Explore the Bay of Fundy's best natural highlights as marine mammals including the rare North Atlantic right whale vy for attention with land, shore and seabirds in this staggeringly beautiful location. Self-drive along the coastline and embark on exciting whale watching tours.
Twice a day the Atlantic tide is forced into a narrow channel in the mouth of the Bay of Fundy, its force reversing the flow of rivers and carving out dramatic coastal features while its surge of nutrients sustains migrating cetaceans who spend the summer here from mid-June to mid-October, making it a haven for whales and migratory birds. Fin, humpback, minke, and rare North Atlantic right whales abound here.
From whale watching to coastal drives, sea kayaking to provincial parks, walking the ocean floor to birding, we showcase the ebb and flow of Canada’s superb Bay of Fundy, flanked by New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, on this wonderful self-drive designed for bird and whale enthusiasts.
This holiday can be offered in reverse (ie starting in Halifax, Nova Scotia and ending in Saint John, New Brunswick), or for a slightly shorter itinerary visiting the province of New Brunswick only, please consider our Whales of New Brunswick holiday.
On arrival at Saint John, collect your hire car and make your way to your overnight accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city or relax after your journey.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Saint John Harbour Side, 1-night
Should you wish to, why not build in a visit to the scenic island of Grand Manan, the largest of the Fundy Isles, en route? Regular ferries depart from Blacks Harbour (just 45 minutes from Saint John) and the 90-minute crossing is essentially a wildlife watching opportunity with baleen whales, dolphins, harbour porpoise, seals and seabirds all possible, including red-tailed hawk, turkey vulture, American kestrels, bald eagle, osprey and huge flocks of gulls. Depending of the time of year, you may also see a procession of monarch butterflies beginning to migrate south!
The island itself is ruggedly beautiful, its cliffs adorned with lighthouses, its bays alive with working harbours, and its views sublime. Primarily though, it's a birder's paradise, a migratory flyway (April – June and August – October) and nesting haven, with over 360 species having been recorded here, including Atlantic puffins. John James Audubon frequented Grand Manan Island, and these days birdwatchers from all over North America come here, and for good reason: the seabird possibilities are some of the best on the east coast.
Later, take the ferry back to the mainland and continue to St Andrews, just over half an hour away, and settle in to this relaxed coastal community, that's home for the next four nights.
Accommodation: The Algonquin Resort, 4-nights
Throughout your time here, embark on daily whale watching trips out into the Bay of Fundy. Joining other passengers for two exciting Zodiac rides and one catamaran cruise, your target species are migratory baleen whales including minke, fin and humpback whales that spend the summer months here. Arriving mid-June and staying until early autumn, you may even come across the extremely rare and critically endangered North Atlantic right whale too. Attracted by these nutrient rich waters, search for dorsal fins cutting through the ocean, just one of many signs of their presence.
The whales will have a supporting cast of pinnipeds including Atlantic white-sided dolphin, harbour porpoise and a splendid array of birds. As bald eagles soar overhead, resident and migratory species may be busy along the shore, riverine estuaries and surrounding forests. Flocks of great and sooty shearwaters, Wilson’s and Leach’s petrels can be impressive. Other seabirds include Arctic and pomarine skuas, great northern divers, black guillemots, grey and red-necked phalaropes, Sabine's gull, puffins and razorbills.
After two to three hours in your vessel on the water, watching a variety of behaviours from breaching and fluking to tail-lobbing, the rest of your time may be spent exploring the history of the town. It was established in 1783 and many of its old wooden buildings still grace the centre, and you can spend the afternoons sampling local cuisine, soaking up bay views or exploring further afield with your car.
As the next part of your journey begins, leave the cetacean hotspot of St Andrews behind you, contemplating the memorable experiences you have had with the ocean’s magnificent creatures there, and drive up the bay to St Martins. Break your journey with a sea kayaking adventure, following the shore and exploring its famous sea caves, discovering how the highest tidal range in the world continuously affects the geology and geography of the area.
