Blog

We were so excited to spend some time at the Bay of Fundy!  Our Motel “Hopewell Rocks Motel and Country Inn” was right next to the entrance of The Hopewell Rocks, Nova Scotia.

Our stay at the Hopewell Rocks Motel and Country Inn wasn’t planned but things just worked out perfectly.  We were able to get into Hopewell Rocks for low tide in the AM and then go back in the PM for high tide.  This also enabled us to enjoy a beautiful sunset as well.

The Bay of Fundy has the highest tidal range in the world.  I have heard so many people talk about the Bay of Fundy that I have been wanting to see it for a long time.  We were fortunate to be able experience both tides in the same day.

Did you know?  Twice each day, 160 billion tons of sea water flow in and out of the Bay of Fundy — more than the combined flow of the world’s freshwater rivers! (Bay OF Fundy, CANADA’ S NATURAL WONDER)

When can you experience the tides?

• Visitors can see 2 extraordinary high and low tides every 24 hours.
• The time between a high tide and a low tide is, on average, 6 hours and 13 minutes. As such, you can reasonably expect to see at least one high and one low tide during daylight hours.
• Tide times change, approximately one hour later each day. Tide times also vary slightly for different locations around the Bay.
• Check with the community you are planning to visit for accurate high and low tide times.  (Bay OF Fundy, CANADA’ S NATURAL WONDER)

Are the Bay of Fundy tides a 50′ wall of water?

The Bay’s tides officially measure over 15 m (50′ in height), but the incoming tide is not a 50′ wall of water.  It takes 6 hours for the tides to change from low tide to high tide. That means it takes more than an hour for the tide to rise 10′ vertically. But the tide is a powerful force.  (Bay OF Fundy, CANADA’ S NATURAL WONDER)

When we arrived, the tide was low, so we were able to do that much-anticipated walk on the ocean floor.  The floor was not muddy or mushy like I was expecting, but it was solid like concrete.  It was just solid rock with lots of ridges and uneven surfaces made from the tide going in and out eroding the rocks.

We found it so interesting to see and experience the Bay of Fundy for ourselves.  As we explored, we noticed there were several caves, which the powerful waves were making in the cliffs.

The park does have all of the caves blocked off.  I was told it was for everyone’s safety, there could be loose rocks that could fall and injure you.

When you get to the Hopewell Rocks Park there is an admission fee.  You can get up to date info on the Hopewell Rocks at  http://www.thehopewellrocks.ca You will also find the dates they are open, tide charts, latest news and more.

We began our exploring down one of the many paths.  Each path leads to a different lookout deck for a unique look at the Hopewell Rock formations.

As we followed the path on the left it began to lead us down to where you could take a stairwell down to the ocean floor.  The park also offered a tram ride down to this point for those not able or interested in the hike for a small fee.

The hike down is about a 15-20 minute walk.  There are benches and washrooms along the path.  When we came out at the bottom of the walking trail, at the front was the stairwell and to the right a great lookout.  On the left was a sitting area and the Low Tide Cafe, which offered drinks, snacks or a full meal for purchase.

As we ascended the stairwell at low tide, we get closer and closer to the ocean floor.  You could feel the anticipation and excitement of everyone making the trip down.  The stair well had two sides one side designated for going up and one designated for going down.

The view was the same at each level but you just wanted to stop and take another picture at each landing.  It was so cool to see people under the arches and see the massive size of the rock formations.

Each rock formation has been named, there is the Flower Pot, ET, Lovers Arch, and Bear Rock to name a few. After we explored the ocean floor for some time,  we headed back up the stairs.

We decided to have a snack at the Low Tide Cafe which is on the right upon coming up the stairs. We enjoyed a refreshing ice cream cone and a delicious lobster roll.  If you decide to wait a bit you can enjoy a bite to eat or a drink up at the High Tide Cafe which is inside the interpretive Centre.

We took the tram back to the Interpretive Centre at the top.  There is so much to see in there!  The Centre places a special emphasis on education at the Hopewell Rocks. Their self-directed multi-media exhibit is an informative way to start your visit.

Through life-sized sculptures, colourful displays, videos and dioramas, you learn about the Bay of Fundy geology, tides and wildlife, as well as other interesting facts about the Fundy coastal area.

You’ll also find friendly and knowledgeable interpreters throughout the park to directly answer your questions or give assistance.

Within the Interpretive Centre you will also find:

• Educational multi-media exhibit
• High Tide Café and outside deck
• Tidal Treasures Gift Shop
• Clean washrooms with infant change station
• Visitor Services Desk
• Tickets for shuttle service
• Tourist information for the area

Centre staff at the reception desk are available to answer your questions or provide you with maps, brochures and additional tourism information.

Our time at the Bay of Fundy was simply amazing!!  We truly enjoyed our visit and would highly recommend a visit.  We think you will be amazed at what Mother Nature has to offer at the Bay of Fundy.

Happy Travels!!!