For a true Canadian summer vacation, travel New Brunswick’s Fundy Coastal Drive. The route winds leisurely along the Bay of Fundy coast, from St. Stephen and St. Andrews near the Maine-New Brunswick border to Aulac in the east at the head of the bay. The Fundy Coastal Drive journeys more than 450 km (280 miles) following a series of highways, coastal roads, and back roads.
The Bay of Fundy acts like a funnel, intensifying the natural tidal flow as it moves further into the bay. This tidal rush creates the world’s highest tides with a tidal range of more than 12 m (48 feet). These monstrous tides have sculpted a region where strange cliffs and fossils create a perfect setting for a New Brunswick summer vacation.
Active Things to Do on the Bay of Fundy, NB
New Brunswick is a fabulous travel destination for activity lovers and outdoors enthusiasts. Whether it’s going whale watching to view the bay's 15 species of whale or kayaking the coast, families and couples will find plenty to do. Other active options include:
- Hiking or biking trails in Fundy National Park, rewarded with a swim in Bennett or Wolfe lakes. Golfers can even enjoy 18-holes on the Fundy National Park golf course.
- Bird watching along the shore of Alma Beach.
- Searching for fossils at Barn Marsh Island Beach at Cape Enrage, or rappelling down the sheer cliffs.
As for swimming, although taking a dip in the Bay of Fundy can seem appealing, swimmers are advised to be aware that strong tidal pulls can be dangerous.
Bay of Fundy Offers Great Summer Vacation Activities
With scenery ranging from towering cliffs to lighthouses, the Fundy Coastal Drive promises some treats for travelers. Here are some not-to-miss stops when traveling the Fundy shore on a New Brunswick vacation:
- The Chocolate Museum: A tasty treat thanks to the history of Ganong chocolates. (73 Milltown Blvd., St. Stephen, NB)
- Kingsbrae Garden: Visit the gardens at St. Andrews and see old-growth forest, manicured gardens, and sculptures. (220 King St., St. Andrews, NB)
- Reversing Falls: When the tide comes in, the force reverses the direction of the Saint John River. (Get tips on the best viewing points from the Reversing Falls Tourist Information Centre, Bridge Rd., Saint John.)
- Cape Enrage: Discover amazing views that lead to a 6 km (3.7 mile) fossil beach. Be sure to check tide tables to prevent being stranded by a rising ride. (Highway 915, east from Fundy National Park)
- The Hopewell Rocks or “Flowerpot” rocks: See sandstone pillars carved by the world’s highest tides and how they dwarf visitors who hike along the shore or kayak past. (Hopewell Cape on Route 114)
Getting to the New Brunswick Shore of the Bay of Fundy
Two of New Brunswick’s major city centers, Moncton and Saint John, feature in the full route of the Fundy coastal drive. There are airports in both these cities.
Those visiting from Maine can easily explore the Fundy coast on a summer vacation or fall escape. From Nova Scotia, the Fundy Coastal Drive easily links to Nova Scotia’s Fundy attractions. With sea life, seafood, and ever-changing tides, a visit to New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy offers much to discover.
Chloë Ernst - Chloë Ernst is a travel guidebook author who writes for Frommer's and Globe Pequot Press.
