Exploring New Brunswick, Canada In July

New Brunswick, Canada, is a great place to visit in July, with its natural wonders, maritime history, and friendly locals. Here are some of the top attractions and things to do:

- Experience the Bay of Fundy, home to the world's highest tides. Walk on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks, a famous tourist attraction, or explore the St. Martins Sea Caves, where you can walk into the caverns during low tide or kayak during high tide.

- Visit Fundy National Park, with its hiking trails through the Acadian forest, waterfalls, and lookouts over the Bay of Fundy.

- Take a road trip along the scenic Fundy Coast, stopping in Moncton, Saint John, St. Andrews, and Fredericton.

- Discover historic covered bridges, including the World's Longest Covered Bridge in Hartland.

- Enjoy the hip city of Saint John, with its microbreweries, chic bistros, and artisan workshops. Explore Grannan and St. Germain streets, tour the Imperial Theatre, and watch the sunset at Fort Howe.

- Witness the Reversing Falls in Saint John, where the St. John River collides with the Bay of Fundy tides, creating reversing waterfalls.

- Go whale watching in St. Andrews, with the chance to see Minke, humpback, fin, and northern right whales.

- Visit Roosevelt Campobello International Park, the summer residence of former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, located on Campobello Island.

- Explore Saint John City Market, with its unique roof, boutiques, restaurants, and pubs.

- Hike the trails at Irving Nature Park, offering views of the Bay of Fundy and a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds and harbour seals.

Walk on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks and St. Martins Sea Caves

Walking on the ocean floor is a unique experience that can only be had in a few places around the world, and Hopewell Rocks and St. Martins Sea Caves in New Brunswick, Canada, are two of them. Here is some information about these two amazing destinations:

Hopewell Rocks

Hopewell Rocks is located along the Bay of Fundy, which is known for having the highest tides in the world. The tides here can rise up to 46 feet, and they do so at a rate of 4 to 6 feet per hour! This means that during low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor and explore the unique rock formations and sea life that are usually underwater. The iconic red rock formations, shaped by erosion and tectonic shifts over millions of years, have earned fun nicknames like "Elephant Rock," "Mother-in-Law Rock," and "E.T."

When visiting Hopewell Rocks, it is important to check the tide tables beforehand. The ocean floor is accessible from three hours before to three hours after low tide. It is also recommended to wear shoes that you don't mind getting dirty, as the ocean floor can be muddy and slippery. There is a foot-washing station when you leave, but if you only have a limited number of shoes with you, it may not be a good idea to get them too dirty.

Tickets to Hopewell Rocks are \$10 for adults and are good for two consecutive days, so you can see both low and high tide. There is a dedicated RV parking lot, as well as a shuttle option and a wooded trail for those who prefer to walk. Along the trail, there are great overlooks that offer teasers of the main attraction. Once you get to the beach, you can veer left to avoid the crowds and explore the rock formations, red cliffs, and small details at your own pace.

St. Martins Sea Caves

St. Martins Sea Caves is another great spot to walk on the ocean floor and explore sea life and unique geological formations. It is located just before the Fundy Trail, which makes it a convenient stop if you are already planning to visit the trail. The sea caves are part of the greater Stonehammer Geopark, which offers many other activities to explore.

When visiting St. Martins Sea Caves, it is important to check the tide times beforehand. At low tide, you can walk across the creek and explore the caves and the surrounding area. It is recommended to wear sturdy beach shoes or boots to protect your feet from the rocks and to prevent slipping. There are also some small souvenir shops and restaurants nearby. Keep in mind that the caves are currently cordoned off, so you cannot go inside them as people used to do in the past.

Explore the Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is a body of water between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, known for having the highest tides in the world. Here are some things to do and see when visiting the Bay of Fundy:

• Walk on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks – Hopewell Rocks is one of New Brunswick's most visited attractions. During low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor and see the unique coastline created over millions of years. Hopewell Rocks is also a great place to go kayaking during high tide.
• Visit Fundy National Park – This coastal park offers miles of hiking trails along rugged shores and bubbling forest streams. The park features old-growth Acadian forests, which are rare and ecologically significant. One popular trail leads to Dickson Falls, a beautiful waterfall.
• See the Reversing Rapids in Saint John – The high tides in the Bay of Fundy cause the Saint John River to flow backwards twice a day, creating a series of whirlpools and rapids known as the Reversing Rapids.
• Take a whale-watching tour – The Bay of Fundy is home to some of the world's rarest whales, including the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. There are several companies offering whale-watching tours by sailboat, catamaran, or zodiac.
• Explore the Fundy Trail Parkway – This 30-kilometre coastal roadway offers stunning views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, dense forests, and sparkling blue waters. Along the way, you'll find scenic lookouts, hiking trails, and historic sites.
• Visit Ministers Island – This tidal island is accessible by foot or car during low tide. It was once the summer estate of William Van Horne, the father of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
• Go ziplining – There are several ziplining companies operating in the Bay of Fundy area, offering the thrill of soaring over churning waters and breathtaking landscapes.
• St. Martins Sea Caves – This charming fishing village on the shores of the Bay of Fundy offers beach walks during low tide, as well as scenic cliffs and sea caves.

Visit the Reversing Falls Rapids

The Reversing Falls Rapids in Saint John, New Brunswick, is a unique natural phenomenon. Here, the Saint John River runs through a narrow gorge before emptying into the Bay of Fundy. The high tides of the Bay of Fundy are the highest in the world and cause the river to flow backward upstream, creating a series of rapids and whirlpools.

