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From the highest tides in the world to charming fishing villages with panoramic ocean views, the Southern Coast of New Brunswick is a sight to see and is surely something you'll want to add to your bucket list! This is why we curated this top 5 list—because it deserves to be experienced! On our trip, we will be starting from the city of Moncton as we make our way to the border of Maine.
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park
The Hopewell Rocks offer a truly bizarre and unique experience—walking right on the ocean floor. Thanks to the legendary Bay of Fundy tides, which cause the water to rise and fall 17 to 18 meters twice daily, you can stroll around these massive, tree-topped "flowerpot" formations at low tide, then return a few hours later to kayak around their peaks.
We arrived at high tide and only stayed for this lunar event, but it is of course best seen at the two opposing extremes. If you're on a tight timeline, I usually prefer the low tide over the high tide. The chance to walk on the ocean floor is pretty spectacular.
Growing up near this beautiful place, I've seen them more times than I can count, and I am still in awe of the power of the ocean. When you arrive at the park, you have a short walk to get to the "flowerpots," but do not fret; they have a scheduled golf cart service that brings you to and from the stairs to get down to the ocean floor.
Pro Tip: Make sure to look at tide schedule before your visit! This will ensure you have ample time to visit the ocean floor.
Cape Enrage
Don't let the moody name fool you—Cape Enrage is pure coastal thrill. Perched high on dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking the turbulent bay, this spot boasts one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the province. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can zip-line over the roaring waters or rappel down the rugged rock face. On the relaxing side, enjoy ocean vistas at Cape Enrage's UNESCO Beach!
We visited on quite a rainy day, if you couldn't tell, but in a way we enjoyed that much better because we had the entire place to ourselves!
We were lucky to arrive just as the tide was going out; this way, we had more beach to explore!
Pro Tip: If you didn't know, this area is rich with fossils! If you go up to the lighthouse, the stairs behind it will lead you down the cliffside, where you can find a unique rock composition—shale that holds these fossils!
Fundy Trail Provincial Park
Think of the Fundy Trail Parkway as a highlight reel for the entire Canadian coastline. This stunning 30-kilometer winding road isn't just a scenic drive; it’s an open invitation to pull over every five minutes. With over twenty panoramic lookouts, hidden beaches, and tumbling waterfalls right off the pavement, you’ll want to pack a picnic and take your sweet time. Roll the windows down, blast your favorite road trip playlist, and let that salty air do its thing.
A few years ago, before the parkway was even a provincial park, they added a new road to connect Fundy National Park to the Fundy Trail Provincial Park. If you're coming from Hopewell Rocks or Cape Enrage, you'll be going through Fundy National Park and Alma to get here!
Pro Tip: There aren't too many service stops between Alma and St. Martins, so make sure you get lunch or bring snacks!
St Martin Sea Caves
Tucked into a wildly charming fishing village, the St. Martins Sea Caves are giant, gaping caverns carved directly into the rugged red sandstone cliffs. Timing is everything here. When the world's highest tides vanish, you can hike right inside these echoing geological marvels and look back out at the open bay. Once the ocean inevitably returns to fill the caves, head into the village to watch the local fishing boats float back up to their docks.
We arrived at St. Martins during low tide! It is crazy to think how just a few hours before, the water levels were at their highest, and now here we are walking on the ocean floor at another location!
St Andrews by the sea
Dripping with historic charm, St. Andrews by-the-Sea feels like stepping directly into a classic maritime postcard. It’s the ultimate basecamp for world-class whale-watching excursions, boasting a vibrant, highly walkable downtown packed with artisan boutiques and impossibly fresh seafood joints. Whether you’re admiring the grand historic architecture or waiting for the tide to drop so you can drive your car across the exposed sea floor to Ministers Island, this picturesque resort town effortlessly steals hearts.
This area packs a punch with its numerous areas worth exploring. Minister's Island , a stone's throw away from the town, offers a unique crossing. That's right! To make your way to the island, you must wait for low tide to uncover a sandbar acting as a natural bridge.
If you wish to have a prestigious overnight stay in the town, look no further than the Algonquin Resort! With fine dining, golf, and a full-service onsite spa, this is a great place to get some rest and relaxation as you explore this picturesque, small coastal town.
Pro Tip: You'll want to consult their schedule as it closely follows the tides, so you don't need to calculate what time you should arrive yourself.
