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Visit the Highest Tides in the World at Hopewell Rocks, NB
Did you know that New Brunswick is home to the highest tides in the world? I’m not talking a couple of extra feet.
A visit to The Hopewell Rocks will show you just how epic the tides truly are. Every day the water rises to cover the famous Flowerpot Rocks with over 40 ft of water.
When I got the opportunity to visit The Hopewell Rocks, I didn’t fully appreciate how remarkable the transformation was. Until I saw it.
You go from seeing the high tide leaving only little islands of the rocks visible to returning to walk along the 2 km sandy beach at low tide in a few short hours.
Everyone should visit this natural wonder of Canada at some point. I’m going to tell you how to make the most of your experience and a unique way to see the tides without visiting the park.
Where is Hopewell Rocks Park?
The Hopewell Rocks park is located in Hopewell Rocks Cape, a village along the northern edge of the Shepody Bay in New Brunswick.
The village is 35 minutes southeast of Moncton and 35 minutes north of Fundy National Park.
When is the best time to visit Hopewell Rocks?
The Hopewell Rocks is one of the few destinations in the world that you must visit at exact times. These “best” times are just to avoid tourists or get a pretty sunset shot. They’re vital to helping you experience the true majesty of the Hopewell Rocks tides and the Bay of Fundy.
Opening Hours
Hopewell Rocks is open to the public from 9am to 8pm during the summer. From May-June and August – October, it is only open until 5pm. This is due to lack of daylight.
You can visit outside these hours at your own risk.
Time of Day
You need to visit The Hopewell Rocks twice: once at high tide and once at low tide.
Without the double visit, you won’t fully appreciate the over 40ft tides that flood the area each day.
There are about 6 hours and 15 minutes between low and high tide. You can plan a day in the area to return twice in the same day, or use your ticket the next day to re-enter for free.
The best time of day to visit varies depending on the tides. The tides move by about 50 minutes a day.
To get up to date tide tables, click here.
High Tide at The Hopewell Rocks
Visiting at high tide is incredible. You’ll see the viewing platforms that are 60 ft off the ocean floor are nearly level with the Bay of Fundy due to the high tides.
Visit at high tide first to get a complete sense of how high the water rises.
Alternatively, stay to watch the tide rise from low to high. You’ll see how quickly it comes rushing in and why the park’s officers are very strict about rushing everyone off the beaches.
Low Tide at The Hopewell Rocks
I visited low tide second, which helped me understand how much water had really been there just hours before.
You have to wait a few hours after high tide retreats. Then you’ll be allowed to go down the walkway or wheelchair ramp to access the beach.
Walking along the ocean floor (as it’s commonly called) when you visit The Hopewell Rocks is a Canadian bucket list adventure.
Pro tip: don’t wear shoes you care about! The beach is extremely wet and the clay sand will stick to your shoes forever.
Flip flops will not hold up against their suction. You’re best to wear hiking boots or go barefoot.
Best Seasons
Hopewell Rocks is closed in the winter, from mid-October until mid-May, each year. During this time you can still visit the park, but you won’t be able to go down to walk amongst the flowerpot rocks (which is one of the highlights).
Summer is the high season for tourists. At this time of year, you’ll want to visit The Hopewell Rocks earlier in the morning if the Bay of Fundy tides permit.
Alternatively, visit in the evening right before closing to avoid too many people being around.
That being said, there’s tons of space, so even when there are lots of tourists, you’ll be able to walk without constantly bumping into people.
I visited in summer but wish I’d visited in spring closer to the park’s opening for the season. There are far fewer people around and it’s not as hot.
Hopewell Rocks Fun Facts
- The Hopewell Rocks are one of the seven wonders of North America
- The highest tidal change recorded in the Bay of Fundy was 16 metres or 50 ft!
- 160 billion tonnes of water flow into the bay twice a day
- Bay of Fundy is home to the world’s highest tides with between 46-50 feet of water flowing twice a day!
- Twice a month “spring” tides occur. These have nothing to do with seasons. They occur based on the sun and moon alignment. This is when the highest tides are recorded.
- The largest whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere is Fundy’s Old Sow Whirlpool at 75 metres wide. It’s the second largest in the world!
- Local wildlife at The Hopewell Rocks includes mudshrimp and sandpipers.
- The shapes of the rocks have inspired some awesome nicknames. You’ll find Mother-in-law rock, ET, Lover’s Arch, and Dinosaur Rock. See if you can spot them when you visit!
How high do the tides get?
Tides rise as much as 40ft every day at The Hopewell Rocks. On the highest recorded day, the tides got to just over 50ft!
Flowerpot Rocks
One of the main attractions at The Hopewell Rocks park is the famous Flowerpot Rocks or “the Rocks”. These rocks are made of the same deep red clay as the earth you’ll walk on at low tide.
Years of erosion have worn these rocks into towering islands, where vegetation can only thrive on their uppermost layer. You’ll find many with a plume of greenery on top, or a towering pine gripping to its edge.
The rocks are made of dark sedimentary conglomerate and sandstone rock. They were first created by a retreating glacier that broke these chunks of land off from the coast. Then the Bay of Fundy’s famously high tides have worn away at their bases, creating smooth shapes that we now find animals in.
