Bay of Fundy
...the world's highest tides...

The Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia is a natural phenomena that you won't see anywhere else in the world!! Imagine this:

  • 1 billion tons of water flowing in and out of a body of water every 12 hours
  • a tidal range that can be as high as 50 feet (15 metres) which is about 5 times more than a regular tide on the Atlantic coast
  • walking on the ocean floor where only 12 hours previously fishing boats floated 
High tide on the bay
Low tide on the bay

This is where you'll see the highest tides in the world!  And I invite you to come and experience it in beautiful Nova Scotia. 

The outdoor adventures along the bay are countless:  whale watching, kayaking, camping, tidal bore rafting, hiking, fossil hunting and digging for clams on the ocean floor.

You and the kids will not get bored here. 

Cape d'Or overlooking the bay

Where is the Bay of Fundy?

Fundy is on the western side of Nova Scotia and is nestled between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Getting to the Bay of Fundy

The Bay covers a large area so you can view it in many different places in Nova Scotia.  Getting to the bay depends on where you are in Nova Scotia and what exactly you want to see on the bay.  Check out the map below and it will help you with directions.

Attractions & Activities

My Bay of Fundy map also shows you the location of the many different things to see and do along the bay. There are a wide variety of attractions and activities.  I have listed many below so have a look and check out the different pages.

Cliffs of Fundy Geopark

What exactly is a Geopark?  

"A Geopark is a designation that attracts tourists wishing to explore the connections between geology, local communities, culture, and nature. Geoparks are designed to promote tourism and celebrate a region’s uniqueness, and do not prohibit any land use."

This is a UNESCO designation and an area along the Bay of Fundy received this special designation in 2020.

The coastal area along the north section of the Bay of Fundy in the Minas Basin and Minas Channel areas are part of the Geopark.

The cliffs at Five Islands

I have visited many of these sites and I encourage you to explore them as well.  Check out my pages on Economy Falls, Thomas Cove, Red Head, Five Islands, Wasson Bluff, Patridge Island, and Cap d'Or. 

And visit the Fundy Geological Museum to learn about this unique and treasured part of Nova Scotia.

You can learn more about the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark on their website.  Lots to discover!

Whale watching

Whales visiting the bay include fin, humpback, minke & the northern right whale.  Brier Island & Digby Neck are the best places for whale watching. 

Tour operators can differ in their seasons so check out my page for whale-watching in Nova Scotia.
Whalewatching on Bay of Fundy

Tidal Bore & the Changing Tides

Can you believe that the bay's incoming tide is so forceful that it temporarily reverses the flow of several rivers.  When the tide and rivers collide a wave called a 'tidal bore' is created as the incoming water moves upriver. 

A spectacular sight that you can experience on a unique tour. Check it out on my Tidal Bore page.
Riding the Tidal Bore

Sightseeing

Sightseeing along the Bay of Fundy is nothing less than spectacular.  The good news is that you don't need to hike a mountain to see the bay. 

Check out Five Islands, Cape d'Or, Burntcoat Head, Brier Island, and Grand Pré.  
Burntcoat Head

Hiking

There are dozens of hiking options along the Bay of Fundy.  From high above the cliffs overlooking the bay to the beach looking for fossils and dinosaur bones.

Wasson Bluff and Partridge Island are located near Parrsboro and the Fundy Geological Museum.  Both give great views of the bay.
View from Patridge Island

Cape Split which is high above the Bay of Fundy cliffs is one of the best hiking trails in Nova Scotia. 

I would classify it as a moderate hike but it can take up to 5 hours.  So plan accordingly.
Cape Split

If you want to see something really unique check out the Balancing Rock on Long Island on Digby Neck. 

The hiking trail is not long. But there plenty of steep stairs.  The Balancing Rock is at the end where it sits precariously on the edge of the cliffs.
Balancing Rock

Do you want your BEST vacation ever in Nova Scotia?  Contact me about my Itinerary Planning Service.  I'll help you design your DREAM vacation!!

Brier Island is a hiker's paradise.  This is an awesome place to spend some vacation time. 

This little island will help you to get away from everything.  You won't want to leave.
Brier Island

The Five Islands Lighthouse Park & the nearby Five Islands Provincial Park Campground are excellent spots for hiking. 
Five Islands

The Red Head trail has spectacular views of the coastline.  This is an easy trail fit for all levels.
Red Head

The Thomas Cove trail will take you for a tour on the red sandstone rocks.  You'll get close to the Bay on this trail.
Thomas Cove

Cape Chignecto provincial park offers some of the best unspoiled wilderness hiking in Nova Scotia. 

If you love the outdoors I guarantee you will love this awesome corner of the province.
Cape Chignecto

Fossils

The steep cliffs along the Bay of Fundy are constantly exposing new fossils from 300 million years ago.  The changing tides give the professional and amateur fossil hunter ample opportunity to make the next 'big' find.

Joggins Fossil Cliffs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer one of the richest areas for fossils in Nova Scotia. 

Their tours are a fantastic way to learn about the cliffs and what can be found.
Joggins Fossil Cliffs

The Fundy Geological Museum is a wonderful place to visit if you love dinosaurs.  This is an especially great place for the kids. 

Beach and zodiac tours are also available.
Fundy Geological Museum

The world's smallest fossilized dinosaur prints were found not far from the Fundy Geological  Museum at Wasson Bluff.

An awesome spot to roam for fossils.
Dinosaur Prints

There are literally dozens of things to see and do along the Bay of Fundy.  I suggest you decide on your preferred activities and make a plan.  Spend at least 3-4 days along the bay and experience it as much as you can.

Tide Schedule

Make sure you are aware of the tide schedule before venturing close to the waters on the bay. The tides come in quite quickly so it is very important to be aware of the tides schedule.

To check the tides for your area of interest go to this Tides Schedule link.  Enter the location in the search box at the top corner of the map.

Accommodations

There are many places to stay along the Bay of Fundy.  Once you decide on your planned activities I suggest that you check their location on my Bay of Fundy map that I included above.  Then you can check the closest town and its accommodation options on Trip Advisor.

Some major spots along the bay where you might want to stay overnight include Annapolis Royal, Truro, Wolfville, Windsor, Parrsboro and Digby.

The Bay of Fundy can also be considered a great day trip if you are in the Halifax, Windsor or Truro areas.  These links will lead you to Trip Advisor which is my 'go to' place for accommodations.  

Restaurants

Nova Scotia has a wide variety of places to eat.  From fine dining, family restaurants, pubs and pizza spots.  There is something for everyone.  I suggest you check my Where to Eat page for some tips on how to find a restaurant in your location.

Have you visited the Bay of Fundy?

Do you have a great story about your visit? Do you want to become a part of Your Nova Scotia Holiday?

Please share this page with your friends.