Fundy National Park: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 21:17, 2 November 2025

Fundy National Park protects forests, river valleys, waterfalls, and dramatic coastal cliffs on the Bay of Fundy in southeastern New Brunswick. The bay’s extreme tides—among the highest in the world—shape beaches, estuaries, and intertidal zones, while inland trails explore the Caledonia Highlands through mixed Acadian forest and wetland habitats.

At a glance — Fundy National Park

Location	Bay of Fundy coast in southeastern New Brunswick — between Point Wolfe & Herring Cove, near the village of Alma
Province	New Brunswick
Established	1948
Area (approx.)	≈ 206 km²
Notable features	World-class Bay of Fundy tides; rugged coastal cliffs & cobble beaches; river valleys & waterfalls (Dickson Falls, Laverty Falls, Third Vault Falls); Acadian forest & bog boardwalks (Caribou Plain); scenic lookouts (Matthews Head); historic Point Wolfe covered bridge
Nearby communities	Alma (gateway); Riverside–Albert. Regional hubs: Moncton (YQM), Sussex, Saint John

Overview

Fundy bridges sea and highlands: tide-scoured beaches and mudflats transition to steeply incised river valleys and forested plateaus. Visitors come for ocean-view lookouts, classic waterfall hikes, canoe-friendly lakes, and the famed Fundy Circuit—a multi-day backpacking loop linking interior trails and backcountry campsites.

Landscapes and ecosystems

Coast and tides: Twice-daily tides expose and flood wide intertidal zones, revealing rock pools, cobble bars, and mudflats. Rugged headlands and coves frame long shoreline views.
Rivers and waterfalls: The Upper Salmon and Point Wolfe rivers cut deep canyons on their way to the bay, with cascades and falls including Dickson, Laverty, and Third Vault (the park’s tallest).
Acadian forest & wetlands: Red spruce, balsam fir, yellow birch, sugar maple, and hemlock with mossy understories; bogs and fens support specialized plants and birdlife.

Wildlife sightings may include moose, black bear, red fox, beaver, snowshoe hare, songbirds, and raptors; along the coast, look for porpoises and seabirds in season.

Things to do

Hiking & viewpoints: Signature trails include Dickson Falls, Laverty Falls, Matthews Head, Moosehorn, Goose River, and segments of the coastal trail network.
Backpacking: The Fundy Circuit connects interior lakes and valleys with reservable backcountry sites; Goose River provides a coastal backcountry option.
Paddling & lakes: Flatwater paddling and swimming at Bennett Lake and Wolfe Lake (seasonal rentals/programs may operate).
Beaches & tides: Explore intertidal zones at low tide (use tide tables) and enjoy sheltered coves such as Herring Cove.
Cycling & winter: Selected multi-use trails allow cycling; snowshoeing and winter walking are possible when conditions permit (check seasonal operations).

Access and visitor services

Route 114 follows the park’s coast between Moncton and Saint John, with signed access to trailheads, day-use areas, lakes, and visitor centres. The village of Alma borders the park and offers food, fuel, lodging, and outfitters.

Camping & roofed stays

Frontcountry campgrounds at Headquarters, Chignecto North, and (seasonally) Point Wolfe offer serviced/unserviced sites and roofed oTENTik options. Backcountry camping is available by permit on designated routes. Reservations are recommended for peak summer and fall foliage.

Safety and low-impact travel

Tides move fast. Intertidal areas and river mouths can flood quickly—consult tide tables and never venture onto exposed sea floor without time and exit margin.
Steep/rocky terrain. Slippery rocks and cliff edges require care; stay on marked trails and respect barriers.
Weather & wildlife. Fog, wind, and rain are common; carry layers, water, and navigation. Keep food secured and give wildlife space.
Follow fire bans and Leave No Trace principles.

External links (official)

Parks Canada — Fundy National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/fundy
Parks Canada — Reservations (camping/backcountry/roofed): https://reservation.pc.gc.ca
Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, tides, wildlife): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp

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+<div style="float:right; clear:right; margin:0 0 12px 16px; width:clamp(300px,42vw,340px); max-width:100%; border:1px solid #e5e7eb; border-radius:8px; background:#f8fafc; padding:12px; font-size:90%;">
 <div style="font-weight:700; color:#b91c1c; margin-bottom:6px;">At a glance — Fundy National Park</div>
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 ! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Location
-| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Bay of Fundy coast near '''Alma''', southeastern New Brunswick
+| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px; overflow-wrap:anywhere;" | Bay of Fundy coast in southeastern New Brunswick — between Point Wolfe & Herring Cove, near the village of '''Alma'''
 |-
-! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Province
+! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Province
-| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | New Brunswick
+| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px; overflow-wrap:anywhere;" | New Brunswick
 |-
-! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Established
+! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Established
-| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | 1948
+| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px; overflow-wrap:anywhere;" | '''1948'''
 |-
-! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Area (approx.)
+! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Area (approx.)
-| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | ≈ '''206 km²'''
+| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px; overflow-wrap:anywhere;" | ≈ '''206 km²'''
 |-
-! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Notable features
+! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Notable features
-| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Extreme tidal range; coastal cliffs and coves (Point Wolfe, Herring Cove); river canyons (Upper Salmon, Point Wolfe); waterfalls ('''Dickson Falls''', '''Laverty Falls''', '''Third Vault Falls''')
+| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px; overflow-wrap:anywhere;" | World-class Bay of Fundy tides; rugged coastal cliffs & cobble beaches; river valleys & waterfalls ('''Dickson Falls''', '''Laverty Falls''', '''Third Vault Falls'''); Acadian forest & bog boardwalks ('''Caribou Plain'''); scenic lookouts ('''Matthews Head'''); historic '''Point Wolfe''' covered bridge
 |-
-! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Nearby communities
+! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Nearby communities
-| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Alma (gateway), Hillsborough, Sussex; regional hubs: Moncton, Saint John
+| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px; overflow-wrap:anywhere;" | '''Alma''' (gateway); Riverside–Albert. Regional hubs: Moncton (YQM), Sussex, Saint John
 |}
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