Length of stay: 1 day
Visited: September 2022
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is located along the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. It features a series of stunning sea stacks and is a popular spot to watch the extreme change in the tide. The park contains a single hiking trail that follows the coastline and provides three access points to the ocean floor.
While staying at Fundy National Park, we decided to make a day trip to visit Hopewell Rocks, which is one of the iconic places to visit in Atlantic Canada. After consulting the tide tables, we figured we should plan to get there during the middle of low tide. From Fundy National Park, it’s about a 45 minute drive to Hopewell Rocks. Along the way we stopped at the Anderson Hollow Lighthouse.
We arrived at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park just after 9:30am. Entrance was a bit steep ($14 per person), but our park pass was valid for two consecutive days. The park features a series of free-standing sea stacks that have been shaped by tectonic shifts and erosion from the extreme tides and elements. The tide here rises and falls an average of 10 to 14 metres (33 to 46 feet), or a rate of up to nearly 2 metres (6 feet) per hour.
There are two options to get to the shoreline, either by taking the shuttle service (for an additional fee) or by trail. We’re all about the steps, so we opted for the latter. From the Interpretive Centre, we turned left towards Flower Pot Rocks (0.8km one-way). The path is wide and weaves through the forest. About half-way there’s a short detour that leads to a viewing platform overlooking Big Cove. The sea stacks at Hopewell Rocks are often referred to as Flower Pot Rocks because there are often trees growing from the top of many of the rock pillars.
The next point of interest along the trail was at Staircase Cove. There’s a viewing platform that overlooks a series of rock formations, including the famous Lovers Arch. There is also a large metal staircase (with 101 steps) that leads down to the ocean floor.
The ocean floor is only accessible three hours before and after low tide. And be warned, it is quite muddy down there, especially closer to the water. Thankfully there is a shoe washing station near the top of the metal staircase to help clean off all the mud and dirt afterwards. We sloshed around through some of the mud to get a better view of some of the rock formations.
After washing off our shoes, we headed back to the path towards Demoiselles Beach. Along the way there are a couple of scenic overlooks that provide a nice view of the mudflats. The mudflats here are off limits to walk across as they contain tiny mud shrimp that serve as food to thousands of migrating shorebirds.
The path leads down to Demoiselles Beach which provides another access point to the ocean floor. The name “Demoiselles” refers to the cape, creek and beach in this area, and is attributed to early French explorers who thought the flowerpot shaped cliffs resembled shapely women wearing elaborate hats, hence the name “Cap de Demoiselles”.
From the beach we walked back to the main parking lot. We would have loved to stay for longer to see the sea stacks at high tide, but we had other plans to explore more of Fundy National Park. On the drive back to the park, we made another detour to check out a covered bridge and to pick up some fresh seafood.
There never seems to be enough time to see it all.
L
One of our favourite spots that we visited last summer. The differences in the tides are amazing. Maggie
Oh I know, the extreme change in the tides at the Bay of Fundy is pretty incredible. I would have loved to have been at Hopewell Rocks at both low and high tide, but we’ll just have to save that for another time.
You are right, there never seems to be enough time. The good news is that you seem to be able to make the most of the time you do have 🙂 These parks are simply amazing!
That’s very true!! I almost need a vacation after some of our vacations sometimes. We made the most of our time in New Brunswick and I’m sure we’ll be back someday. Thankfully it’s not too far away.
Stunning captures. I loved The Bay of Fundy.
Thanks for your kind words. The sea stacks along the Bay of Fundy are simply stunning. It’s wild how much the water levels change with the tides.
Always a worthwhile stop. We have been there many times. Thanks for the memories Linda. Allan
You bet. Hopewell Rocks is one of the most popular spots in New Brunswick. It definitely lived up to the hype. I just wished we could have stayed for longer, but c’est la vie.
Such an interesting park to explore. All those rock formations are just wow.
The rock formations along the shoreline are stunning. It’s pretty amazing how there are even trees and greenery growing from the top of some of them. Nature sure is beautiful.
This place looks amazing! I agree, there is never enough time. But always an excuse to return sometime.
For sure. Visiting Hopewell Rocks was one of the highlights from our time out east. It’s pretty amazing how the sea stacks have been shaped by the elements and I love how there are even trees growing from the tops of many of them.
Very beautiful, wow! I love the sea stacks, so amazing. I would love to walk this beach. It’s amazing how the moon can move so much water!
