Explore New Brunswick, Canada's Coastal Wonders

New Brunswick, Canada, is known for its stunning natural wonders, including the world's highest tides, incredible whale-watching opportunities, and rugged coastal landscapes. The province offers a range of attractions, from historic city centres to friendly locals.

One of the most notable natural wonders in New Brunswick is the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world. These giant tides, formed by over 100 billion tons of seawater, rise up to 39 feet twice a day, shaping the unique landscape of the coastline. The Bay of Fundy is also a great place for whale watching and offers a variety of outdoor adventures, such as kayaking and hiking.

In addition to its natural wonders, New Brunswick is also home to several historic sites. The Roosevelt Campobello International Park, for example, preserves the former summer retreat of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his family. The 34-room cottage, located on Campobello Island, now operates as a museum, detailing Roosevelt's life before he became President of the United States.

With its mix of stunning natural landscapes, outdoor adventures, and rich history, New Brunswick offers a truly unique and memorable experience for visitors.

Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is a natural wonder and a must-see when visiting New Brunswick. The bay, which separates New Brunswick from Nova Scotia, is home to the world's highest tides, with up to 14-metre-high tides occurring twice a day. This natural phenomenon is caused by the unique funnel-like shape of the bay, intensifying the tidal action and resulting in a rapid influx of approximately 100 billion tonnes of water.

One of the best places to witness these mighty tides is at Hopewell Rocks, also known as the Flowerpot Rocks. These iconic rock formations, carved by tidal erosion over thousands of years, offer a unique perspective of the powerful tides. During low tide, visitors can walk on the ocean floor and admire the towering rocks above. A few hours later, when the tide comes in, kayaking around these very rocks is a popular activity. The Hopewell Rocks are also a great spot for sunbathing, with two sandy beaches, walking trails, and dining options offering bay views.

For those seeking adventure, the Bay of Fundy presents numerous opportunities. Rappelling down cliffs into the bay at Cape Enrage, boarding a boat for whale-watching excursions, or even hopping on a ferry to explore the three unique islands within the bay are all thrilling options. The Fundy National Park is another must-see destination, offering over 75 miles of walking and hiking trails through mountains, valleys, forests, and waterfalls. The park also features Bennett Lake for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking, as well as a golf course and tennis courts for those seeking a more relaxed outdoor experience.

The Bay of Fundy is not just about its impressive tides; it also boasts a magnificent ecosystem with an abundance of marine life and dramatic seascapes. The constant churning of the tides has shaped the coastline, creating scenic cliffs, islands, and sandy beaches. Along the bay, charming coastal villages, such as Alma, offer delicious seafood and breathtaking views. Saint John, located along the bay, provides an opportunity to witness the Reversing Rapids, where the incoming tide forces the water to flow upstream, creating a unique waterfall.

With its natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming coastal communities, the Bay of Fundy is a highlight of any trip to New Brunswick. Whether you're exploring the majestic tides, discovering unique rock formations, or immersing yourself in the rich marine life, the Bay of Fundy will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Fundy National Park

Located on the Bay of Fundy, Fundy National Park is a must-see on any New Brunswick road trip. The park is home to the world's highest tides, Acadian forests, babbling brooks, beaches, and unique accommodations.

Lookout points scattered throughout the park offer sweeping coastal views, while those who head inland to spots like the Dickson Falls Trail will find waterfalls tucked into a lush, shaded forest. The park includes a large trail system of over 30 trails with soaring coastal views showcasing the highest tides in the world and the Acadian forest. The network of trails covers over 100km (62 mi) and is great for hiking and biking. The Caribou Plains trail and boardwalk provide access to upland forest and bog habitats, while the ocean floor at low tide is home to a variety of sea creatures such as dog whelk, periwinkles, and various seaweeds.

The park features five main campgrounds: Chignecto North, Headquarters, Cannontown, Point Wolfe, and Lakeview. These campgrounds offer a range of services, including electricity, water, and sewage. There are also eight backcountry campsites located at five bodies of water and operated from May through October.

