New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy: Trails, Waterfalls and Ocean-Floor Walks at Three Signature Parks

As soon as we arrive at the Bay of Fundy, it’s clear this is no ordinary stretch of coastline.

Separating New Brunswick from Nova Scotia, the immense bay is renowned for some of the highest tides on Earth. Twice each day, billions of tons of seawater surge into and drain from its funnel-shaped basin, dramatically altering the landscape as they rise and fall.

Beaches disappear, rocky islands emerge, rivers reverse direction and towering sea stacks seem to change before our eyes.

The Bay of Fundy is also rich in marine life. Whales feed in its nutrient-filled waters, harbor porpoises and seals frequent its coves, and millions of migrating shorebirds pause along its mudflats.

Its cliffs and exposed rock formations reveal hundreds of millions of years of geological history. If marine encounters top your list, consider these places to experience amazing sea life up close.

There are countless ways to experience this natural wonder. Visitors can kayak around wave-sculpted islands, take a Zodiac tour in search of whales or explore the ocean floor after the tide retreats.

We decided to keep our feet planted firmly on Mother Earth, following trails that lead through forests, along beaches and to some of the region’s most dramatic viewpoints.

Our coastal journey takes us to three of New Brunswick’s most impressive attractions: Fundy Trail Provincial Park, Fundy National Park and Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park.

Coastal Drama Along The Fundy Trail Parkway

Our first stop is Fundy Trail Provincial Park, a 2,559-hectare wilderness playground near the seaside village of St. Martins.

The park’s 30-kilometre scenic drive twists and climbs above the Bay of Fundy, connecting more than 20 lookouts with beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails and picnic areas. Although it is possible to drive the route fairly quickly, rushing would defeat the purpose. Around nearly every bend, another irresistible view tempts us to pull over.

Some lookouts reveal cliffs dropping steeply into the sea. Others overlook scalloped beaches, forested headlands and water that stretches uninterrupted toward the horizon. Picnic tables occupy some of the finest vantage points, providing the perfect excuse to settle in, unpack lunch, and drink in the scenery.

We spend several hours combining short hikes with scenic stops. Near Fuller Falls, a trail leads down the hillside toward a veil of water spilling over a rocky ledge. A cable ladder assists visitors on one of the steeper sections, adding a dash of adventure to the descent.

Big Salmon River and Flowerpot Rock

At Big Salmon River, the park’s interpretive center introduces us to a once-thriving logging, fishing and shipbuilding community. Families lived and worked in this isolated settlement for generations, connected to the outside world more readily by water than by land. Old photographs and exhibits offer a glimpse into the challenges faced by those who made their lives along this rugged coast.

The nearby suspension bridge stretches across Big Salmon River and provides access toward the famed Fundy Footpath. During our visit, we jostle our way over the bridge, pausing midway to watch the river below. Travelers should check current park notices before visiting, as the bridge is closed for renovations during the 2026 season.

Another trail takes us through stands of second-growth forest, across wooden boardwalks and down to broad strips of beach. At low tide, the exposed shoreline seems to go on forever. The scent of seaweed mingles with the forest air, while rounded stones and driftwood cover sections of the ocean floor.

Flowerpot Rock is another favorite stop. Sculpted by centuries of relentless tides, this narrow stone column is topped with greenery and resembles an oversized planter. It offers a preview of the even larger formations we will encounter later at Hopewell Rocks.

For hikers seeking a serious wilderness challenge, the Fundy Footpath follows approximately 50 kilometres of rugged shoreline between Big Salmon River and Fundy National Park. With steep climbs, river crossings and remote terrain, it requires careful planning, backcountry experience and several days to complete. We are content sampling shorter trails before continuing along the coast.

Where To Eat In St. Martins

After working up an appetite, we stop near the famous St. Martins Sea Caves for a bowl of seafood chowder. The Caves Restaurant, formerly known to many visitors as the Seaside Restaurant, has been serving seafood beside the beach for decades. Its chowder is rich with Maritime flavor, and the dining room and patio overlook the caves and the constantly changing tide.