The sea stacks are pretty spectacular. It was neat to visit during low tide and walk along the beach. It was very muddy though. We even saw someone get stuck and almost fall. Thank goodness they had a shoe washing station afterwards.
I’m glad they got unstuck! Yikes…
No kidding! It was a good reminder for us not to stray too far.
You do Canada proud! Such a fount of information on each and every post! And the photographs are stellar, always. Thank you for sharing!
You are too kind. We spent a lot of exploring the west and east coast of Canada this year, which was a lot of fun. It’s wild how different the scenery is. It also really makes me appreciate being Canadian.
It is such a beautiful country and you do it justice!
Aww thanks 🙂
My pleasure, always 🙂
We really loved being there so many times. These Hopewell Rocks were so photogenic. We will return there in the Spring from Halifax. Anita
Hopewell Rocks is such a fascinating place to watch the extreme changes in the tides. I can see why you’ve visited so many times. That’s exciting that you’ll be returning in the spring.
I think Demoiselle’s Beach is where Race Against the Tide is filmed!
I actually just started watching Race Against the Tide on CBC Gem. I had no idea how much work was involved with sand sculpting! It’s pretty impressive! It’s also neat that it was filmed along the Bay of Fundy and how they show how much the water changes every six hours with the tide.
I didn’t know anything about sand sculpting either! Very impressive!
It’s too bad that their work of art gets destroyed so quickly when the tide starts to come in, but that’s part of the drama of the show!
I’m so glad to see this recap, as you had only briefly mentioned Hopewell in your previous post. This truly is a marvelous part of the East coast and I’m glad to have visited. We’re due for another visit in the near future to take T for his first visit.
PS. You can get Covered Bridge chips in Toronto. I’ve seen them at places like Winners or Bulk Barn.
Oh I know. Hopewell Rocks is such an iconic place in Atlantic Canada. I’m a bit bummed that we couldn’t stay longer to see what the shoreline and sea stacks looked like during high tide, but it’ll be a great reason for us to return. Thanks for the tip about the Covered Bridge Chips. I’m thinking these would make a good stocking stuffer for K!
Great idea for stocking stuffer!
What a huge difference in heights of tides in Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park Linda and interesting to learn about not stepping on the mud shrimps.
It’s wild how much the water levels change with the tides along the Bay of Fundy! It was neat being able to access the shoreline during low tide, but it was very mucky. I can only imagine how much worse it would have been to walk along the mud flats! It’s probably a good call that they are off limits.
I agree, so much to see, so little time! Looks so beautiful, nature sure is cool!
Agreed. Nature is the best artist. Hopewell Rocks is such a fascinating place with all those interesting sea stacks and to see the highest tides in the world.
Wow! Amazing place and photos! Thank’s for share, Linda.
Looks so peaceful and romantic. Have a great week ahead!
Elvira
Thanks for your lovely comment. The coastal scenery at Hopewell Rocks is stunning. We had a wonderful time wandering around and admiring all the various sea stacks.
No, there’s never enough time, is there? And Fundy is worth a thorough exploration. I hope you enjoyed the seafood – so yummy!
Agreed. I have a feeling we’ll come back to New Brunswick, especially since it’s not too far from Ontario. I’m actually a vegetarian, but my husband said the seafood in eastern Canada was delicious.
I am a “mostly-vegetarian” (about 95% of the time) because I occasionally have chicken or fish (and have a serious weakness for scallops). Cheers.
It took me a couple of years to fully transition to being vegetarian. I had a serious weakness for chicken nuggets of all things!
I agree that it’s quite a leap (it has been difficult at times as I’m sure you know) but I’m not ready to go totally all the way yet.
With most things in life, it’s all about moderation. It was a huge transition for me to become vegetarian, but I think the toughest part was that some people in my family weren’t supportive or just didn’t get it. It’s always tough to turn down food and some people take it so personally. Thankfully a lot of those kinks have been worked out now.
Agreed. I’ve experienced that too. It takes some time for people to accept the change.
That staircase cove is wonderful. 😁
The views from Staircase Cove are stunning. It’s neat that there’s an observation deck at the top of the cliffs and a staircase that takes you to the shoreline to get a closer look at the sea stacks.
Fantastic. 😊
What a handsome and curious sight the sea stacks are. I actually like that this isn’t an easy sight; that you have to time your arrival and take the mud into account. It’s also great that they protect the mudflats, so important to the birds. Throw in that charming lighthouse and another covered bridge for the collection and this looked like a fine day’s exploring.
