Explore the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark in Nova Scotia
As many tourists turn to outdoor recreation amid the global pandemic, UNESCO has designated Nova Scotia’s Cliffs of Fundy a global geopark. This distinction acknowledges the unique geological and cultural significance of this coastal region, with 165km preserved near the Bay of Fundy’s Minas Basin.
A Journey Through Geological Time
The Bay of Fundy, though not widely known, is connected to nearly every continent on Earth. The landscape at the Cliffs of Fundy narrates the story of ancient geological forces that continue to shape our world, from the rugged Atlantic coast of North America to Australia’s distant Gold Coast.
John Calder, senior geologist and Cliffs of Fundy board member, remarked, “There’s nowhere else on planet Earth where you can see the record of the assembly of a supercontinent 300 million years ago, called Pangea, and its breakup 100 million years later, the birth of the modern world,” told the CBC.
The Shaping of Unique Landscapes
The Bay of Fundy continues to be shaped by monumental natural forces. The cliffs were created by the highest tides on Earth, which can rise to a peak of five stories tall, while the retreating waters uncover the seafloor.
Moreover, the cold waters of the North Atlantic have carved out a window into ancient rocks, illustrating how Africa once separated from North America during the late Triassic period. This geological activity birthed low rift basins around the Minas region, where massive lava flows shaped the landscape, visible not only along the Bay of Fundy but also in distant places like the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.
A Treasure Trove of Fossils
Unsurprisingly, the Cliffs of Fundy geopark is a hotspot for fossils. For millions of years, a variety of fauna have thrived in the Minas Basin, creating layered records that document the rise and fall of dinosaurs and the evolution of early vertebrates and mammals. This has paved the way for the diverse marine life we see today, including seabirds, sea lions, and whales.
Recently, in July 2020, Erin Levy, a Nova Scotian, encountered a remarkable 310 million-year-old fossil at the nearby Joggins Fossil Cliffs, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Levy discovered two sets of footprints from an early amphibian and an early arthropod, representing just one of many significant finds along the Bay of Fundy.
The Indigenous Significance
At least 13,000 years ago, some of North America’s earliest human inhabitants settled in Nova Scotia. The Mi’kmaq nation thrived here year-round, fishing and hunting, and the area remains vital for the indigenous community. The history of the Mi’kmaq people is showcased through archaeological finds and exhibits at the Mi’kmawey Debert National Historic Site, with plans for a Cultural Center currently under development by the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq.
Exploring the Geopark
The Mi’kmawey Debert National Historic Site is one of forty geosites within the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark. Visitors can explore a variety of trails, including the Kenomee network, Cape Cignecto Provincial Park, and Five Islands Provincial Park, alongside points of geological interest such as the Old Wife formation, Cobequid Fault, and Triassic-Jurassic Fault.
Consequently, the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO geopark is accessible from Halifax in approximately two hours by car. Many visitors prefer to stay in Parrsboro (home to the Fundy Geologic Museum), Wolfville, or Truro. The area offers various lodging options, dining establishments, and outdoor activities including kayaking or guided tours.