At low tide, visitors can walk across the ocean floor toward the caves. Several hours later, the same route is covered by seawater—a fitting introduction to Fundy’s remarkable daily transformation.

Trails In Fundy National Park

From the parkway, we continue to Fundy National Park, where forested hills tumble toward approximately 12 kilometres of shoreline.

The park is a haven for campers, hikers, swimmers, paddlers, cyclists, beachcombers and birdwatchers. Its extensive trail network ranges from short family-friendly walks to demanding backcountry routes. Some paths weave through dense Acadian Forest, while others follow tumbling rivers or descend toward secluded beaches.

With dozens of waterfalls scattered throughout the park, choosing a trail is not easy. We eventually settle on Dickson Falls, one of Fundy’s most accessible and popular hikes.

The roughly 1.5-kilometre loop begins near a lookout over the Bay of Fundy before descending into a cool, green valley. A long wooden boardwalk carries us into a storybook forest where moss blankets fallen logs and ferns crowd the slopes.

The setting reminds me of Hansel and Gretel, although there is no need to scatter breadcrumbs. Interpretive signs and a well-defined boardwalk guide us safely through the woods.

At the bottom of the valley, Dickson Brook tumbles between mossy rocks before spilling over the falls. The temperature feels cooler here, and the damp air carries the earthy fragrance of cedar, spruce and wet stone. We pause on the viewing platform, surrounded by enough greenery to make the rest of the world seem very far away.

History on the Matthews Head Trail

Our second hike, Matthews Head, combines coastal scenery with cultural history. The approximately 4.5-kilometre loop begins near Herring Cove Road and travels through mixed forest before joining the remains of an old wagon route.

Interpretive information reveals traces of a 19th-century homestead. For many years, part of the area was also used as an experimental potato farm. Agricultural work conducted here contributed to the development of the Shepody potato, a variety valued for processing into French fries. After enjoying more than one serving of poutine during our travels, we feel a certain gratitude for that contribution.

Beyond the former fields, the trail returns us to panoramic views of the Bay of Fundy. Forested cliffs frame the water, while eroded rock formations rise near the shoreline.

Fundy National Park warrants more than a single day. In addition to hiking, visitors can camp, paddle on Bennett Lake, swim in the seasonal saltwater pool, cycle forest trails or simply watch the tides advance and retreat. Parks Canada also offers roofed accommodations, including yurts and oTENTiks, for travelers who prefer a few more comforts than a conventional tent provides.

A Taste Of Alma

The fishing village of Alma sits just outside the park and makes a convenient base for exploring the area. Fishing boats rest on the muddy harbor bottom at low tide and float beside the wharf when the water returns.

You cannot visit this part of New Brunswick without putting on a bib and digging into fresh lobster. At Collins Lobster Shop, customers can choose from live and cooked lobster as well as scallops, lobster meat, smoked fish and other local seafood.

It is an informal, quintessentially Maritime experience, and after a full day on the trails, nothing tastes better than lobster served close to the boats that brought it ashore.

Walking On The Ocean Floor

Our final destination is Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, one of New Brunswick’s best-known natural attractions.

Located near the upper reaches of the Bay of Fundy, Hopewell Rocks experiences an extraordinary tidal range. The water can rise more than 14 meters—roughly the height of a four- or five-story building—depending on weather, season and lunar conditions.

Timing is everything here, so we check the park’s official tide tables before setting out. High and low tides occur a little more than six hours apart, and the scene changes so dramatically that it is worth experiencing both.

At high tide, visitors look out over a wide expanse of water surrounding forest-topped islands. Kayakers can paddle between the formations on guided excursions, floating through spaces where, a few hours later, people will be walking.

We arrive at low tide, when the bay resembles a giant bathtub after someone has pulled the plug.

From the interpretive center, a network of well-maintained trails leads through the forest to viewing platforms overlooking the rocks. A shuttle is also available seasonally for those who prefer to shorten the walk. Near the main viewing area, a substantial staircase descends to the ocean floor.

At the bottom, we step onto damp sand and gaze upward. The sandstone formations, sculpted over thousands of years by water, wind, freezing and thawing, tower above us. Many are narrower at the bottom than at the top, creating the distinctive flowerpot shape for which the park is famous.