It’s wild how there are trees and plants growing from the top of some of the sea stacks. It goes to show just how resilient nature is. It’s too bad we couldn’t have stayed until high tide to watch how much the water levels change though, but it was fun to explore the mucky shore during low tide.
Absolutely beautiful!
Thanks for your kind words and for leaving a comment. The scenery along the Bay of Fundy is spectacular, especially with all those interestingly shaped sea stacks.
wow, I just love those rocks on the shore! It’s like you stepped into another world walking through and around those rocks. And the lighthouse is delightful! 🙂
I’m such a fan of lighthouses and am always willing to make a detour to check one out! The rock formations along the Bay of Fundy are so fascinating. I love how there are even trees and plants growing from the tops of some of the rock pillars.
Never mind my comment on the other post!! Here’s the awesome formations I was expecting.
Glad I didn’t disappoint! The rock formations at Hopewell Rocks are pretty incredible. I was happy to hear that they didn’t sustain any damage from Hurricane Fiona.
A pretty unusual place with some otherworldly features by the sound of it. Muddy tidal sweeps are often unwalkable due to sinking mud so it’s good to able to enjoy it without getting stuck…
For sure. We actually saw someone almost get stuck (and fall) in the mud, which was a great reminder for us to not stray too far.
“There never seems to be enough time to see it all.” This is true, and thank-you for sharing things with us that we may not have had the time to see ourselves. 🙂
Thanks for your lovely comment. It’s been nice to explore more of Canada this past year. Visiting Hopewell Rocks was one of the highlights of our time out east. It’s wild how much the water levels change with the tides along the Bay of Fundy.
Wow those rock formations are really crazy, but at the same time totally beautiful. And I love the little lighthouse. 🙂
Oh I know. I love how there’s even some trees growing from a few of the rock formations. It’s pretty wild.
Very Beautiful! I haven’t been but it is high on my bucket list🙂
The scenery along the Bay of Fundy is spectacular, especially along Hopewell Rocks with all those interesting rock formations. I can see why it’s high on your bucket list. Hopefully you’re able to visit someday. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. Linda
We never made it to New Brunswick and that area on our trip back east this past summer. The photos you have of those incredible stacks make me want to return soon and check out that area!
Even though the provinces in eastern Canada are small, there is so much to see and explore. You’ll definitely have to return to New Brunswick. The area along the Bay of Fundy is fabulous. Kouchibouguac National Park is also worth checking out. I wish we had more time to drive along the coast towards Maine and to visit Saint John and Fredericton.
Soooo much to see and enjoy 🙂
For sure. It makes me appreciate how beautiful Canada is and how lucky we are to live here.
Beautiful Hopewell Rocks! Great photos! Thanks for sharing .👍👍
Thanks for your kind words and for leaving a comment. The sea stacks at Hopewell Rocks were incredibly beautiful. We had a wonderful time just walking along the shoreline and soaking in the views.
The rock formations in this area look so cool! That is neat that they have a foot washing station for visitors. The lighthouse also is very beautiful!
I’m such a fan of lighthouses and am always willing to make a detour to check one out. The sea stacks at Hopewell Rocks were stunning. It’s pretty wild that there are even trees growing from the tops of some of them. The shoe washing station was definitely needed! I couldn’t get over just how mucky it was along the shoreline.
I love the look of the Flower Pot Rocks! They remind me a little bit of a similar formation off the southern coast of Bali, although what I saw was much smaller. To me the shape of that lighthouse is very unique, unlike anything we have here in Indonesia (at least not that I know of).
The rock formations at Hopewell Rocks are gorgeous. It’s pretty amazing how there are even trees and other plants growing from the tops of some of them. There are a lot of lighthouses in eastern Canada. I love how each one has a unique shape and size. It’s too bad we didn’t have more time to try to find them all.
Nice memory, unfortunately I arrived too late at the Bay of Fundy the day I was supposed to go. And this covered bridge, I also stopped there, the traffic is diverted because it is too fragile if I remember well.
It’s too bad that you missed out on the Bay of Fundy as it’s such a special place. And yes, good memory. The covered bridge is located just off the main road so you can’t drive through it anymore. Fine by me as I just wanted to take pictures of it anyway!
I find it quite amazing that trees grow from the top of the rock pillars. Oh, I can see how muddy it is … but definitely worth going down there to see the Arch and rock formations from closer. And I like the covered bridge!
Oh I know, it’s pretty incredible how some trees can grow in the most precarious positions. It was neat to walk along the ocean floor, but my gosh was it muddy. I’m glad we wore our hiking boots and that they had a shoe washing station afterwards.