You’ll want to visit twice to see how The Hopewell Rocks magically transform from tiny islands to towering structures. Follow the self-directed park tour with interpretive plates to learn more about the area as you prepare to walk among these natural giants.
My favourite part about visiting the Flowerpot Rocks was walking among the sea caves and looking up at the towering islands. The 2km beach will quickly feel small when you’re busy being astonished by the natural wonders.
I didn’t make it the last 500m of the beach because it got much rockier, which hurt my bare feet. I’d abandoned my sneakers earlier when they were quickly sucked into the mud on my first step off of the towering stairway down to the beach.
Instead, I was frolicking barefoot like a child, enjoying the rich mud between my toes (which they thankfully have wash stations for up top).
Erosion at Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick
Erosion, the very thing that created The Hopewell Rocks, is now threatening its survival.
As the pressure of the Bay of Fundy’s tides wear away at the base of the Flowerpot Rocks, they become unstable.
Just a few years ago the most famous structure, Elephant Rock, crumbled to the earth when its base became too thin. Over 100 tonnes of rock fell, closing off much of the 2km beach that you can walk.
It’s vital to see these majestic towers as soon as you can, as varying tidal patterns and the increasing pressure of erosion mean that they won’t be here forever.
Ticket Prices
To see the high tides and Hopewell Rocks and walk amongst the flowerpot rocks, you’ll need to buy a ticket.
Tickets are valid for two days, so you have plenty of time to return to see the high and low tides.
Tickets cost $14 CAD per person (or $12 CAD with a valid student ID).
You can buy tickets online here.
Kayaking at Hopewell Rocks
Visiting The Hopewell Rocks from land isn’t the only way to appreciate their splendor. Visit mid-tide and kayak through the Bay of Fundy on a sea kayaking tour.
Known as “the Mount Everest of the Marine World”, the Bay of Fundy offers a uniquely challenging experience for kayakers. You’ll get to explore the Flowerpot Rocks at high tide and see their tiny green tops sticking out of the water. Or visit at mid-tide and get to twist through the tunnels and passageways made by the Rocks.
Don’t forget to return shortly after to walk the “ocean floor” and get to re-trace those passages on foot!
These 1.5 hour tours are an incredible way for adventurers to visit one of the natural wonders of Canada. Most people never see The Hopewell Rocks that close up!
Click to book your kayak tour!
Night Photography at Hopewell Rocks
If you’re like me and are obsessed with stars, you’ll want to return to The Hopewell Rocks in the evening at low tide on a photography tour.
One of the park rangers runs a night photography tour where you can strap on your DSLR and explore the vast Milky Way through the maze of Flowerpot Rocks.
You’ll need to bring your own camera, your widest lens, and a flashlight. Then Kevin Snair will teach you about the beauty of the rocks and how to get the most stunning photos of the night sky and the silhouettes of the giant islands.
Plan 2.5 hours and wear some boots that can get muddy to make the most of this experience.
Book your photography tour here!
What to See Nearby
While you wait for The Hopewell Rocks tides to come in or go out, here are some awesome things to do in the area:
- Marvel at Reversing Falls Rapids. The Bay of Fundy’s tides are so strong that they actually pull a full river in reverse! It’s crazy to see, but so cool when you understand how much pressure the Bay is exerting to do it.
- Visit Cape Enrage Lighthouse.
- Go hiking or camping in Fundy National Park.
- Take the scenic Fundy Trail Parkway drive.
- See the second largest whirlpool in the world at Old Sow Whirlpool.
- Cross the famous Sawmill Creek Covered Bridge
- St. Martin’s Sea Caves offer similar views of the epic tides and a kayaking adventure.
Getting to Hopewell Rocks from Moncton
Hopewell Rocks are 35 minutes from Moncton. They’re an easy day trip that lets you visit some of the lovely local attractions, like the reversing falls.
To get to Hopewell Rocks from Moncton, you’ll need a car or to book a tour.
To drive, take the Riverview Causeway, following signs to “Fundy” south on Route #114. The signs will lead you to Hopewell Cape.
When I drove the route, it was incredibly easy to follow the signs. Since Hopewell Rocks and the Bay of Fundy tides are the most popular sites in New Brunswick, they’ve made the signage very clear.
Where to Stay Near Hopewell Rocks
Closing Thoughts on Canada’s Hopewell Rocks
The Bay of Fundy makes New Brunswick a haven for natural attractions. You’ll easily fill your days with incredible experiences watching the tides at The Hopewell Rocks, looking for local wildlife, and eating the fresh produce that they are famous for.
Make visiting The Hopewell Rocks a priority when you’re in New Brunswick.
They’re an internationally renowned destination that, unfortunately, won’t be here forever. The natural course of erosion will soon wipe them away.
Plan your visit so you can be astonished by the 40ft tides and get your feet stuck in the mud sculpted by a glacier.
Don’t forget to visit other amazing Canadian destinations!
- Ottawa’s Rideau Canal
- Toronto Winter Weekend Itinerary
- Best Things to Do in Halifax
- Scarborough Bluffs Trail
- Canada Bucket List
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Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
