What are the coolest places to stay along the Bay of Fundy?
The world’s highest tides are the main event, but these awesome accommodations are a close second.
Road trip season has us dreaming of all the cool spots to crash along the Fundy Coast, one of New Brunswick's iconic road trip routes. Anyone who has traveled around this region knows that nature steals the show every time (the world's highest tides have a way of doing that), but finding the perfect place to stay can definitely elevate the experience.
The Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick offers a wide range of accommodations, from boutique hotels to teardrop-shaped cabins. St. James Gate in Moncton puts you within walking distance of downtown restaurants and brewpubs and about 40 minutes from the Hopewell Rocks. Near the Rocks themselves, Hopewell Haven offers a 1,800-square-foot post-and-beam cottage with bay views. Inside Fundy National Park, the Ôasis is an electric-blue, teardrop-shaped duplex cabin with a loft hammock, and it can fit two adults and two kids. Saint John's Chipman Hill Suites are spread across eight historic uptown properties in Canada's first incorporated city. In St. Martins, the century-old Tidal Watch Inn has 15 rooms across three buildings, some with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. New River Beach Provincial Park offers 99 campsites and four rustic shelters on a sandy cove beach. The Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews, a former Canadian Pacific Railway hotel dating to 1889, is New Brunswick's grand historic property. Whale Cove Cottages on Grand Manan Island has run six wood-shingled cottages for 125 years. And, across the border in Nova Scotia, Shangri-La Cottages sits at Burntcoat Head, the site of the highest recorded tide change at 53.5 feet. No matter the type of traveler you may be, The Bay of Fundy has something perfect for you.
Quick facts:
St. James Gate
- Location: Moncton
- Vibe: Hip and central
- Highlights: Boutique hotel with hassle-free self check-in and on-site restaurant inspired by the Guinness Brewery
Hopewell Haven
- Location: Hopewell Cape
- Vibe: Cozy and local
- Highlights: Post-and-beam cottage hosted by a local, close to the Hopewell Rocks
Ôasis
- Location: Fundy National Park
- Vibe: Quirky and scenic
- Highlights: Electric-blue teardrop-shaped cabin with a platform bed and loft hammock
Chipman Hill Suites
- Location: Saint John
- Vibe: Historic and boutique
- Highlights: Historic uptown properties, each suite decorated differently
Tidal Watch Inn
- Location: St. Martins
- Vibe: Seaside and cozy
- Highlights: Century-old inn, once the social center for local shipbuilders
New River Beach Provincial Park
- Location: Near Saint John
- Vibe: Outdoorsy and family-friendly
- Highlights: Tidal pools and a long sandy beach tucked in a Fundy cove
Algonquin Resort
- Location: St. Andrews
- Vibe: Grand and historic
- Highlights: Former CP Railway hotel where Prince Charles and Princess Diana once stayed
Whale Cove Cottages
- Location: Grand Manan Island
- Vibe: Rustic and maritime
- Highlights: Wood-shingled cottages that have hosted artists and birdwatchers for over a century
Shangri-La Cottages
- Location: Burntcoat Head
- Vibe: Tidal and remote
- Highlights: Only accommodation at the site of the world's highest recorded tide change
1. St. James Gate, Moncton
Moncton is the region's largest urban hub and the perfect home base for exploring the Bay of Fundy. Credit: Nigel Fearon
The City of Moncton is a perfect home base for Fundy explorations. Its close proximity to the coast and other sites (about a 40-minute drive to the Hopewell Rocks and an hour to Fundy National Park) makes for easy day trips, if that's what you're after.
Stay at the hip St. James Gate boutique hotel in the city's downtown to be walking distance from hot restaurants, live music and local brewpubs. This hotel has nine rooms and suites, and offers a hassle-free self check-in service. Make sure to check out the on-site restaurant that has free entertainment five nights a week. The St. James Gate Restaurant and Bar was inspired by the famous Guinness Brewery and draws on the aesthetic of Ireland and the maritimes.
