52 Feet, 52 Weeks, 52 Reasons

Over the course of 52 weeks we revealed 52 reasons enticing reasons to visit the Bay of Fundy. That’s one reason for each of the roughly 52 feet of tidal range the Bay of Fundy experiences every 6 hours!

52 Feet, 52 Reasons, 52 WeeksBecause, not only is the Bay of Fundy home to the world’s highest tides, it is also a region bursting with natural phenomena, historic and cultural anecdotes and thrilling adventures.

With every foot the tides rise and fall, new and different experiences are revealed and yet another reason to visit the Bay of Fundy is uncovered. Scroll down to the comments section below and let us know the reasons why you would visit the Bay of Fundy!

Reason 52: Walk on the Ocean’s Floor

People walking on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick [Photo: New Brunswick Tourism and Parks]

During Fundy’s low tide cycle you are literally able to walk, and explore, the ocean floor. Ground covered only a few short hours earlier is revealed and the potential for finding newly exposed treasures, such as fossils, sea glass and semi-precious stones, make it easy to spend hours combing the shores. Read "Walk on the Ocean’s Floor"

Reason 51: Solitude

Sunset Chance Harbour

If it’s a holiday of solitude you’re seeking, the Bay of Fundy also provides its visitors with the opportunity to hear nothing but the a few birds singing soft melodies, waves crashing on to the shores and the wind rustling through the countryside. Read "Solitude"

Reason 50: Family, Fundy, Fun!

Magic Mountain Water Park

The Bay of Fundy is a great family vacation destination. An abundance of national and provincial parks for camping, hiking and picnics, an array of outdoor adventures including whale watching and tidal bore rafting, quirky attractions like Moncton’s Magnetic Hill or Saint John’s Reversing Rapids. Read "Family, Fundy, Fun!"

Reason 48: Diverse Coastline

Southwest Head, Grand Manan

Nowhere but the Bay of Fundy can combine the strength of the highest, most powerful tides in the world with the natural beauty of a diverse, unspoiled shoreline. Discover rich eco-systems of bogs and marshes, towering sea stacks and cliffs and both sand and rock beaches. Read "Diverse Coastline"

Reason 46: Camping

The Bay of Fundy offers visitors a variety options for those folks who prefer camping over traditional hotels or bed and breakfasts. Whether it be wilderness camping, pulling in your motorhome or setting up in a camper’s cabin, rest peacefully as you fall asleep to the sound of the Bay of Fundy. Read "Camping"

Reason 44: Machias Seal Island

Claimed by both Canada and the United States, Machias Seal Island is a 15 acre island located in the Bay of Fundy, and is the seasonal home to thousands of birds including 3000 pairs of Arctic terns, 400-500 pairs of nesting razorbills and, the general favorite, 1300 pairs of nesting Atlantic Puffins! Read "Machias Seal Island"

Reason 43: Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns

Innkeepers in the Fundy region pride themselves on providing their guests with warm hospitality and well-appointed accommodations in a relaxed, tranquil environment. Whether you prefer to stay in a country, historic or classic inn or be welcomed into a local bed and breakfast, you can be guaranteed an enjoyable, comfortable stay. Over the years we’ve heard about a few special locations around the Bay of Fundy that we’d like to share with you. Read "Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns"

Reason 41: Fishing Villages

The fishing industry is a large employer throughout parts of the Fundy region and therefore the appearance of scenic fishing weirs off the coast and historic fishing villages along the shores are common. In New Brunswick travel along Route 790, through the communities of Chance and Dipper Harbours and Maces Bay, and through St. Martins, Alma and the Fundy Isles to observe the comings and goings of the fishing boats. Read "Fishing Villages"

Reason 40: Outdoor Recreation

In addition to the many outdoor activities we have already listed, a number of other thrilling outdoor activities to be sampled along the Bay of Fundy coast including exploring undeveloped and wild caves, chartering a scuba dive to meet some of the Bay’s interesting inhabitants or zip above the Reversing Rapids. Read "Outdoor Recreation"

Reason 39: Magnetic Hill

A phenomenon first noticed by local farmers in the 19th century, Magnetic Hill is located in Moncton, New Brunswick along the Fundy Coastal Drive. While traveling on this hill, farmers noticed that their horses were struggling to go downhill, yet... Read "Magnetic Hill"

Reason 38: Fall Foliage

As the leaves begin to change color along the Fundy coast it seems very appropriate to add fall foliage and leaf watching to our list of 52 Reasons to Visit the Bay of Fundy. This time every year people set out in their cars, campers or on group motorcoach tours to witness the transformation of leaves from their spring and summer greens to beautiful yellows, oranges and reds. Read "Fall Foliage"

Reason 37: Sea Kayaking Adventures

Experience the Bay of Fundy tides by sea kayak. Spend hours exploring the waters as you paddle along unspoiled shoreline, isolated coves, towering cliffs and fascinating sea caves. Instruction is also provided for the inexperienced and a new appreciation of the outdoors is nearly guaranteed. Read "Sea Kayaking Adventures"

