Top Experiences for Exploring the Bay of Fundy’s Extraordinary Tides

The Bay of Fundy is one of the natural wonders of the world. Home to the world’s highest tides, this massive bay in Canada spans 16,000 square km (6177) miles between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

The tides change dramatically, reaching heights of 16 meters (52 feet) with an average range of 35 to 55 feet, moving an astonishing 100 billion tons of water every six hours. In certain parts, the tide recedes as much as 5 kilometers, allowing visitors to explore the ocean floor. There are numerous ways to immerse yourself in these extraordinary tides, and we’re excited to guide you through them!

Adventures on the Bay of Fundy

Situated between the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the Bay of Fundy offers a myriad of adventures. Below are our most cherished experiences in each province.

1. Tidal Bore Rafting – Nova Scotia

Tidal Bore Rafting is undoubtedly the most exhilarating experience on the Bay of Fundy. It resembles whitewater rafting, but instead, it involves motorized zodiacs navigating the rapidly rising river waters from the Bay of Fundy.

This roller coaster thrill ride occurs at the mouth of the Shubenacadie River. When the waters from the Bay rush in during low tide, they reverse the river’s flow, causing the two currents to collide and create waves and rapids that can reach heights of 4 meters (13 feet)!

2. Bay of Fundy Kayaking – Nova Scotia

Our ultimate adventure was a two-day kayaking trip on the Bay of Fundy. We paddled out to the iconic Three Sisters sea stacks for an up-close perspective of these magnificent formations. Glide through sea arches and narrow passages while paddling on the open sea, which is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

It’s highly advisable to kayak with a guide. The waters can be unpredictable, with the weather shifting rapidly. One moment, you might be under a bright sun, and the next, a dense fog rolls in, leaving you feeling isolated. Without our guide, we might have accidentally paddled straight to New Brunswick!

3. Camping the Bay of Fundy

Camping along the shores of the Bay of Fundy was a glorious experience. Our camp was located on a secluded sandy beach at Seal Cove, where we explored sea caves and rock formations at low tide while searching for fossils. Camping here is a dream come true; you could fall asleep with the tide out for miles, only to wake up with water just a few feet from your tent.

Park Canada also provides unique camping experiences around the Bay of Fundy.

4. Chignecto Provincial Park – Nova Scotia

Chignecto Provincial Park offers stunning views of the Bay of Fundy from above. Entering at Eatonville, you can take a 5.5 km trail leading to boardwalks and viewing platforms positioned high above the cliffs, providing views of the Three Sisters, Eatonville Harbour, and the high rugged cliffs of the upper Bay of Fundy.

5. Burntcoat Head Provincial Park – Nova Scotia

Burntcoat Head Park is where you can walk directly on the ocean floor. This 3-acre park features islands exposed at low tide, a lighthouse, and breathtaking views of the sea cliffs. An interpretive centre provides insights into the history and geology of the tides and lighthouses in the region.

6. Advocate Harbour – Nova Scotia

Nearby Advocate Harbour, striking red rocks are revealed at low tide. Spencer’s Island is notable for the investigation into the disappearance of the Mary Celeste, which sailed out of the Bay of Fundy, leaving all aboard unaccounted for. You can find a plaque dedicated to this mystery at Old Shipyard Beach.

7. Cape D’Or Lighthouse

Be sure not to miss the quintessential sea cliffs of Cape d’Or Lighthouse, offering one of the most iconic views of Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy.

8. Boats of Hall’s Harbour – Nova Scotia

If you wish to witness boats sitting on dry land, Hall’s Harbour is the place to go. Colorful fishing boats are moored to docks during high tide, but when the waters recede, the entire marina is left empty, revealing boats stranded on the shoreline.

For a delightful dining experience, visit Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound for lunch or dinner, where you can enjoy fresh Nova Scotia lobster with stunning views of the Bay of Fundy.

9. Joggins Fossil Cliffs – Nova Scotia

Boasting the world’s most complete fossil record from the coal age, Joggins reveals life from 300 million years ago—100 million years older than dinosaurs! The Joggins Fossil Centre features specimens and displays depicting life in this old coal mining town and the area’s geological history.

10. Hopewell Rocks – New Brunswick

Hopewell Rocks, renowned for its flowerpot rocks, offers kayaking around its formations during high tide. At low tide, visitors can walk down to explore the ocean floor, sea arches, sea caves, and coastal cliffs. It is truly an irreplaceable experience.

We stayed near Hopewell Rocks to appreciate it at both high and low tide, with entrance fees valid for two consecutive days to enjoy this spectacular view.

11. St. Martin’s Sea Caves – New Brunswick

Among the most extraordinary formations in the Bay of Fundy are the Sea Caves of St. Martins. When the tide is low, visitors can walk out and explore these massive caves, which are fascinating to observe as they will soon be filled with water.

Take some time to stroll along the rocks and explore the other nearby bays for a memorable afternoon.

12. Boats of Saint Martin’s

Another typical East Coast scene can be found in Saint Martin’s where boats sit on dry land, mirroring Hall’s Harbour. These Cape Islander fishing boats wait for the tide to return; it’s astonishing to see them float level with the dock upon the tide’s arrival!

13. Duck Pond Beach

Located just 20 minutes south of the famed St. Martin’s Sea Caves, Duck Pond Beach is a local favorite. This extensive sandy beach stretches toward Split Rock, featuring an elevation change of 7 meters (22 feet). During low tide, you can walk between the split rock formations, which appear like an island during high tide.

14. Hike the Fundy Footpath

Considered one of Canada’s premier hiking routes, the Fundy Footpath is a challenging 40 km (24 miles) coastal trail that can be completed in 3 to 5 days, offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy.

15. Fundy Trail Parkway

Alternatively, drive along the parkway, which features viewpoints leading down to secluded beaches. Distinct from Fundy National Park, the Fundy Trail hugs the coast, showcasing sea cliffs that rise up to 250 meters (820 feet). This parkway will eventually connect Sussex to Alma, providing direct access to Fundy National Park.

16. Cape Enrage – New Brunswick

Cape Enrage features a towering sea cliff crowned by a lighthouse. This destination is popular for outdoor activities, including rock climbing, ziplining, and dining at the historic lighthouse keeper’s house.

Don’t forget to visit the beach for fossil hunting and the chance to walk along the ocean floor.

17. Reversing Falls – New Brunswick

One of the most remarkable phenomena occurs in downtown Saint John at the Reversing Falls on the Saint John River. The power of the Bay of Fundy is evident as water flows from the Bay into the river during low tide, creating a waterfall effect as the currents collide.

Saint John is well-equipped with lookouts and viewpoints for observing the falls, and there are options for boat tours and ziplining.

18. Tidal Bore – New Brunswick

A similar occurrence is visible in Moncton, New Brunswick, on the Petitcodiac River. The viewing platform offers an excellent vantage point for witnessing the Tidal Bore as it surges in from the Bay of Fundy, an impressive sight given its distance from the Bay.

Intriguingly, some locals even surf the waves created by this tidal phenomenon!

Whale Watching

While not directly related to the tides, whale watching on the Bay of Fundy is an unmissable experience. The Maritimes provide numerous opportunities to get out on the water and encounter these magnificent creatures.

These adventures make the Bay of Fundy a breathtaking destination. If you find yourself in Canada’s Maritime provinces, don’t miss out on these amazing experiences!