High tides, high adrenaline: the Bay of Fundy

One hundred and sixty billion tonnes; that’s how much water moves in and out of the Bay of Fundy twice per day. Home of the world’s highest tides, this marine wonder is a real playground, hosting a number of exciting adventures from jet boating to white water rafting.

Nowhere is the phenomenon more pronounced than at the Hopewell Rocks. These unique rock formations were carved by tidal erosion over thousands of years. In the morning you can paddle a kayak around the same sandstone formations that only six hours later will tower 16 metres above your head as you scour the wet sand for rare stones and fossils. Hopewell Rocks is also a great place to sunbathe on two sandy beaches, explore a network of walking trails, or enjoy a meal with a view of the bay.

Animal lovers visiting the Bay of Fundy can go looking for more than a dozen species of whales that inhabit or travel these waters on a whale watching boat tour, all while keeping an eye out for dolphins, puffins, albatross, and heron. Seeing that fin break the surface or feeling the mist shot out of a whale's blowhole are awe-inspiring experiences that a simple image won't do justice. You just have to experience it for yourself.

If the whales weren't enough of an adventure, harness-up and feel the salt air flow through your hair as you zipline along the bay at Cape Enrage. After your zipline, abseil 42 metres down a cliff to the rocky ocean floor below.

Sitting on the southern coast of New Brunswick, the Bay of Fundy is in close proximity to the capital city of Saint John, as well as a number of smaller waterfront towns. Rent out a local cottage, breathe in that salty air, and then feast on some just-caught lobster alongside hungry locals.

You can even stay on the bay, at one of three picturesque New Brunswick islands. Visit the heritage cottage at Roosevelt Campobello International Park on Campobello Island, explore the rugged shoreline of Grand Manan, or camp along the beaches of Deer Island.

However you choose to experience it, the Bay of Fundy is a true natural wonder. For more inspiration, or to start planning your trip, visit the Tourism New Brunswick website.