Reason 35: Where to Find the Best Seafood Dinner in the Bay of Fundy

One of the first things visitors often ask upon arriving in the Fundy region is “Where can I go for a great seafood dinner?” That’s easy. Fishing is one of the region’s major industries and there are a multitude of restaurants in nearly every community that lines the shores of Fundy specializing in fresh, local seafood with options for all budgets. Read "Where to Find the Best Seafood Dinner in the Bay of Fundy"

Reason 34: Bay of Fundy Hiking Trails

Miles upon miles of Bay of Fundy hiking trails wait to be explored along the coast that surrounds the magnificent Bay of Fundy. In Fundy’s many parks find trails suited to those looking for a leisurely hike as well as for those seeking a genuine challenge. Follow rugged trails to otherwise hidden, breathtaking coastal and forested territories, such as those found along the Fundy Footpath, stick to more traveled pathways that lead you to stunning rural vistas, like Cape Split, or take a more relaxed beach hike along Fundy’s pristine shoreline. Read "Bay of Fundy Hiking Trails"

Reason 32: Rich Ecosystem: 50 Amazing Places to Explore

The Bay of Fundy’s rich ecosystems, including many bogs, marshes and mudflats, support the lives of numerous plants and animals. The New Brunswick side of the Upper Bay of Fundy is home to the Fundy Biosphere Reserve, one of 531 landscapes in 105 countries designated as UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves. The Fundy Biosphere Reserve named 50 “Amazing Places” for visitors to explore. Read "Rich Ecosystem: 50 Amazing Places to Explore"

Reason 31: Wildlife & Wilderness

To experience the wilderness surrounding the Bay of Fundy, explore the expansive wilderness of Fundy National Park, travel the Fundy Trail Parkway to previously unreachable coastal areas, inspect the old-growth forests and steep ravines of Cape Chignecto Provincial Park or visit Brier Island to appreciate its wealth of wildflowers, orchids and the endangered Eastern Mountain Avens. Read "Wildlife & Wilderness"

Reason 25: The World’s Best Dulse

Somewhat of an acquired taste, dulse is an edible red seaweed that grows in intertidal zones in the North Atlantic and Northwest Pacific Oceans. Dulse picked off the coast of Grand Manan Island is said to be the best in the world, specifically that harvested in Dark Harbour. Read "The World’s Best Dulse"

Reason 24: Flower Pot Rocks

Carved from Fundy’s sandstone sea cliffs over the course of years and years, the Flower Pot Rocks – otherwise referred to as sea stacks – showcase the vertical variance of the Bay’s great tides. Nicknamed the Flower Pot Rocks as... Read "Flower Pot Rocks"

Reason 22: Bay of Fundy Whale Watching

The Bay of Fundy is one of the richest marine habitats in the world and is therefore the summer feeding ground for many marine mammals, seabirds and saltwater invertebrates. When you take part in a whale watching adventure on the Bay of Fundy you can expect to see minke, fin- and humpback whales as well as the rarest large mammal on Earth – the North Atlantic Right Whale Read "Bay of Fundy Whale Watching"

Reason 21: Resorts

Looking for a resort holiday with a new twist? The Bay of Fundy offers its guests a traditional resort holiday in a non-traditional atmosphere. In New Brunswick stay in Canada’s oldest seaside resort town, St. Andrews by-the-Sea, at The Algonquin Resort. In Digby, Nova Scotia, relaxing is made easy at The Pines Resort and in Maine discover the picturesque resort community of Bar Harbor. Read "Resorts"

Reason 20: Birds

Over 360 species of birds have been spotted throughout the Bay of Fundy region, including such endangered species as the peregrine falcon and the piping plover. The Bay of Fundy is a preferred destination for many birdwatchers, particularly during migration season, due to its prime location along the Atlantic Flyway. Read "Birds"

Reason 19: Historic Churches

There are a number of historic churches to be found within the communities that line the Bay of Fundy. Along Nova Scotia’s French Acadian Shore, discover one of the finest and most celebrated Acadian churches. An engineering marvel, St. Mary’s Church was built between 1903-1905 in the form of a cross and is the tallest and largest wooden church in North America. Read "Historic Churches"

Reason 18: Acadian Heritage

In a few distinct communities along the Fundy shoreline, observe the tri-coloured Acadian flag proudly flying from many homes and public buildings. Travel the French Acadian Shore between Yarmouth and Digby, Nova Scotia and you'll discover a language spoken here today that is reminiscent of 17th century French with an interesting twist of a few Mi’kmaq and English words. Read "Acadian Heritage"