The Reversing Falls Rapids are a result of the collision between the Bay of Fundy and the Saint John River. At low tide, the river empties into the bay, forming rapids and whirlpools. As the tide rises, it briefly slows the river current, creating a slack tide. When the tide is at its highest, the flow of the river is reversed, and rapids are formed again. This 8.5-metre (28-foot) tide cycle occurs roughly every 12.5 hours.

You can witness this natural spectacle from various viewpoints. The Reversing Falls Rapids Lookout Point, near the bridge in Fallsview Park, offers a great view of the rapids. Alternatively, you can get a bird's-eye view from Wolastoq Park. Timing your visit is crucial to fully experience the phenomenon, so be sure to check the tide tables before your visit.

The Reversing Falls have also been an important industrial site for over a century. The Canadian Pacific Railway constructed the Reversing Falls Railway Bridge in 1885, which was replaced in 1922 and is now used by the New Brunswick Southern Railway. The railway bridge crosses the gorge immediately downstream from the falls, running parallel to the Reversing Falls Road Bridge. The location of the falls has been a site for various industrial operations, including a foundry and a large pulp mill.

While the Reversing Falls Rapids are a fascinating natural wonder, some visitors have expressed disappointment with the overall experience. The presence of industrial buildings and the need to time your visit correctly to see the tide change have been mentioned as potential drawbacks. However, others have described it as a "must-see" attraction, showcasing the power of nature.

See the world's largest lobster in Shediac

If you're visiting New Brunswick, Canada, in July, one attraction you won't want to miss is the World's Largest Lobster in Shediac. This impressive sculpture is a must-see for anyone exploring the region. Here's everything you need to know about this unique destination.

About the World's Largest Lobster

The World's Largest Lobster is a massive sculpture made of concrete and reinforced steel, located in Shediac, New Brunswick. It stands at 11 metres long, 5 metres tall, and weighs an astonishing 90 tonnes. The sculpture was created by Canadian artist Winston Bronnum and unveiled on June 30, 1990. It took three years to complete and cost $170,000.

Shediac has a strong connection to the lobster industry and is known as "The Lobster Capital of the World." The town's history and economy are deeply tied to lobster fishing, making it the perfect location for this monumental sculpture.

A Tribute to the Lobster Industry

The World's Largest Lobster is more than just a giant sculpture; it's a tribute to the lobster industry and the hard work and dedication of the local lobster fishing community. The monument was commissioned by the Shediac Rotary Club to honour the town's rich lobster fishing heritage and promote its importance to the development of Shediac.

A Popular Tourist Attraction

The World's Largest Lobster attracts visitors from all over the world, with approximately 500,000 people coming to see it each year. It has become one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the Maritimes. A staircase has been built on the pedestal, allowing visitors to climb up and take pictures with the massive lobster.

Other Attractions in Shediac

In addition to the World's Largest Lobster, Shediac has a lot to offer in terms of tourism, arts, and culture. The town is situated on the Northumberland Strait off the Atlantic Ocean, providing a beautiful coastal setting for visitors to enjoy. Shediac also has a rich artistic heritage, with various cultural developments and galleries to explore.

So, if you're planning a trip to New Brunswick, Canada, in July, be sure to include a visit to the World's Largest Lobster in Shediac. It's a unique and fascinating destination that showcases the region's cultural and historical ties to the lobster fishing industry.

Tour Roosevelt Campobello International Park

Roosevelt Campobello International Park is a memorial and a symbol of the friendship between Canada and the United States. The park is jointly owned, funded, staffed, and administered by the two countries. It is the only park in the world with this unique collaboration.

The park preserves the summer home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his family. The 34-room cottage, built in 1897, was a wedding gift to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt from Franklin's mother, Sara Roosevelt. The house and the surrounding landscape have been well-maintained and preserved. The park also includes related outbuildings, gardens, and hiking trails.

The park is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm Atlantic Time (or 9 am to 5 pm Eastern Time) from May to mid-October. Admission is free. It is recommended that you allow a minimum of 3 to 4 hours for your visit, especially if you plan to join any of the programs, such as Eleanor's Tea, or explore the breathtaking natural areas.

The historic cottage buildings are within a 200 to 500-metre easy, flat walk from each other and the Visitor Centre, where the main parking lot is located. The exception is the Wells-Shober Cottage, which is 800 metres from the Visitor Centre but is also accessible by car and has its own small parking lot. The natural area trails vary in length and are designed to offer short, medium, and long walking and hiking options.

The park is wheelchair-accessible. All historic cottages and the Visitor Centre have main-level entrances that accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices. The first floor of the Roosevelt Cottage is accessible via a ramp, and a video tour of the second floor is available. Many of the Park drives offer vistas that can be enjoyed from a vehicle, and many scenic observation decks, such as Friar's Head and Liberty Point, have ramp access.

When visiting the park, keep in mind that Campobello Island, where the park is located, is in a different time zone from Lubec, Maine. If it is 5:00 pm in Maine, it is 6:00 pm in New Brunswick. Also, if you are travelling to Campobello Island via the FDR International Bridge from Lubec, you will need to pass through Canada Customs on the bridge and U.S. Customs on your return. Be sure to have the correct travel documentation before travelling!

Frequently asked questions