in the famous sticky buns at Kelly's Bake Shop. Whether you're strolling along the Alma wharf, exploring the ocean floor at low tide, or admiring the views from Cape Enrage, Alma promises an unforgettable experience with its unique blend of natural wonders and small-town charm.

Explore the village's restaurants, shops, and attractions

Alma is a picturesque village with a charming community and a vibrant tourist scene. The village is centred on the small delta of the Upper Salmon River and Cleveland Brook, where they empty into Salisbury Bay. Stroll through the delightful main street, lined with vendors and cosy businesses, and stop by the Alma wharf to watch the boats bobbing on the water.

Alma is known for its seafood, particularly its scallops and lobster, which are caught in the village's tidal harbour. You can sample these local delicacies at restaurants such as the Muddy Rudder Bar & Grill, or the Alma Boathouse Restaurant. For something sweet, Kelly's Bake Shop is an Alma landmark, renowned for its sticky buns.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, the village is close to Fundy National Park, where you can hike, kayak or canoe. The park offers camping grounds for those who want to stay overnight, and there are golf and ski resorts within the park.

Alma is also famous for its tides, which can exceed 53 feet (16.2 meters) between high and low. You can witness this natural phenomenon from the fishing docks in Alma Harbour, or from the cliffs of Cape Enrage.

The village also has a range of shops, including Moose'N Around Gifts & Apparel, perfect for picking up a souvenir t-shirt.

With its charming atmosphere, delicious food, and abundance of natural beauty, Alma is a delightful place to visit.

Hike, kayak, or canoe in Fundy National Park

Alma, New Brunswick, is a village on the Bay of Fundy, and the headquarters of Fundy National Park is in Alma West, making it a great base for outdoor activities in the park.

Hiking in Fundy National Park

With over 100 kilometres of trails, Fundy National Park offers a range of hiking experiences, from an easy half-kilometre loop to a challenging 50-kilometre circuit around the park. There are beaches, waterfalls, brooks, and more to discover. The Coppermine Trail, for example, is a 5.2-kilometre trail that winds through dense woods, crosses creeks, and offers the option of a rugged climb to an old copper mine. For a shorter hike, the Dickson Falls trail is well-maintained and offers beautiful views.

Kayaking and Canoeing in Fundy National Park

Kayaking is a popular activity in the Bay of Fundy, where you can paddle beneath cliffs, explore sea caves, and discover hidden beaches. The Bay of Fundy is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, showcasing unique rock formations. You can kayak at high tide or explore the mudflats at low tide.

Popular spots for kayaking include the Hopewell Rocks, where you can paddle among the giant "flowerpot" rock formations, and Bennett Lake and Wolfe Lake within the Fundy National Park, which offer great paddling opportunities.

Where to Rent Kayaks and Canoes

Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are available for rent at the Bennett Lake Boathouse in Fundy National Park. You can also contact Outdoor Elements, the official adventure outfitter for the park.

Other Activities in Fundy National Park

In addition to hiking, kayaking, and canoeing, Fundy National Park offers a variety of other activities. You can go fishing for brook trout in Bennett Lake and Wolfe Lake during the summer, or swim in the heated saltwater pool or lakes. There is also a 9-hole golf course designed by Stanley Thompson.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, you can explore the village of Alma, stroll on the Alma wharf, or walk on the ocean floor at low tide to witness the highest tides in the world.

Visit the fishing docks in Alma Harbour

Alma, New Brunswick is a picturesque village centred on the small delta of the Upper Salmon River and Cleveland Brook, where they empty into Salisbury Bay. The village is known for its charming community, thrilling activities, and attractions, including its fishing docks.

Alma Harbour is a tidal harbour and home to the local fishing industry, with approximately 20 homeport vessels. The primary fishing landings are lobster and sea scallops, with other seafood such as salmon also available in the village. The fishing industry is a vital part of the local economy and community in Alma, with approximately 44,000 Canadians employed in the sector.

The fishing docks in Alma Harbour offer a unique perspective on the famous Fundy Tides, which can exceed 53 feet (16.2 meters) of vertical difference between high and low tides. Visitors can witness the power of these tides by observing the fishing docks at different sea levels throughout the day. The tides in Alma are a result of the Bay of Fundy's unique shape and proximity to the ocean, which creates a funnelling effect that amplifies the tidal range.

When visiting the fishing docks, you can also learn about the history of Alma's harbour. In 2018, the Government of Canada announced a CAD 7.2 million investment over two years for repairs and improvements to the harbour. This included the reconstruction of breakwaters to provide safer navigation for harbour users and protect existing facilities.

Alma's fishing docks are a great place to witness the natural spectacle of the Fundy Tides and learn about the local fishing industry. The village also offers a variety of seafood restaurants, outdoor adventures, and charming tourist experiences, making it a well-rounded destination for visitors.

Try the seafood chowder and other local cuisine

Alma, New Brunswick, is known for its seafood, including scallops and lobster, which are caught locally. The village has a great reputation for its seafood chowder and other local cuisine.

The Alma Lobster Shop is a great place to sample seafood chowder, as well as fish and chips, lobster rolls, and deep-fried clams. The restaurant has a patio with views of the Bay of Fundy. The Alma Lobster Shop also has a fish market that is freshly stocked daily with local seafood.

For a more upscale dining experience, try the Tipsy Tails Restaurant. This seafood restaurant has a patio with beautiful views of the Alma harbour and serves what some claim is the best seafood chowder in the Maritimes. The restaurant is also pet-friendly and has vegetarian options.

Harbour View Market & Restaurant is another great option for seafood chowder. This restaurant is popular with locals and serves delicious, homemade chowder with plenty of seafood. The corn chowder is also worth trying.

If you're looking for a lighter meal, the Alma Boathouse Restaurant offers a seafood chowder with a lighter broth.

In addition to these options, there are several other restaurants in Alma serving seafood and local cuisine, including the Octopus' Garden Cafe and the Muddy Rudder Bar & Grill.

See the world's highest tides at Cape Enrage

Cape Enrage is located at the southern tip of Barn Marsh Island, halfway along the coastline between the villages of Riverside-Albert and Alma. Accessible from Route 915, the island is surrounded by towering cliffs that are often more than 50 metres (145 feet) high.

The Bay of Fundy, of which Cape Enrage is a part, is one of the Marine Wonders of the World. Here, you can witness tides rising as much as 16.3 metres (53 vertical feet) over a 12-hour period, twice each day. This natural phenomenon is caused by the large reef that extends south into Chignecto Bay, resulting in extremely violent waters, especially at half tide when the reef is partially exposed.

The Cape Enrage Lighthouse, established in 1838, offers a spectacular view of these powerful tides. The light and foghorn are still operational and provide a warning signal to approaching vessels. The lighthouse is also a great spot to observe the Bay of Fundy's abundant sea wildlife, including porpoises, Eider ducks, Blue herons, sandpipers, loons, mergansers, songbirds, and even the occasional seal.

For those seeking adventure, Cape Enrage offers a range of activities. Try the 183-metre (600-foot) zip line, the 46-metre (150-foot) rappel wall, or challenge yourself on the obstacle course. The Cape House Restaurant, located in the historic Cape House, provides a magnificent dining experience with breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy.

Cape Enrage is a must-visit destination when exploring the Alma region of New Brunswick. It offers not only breathtaking views of the world's highest tides but also a chance to learn about the area's maritime history and engage in thrilling outdoor adventures.

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