For millennia, the extraordinary tides of the Bay of Fundy have been meticulously crafting a natural wonder at Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick – the remarkable Hopewell Rocks. This coastal park boasts over twenty distinctive sea stacks scattered along a two-kilometer stretch of shoreline, making it an essential destination for anyone exploring Atlantic Canada. Just when you believe you’ve witnessed the full spectacle, wait for the next six hours to witness the dramatic transformation of the ocean floor, an experience truly beyond imagination. Your park admission grants you access for two consecutive days, providing ample opportunity to observe both the high and low tides. We recommend wearing sturdy footwear to comfortably explore our scenic trails and unique shoreline. Prior to your visit, be sure to consult our tide charts to determine the safest and best times to explore the captivating ocean floor.
Marvel at the Majestic Sea Stacks
The Hopewell Rocks’ sea stacks, often affectionately called “flowerpots,” showcase an incredible array of shapes and sizes. As you gaze upon these natural sculptures, you’ll easily understand the inspiration behind their whimsical names: Elephant Rock, Bear Rock, Dinosaur Rock, ET Rock, and even Mother-in-Law Rock. With a touch of imagination, each turn reveals new and fascinating rock formations, each seemingly imbued with its own unique character. While The Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is designed for self-guided exploration, our friendly and knowledgeable interpretive staff are readily available throughout the park to answer your questions and enhance your experience.
Explore the Ocean Floor at Low Tide
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park provides three main access points for descending to the ocean floor. Main Deck features a substantial metal staircase, complete with a spacious viewing platform. Guests can descend the 99 steps to the ocean floor, and afterward, proudly recount their ascent of the 101 steps back to the top. For those preferring to avoid stairs, North Beach Ramp, located a short distance away, offers ramp access with strategically placed benches along the incline. While the ramp is wheelchair accessible, navigating the ocean floor itself can be challenging for wheelchairs due to the uneven terrain. Finally, the Demoiselle Trail, leading south from behind the Interpretive Centre, unveils the hidden treasures of the Demoiselle area. This gently sloping trail provides an unforgettable view of the dramatic cliffs, Shepody Mountain, Mary’s Point, and Grindstone Island as you descend to sea level. Regardless of your chosen access point, the entire shoreline becomes accessible at low tide. Your walk will be relatively smooth until you reach the Ledges. While many visitors choose to turn back at this point, more adventurous guests may opt to carefully navigate over this rocky outcrop of limestone. Exercise caution, as the Ledges can be slippery and unstable underfoot.
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Discover Scenic Trails and Lookouts
Our park boasts a network of meticulously maintained, wheelchair-friendly trails that serve as the park’s arteries, connecting various points of interest. These trails offer easy access to breathtaking lookouts, secluded viewpoints, ocean floor access points, and tranquil natural forests, all within a short stroll from the main Interpretive Centre building. For visitors seeking a quicker route to the main attractions, a convenient shuttle service is available for a small fee. This shuttle transports you from the Interpretive Centre directly to the top of the Main Deck stairway, leading down to the ocean floor.
Plan Your Visit to Hopewell Rocks
To make the most of your trip to Hopewell Rocks, it’s essential to check the tide times before your arrival. Witnessing both high and low tide offers two dramatically different perspectives of this natural marvel. Download our Park Map to help navigate the trails and access points within the park (consider saving it to your phone to help protect the environment!).
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Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring Hopewell Rocks, where the Bay of Fundy’s powerful tides have sculpted a truly unforgettable landscape. Purchase your tickets here and prepare to be amazed by one of Atlantic Canada’s most iconic natural wonders.
