The Bay of Fundy is a good family destination because its biggest attraction, the tide, is something children can see and touch. The trick is to choose a few sights, time them to the tide and keep the driving manageable. This guide covers the places that work well with children and the practical points to plan around.
The ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks
This is the sight most children remember. At low tide you walk down to the seabed and wander among the sea stacks, and at high tide the same rocks stand in the water. The route is 99 steps down and 101 back up, which makes it hard with strollers, and the mud is slippery, so bring shoes that can get dirty and a change of clothes. A shuttle runs between the upper and lower sites for a small fare. The ticket is valid for two consecutive days, so you can return near high tide to show children how far the water has moved. The park is open from mid-May to late October.
Fundy National Park
The park has beaches, a playground, a swimming pool and rental of bicycles, canoes and kayaks in season, plus interpretation programs, so it is easy to fill a day. Short trails lead to waterfalls, and at low tide the shore opens up for a walk on the exposed ocean floor. Check the tide table and keep children away from the incoming water. Youth enter free, and Alma, the village at the gate, has places to eat and stay.
Rockwood Park and Irving Nature Park
In Saint John, Rockwood Park is the easiest place to burn off energy, with beaches, a playground and easy lakeside paths, and it is open all year with skating and snowshoeing in winter. Irving Nature Park has coastal trails, a Children's Forest with two life-size cedar hedge mazes and the chance to spot harbour seals and seabirds. Both are free or low cost and need no booking.
The Reversing Falls
Children enjoy the whirlpools from the viewing deck at Fallsview Park, which is free and takes about an hour. Keep them back from the edge and away from the rocks. It is a quick stop between the City Market and the park.
Whale watching
In summer, a cruise from St. Andrews is a highlight. Tourism New Brunswick says the Quoddy Link Marine trips are narrated by marine biologists and include a touch element and free hot chocolate and cookies. Dress warmly, expect fog and wind, and bring snacks. A long, cold trip can tire young children, so confirm the length when you book.
The City Market and food
The Saint John City Market is a good lunch stop, with bakeries, cafes and prepared food, and it is open Monday to Saturday. Picnic supplies from here make the drive to Hopewell Rocks or Fundy National Park easier, because services on the coast roads are limited.
Gardens and history
Kingsbrae Garden is easy to walk, and children under six are free. The St. Andrews Blockhouse is a short stop with a timber fort, barracks and tidal flats, though it keeps summer hours only.
Where to stay
The Hampton Inn and Suites in Saint John has a free hot breakfast, an indoor pool and free parking, which suits a family on a budget. The Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews has an indoor pool with a three-storey waterslide, a seasonal outdoor pool and free bicycles. Parkland Village Inn in Alma is close to Fundy National Park but is closed from 16 October to 1 May.
Safety and pace
Keep children away from cliff edges and the water's edge, never walk a shore on a rising tide and carry a layer for everyone. Do not try to fit too much into a day. One big sight in the morning and one easy stop in the afternoon is plenty.Do not try to fit too much into a day. One big sight in the morning and one easy stop in the afternoon is plenty.
Rainy days and tired legs
Fog and rain are part of the Fundy coast, so keep a backup. The Saint John City Market is dry and lively, and a walk along Harbour Passage or through the heritage streets works in a drizzle. If children are tired of the car, break the long drives with a stop at a beach, a playground or the Reversing Falls viewing deck, and let them choose a snack at the market. Waterproof jackets and a spare pair of socks for each child are the most useful things you can pack.
