The Fundy Coast is truly a road tripper’s dream and a world-class coastal experience all rolled into one. Situated in New Brunswick about an hour away from Moncton, the wild Bay of Fundy is home to a number of charming coastal communities and the highest tides in the world.
From whale-watching to exploring fossil-filled mudflats to standing on the Ocean Floor, the Bay of Fundy has plenty of natural marvels and historical gems to uncover. The drive takes travellers along the coast to world-famous spots like the Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park, the sea caves of St. Martins, and so much more, so planning for a handful of stops along the 330 km journey is absolutely worthwhile.
Along the Bay of Fundy is the seaport city of Saint John, AKA Canada’s oldest settlement. Until 1877, it thrived as an industrial port until it was “levelled by fire.” However, visitors can explore its rich history and charm at the restored Old City Market and Heritage Area, a National Historic Site that dates back to 1874.
World-famous Hopewell Rocks
The famed Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is home to fascinating seastacks (also called flowerpots), which have been sculpted into Hopewell Cape for thousands of years. Today, there are over 20 free-standing sea stacks along two km of shoreline, attracting visitors from across the globe.
Exploring the ocean floor
No Atlantic Canadian vacation is complete without walking across the ocean floor. Hopewell Rocks Park has multiple access points, including Main Deck, which has a large metal staircase and a spacious viewing platform, and North Beach, which has a ramp with benches.
Here, visitors can walk on the ocean floor, passing unique sandstone formations forged from ancient cliffs and coves. Just don’t forget to bring some solid footwear!
Note that the park opens for the season on May 16, 2025, and entrance fees include park access for two consecutive days – perfect for viewing both the high and low tides.
Reversing rapids
Visitors can also check out the reversing rapids – a natural phenomenon caused by the changing tides and the river reversing direction to flow upstream. This can be experienced via a guided trolley ride, zip-line adventure, or cruise of the Bay of Fundy.
According to Parks Canada, Fundy National Park also has a tidal observation deck overlooking the Shubenacadie River, providing the ideal vantage point to view the tidal phenomenon. Those who time their visit right can see the tidal bore push its way up the river, changing the calm river to “a rage of rapids.”
Visitors of Fundy National Park can also explore over 100 km of trails, ranging from an easy half-kilometer loop to a demanding 50 kilometer circuit around the park. This includes the Fundy Circuit, connecting 48 km of hiking trails that showcase the very best beaches, lakes, and coastal forests that the park has to offer.
How to get to the Bay of Fundy
According to Tourism New Brunswick, the Bay of Fundy is accessible by VIA Rail within the Maritimes, and from nearly any North American railway station via the connecting station in Montreal.
The MV Fundy Rose offers daily crossings between Saint John, New Brunswick, and Digby, N.S, along with scenic journeys across the Bay.
All in all, the spectacular trip down the Fundy Coast takes around seven to ten days to complete (330 km). So enjoy the journey and get as many stops in as you can!
Where: New Brunswick
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