This Bay of Fundy travel guide covers everything you need to plan a great trip to Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world, with up to about 16 m between high and low tide, plus sea caves and whale watching.
This guide is written for Canadian travellers: it covers getting there, the best season, where to stay, costs in Canadian dollars and the experiences worth your time.
Bay of Fundy travel guide: quick facts
| Bay of Fundy at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | New Brunswick and Nova Scotia |
| Nearest airport | Moncton (YQM) or Saint John (YSJ) |
| Getting there | About 40 minutes from Moncton to Hopewell Rocks |
| Best time to visit | June to September |
| Time needed | 2–3 days |
| Best for | Families and nature lovers |
| Entry | Parks Canada admission for Fundy National Park |
Why visit Bay of Fundy
Bay of Fundy is ideal for families and nature lovers. Its headline experiences include Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park, Fundy Trail Parkway and St. Andrews, and it pairs well with Halifax and Prince Edward Island. It is a place that rewards slowing down rather than rushing between sights.
How to get to Bay of Fundy
- By air: Moncton (YQM) or Saint John (YSJ).
- By road: About 40 minutes from Moncton to Hopewell Rocks.
- Rental cars: available at Moncton (YQM); book early for summer and holiday weekends.
Getting around Bay of Fundy
A car is essential for exploring Bay of Fundy properly. Distances between highlights can be longer than they look on a map, so plan a base or two rather than moving every night, and leave time for detours.
Top things to do in Bay of Fundy
Hopewell Rocks
Walk the ocean floor at low tide.
Fundy National Park
Trails and waterfalls. Allow at least an hour or two here.
Fundy Trail Parkway
Coastal drive.
St. Andrews
Whale watching. Combine it with a nearby café or viewpoint.
Tidal bore rafting
Shubenacadie River.
Burntcoat Head
Tide record site.
Other favourite experiences include tide watching, kayaking, whale watching and hiking.
Road trip essentials
- Dash cams worth buying VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - Best budget 12V portable fridges VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Power stations for camping and road trips VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
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Best time to visit Bay of Fundy
The best time to visit Bay of Fundy is June to September. Here is how the seasons compare:
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Cool and late; icebergs off Newfoundland. |
| Summer | July–August | Mild, 20–25°C; peak season for seafood and festivals. |
| Fall | September–October | Crisp and colourful; Celtic Colours on Cape Breton. |
| Winter | November–March | Cold, windy and snowy; many seasonal businesses close. |
For the bigger picture, read our guide to the best time to visit Canada.
Where to stay in Bay of Fundy
- Alma: Near Fundy NP.
- Moncton: City.
- St. Andrews: Resort town.
Typical nightly rates:
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$130–210 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | C$220–380 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | C$450–900 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
Book early for summer weekends and holidays, and compare total prices, including taxes and any resort or parking fees.
What to eat in Bay of Fundy
Don’t leave without trying lobster, fish chowder and sticky buns. Ask locals for their favourite spots; the best places are often small and unassuming.
Suggested 3 days in Bay of Fundy
- Day 1: Hopewell Rocks and Fundy National Park.
- Day 2: Fundy Trail Parkway and St. Andrews.
- Day 3: Tidal bore rafting and Burntcoat Head.
What to pack for Bay of Fundy
- Layers for cool, foggy mornings
- A windproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- A swimsuit
- Binoculars for wildlife
For seasonal advice, see our guide to the best time to visit Canada.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | C$660–C$1,140 |
| Food and drink | C$660–C$1,056 |
| Activities and entry fees | C$160–C$320 |
| Local transport or car | C$210–C$315 |
| Total | C$1,690–C$2,831 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Moving to a new hotel every night instead of using one or two bases.
- Overpacking the itinerary and spending the trip in the car.
- Not checking seasonal opening dates for roads, ferries and attractions.
- Driving after wine tastings: hire a driver or join a tour.
- Forgetting cash for small farm stands and rural businesses.
Accessibility and family travel
Accessibility varies by attraction, so call ahead. Families do best with a single base, short drives and plenty of outdoor time.
Practical tips
- Check tide tables.
- A Parks Canada pass is required (daily admission or a Discovery Pass). (Fundy NP)
- Tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Before you go: gear checklist
- Power bank buying guide Buyzello
Understand capacity, airline limits and charging speed before you buy. - Camping and outdoor gear guides Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping essentials for park trips. - Best weekender bags Opulique
A refined weekender is perfect for two-night escapes.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby places to add to your trip
- Halifax: Halifax is a friendly Atlantic port city with a lively waterfront, maritime history and easy access to Peggy’s Cove and the South Shore.
- Prince Edward Island: Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province, famous for red-sand beaches, Anne of Green Gables, lobster suppers and the Confederation Bridge.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Bay of Fundy?
Plan 2–3 days to see the highlights without rushing, and add a day for day trips or hikes.
What is the best time to visit Bay of Fundy?
The best time is June to September.
How do you get to Bay of Fundy?
Fly into Moncton (YQM) or Saint John (YSJ). By road, it is about 40 minutes from Moncton to Hopewell Rocks.
How much does a trip to Bay of Fundy cost?
Hotels typically cost C$220–380 a night for mid-range rooms, and most travellers spend C$300–C$480 per person per day.
Is Bay of Fundy good for families?
Yes. It suits families and nature lovers, and families do best with a central base, early starts and a mix of sightseeing and downtime.
Is there an entry fee for Bay of Fundy?
Parks Canada admission for Fundy National Park.
Final thoughts on Bay of Fundy travel guide
Bay of Fundy rewards travellers who plan the essentials and leave room for surprises. Book key stays and timed-entry or tour reservations early, travel in the shoulder seasons if you can, and give yourself time to enjoy the places that charm you most.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Halifax Travel Guide: Waterfront, Seafood and Day Trips
- PEI Travel Guide: Beaches, Lobster and Green Gables
- How to Travel Canada on a Budget: 25 Money-Saving Tips