Leaving Grande Digue
Today we would leave Grande Digue on our way to our next AirB&B in St. Andrews by the Sea, located on the Bay of Funday near the border with Maine. We had to plan our departure carefully because we wanted to stop at Hopewell Rocks along the way. Our plan was to be there at low tide with enough time to walk down to the oceans floor and explore this amazing natural wonder.
Sunrise over the Northumberland Strait in Grande Digue just before the clouds snuffed out the last of the amazing colours!
We were up early with just enough time to catch the last of the early morning light, a selection of eerie blues and glowing pinks. Quite a different morning from our previous one as the clouds crept into to snuff out the last of the light show. Right after breakfast we were on the road, crossing the single lane Shediac bridge for the last time on this adventure on our way to Moncton and onto Route 114, the New Brunswick road following the coast of the Bay of Fundy.
The single lane Shediac Bridge across the Sediac River
Exploring Hopewell Rocks: New Brunswick’s Sculpted Shoreline Wonder
Tucked along the rugged coast of the Bay of Fundy, Hopewell Rocks—also known as the Flowerpot Rocks—is one of New Brunswick’s most unforgettable natural attractions. Part of Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, it is a place where time, tide, and geology come together to create a landscape so dramatic that it feels almost otherworldly.
Lovers Arch in Staircase Cove
We were able to time our visit for low tide so we could walk down onto the ocean floor and experience the full size of these amazing formations. It would have been fun to come back and paddle around these rocks at high tide and experience the transformation.
Where the Highest Tides on Earth Shape the Shore
The Bay of Fundy is famous for having some of the highest tides in the world, and that is plainly evident at Hopewell Rocks. Twice a day, the tides can rise and fall up to 14–16 metres or 44-52 feet, (that’s like a four- or five-storey building!), completely transforming the coastline.
The exposed seabed
At low tide, you can wander across the ocean floor, walking among towering rock formations that have been carved over millennia by the relentless movement of water. These narrow, tree-topped pillars resemble giant flowerpots, giving the rocks their nickname. Just a few hours later at high tide, the same formations are partially submerged, leaving only their tops visible. This would be a great time to be kayaking!
Big Cove at Hopewell Rocks
The “Ledge”, a giant mud flat at the southeast end of the park extending into the Bay of Fundy
Walking the Ocean Floor
One of the most popular experiences at Hopewell Rocks is the chance to physically walk where the sea will be only hours later. The park has a broad, accessible network of trails and stairways leading down to the beach.
North Beach
Kayaking at High Tide
If you’re lucky enough to come back during high tide, you can experience the rocks from an entirely different perspective. Guided sea kayaking tours by Baymount Outdoor Adventures let you float between the formations, weaving around the bases that just hours earlier were fully exposed. The contrast between low and high tide is truly one of the most remarkable natural transformations in North America!
Baymount Outdoor Adventures Kayak Shed
A Well-Designed Visitor Experience
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park offers:
- A modern, informative visitor centre with a gift shop and concessions
- Interpretive displays explaining Fundy geology and wildlife
- Picnic areas and lookouts
- Seasonal shuttle service
- Well-maintained trails for all fitness levels
Well maintained, accessible trails lead to the viewpoints and seafloor access
The staff do an excellent job helping visitors understand tide times and safety precautions—important in a place where the ocean moves quickly.
Interpretive Centre at Hopewell Rocks
Plan Your Visit
To make the most of your trip:
- Check tide charts before going—ideally plan to see both high and low tides, spaced about 6 hours apart.
- Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to walk the seabed—it’s muddy, slippery, and fun!
- Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photos.
- Allow 2–4 hours for a relaxed visit—or longer if you’re kayaking.
The North Beach mud flats
Why Hopewell Rocks Is Worth the Journey
Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, kayaker, or simply someone who enjoys witnessing the extraordinary, Hopewell Rocks offers one of Canada’s most unique coastal experiences. It’s a place that reminds you of the incredible power of nature and how landscapes continue to change right before our eyes.
No matter where you explore along this amazing section of coast, there are awe inspiring sights!
The ebb and flow of the Bay of Fundy tides make every visit different. And that’s the magic of Hopewell Rocks—no matter how many times you go, you’ll never see it the same way twice.
Our Journey Continues on to St. Andrews
After our visit to Hopwell Rocks we carried on down Route 114 winding our way along the coast through small villages, pastoral farm lands and colourful forests in their dazzling fall display. Our destination, St Andrews or as it is often called, St Andrews by the Sea, an apt description for this charming seaside town.
Covered Bridges
Along the way, and just outside the village of Hopewell Creek, we came upon a covered bridge on a section of old highway. We had to stop. New Brunswick is famously known as the “Covered Bridge Capital of Atlantic Canada.” These iconic structures, often painted a classic red with distinctive roofs, are cherished historic landmarks scattered across the province’s river valleys and countryside. They were built primarily in the 19th and early 20th centuries to protect the wooden bridge trusses from harsh weather, significantly extending their lifespan from around 10 years to over 80.
Sawmill Creek Covered Bridge
At their peak, New Brunswick had over 400 covered bridges. Today, roughly 58 historic covered bridges still stand, offering a picturesque link to the province’s pastoral and engineering past. They are more than just functional crossings; they are symbols of rural heritage, community craftsmanship, and a slower, more romantic era. Driving the backroads to find these bridges remains a popular tourist activity.
Sawmill Creek Covered Bridge
Alma
Alma is the largest community along this section of the Fundy Coast and we decided to stop here for lunch. Alma is a very scenic coastal village situated at the entrance of Fundy National Park on the Bay of Fundy. Often called the “Gateway to Fundy National Park,” it is best known for its dramatic tidal scenery and as the home of the world’s highest tides.
Here are its key highlights:
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Fundy National Park: The village serves as the main service and access point for the park, offering hiking, camping, waterfalls, and pristine forests.
One of the spectacular viewpoints in Fundy National Park
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Alma Harbour: A working fishing harbour that fully empties twice daily at low tide, leaving fishing boats resting on the ocean floor—a striking visual of the Bay of Fundy’s power.
Alma, NB
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Lobster & Seafood: Famous for its fresh, local lobster and seafood, with several restaurants and wharves offering seasonal catches. We stopped at the Octopus Garden Cafe for a delightful lunch.
The Octopus Garden Cafe in Alma
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Small-Village Charm: A quiet, welcoming community with a handful of shops, inns, and B&Bs catering to park visitors and those exploring the Fundy Trail Parkway.
St. Andrews by the Sea
Our final destination for the day and our home for the next 3 days. Click here for our post on St Andrews
Photos
To see more photos or to purchase images of this amazing area, check out this gallery on our sister website: Bay of Fundy Coast
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