2. Hopewell Haven, near the Hopewell Rocks
At low tide, visitors can walk the ocean floor beneath the Hopewell Rocks, then kayak the same spot when the water returns. Credit: New Brunswick Tourism
What's a Bay of Fundy visit without a stop at the Rocks? The area's got several cool Airbnbs and small inns with hosts who will give you a really warm welcome, like this post-and-beam cottage hosted by Leah. This Airbnb is 1800 square feet with picturesque views of the bay. The locals love showing off their corner of New Brunswick, so don't be shy to ask for recommendations!
Hopewell Rock Provincial Park has more than 20 free-standing sea stacks along the nearly 1.3 miles of shoreline. If the tide is right, you can either walk along the ocean floor or kayak around the rock forms.
3. Ôasis, Fundy National Park
The Ôasis cabin sits within more than 60 miles of trails winding through Fundy National Park's Acadian forest. Credit: New Brunswick Tourism
Surrounded by more than 60 miles of hiking and walking trails within the Acadian forest, this electric-blue teardrop-shaped cabin competes with the views to be the most Instagrammable scene at Fundy National Park. The Ôasis is perfect for families, as it can fit two adults and two kids. It features a platform bed that transforms into a table, along with a loft hammock. Imagine curling up on a hammock inside your very own water droplet after a day of exploring. Thumbelina would be envious.
4. Chipman Hill Suites, Saint John
Chipman Hill Suites is spread across eight historic properties in uptown Saint John, Canada's first incorporated city, established in 1785. Credit: New Brunswick Tourism
The region's other urban hub, Saint John, sits right on the bay and is Canada's first incorporated city, established in 1785. This means there is lots of architectural character within the buildings that contain shops, galleries and restaurants, as well as many cool spots to stay. Chipman Hill Suites, a collection of eight individual properties in the historic uptown region of the city, is a perfect example. While each suite is decorated differently, they all have the comfort of home.
5. Beach Street Inn, St. Martins
The St. Martins Sea Caves, about a five-minute drive from the Beach Street Inn, are best explored by kayak at high tide. Credit: New Brunswick Tourism
There are so many reasons to make your way to St. Martins. This cute seaside village offers everything from seafood chowder and the Fundy Trail Parkway to sea caves and paddling. Did we mention the seafood chowder? St. Martins is only about 45 minutes from Saint John, so it's an easy day trip. But if you're looking to overnight on the coast, the Beach Street Inn offers exactly that: cozy accommodations just steps from the highest tides in the world. Located an five-minute drive from the St. Martins Sea Caves, this century-old inn was once the social center for the shipbuilders of St. Martins. Three buildings house 14 guest rooms, six of which are in the historic sections of the inn. Some rooms feature whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and balconies. Breakfast is always included.
New River Beach Provincial Park sits in a Bay of Fundy cove, with a long sandy beach and tidal pools that are revealed at low tide. Credit: New Brunswick Tourism
If camping is more your speed, New River Provincial Park has campgrounds you won't want to miss. Contrary to what the name suggests, the park is tucked in a cove on the Bay of Fundy (not actually a river at all), with tons of unspoiled marine life. Tidal pools, trails and an amazingly long sandy beach (at low tide) are all just a short distance from the campground. There are 99 campsites, four rustic shelters, five A-frame cabins and a picnic area on the property. Here, you’ll find tons of natural history just waiting to be discovered. Not only is the camping amazing, but you can indulge in your creativity by participating in the annual Sand Sculpture Competition.
7. Algonquin Resort, Saint Andrews
Operating since 1889, the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews is now the first Marriott Autograph Collection hotel in Canada. Credit: New Brunswick Tourism
Since 1889, the Algonquin Resort has offered the perfect blend of luxury and history. This former Canadian Pacific Railway hotel has had its fair share of VIP guests, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana during their visit to Canada.
