Dramatic coastal hike along the Bay of Fundy cliffs offering access to remote beaches accessible only on foot at low tide. The massive tidal fluctuation (up to 16 metres — world's highest) reveals kilometres of ocean floor twice daily.
The Fundy Trail is the signature hiking route within the Fundy Trail Parkway, a provincial park and protected area on the northern shore of the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, approximately 20 kilometres east of St. Martins. The parkway is accessed via Route 111, with the main entrance gate roughly an hour's drive east of Saint John. An admission fee is charged per vehicle at the park gate, and a seasonally operated welcome centre provides trail maps and tide tables — essential planning tools given the bay's tidal conditions.
The main trail runs approximately 8 km from the interpretive centre and suspension bridge to Laverty Falls, with 150 metres of cumulative elevation change, making it accessible to hikers in moderate condition. The surface is a mix of packed gravel, natural dirt, and elevated boardwalk sections over wet ground. The route follows high clifftops above the Bay of Fundy, descending at several points to beaches accessible only at low tide. The bay is home to the world's highest tides, reaching up to 16 metres between high and low water — a phenomenon visible from multiple clifftop viewpoints along the trail.
At low tide, hikers can descend to Long Beach, Point Wolfe Beach, and other coves where the receding ocean exposes vast stretches of tidal flats, tidal pools, and rock formations otherwise completely submerged. A tide table from the welcome centre is essential for anyone planning beach exploration; tides rise rapidly and hikers caught below the tide line can be cut off from safe return. The suspension bridge near the main trailhead spans the Big Salmon River gorge, offering an aerial view of the river meeting the bay.
Wildlife along the Fundy Trail includes white-tailed deer, bald eagles, ospreys, harbour porpoises, and seasonally migrating fin and minke whales visible from the clifftops. The parkway is open from late May to mid-October and closed to motor vehicles beyond the welcome centre, keeping the trail peaceful outside of summer weekends.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Fundy Trail Parkway, New Brunswick
- Best season
- Late May to mid-October
Highlights
- world's highest tides
- hidden beaches at low tide
- suspension bridge
- lighthouse views
- whale watching potential
Tips for visiting
- Pick up a tide table at the welcome centre before setting out — beach access sections are safely passable only within approximately 2 hours around low tide.
- An admission fee is charged per vehicle at the park gate; check current rates on the Fundy Trail Parkway website before arrival.
- Allow extra time for side trails descending to beaches at low tide — the main out-and-back adds significant time when combined with tidal beach exploration.
- Bring binoculars for whale and seabird watching from the clifftop viewpoints, particularly in summer and early fall.
- Cell coverage is limited throughout the parkway; download offline maps in advance and ensure someone knows the planned route and return time.
When to visit
Late June to mid-September is the primary season with the parkway open and all facilities operational. Low-tide timing determines the best time of day; mornings typically combine good light with cooler temperatures for clifftop walking.
Accessibility
The Fundy Trail Parkway has a limited section of paved pathway near the welcome centre and suspension bridge that is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers in dry conditions. The main coastal trail beyond this point is unpaved with uneven terrain, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility limitations.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the world's highest tides?
The greatest visual drama occurs at the transition between low and high tide, when water rushes rapidly back into the bay. Local tide tables (available at the welcome centre) show daily times; a 2-3 hour window centred on low tide offers the best beach access and most striking tidal contrast.
Is there a fee to enter the Fundy Trail Parkway?
Yes, a per-vehicle admission fee is charged at the park gate. The fee covers access to the parkway road, interpretive centre, and all trails within the park. Current rates are listed on the Fundy Trail Parkway website.
Can visitors see whales from the trail?
Whale sightings from the clifftop viewpoints are possible, particularly in summer and early fall when fin whales and minke whales feed in the bay alongside harbour porpoises. Boat-based whale watching excursions from nearby St. Andrews or Grand Manan offer a closer experience.
Are the beach sections safe to walk?
Beach sections are safe only when accessed around low tide with a clear plan to return before water rises. The Bay of Fundy tide can rise approximately 1 metre per hour; hikers must monitor tide timing carefully and never lose track of time while exploring below the tide line.
How long does the main trail take?
The main 8 km trail takes approximately 2.5-3.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Adding beach exploration at low tide and the side trail to Laverty Falls can extend the outing to 5-6 hours in total.