There’s something compelling about a lighthouse, whether or not it’s operational. These rock formations are amazing!
For sure. I’m obsessed with lighthouses, even the ones that look a bit derelict and abandoned. The sea stacks at Hopewell Rocks are incredibly impressive. I love how there are trees and plants growing from the top of some of them.
Those trees growing out of the rock look almost like a fantasy illustration!
Oh I know. Nature sure knows how to put on a display!
What a great tour you’re having out east. I find that everything is way more expensive out there. My friend was in PEI for a bike race and she was shocked by the price of hotels. Finding a car was almost impossible.
Your photos are amazing. I love the rock formations. Thanks for the history lesson the tides and tectonics. Isn’t it great you have a blog? It’s those cool details that get forgotten after you leave a place.
Alisen
Thanks for your lovely comment. We spent a lot of time out west earlier this year so it was nice to shake it up and explore out east. I was blown away by how charming the Maritimes are. The national parks are all incredibly scenic and have a nice range of hiking trails and other activities. We ended up camping in oTENTiks the entire time, which were actually cheaper compared to the ones in Ontario and more affordable than staying in a hotel. All we had to do was pack our sleeping bags, pillows and stuff for cooking. It sure beat sleeping in our tent, especially towards the end of our trip when we encountered a lot of wind and rain in Cape Breton Highlands.
It’s funny because I never really cared about geography or geology when in school, but now that I’m older, I just can’t get enough of it. Travelling is such a fun way to learn. And yes, it’s nice to write about all the cool things we learn about so we can always look back and remember.
Hope you’re all ready for the holidays. Take care. Linda
That’s how Matt And I felt when we were in Pittsburgh. We didn’t have enough time to get everything in even though we were there for a week! It’s hard to see it all and do it all. It’s really interesting how different the tides run. It’s a good thing they have warnings and signs to let people know about the dangers of high tide. That always scares me thinking about that. That’s Nice that they protect the area that has the mud shrimp for the birds. I always appreciate places that appreciate nature and try to protect it.
Oh I know! It forces you to prioritize things and make the most of each day though. It’s definitely a good thing that there are lots of signs and warnings about when the tide. It’s crazy how quickly the water levels change along the Bay of Fundy. We made sure we had ample time to return before high tide. And agreed, it’s good that some areas are off limits. Humans have a way of ruining things sometimes.
Yes, humans can do that. Ugh 😫 Matt and I like to take garbage bags and wear gloves, picking up trash when it gets warmer and throw away the trash in free park garbage cans . It helps to clean up the town. Things tend to stay cleaner longer afterwards, too. I think more people feel badly literally after they see people cleaning it up lol 🤣 . You’re right. It does help you to prioritize your time. 🙂 Prioritizing time is always good especially when you have things you really don’t want to miss 🙂
That’s amazing that you and Matt are cleaning up the environment by picking up trash. I never really understood why people litter. It’s disgusting. We typically pick up trash along the trails when we’re hiking and it’s crazy how much worse it’s gotten over the past few years.
Wow 😳 it’s even happening where you’re at ! Maybe the police need to get more strict about littering laws and follow up with them. We find a lot on the trails near us too and end up picking trash up and throwing it away. It’s so gross. People just open candy bars or drinks and toss the empty containers on the ground. Lazy, I swear. We were hiking the one day and saw trash all over the grassy area where geese congregate and the rangers were chatting it up not doing a think about the trash. Matt and I were so annoyed, we just started to clean it ourselves.
No kidding. During the pandemic, our government provided a lot of support to students or other people who lost their jobs. It’s too bad that they didn’t use it as an opportunity to get those people to give back to their community by helping plant trees or pick up litter. Sounds like a missed opportunity.
It really does !!! That would be awesome seeing that happen
For sure. It’s so important for us to take care of the environment.
Wow, what a fascinating place, Linda 🙂 It is quite amazing to see such unique rock formations that the massive tides of the Bay of Fundy have been patiently sculpting for thousands of years. I’d say no Atlantic Canadian vacation would be complete without experiencing these icons. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
For sure. It’s amazing how the forces of the tides have shaped the landscape around the coastline of the Bay of Fundy. Hopewell Rocks was such a neat place to explore, especially since we could walk along the ocean floor during low tide and get a close-up of some of the rock pillars. I especially loved how there were trees growing from the tops of some of them. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. Take care, Linda.