The property has never lost its grandeur in over a century of operation, becoming the first Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel in Canada. The resort features indoor and outdoor pools, a waterslide, a fitness center, and an AVEDA Concept Spa. The spa offers not only traditional treatments, but also salon services and a medi spa. Even if you don't overnight at the Algonquin Resort, we recommend stopping by for a meal or a cocktail on the veranda.
8. Whale Cove Cottages, Grand Manan Island
Grand Manan Island is a 90-minute ferry ride across the Bay of Fundy, with clifftop trails for hiking, birdwatching and whale watching. Credit: New Brunswick Tourism
Step into a postcard on Grand Manan Island as seabirds circle above sheer rock cliffs that cascade into the endless blue sea. It's a dreamer's paradise. After a 90-minute ferry ride, you’ll arrive on an island with all of New Brunswick's charm. Spend your time birdwatching, whale watching, kayaking or hiking. Stay in the traditional, wood-shingled cottages of Whale Cove Cottages to feel the maritime vibe that pulses through the island. For the past 125 years, Whale Cove Cottages (formerly the Inn at Whale Cove) has cultivated an environment for artists, bird watchers and families alike to come together in the comforts of six unique cottages. You'll be treated to rustic comfort and incredible views.
9. Shangri-La Cottages, Burntcoat Head
Shangri-La Cottages perched above the red cliffs of Burntcoat Head, site of the world's highest recorded tides. Credit: Shangri-La Cottages/Asrar Ul Haq-Montford
As the only accommodation right at the site of the highest recorded tides, you’ll know instantly that this location is special. Burntcoat Head holds the record of 53.5-foot changes in the tides, and it reaches peak twice a day. When the tide is at its lowest, take a walk on the ocean floor. When it’s at its highest, you can adventure via kayak. A stay at Shangri-La Cottages allows you to watch the tide from the comfort of your cottage. All five cottages sleep at least four people, while some even feature a hot tub—the perfect way to end the day while watching the sunset.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best home base for exploring the Bay of Fundy?
Moncton and Saint John are the region's two main hubs. Moncton sits about 40 minutes from the Hopewell Rocks and an hour from Fundy National Park, while Saint John sits directly on the bay with easy access to St. Martins and the Fundy Trail Parkway.
What kinds of accommodations are available along the Bay of Fundy?
Options range from boutique hotels and century-old inns to Airbnbs, cottages, provincial park campgrounds and novelty stays like a teardrop-shaped cabin. Most properties along the coast lean into local history or the surrounding landscape rather than standard hotel design.
Is the Bay of Fundy good for a road trip?
Yes. The Fundy Coast is one of New Brunswick's signature road trip routes, connecting Moncton, Hopewell Cape, Fundy National Park, Saint John, St. Martins and St. Andrews along the shoreline.
What is there to do besides sightseeing the tides?
Activities along the coast include kayaking, hiking through the Acadian forest, whale watching, birdwatching and walking the ocean floor at low tide. Grand Manan Island and the Fundy Trail Parkway are popular spots for these outdoor activities.
Where can you see the highest tides in the world?
Burntcoat Head in Nova Scotia holds the record for the highest recorded tide change at 53.5 feet. Shangri-La Cottages is the only accommodation right at that site.
Sources
Algonquin Resort —algonquinresort.com/
Grand Manan Camping —grandmanancamping.com
St. James Gate —st-jamesgate.ca/
Parks Canada – Fundy National Park —pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nb/fundy
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park —parcsnbparks.ca/en/parks/33/hopewell-rocks-provincial-park
Parks Canada – Ôasis camping —parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/fundy/activ/camping/oasis
Chipman Hill Suites —chipmanhill.com/
Tidal Watch Inn —tidalwatchinn.ca/
New River Beach Provincial Park — parcsnbparks.ca/en/parks/13/new-river-beach-provincial-park
Whale Cove Cottages —whalecovecottages.ca/
Shangri-La Cottages —shangri-lacottages.com