Afterwards, continue to Moncton, your base from which to explore the north-western reaches of the Bay of Fundy.
Accommodation: Rudd Muncton, 2-nights
Today you visit the iconic sea stacks of Hopewell Rocks, one of the Bay of Fundy's most famous attractions. Located just 30 minutes from Moncton, and affectionately known as the ‘flowerpots’, endeavour to visit during both low and high tides (roughly six hours apart) to fully appreciate the difference in water levels.
Time permitting, Fundy National Park is not far away and is worth a visit for its waterfalls, wilderness, valleys and ocean views. As the bay is home to the world’s highest tides, these influence the park’s variety of habitats including salt marsh, tidal mudflats, and Acadian and red spruce forest support a wide array of wildlife with forest birds especially abundant. The forest could provide you with views of northern goshawks, pine siskins, white-winged crossbills and a good range of migrants.
Leaving New Brunswick behind you today, drive to Saint John and cross the Bay of Fundy by ferry to Digby, Nova Scotia. This is essentially an additional whale, dolphin and seabird watching opportunity so keep an eye out for large schools of fish that may attract hunters of the marine mammal and avian variety. If you still want more, why not join a whale watching tour from Digby Neck or Brier Island this afternoon. Alternatively, drive the coastline or spend a relaxing few hours exploring Digby and sampling scallops for which the town is famed.
Accommodation: Admiral Digby, 1-night
Halifax beckons today, just two and a half hours away. Spend one last morning soaking up the Bay of Fundy views or make a day of the journey and take the scenic route through Kejimkujik National Park searching for moose and bald eagles as you drive past lakes dotted with forested islands. Once on the Atlantic seaboard, visit Lunenburg, a preserved colonial fishing village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Peggy’s Cove with its famous lighthouse before reaching your destination.
Accommodation: Halliburton Hotel, 1-night
Please note: Accommodation varies depending on availability and personal preference. This itinerary is based on the use of an Intermediate C hire car with unlimited mileage for the duration of your stay.
Connect with wildlife in its natural environment. Abundant bird species are present here – from Atlantic puffins to bald eagles – as well as mammals such as moose, black bear and whales. The Bay of Fundy is a haven for fin, minke and the rare right whale, seabirds, and harbour and grey seals. Find Out More about {acc:title}
One of the marine wonders of the world, the Bay of Fundy boasts the world’s highest tides, a distinctly scenic coastline, and one of the North Atlantic’s highest concentrations of whales and seabirds. Humpback, minke, and the rare North Atlantic right whale are amongst the species to be seen here. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Canada’s oldest seaside resort is a charming, small town directly on the banks of the Bay of Fundy. With numerous whale watching operators based here, it's the ideal base from which to search for these incredible creatures of the deep, along with seals, birds and other wildlife. Find Out More about {acc:title}
The perfect base from which to explore Hopewell Rocks, the Bay of Fundy National Park and Mary’s Point Bird Sanctuary, Moncton also offers attractions closer to home with its tidal bore, parks and trails. Evenings in this fast growing city may be spent enjoying its vibrant arts and foodie scene. Find Out More about {acc:title}
With its dramatic coastline, lighthouses, coves and inlets, seal colony, birding and whale watching opportunities, Digby overlooks the beautiful Bay of Fundy and has daily ferry service links Nova Scotia with Saint John, New Brunswick. The town is famed for its fresh scallops and lobster. Find Out More about {acc:title}
With its long tradition of maritime history, Halifax, on Canada’s eastern seaboard, is one of the country’s oldest cities. Located on a vast natural harbour, its strategic military history is evident, more recently usurped by a vibrant culinary scene. There’s plenty to keep visitors occupied. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Located in St Andrews-by-the-Sea, with views of the Bay of Fundy, the legendary Algonquin is one of Canada’s most luxurious resorts. Rich in history, meticulously restored to its original splendour, the iconic building and its grounds are an oasis of peace, combining contemporary amenities with every modern comfort. Find Out More about The Algonquin