Flowerpot Rock and the Fundy Footpath

Trees and shrubs cling improbably to their summits. Rocky archways frame sections of beach, and formations with names inspired by animals and familiar objects invite visitors to use their imaginations. We wander between the monoliths, pose for photographs and follow the exposed ocean floor along the shoreline.

The reddish-brown cliffs display the scars of continual erosion. Small stones, seaweed and shells are scattered across the sand, while the salty scent of the bay hangs in the air. In muddier areas, the famously sticky Fundy sediment tugs at our shoes.

It is astonishing to imagine that the ground beneath our feet will soon be submerged. The incoming water does not arrive in one dramatic wave; it advances steadily, reclaiming the beach and surrounding the sandstone pillars until only their green crowns remain above the surface.

Admission to Hopewell Rocks is valid for two consecutive days during the operating season, making it easier to return for both low and high tide. Seeing the landscape in its two very different forms is the best way to appreciate the scale and power of the bay.

Dinner With A View

Back in Alma, Tides Restaurant at the Parkland Village Inn provides a fitting finale to our Fundy adventure. Nearly every table offers a view of the harbor, beach or bay.

Local seafood is the star, with Bay of Fundy lobster and scallops appearing alongside pasta, stuffed chicken and smoked ribs. As fishing boats bob near the wharf and the evening tide reshapes the beach, we toast three memorable days of coastal hiking, waterfalls and ocean-floor wandering.

The Bay of Fundy can be explored by boat, kayak or scenic drive, but walking its trails brings us closer to its many personalities. We experience it from cliff-top lookouts, beneath leafy forest canopies, beside cascading waterfalls and on an ocean floor that disappears twice every day.

This ever-changing landscape is powerful, playful and endlessly photogenic. It is easy to understand why the Bay of Fundy is celebrated as one of North America’s great natural wonders—and why our time on Fundy has been so much fun.

If You Go

Getting There
The closest airports are in Moncton, about an hour’s drive from Alma, and Saint John. You’ll want a car to link the Fundy Trail Parkway, Fundy National Park and Hopewell Rocks at your own pace.

Fundy Trail Provincial Park
The seasonal parkway at Fundy Trail Provincial Park sits near St. Martins, New Brunswick. Allow at least half a day to enjoy the lookouts, beaches and shorter trails. Check current conditions before visiting, particularly if you plan to hike near Big Salmon River.

Fundy National Park
Fundy National Park is open year-round, although visitor services and some activities are seasonal. Trail conditions can change quickly after heavy rain, so consult Parks Canada before hiking.

Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park
Check the official tide tables for Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park before arriving, and plan to see the rocks at both high and low tide. Seasonal admission is valid for two consecutive days. You can buy your Hopewell Rocks admission in advance on Viator and show the voucher at the gate.

Tours
For a view of the St. Martins Sea Caves from the water, this guided kayaking tour of the St. Martins Sea Caves sets out from the village harbor and paddles along the red cliffs with a guide who shares the bay’s natural history.

Where to Stay
Alma is the most convenient base for Fundy National Park and is approximately 40 kilometers from Hopewell Rocks. St. Martins provides easy access to the western entrance of Fundy Trail Provincial Park.

• Parkland Village Inn, Alma: Steps from Alma Beach, this cozy inn is home to Tides Restaurant, so a harbor view dinner is right on site.
• Beach Street Inn, St. Martins: A short walk from the sea caves, this beachside inn includes breakfast and has its own restaurant, Periwinkles.
• Fundy National Park roofed camping: For something closer to the trails, the park’s yurts and oTENTiks can be reserved through Parks Canada.

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Author Bio: Since 1996, while freelancing, Jane Cassie has had thousands of articles published.  Her stories have appeared CNN Magazine, Northwest Travel, New York Daily News, Chicken Soup For The Soul, Dreamscapes, Air Canada In-flight, Cottage Life, Epicure and Travel, just to name a few. She has been a regular contributor to Spa Life, INNspire, North American Inns Magazine, Cottage, and Inspire Magazines

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