How do I read the tide tables for Hopewell Rocks?

The park publishes daily tide times. Low tide exposes the flowerpot formations for walking; high tide is ideal for kayaking. Plan to visit at both tides if possible.

What is a tidal bore?

A wave that travels upriver against the current as the tide rises. The Petitcodiac River in Moncton has one of the most dramatic bores in North America, and you can surf it with a local operator.

Are the coastal trails in Fundy National Park difficult?

Most are moderate, with some steep sections near the cliffs. The Dickson Falls trail is short and accessible; the Matthews Head trail offers the best coastal views with a modest elevation gain.

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Road Trip

Fundy Coastal Drive

The world's highest tides, on a schedule you can plan a road trip around.

Overview

The Fundy Coastal Drive is a masterclass in timing. The Bay of Fundy rises and falls by up to sixteen metres twice a day — the highest tidal range on Earth — and every stop along this 460 km route is choreographed by the tide tables.

At Hopewell Rocks, you can walk the ocean floor among flowerpot formations at low tide, then kayak the same rocks at high tide four hours later. At Fundy National Park, the tides power waterfalls that run backward at the turn, and the coastal trails reveal entirely different landscapes depending on the hour.

The drive also passes through one of Canada's most charming small towns, St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, where the Algonquin Resort presides over Passamaquoddy Bay, and whale-watching operators run daily trips for finbacks, humpbacks, and the rare right whale.

Day by day

The itinerary

A suggested route designed to balance driving time with the stops that matter.

St. Stephen to Saint John

Start at the Canada-US border, follow the Chocolate Trail through St. Stephen, and explore the reversing falls at Saint John.

Fundy National Park

Hike the coastal trails, swim at Bennett Lake, and watch the Dickson Falls at their peak flow.

Hopewell Rocks & Moncton

Walk the ocean floor at low tide, kayak the formations at high tide, and surf the tidal bore on the Petitcodiac River.

Sackville & the Tantramar

Birdwatch at the Sackville Waterfowl Park, explore the Tantramar Marshes, and visit the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO site.

St. Andrews-by-the-Sea & Aulac

Whale-watch from St. Andrews, lunch at the Algonquin, and finish at Aulac where New Brunswick meets Nova Scotia.

Signature stops

Don't miss

Hopewell Rocks

St. Andrews-by-the-Sea

Fundy National Park

Cape Enrage

Where this road leads

Related destinations

All destinations →

New Brunswick

Good to know

Frequently
asked.

Practical answers from travellers who have driven this route.

How do I read the tide tables for Hopewell Rocks?: The park publishes daily tide times. Low tide exposes the flowerpot formations for walking; high tide is ideal for kayaking. Plan to visit at both tides if possible.
What is a tidal bore?: A wave that travels upriver against the current as the tide rises. The Petitcodiac River in Moncton has one of the most dramatic bores in North America, and you can surf it with a local operator.
Are the coastal trails in Fundy National Park difficult?: Most are moderate, with some steep sections near the cliffs. The Dickson Falls trail is short and accessible; the Matthews Head trail offers the best coastal views with a modest elevation gain.