The Bay of Fundy: Top 12 experiences to have on and around Atlantic Canada’s iconic Bay

The Bay of Fundy spans a pair of Atlantic Canada provinces, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Both places make great jumping off points for exploring the iconic bay, as well as a host of other adventures. Here’s how to get the most out of both…

From whale watching to exploring New Brunswick’s Hopewell Rocks’ unique sculptural forms, Canada’s Bay of Fundy between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia offers an array of natural wonders

The Bay of Fundy experience on the New Brunswick side spans 330kms of beautiful rugged coastline and it’s here where you will find the Fundy Trail Provincial Park encompassing 30 kilometres of this spectacular iconic drive – and as of 2024, travels through its newest provincial park. Punctuated by picnic spots and scenic viewpoints, it’s a drive that rewards as much time as you can spare. Along the way, you’ll find quiet coves and sandy beaches that are mostly only known to the locals, and several multi-use trails that are ideal for stretching your legs or pedal power. The parkway also offers access to the Fundy Footpath, a five day trek deep into the New Brunswick backcountry.

Whether it’s admiring the historic architecture of New Brunswick’s capital city of Fredericton, sinking some brews in the hub city of Moncton or seeing the world’s largest lobster statue in Shediac, New Brunswick’s cities and towns have so much to offer. Your first port of call should be Saint John, Canada’s oldest incorporated city and the only city on the Bay, a vibrant harbour that’s known for its colourful houses, museums, nightlife and brewpubs. More genteel is St. Andrews By-The-Sea, with some of the provinces’ oldest and quaintest houses, many of which date back to the Georgian era. In addition to amazing whale watching opportunities, explore the bay with a sea kayaking experience that is sure to please.

Waterfalls, deserted beaches, mossy forests and wild salmon rivers await in this coastal park, which is legendary across eastern Canada for its backcountry hiking. The most challenging route is the Fundy Circuit, a three-to-five day, 48km trek which offers access to the province’s most pristine natural environments. You can also stay at backcountry campsites along the way. For something shorter, there are many easier trails; try Matthews Head for cliffs and sea stacks, Maple Grove for fall colours or Shiphaven for forest and river scenery.

The Bay of Fundy officially has the highest tides on planet Earth, as much as 18m on a high spring tide. As the waters recede, you can experience something few people ever have the chance to do: walking out onto the soft, sandy sea bed which, just a few hours before, was submerged under several metres of seawater. It feels a little like scuba-diving – only without the need to strap a tank onto your back. Sometimes, you can still see ocean creatures scuttling around in the sand, so watch where you step!

Over many millennia, the currents raging around the Fundy coast have carved out a gallery of geological features. The best-known are at Hopewell Rocks, where the rocks have been eroded into unique, sculptural forms by the ocean: there are mushrooms, arches, cones, towers and animals, albeit abstract ones! At low tide, you can walk amongst them, and when the water’s high, a kayak is the ideal way to explore. Either way, you’ll see the Fundy coast in a way that’s entirely different to the one on shore.

Thanks to its huge tides and nutrient-rich waters, the Bay of Fundy is one of the best places in Canada to watch whales. Species that can be seen here include humpbacks, fin whales, minkes, pilot whales, endangered North Atlantic right whales and very occasionally, the gentle giants of the ocean, blue whales. Whale watching spots are located along New Brunswick’s east coast with operators offering experiences from St. Andrews-By-The-Sea, as well head out to the Fundy Isles of Grand Manan Island, Deer Island and Campobello Island, which can all be reached by ferry from the mainland.

First Nations people were living around the Bay of Fundy for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. With its own distinct culture, language and legends, the Mi’kmaq community know this land better than anyone. Indigenous-led tours offer the chance to watch wildlife, kayak across the bay, try traditional foods and head out into the forest in search of medicinal plants. Meanwhile in Kejimkujik National Park, Mi’kmaq guides offer bushcraft adventures, medicine walks and visits to ancient petroglyph sites.

Ranging in colour from rusty red to flaming orange, these striated, layer-cake cliffs are a wonder to behold. The rocks here are amongst the oldest anywhere in Canada, in many cases predating the dinosaurs. At Joggins, you can see the remains of ammonites and trilobites dating from the Carboniferous Era buried deep in the rocks. Highlights include hiking around Raven Head Wilderness Area, beachcombing at Advocate Harbour and Port Greville, and photographing the lighthouses of Cape d’Or and Spencer’s Island.

As the mighty Fundy tides meet the outflowing current of the Shubenacadie River, a phenomenon is created called a tidal bore: a maelstrom of churning waves and whitewater that provides the ultimate white-knuckle thrill. But you don’t have to be an expert to experience it. Guided rafting trips head out from nearby Maitland, allowing you to brave the bucking rapids even if you’ve never stepped foot in a raft before. All the necessary gear is provided, but do expect to get wet – very wet.

Nova Scotia’s north coast is another superb location for whale spotting. Sometimes, the animals come so close in to shore that you might be able to see a whale spout from the coastline (although you’ll need a good pair of binoculars to do so). For a more certain sighting, head for the port town of Digby where the nearby islands of Brier Island and Long Island, where experienced skippers know all the surest local spots for cetacean encounters. Success rates vary depending on the season: June to October is usually the best.

At Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, this cliff-fringed cape is popular for its hikes, but for another perspective, it’s worth getting out on the water in a kayak. Paddle past the impressive Three Sisters sea stacks and the sandy beach at Horseshoe Cove. You will also see copious numbers of seabirds and marine life. Most people choose a day trip, but you could string together a multi-day itinerary by packing a tent and camping out along the shore. The seaside hamlet of Advocate Harbour makes a handy base.

Whether it’s sampling lobster in Halls Harbour or Digby, tasting vintage wines in Wolfville or Gaspereau, or dropping in on a traditional ceilidh, getting to know the people of Nova Scotia is a pleasure. They’re more than happy to share their province with you – just so long as you don’t mind a serving of good-natured banter to go alongside, that is. From food fairs to weekend markets, music festivals to lobster feasts, there’s plenty of opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals, and you’ll be mighty glad you did.