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World wonders wait to be explored on the Bay of Fundy Coastal Drive, the best scenic drive in New Brunswick. This Canadian province is not to be missed on any road trip adventure to the Maritimes and is definitely worth discovering. The bucket list-worthy Bay of Fundy Coastal Drive features phenomenons found nowhere else, with Fundy National Park being the most popular attraction. There are also two UNESCO sites along the route, Fundy UNESCO Biosphere Region and UNESCO Stonehammer Geopark.
Drive through charming towns that give off a resort vibe. Hike the trails, hunt for fossils (enjoy but do not remove them), and comb the beaches while scanning the horizon for breaching whales during the season from May through early October. Eat your fill of the freshest seafood and lobster served in every way possible.
World Famous Bay of Fundy Tides
Experience the world-famous Bay of Fundy Tides, an incredible natural occurrence. Here you will find the world’s highest tides. There are two high tides and two low tides a day, and with each tide, a whopping 160 billion tonnes of water passes through the bay. Researchers say that’s the amount of water that flows over Niagara Falls in one year and nine months, or enough to fill the Grand Canyon twice. Check the 7-day tidal chart predictions here for the best time to visit.
Bay of Fundy Coastal Drive
The Bay of Fundy Coastal Drive is one of the top scenic routes in New Brunswick. This beautiful drive features many unforgettable world wonders. The 460 km roadway hugs the southern coast of the province, offering gorgeous views of beaches, bays, and quaint coastal towns. It can be accessed by either starting in Saint John, Canada’s oldest incorporated city, or Moncton, New Brunswick’s largest city.
Stunning views from the Fundy Bay Coastal Drive in New Brunswick. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fundy UNESCO Biosphere Region
The UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Region stretches along the Bay of Fundy coast from Sackville to St. Martins and inland up to Moncton.
The region is an area of unique natural beauty, geological wonders, marine ecosystems, and a significantly important shorebird migration habitat on the Bay of Fundy Mudflats. There are numerous hiking trails to explore in the natural region. Find out more about the Fundy UNESCO Biosphere Region.
Fundy National Park
Visit Fundy National Park to hike or bike along some of the 100 km of trails and explore the ocean floor of endless mud flats during low tide. Discover all sorts of sea life by strolling out to the coastal islands.
Point Wolfe River Covered Bridge at Fundy National Park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Point Wolfe River near the Covered Bridge located in Fundy National Park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park
A visit to the Hopewell Rocks on the Bay of Fundy is a must! I liken this to one of the top travel experiences in the world, like visiting Venice, Italy. It’s just something you really need to do because it is so incredible! Taking a two-hour sea kayaking tour paddling around the famous “Flowerpot Rocks’ in the Bay of Fundy at high or mid tide to see the unique rock formations and cliffs made me feel euphoric.
Walking on the ocean floor afterwards is surreal, navigating the magnificent sea stacks (40-70 feet tall or 12-21 metres tall) carved by the erosion of the twice daily tides. Wander on your own or join a tour to learn more from a knowledgeable park interpreter. Over the years, the sea stacks have adopted playful names like Elephant Rock, Mother-in-Law and even Jay Leno.
Walk down to the beach along one of the many trails, descend the stairs, or take a shuttle. Make sure to get a before-and-after shot of the tides to see the magnitude of the transformation. The difference between high and low tides can be as much as 56 feet or 17 metres. Download a map of the park.
Sea kayaking at Hopewell Rocks. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Iconic Hopewell Rocks at low tide in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Hopewell Rocks Bay of Fundy. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Bay of Fundy Hopewell Rocks park guide. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Cape Enrage
After sea kayaking, visit the nearby Cape Enrage Nature Preserve, where 320 million-year-old fossils of trees, plants, and insects are easy to locate. This area was the first in Canada to be donated for conservation purposes.
You can go ziplining, rappelling over the cliffs or do a beach fossil tour. The Cape Enrage Lighthouse, built in 1840, is the oldest in New Brunswick. The family-friendly Cape House Restaurant serves a variety of menu items and offers great views from the dining room or the patio.
Lobster roll and seafood chowder at the cafe at Cape Enrage Cape House Restaurant. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Cape Enrage lighthouse is one of the oldest on New Brunswick’s Fundy coastline. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Hunting for 320 million-year-old fossils at Cape Enrage Nature Preserve New Brunswick. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Cape Enrage Nature Preserve in New Brunswick. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fundy Trail Provincial Park
There are many stops along the 30 km Fundy Trail Parkway to explore the breathtaking scenery of the rugged coastline, including four waterfalls, five beaches, picnic areas, interpretive centres and 35 km of hiking and cycling trails. Fundy Trail Provincial Park is part of the UNESCO Stonehammer Geopark, UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Region, and the Trans Canada Trail. The famous Fundy Footpath trailhead is here as well.
One of the many scenic viewpoints along the Fundy Trail Parkway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Walton Glen Gorge
Formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, Walton Glen Gorge is referred to as the Grand Canyon of New Brunswick. This natural phenomenon is 525 feet deep, 1,000 feet across, and 550 million years old. It can be seen from the observation platform, along with a 42-meter waterfall.