Reason 17: Lighthouses

The first recorded lighthouse on the Bay of Fundy was lit on Partridge Island in 1791. Nowadays there are approximately sixty other lighthouses that line the shores of the Bay of Fundy, many of which have guided vessels and protected seafarers from rocky headlands for nearly two centuries. We’ve highlighted just a few of those lighthouses. Read "Lighthouses"

Reason 16: Fundy’s Historic Sites

Many forts and towers were built overlooking the waters of Fundy, to observe activity and protect their respective towns from intruders. For this very reason, most of these historic sites offer stunning, panoramic harbour views. Check out this article to learn about all the historic sites the Bay of Fundy has to offer. Read "Fundy’s Historic Sites"

Reason 15: Fundy Isle Island Hopping

You've heard about island hopping in the Mediterranean, Caribbean or the South Pacific, but have you ever considered the Bay of Fundy? The Isles of Fundy are a collection of islands at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy, and are connected to the mainland, and each other, by ferry. Popular activities in and around the Fundy Isles include beachcombing, sea kayaking, bird watching and whale watching. Amazing photo opportunities await! Read "Fundy Isle Island Hopping"

Reason 14: Fundy Parks

Explore untamed, natural beauty, observe rich eco-systems or watch the sunrise from the highest point along the Eastern seaboard north of Brazil. Naturalists will discover a rich variety of plant life growing in the forests and meadows as well as an abundance of wildlife. Read "Fundy Parks"

Reason 13: Beaches: Sea, Sand and Surf

The Bay of Fundy is home to miles of unspoiled, saltwater beaches. The perfect place to relax in the sun, play in the ocean’s waves or take a peaceful stroll. Compared to beaches in high-traffic tourist destinations, the beaches along the Fundy coast are nearly deserted. So come with your beach blanket, sunscreen and a good book and enjoy a relaxing day in solitude at the beach! Read "Beaches: Sea, Sand and Surf"

Reason 12: Destination Weddings

Whether you want a beach wedding or the grand hotel, the Bay of Fundy area is a great place for a destination wedding! In this very first guest post in our "52 Reasons to visit" article series, Sarah Redmond, a professional wedding & event planner, explains why the Bay of Fundy area is just as appealing for a destination wedding as a 4-star all-inclusive resort in Jamaica. Fundy is close to home, much more affordable, and offers a wide variety of unique locations. Read "Destination Weddings"

Reason 11: Port-Royal: First European Settlement

Located at the mouth of the Saint Croix River, an international boundary between Canada and the United States, Saint Croix Island is the location of North America's first significant European settlement. In the summer of 1604, approximately eighty French colonists, led by Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons, and Samuel de Champlain, established a colony on the island. Read "Port-Royal: First European Settlement"

Reason 10: Bay of Fundy Museums

While traveling throughout the Bay of Fundy region take time to visit some of its fascinating museums. Learn about the life and times of the region’s pioneers, local history and industry and see a variety of interesting exhibits. Featured in the this article are the New Brunswick Museum (oldest continuing museum in Canada), the Firefighter’s Museum, the Chocolate Museum and the Fundy Geological Museum. Read "Bay of Fundy Museums"

Reason 8: Fascinating Fossils

The Joggins Fossil Cliffs paleontological site stretches along some 15 kilometres of Bay of Fundy shoreline. It's Fundy's most popular location to explore some the world’s best examples of Carboniferous fossils. Read "Fascinating Fossils"

Reason 7: Maritime Hospitality

While traveling along the Fundy coast, whether in rural communities, quaint towns or the city, you will experience warm, welcoming Maritime hospitality. As a general rule, Maritimers are friendly folks. Expect cars to stop and let you cross the street, for people to hold open doors for you and to be greeted by smiling strangers wherever your Fundy travels take you. Read "Maritime Hospitality"

Reason 6: Vineyards & Wineries

Possibly one of the best reasons to visit the Fundy Coast are both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick's growing wine regions. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy fantastic wines while experiencing the region’s unique character. Read "Vineyards & Wineries"

Reason 5: Mi’kmaq Heritage

Long before the arrival of Acadian and British settlers, it was the native Mi’kmaq people who first lived on the shores of Fundy. The many Mi'kmaq legend show a genuine appreciation for the Bay’s uniqueness and explain the many mysteries that surround the various phenomena. Read "Mi’kmaq Heritage"

Reason 3: Slow Pace of Life

I am sure you know the feeling. Life is flying by, you can hardly keep up and there seems to be no time to actually enjoy it. Relax! The Bay of Fundy is the perfect location to experience life in the slow lane. Those who've experienced Fundy's slow pace of life are left with a greater appreciation for nature and life. Read "Slow Pace of Life"

Reason 1: Rockhounding

It's 2011 and we'll start the new year with the first article in our new "52 reasons" series. As you know, this year the Bay of Fundy might get elected as one of the new Seven Wonders of Nature, which is why we will reveal one enticing reason to visit the Bay of Fundy every week, for an entire year! First up: Rockhounding! Read "Rockhounding"

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