With its rugged coastline, high tides, and abundant nature, Fundy National Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting New Brunswick.

Roosevelt Campobello International Park

The park preserves the 34-room summer home of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and the surrounding landscape. The cottage, built in the Shingle Style and completed in 1897, was designed by Willard T. Sears and given to Franklin and Eleanor as a wedding gift by Franklin's mother, Sara Roosevelt, in 1908. In addition to the vacation cottage, there are related outbuildings, gardens, and hiking trails. Visitors can participate in activities such as sailing, hiking, and picnicking, or visit one of the four lighthouses on the island.

The Roosevelt Campobello International Park Commission was created by an international treaty signed by the leaders of both countries in 1964. The park is owned by the governments of Canada and the United States and both provide equal financial support. The Commission consists of a chairperson and three board members from each country, as well as three Alternate Commissioners from both nations. The US President appoints the US members, while the Canadian Governor-in-Council appoints the Canadian members.

Hopewell Rocks

The Hopewell Rocks, also known as the Flowerpot Rocks, are a must-see natural wonder in New Brunswick. Located on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, which is known for having the highest tides in the world, the Hopewell Rocks are iconic rock formations that have been shaped by these powerful tides over thousands of years.

The Hopewell Rocks stand at 12-21 metres (40-70 ft) tall and are made up of red-brown sedimentary conglomerate, sandstone, and minor mudstone rock. The constant erosion by the tides has resulted in their unique, rounded shapes, often likened to flowerpots. The large volume of water flowing in and out of the Bay of Fundy twice a day modifies the landscape surrounding it, and the Hopewell Rocks are a striking example of this.

The Hopewell Rocks offer a truly unique experience, as visitors can witness both high and low tides during their visit. The tides reveal a dramatic transformation of the landscape, and visitors are advised to stay for a full tidal cycle to appreciate this natural phenomenon fully. At low tide, visitors can walk on the ocean floor and explore the base of the rock formations, getting a sense of their immense size and scale. There are three primary access points to the ocean floor, including a large metal staircase with 99 steps leading down to the shore and a ramp that is wheelchair-accessible, although the ocean floor itself may be challenging to navigate for those using wheelchairs. The third access point is a trail leading south from behind the Interpretive Centre, which gently descends to sea level. The ocean floor can be fully explored at low tide, and visitors can discover the various coves and unique rock shapes, with names like Elephant, Bear, Dinosaur, and ET.

In addition to the rock formations themselves, the Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park offers a network of well-groomed, wheelchair-friendly trails, scenic lookouts, and a shuttle service for those who prefer a more direct route to the main attraction. The Interpretive Centre provides a multimedia exhibit explaining the phenomenon of the Bay of Fundy's tides, and there are also dining options and a gift shop on-site.

The Hopewell Rocks are a testament to the power of nature and offer a truly dynamic and immersive experience. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear, as the ocean floor can be muddy, and to check tide times before their visit to ensure they can safely explore the area.

Irving Nature Park

The Irving Nature Park is a 600-acre (243-hectare) site created by J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) to help protect an environmentally significant area of the Fundy coastline. The park is just minutes from downtown Saint John and offers beautiful views of the coast.

The park features 11km (7 miles) of rugged Bay of Fundy coastline, with six different ecosystems and a diversity of flora and fauna. There are eight walking trails of varying lengths, a boardwalk extending into the salt marsh, and a seal observation deck. The park's highest point is the lookout tower, which offers a 360-degree view of land and sea.

The area is home to one of the province's richest marine ecosystems and is a traditional staging site for migratory and marine birds travelling between the Arctic and South America. It is also a breeding ground for many waterfowl of the Atlantic coastline.

The park offers free interactive educational programs and activities, as well as free picnic sites and gas barbecues. Just outside the main entrance is the Children's Forest, featuring a playground, life-size mazes, and barbeques.

The park is maintained by J.D. Irving, Limited, which also fully funds the educational programs and beautification projects. The park is typically open from May 1 to October 31.

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