Trails through the dense forest at Walton Glen Gorge Canyon along the Fundy Trail Parkway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Stunning views from the observation platform at Walton Glen Gorge Canyon. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Big Salmon River
Explore the banks of the Salmon River and cross over the suspension bridge. The information panels and interpretive centre will help you learn about the area’s flora and fauna.
Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge along the Fundy Trail Parkway in New Brunswick. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Big Salmon River Suspension Bridge along the Fundy Trail Parkway in New Brunswick. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fundy Parkway leading into the Big Salmon River. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Long Beach
What a treat it was to meet Beverley Franklin in the gift shop at the Long Beach Interpretive Centre. She is the daughter of the late Mitchell Franklin, whose vision created the Fundy Trail Parkway to showcase the beauty of his beloved coastline. The 30 km Parkway cost $100 Million and took 25 years to build.
Take a walk on the beach and learn more about the area’s rocks, geology, flora, and fauna. The table below shows how varied the rocks can be. If you are travelling with children, before heading to the beach to explore, be sure to check out the beach toy lending stash at the interpretive centre.
Beverley Franklin in the gift shop at the Long Beach Interpretive Centre Fundy Trail Parkway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Inside the Long Beach Interpretive Centre along the Fundy Trail Parkway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Inside the Long Beach Interpretive Centre along the Fundy Trail Parkway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Long Beach can be found along the Fundy Trail Parkway in Fundy Trail Provincial Park, New Brunswick. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
St. Martins Sea Caves
At St. Martins, explore the giant sea caves, sea stacks, caverns, and arches when the tide is out. For lunch, stop at the Cave Restaurant for a bowl of their famous clam chowder or a lobster roll to enjoy on their patio with splendid views of the sea caves. The red sandstone and coarse boulder conglomerate exposed here are from the Triassic Period, 250 million years ago.
One of the best things to do in St. Martins is to explore the giant sea caves. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Lobster roll at St. Martins Cave Restaurant. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
What is the Triassic Period?
The Triassic Period began after what is known as the Great Dying period of the Permian-Triassic extinction event 252 million years ago when 90% of all species perished. Why did this happen? No one really knows. Did a giant asteroid hit the planet? Did sea levels change? Were there massive volcanic eruptions?
From 300 to 200 million years ago, all the continents, including Europe, North America, Africa, South America, etc., were connected as one supercontinental land mass called Pangea.
Reversing Falls Rapids in Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark
Stonehammer is a significant geological marvel and the first designated UNESCO Geopark in North America. The land here formed over the last billion years when the continents collided as the Earth experienced the movement of earthquakes, ice ages, volcanic eruptions, and ocean waters. Learn more about how the continents collided.
Stonehammer UNESCO Global Park has 12 accessible sites of more than 60 significant locations. The Reversing Falls Rapids can be seen from the Saint John SkyWalk.
About 160 billion tons of water flow through the Bay of Fundy twice a day. That is the same amount as the entire volume of the world’s rivers. Peak times to witness the whirlpool action is at low tide. At high tide, the rapids reverse. See the tide schedule here.
Reversing Falls Rapids in Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark Bay of Fundy New Brunswick. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Reversing Rapids under the bridge. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Irving Nature Park
The beautiful Irving Nature Park, located just outside Saint John, offers a natural oasis from the city with six different ecosystems. Explore the trails, beach, forest, and marshlands. The salt marsh has a great birdwatching area accessible from the boardwalk. There is also a children’s forest and a maze. Look for harbour seals sunning themselves on the rocks at the Seal Observation Deck.
Irving Nature Park sign. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Irving Nature Park beach. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Irving Nature Park rocky shore. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Nature trail at Irving Nature Park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Where to stay in New Brunswick
When I toured this area, I stayed at the following places:
Saint John
Saint John is Canada’s oldest incorporated city and has Canada’s oldest market. As you walk the narrow streets, explore 19th-century architecture.
Hilton Saint John offers waterfront views of the harbour and the Port of Saint John. It has an indoor heated pool, a harbourfront restaurant, and a bar. The hotel provides easy access to the harbour walkway
Alma
The town of Alma is a quaint little fishing village located on the Bay of Fundy. If you are ending your day here, plan ahead. The restaurants all close by 8 p.m.
Parkland Village Inn is a 15-room property overlooking the Bay of Fundy. The Tides Restaurant is located onsite. If you are looking for the freshest lobster, I highly recommend going to Alma Lobster Shop, owned by a third-generation Lobster fishing family.
Alma Lobster Shop in Alma, New Brunswick, has the freshest lobster. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Moncton
Moncton is the largest city in New Brunswick, and it has two unique natural phenomena: Magnetic Hill, where cars seemingly roll uphill when in neutral, and the famous Petitcodiac River, nicknamed the Chocolate River, to experience the Tidal Bore where the river runs upstream against its normal flow.
Delta Hotel Beaujour is located in downtown Moncton and is close to the area’s attractions. There are two on-site restaurants, a spa, an indoor saltwater pool with a waterslide and a fitness area.
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