With ruggedly beautiful coastlines, expansive beaches, emerald waters, and the world’s highest tides, the Bay of Fundy is a must-see natural wonder in the Annapolis Valley! But what’s the best way to spend time here? We’ve compiled a list of ten unique ways to experience the bay that will thrill, delight, and capture your imagination. You’ll likely capture some incredible photos too! 

1. Observing the fishing boats rise and fall on the tides while eating lobster at the Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound

Imagine exploring a rustic fishing village dotted with colourful coastal buildings, then stopping in for a delectable lobster feast! Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound & Restaurant features stunning bay-side views where you can watch the tide roll in or out, causing the fishing boats to rise and fall on the world’s largest tides. Enjoy the freshest lobster selected from their on-site Lobster Pound – you can even select your lobster right out of the tanks!

2. Seeing the tides from a bird’s eye view at the top of Cape Split

Give yourself 4-5 hours to hike the moderately challenging 13.2 km (return) trail in Cape Split Provincial Park. Much of the journey winds through old-growth and coastal conifer forests with lookout points along the way. When you reach the peninsula tip of Cape Split, the trail opens to a lush grassy meadow and spectacular panoramic views! See rugged sea stacks and marvel at nature’s majesty as you stand 200 feet above the swirling tides and feel the wind in your hair. Pack a lunch; this is a wonderful spot to sit and enjoy the sights and fresh air. 

3. Walking the ocean floor at Evangeline Beach while spotting shorebirds

Head to Evangeline Beach during low tide and walk the massive ocean floor. Plovers and Sandpipers can be spotted in the skies performing a beautiful, synchronous dance, diving and weaving in huge flocks. They’re attracted by the enormous feeding area: a bounty of insects and marine invertebrates can be found in the shallow pools and mudflats revealed by the tide’s retreat. During late summer and early fall, the beach is a designated Migratory Shorebird area – you’ll see an astonishing gathering of thousands of shorebirds, approximately 90% of which are Semipalmated Sandpipers. Other species you may spot here: Surf Scoters, Sanderlings, Bank Swallows, Green-winged Teals, and more!

4. Hiking Delaps Cove along the windswept coastline

Lace up your hiking boots and visit the Wilderness Trails at Delap’s Cove. There are two nature trails – Charlie’s Trail, a 1.9km loop, and Bohaker Trail, a 2.2km loop, connected by the Shore Road Trail (2.7km one way). Charlie’s Trail features abundant ferns such as Bracken, Cinnamon, and Long-Beech, and a viewing platform with stunning vistas of the cove. The Bohaker Trail features a viewing platform from which basalt lava rocks can be seen. An incredible feature of this trail is a 43-foot waterfall at Bohaker Cove. 

5. Exploring the frozen waterfall at Baxter’s Harbour in the winter

Winter at Baxter’s Harbour means the 50-foot-tall falls are transformed into ice, creating a visually striking ice sculpture! You may only see a small portion of falling water intermingled with the ice. Visit when the tide is out so you can walk across the ocean floor to the base of the falls. The falls are a 5-minute walk from the parking area, so this is easily accessible for the whole family. 

6. Getting an ice cream on Kingsport Beach

This beautiful beach is a popular swimming spot in summer. Be sure to visit Tide’s In Canteen for a delicious ice cream, a perfect beach accompaniment! Kingsport Beach features lovely views, such as the striking red sedimentary cliffs.

7. Laying in Hammocks and enjoying the Summer Music Series under the gazebo with views of the Minas Basin in Wolfville’s Waterfront Park

Picture yourself listening to live music, with melodies floating on warm summer breezes, as you relax in a hammock! The Summer Concert Series in Wolfville takes place at the delightful Waterfront Park and features FREE live concerts at the gazebo, with eye-catching views of the Minas Basin, the Acadian dykes, and the red cliffs of Cape Blomidon.

8. Camping in Blomidon Provincial Park, with the tides down below

Blomindon Provincial Park is camping, elevated! Enjoy roughing it in this peaceful campground, with breathtaking views from hundreds of feet above the Bay of Fundy’s Minas Basin! The 95 large sites are a mixture of wooded, partially wooded, and open campsites. A 13.5 km network of trails includes several scenic lookouts. Stairs lead you down to the beach, where you can walk the ocean floor at low tide.

9. Finding the picturesque lighthouse in Margaretsville

Built in 1859, the historic, 22-foot high Margaretsville Lighthouse sits on a small point that overlooks the Bay of Fundy and is an enchanting example of the maritime charm of the area. A nearby wharf provides a great vantage point to capture scenic photos of this heritage lighthouse. In the summer months it’s open for visitors to step inside and learn more about its history. Ruth Earley, one of the first women to serve as a lighthouse keeper in Nova Scotia, kept watch over this lighthouse from 1907-1910.

10. Have a picnic while seal-spotting at Cottage Cove Provincial Park

Bring a picnic lunch and delight in the shore breezes while shorebirds hop along the water’s edge at Cottage Cove Provincial Park. Keep your eyes on the water, as there is a seal colony in the area and seals can often be seen from the park as they bob and swim in search of food! This tranquil park overlooking the Bay of Fundy is located 13km northwest of Middleton.