Hopewell Rocks are located in New Brunswick at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. The park is located about 40 km from Moncton. Hopewell Rocks, or sea stacks as they are sometimes called, were formed over thousands of years. Caused by the aggressive tides found in the Bay of Fundy. Actually, the highest tides in the world are found in the Bay of Fundy. In this post, “Hopewell Rocks Your Guide To The Amazing Sea Stacks,” we will provide information to make your visit here more enjoyable and stress-free.
Our Cross-Canada Trip
This summer was our cross-Canada RV trip. We started in Alberta and are making our way to Nova Scotia. We are currently staying in Shediac, New Brunswick, with people we met in Tbilisi, Georgia (the country). So our visit to Hopewell Rocks is a day’s adventure out. Before New Brunswick, we had visited Gaspé, Quebec. What a beautiful place, a must-see.
Facts About The Bay Of Fundy
Tidal changes on the Bay of Fundy typically range from 14.5 meters (47.6 feet) from high tide to low tide; however, tidal changes in the Bay of Fundy have been measured in extreme conditions at 16.3 meters (53.5 feet). Bay of Fundy tides are the highest in the world.
To gather a complete perspective on the Bay of Fundy tides, you’ll want to visit at low tide and then again at high tide. One of the best places to do this is at the Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick.
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is located on the west coast of the Bay of Fundy, 40 km from Moncton. Taking highway 114, the drive to the park is about 1/2 hour. When traveling to Hopewell Rocks, a must-visit is The Sawmill Creek Covered Bridge, built in 1905. The single-span Howe truss bridge is around 105 feet long; it now only carries foot traffic.
The cost of entering the park ranges between $8 and $14, dependent on your age. The entrance ticket is valid for two consecutive days to be able to see both the high and low tides. We arrived early, around 9:00 am, to witness the low tide. Which actually occurred at 8:30. We stayed long enough to see the high tide later in the afternoon of the same day. This is the best way to experience the tide changes rather than driving back to see the other high or low tide the following day. You can always visit something nearby and return when the tide changes. You need to see the comparison between the tides; this is truly incredible, as depicted in the two pictures below.
What To Do At Hopewell Rocks
After arriving, you will want to Start with the Park’s Interpretive Center. This is where to learn about the Bay of Fundy’s geology, tides, and wildlife. The award-winning center offers a multi-media exhibit, a gift shop, and a restaurant with a panoramic view of the Bay of Fundy. This is also where you will find tickets for the shuttle service to the rocks, tourist information for the area, and restrooms.
Although Hopewell park is self-directed, park rangers are available at key areas on the sea floor to answer your questions. They help keep visitors safe once the tide starts coming in. To get to the staircase that leads to the seafloor, you can walk down the path, which is pleasant but not disability friendly. Or you can take the shuttle (cash only). We took the path and enjoyed the exercise that it offered, plus the views.
Make sure to visit at low tide (a must) to explore the ocean floor and visit the sea stacks up close. A good pair of walking shoes is recommended, the walking area is not that mudding. Then stay long enough or come back to see high tide and the fantastic transformation of the sea stacks in front of your eyes.
Low Tide At Hopewell Rocks
Taking the stairs at the end of the path, you descend to the seafloor and start getting up close and personal with the Sea Stacks. With some imagination, you will see an Elephant, Bear, Dinosaur, ET, and Mother-in-Law, among others. You may discover your own interpretation of some of these rocks; let your imagination run free.
Wear comfortable shoes that can get dirty as some places are a bit muddy. Views from the seabed are fantastic; you can get up close to the stacks, some with bottoms covered in seaweed. You can spend a good hour or more on the seafloor just wandering around and taking in this incredible experience. Make sure to ask the park staff any questions you may have; they are very well-informed and can answer most questions.
Once the water starts coming in, areas are roped off to prevent people from getting stranded in certain locations. You will need to retrace your steps back to the staircase. Take the time to see how fast the tide comes in. Set rocks up on the shoreline and see how long it takes them to disappear as the tide makes its way inward. Mother nature is truly amazing.
High Tide At Hopewell Rocks
Experiencing and seeing high tide is not the same as low tide. At high tide, you are up on the viewing platform at the staircase, looking out over the rocks and water. You are amazed by the transformation between low and high tides you have just witnessed.
Kayaking The Rocks
If you seek a little adventure, why not kayak the Hopewell Rocks? We love kayaking, and if we would have known beforehand, we might have booked a tour as it sounds like an adventure. So why not give it a try? I’m sure that you will enjoy it.
We had a great day visiting and would highly encourage you to visit Hopewell Rocks if you are in the area or planning a trip such as we have done.
Next Stop On Our Cross-Canada Trip
We are off to Nova Scotia next, touring the famous Cabot Trail. Looking forward to seeing this beautiful Province; we have heard so much about it. The Lighthouses, beaches, seafood, and meeting the locals.
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