Hopewell Rocks NB – Walking the Ocean Floor

Road Trip Fredericton to Hopewell Rocks NB – A Scenic Journey Through New Brunswick

Day Trip – Fishing Villages, World Famous Sticky Buns, Covered Bridges & Highest Tides in the World

There's a place in New Brunswick where you can literally walk on the ocean floor, surrounded by giant flowerpot rocks sculpted by the highest tides in the world. Standing there, I felt small in the best possible way. The rocks, shaped by centuries of rushing water, towered above me and reminded me just how powerful nature can be.

Later that same day, I booked to see the rocks from an entirely different perspective, paddling past them in a kayak as the tides rushed back in. To me, that sounded like the ultimate way to understand just how dramatic this place can be. The Bay of Fundy makes you see the same spot in two completely different ways, and I couldn't wait to experience both. Of course, nature had its own plans for my day at Hopewell Rocks but more on that later.

I had read about Hopewell Rocks which are also known as the Flowerpot Rocks for years. I'd seen the photos, devoured other blogs, and imagined what it would feel like to finally stand there. Like Lake Louise or Peggy's Cove, this was one of those Canadian icons I knew I had to see with my own eyes. And now, at last, I was here.

Hopewell Rocks NB – Where I Walked the Ocean Floor and Chased Canada's Highest Tides

First things first, getting here required a bit of planning. Because tides control the entire experience, we had to time our visit carefully. Low tide was set for 9:28 a.m. the morning we went, so we left Fredericton just after 6:30 a.m. with coffee in hand and excitement buzzing. If you're planning your own visit, aim to arrive as close to low tide as possible. That way you'll have plenty of time to explore the ocean floor before the water returns.

As the drive unfolded, we quickly realized we'd made the right choice by taking the scenic route through Sussex and Fundy National Park. Yes, it added about ten extra minutes, but the rolling hills, winding rivers, and patchwork farmland felt like a road trip reward in themselves. Highways are faster, but I promise the backroads are worth it.

The weather, however, had other ideas. Rain came in bursts, heavy one minute and gone the next, leaving behind slick pavement and the smell of wet earth. The famous Fundy views never fully revealed themselves, but the changing skies gave the drive a restless kind of energy. Out here, it was clear, we weren't the ones in charge.

Alma, New Brunswick

Alma is a quaint little fishing village tucked between steep hills and the Bay of Fundy. With a population of just 282 (2021), it might be small, but it's full of energy thanks to visitors passing through. You'll find cozy shops, bakeries, restaurants, a craft brewery, and plenty of places to stay, making it an easy and welcoming stop along the coast.

It's also the eastern gateway to Fundy National Park, where hiking trails and waterfalls are only minutes away. You can stroll a quiet woodland path, tackle a rugged coastal hike, or if you're feeling bold set out on the Fundy Footpath, one of Canada's toughest backcountry trails. My fellow adventurer Sonya Richmond, who hiked across the entire country, has taken it on, showing just how wild and rewarding this corner of New Brunswick can be.

Of course, Alma is also famous for its food. At low tide, fishing boats rest on the harbour floor only to float again a few hours later, and hungry travelers line up at Kelly's Bakeshop for their world-famous sticky buns. On average, thousands are sold in a single summer day proof that this little bakery is as much a part of the Bay of Fundy experience as the tides themselves.

A short drive in the other direction brings you to the dramatic cliffs of Cape Enrage, where thrill-seekers can go zip-lining and rappelling, or simply wander over to the lighthouse for sweeping views

Sticky Buns, Covered Bridges, and the Quest for Low Tide

Alma may be small, but it has that kind of Maritime charm that makes you want to stay longer than you planned. We grabbed some donuts and a couple of world-famous sticky buns and drove on, but not before detouring to the Sawmill Creek Covered Bridge. Built in 1908, it no longer carries traffic, but walking across it felt like stepping into another time. The boards creaked softly beneath our feet, light filtered through the slats, and for a moment the modern world felt far away.

Not long after, I finally pulled into Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, just an hour after low tide. Perfect timing.

Visiting Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park

Walking down the 99 steps to the beach, I felt a flutter of anticipation. The tide had already begun to shift, but the ocean floor was still open to explore. I stepped onto the muddy seabed, sandals sinking slightly with each step, and just let myself wander. Pro tip: wear old shoes or sturdy sandals that you don't mind getting muddy. There's even a cleaning station at the top of the stairs, but you'll be grateful if you don't wear your best runners.

The flowerpot rocks rose like giants around us, their bases carved and sculpted by water that would soon swallow the very ground we were standing on. It was surreal to know that in just a few hours, the entire scene would vanish beneath the world's highest tides under four stories of water.

Later, we climbed back to the Visitor Centre, the park's hub with a restaurant, gift shop, and interpretive exhibits that share the stories of the Bay of Fundy. Trails wound through the park, leading to more viewpoints, each one offering a fresh perspective of the tides. Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park tickets are valid for two days, which is worth remembering if you want to see both high and low tides without rushing.

Wind, Waves, and a Change of Plans

Originally, our day at Hopewell Rocks was supposed to end on the water. I had booked a kayak tour for us, eager to paddle between the flowerpot rocks as the tide came rushing back in. To me, it sounded like the ultimate way to feel the Bay of Fundy's power up close.

But nature had other plans. The winds picked up, the waves grew restless, and just after lunch we got the call, our excursion was canceled. For a moment, we felt a flicker of disappointment. Then we remembered where we were. The tides here rise and fall on their own schedule, and so does everything else.

So instead of paddling, we unwrapped our sticky buns at the picnic area near the viewing platform and watched the ocean creep steadily across the seabed we had walked that morning. It wasn't the adventure we'd imagined, but in its own way, it was perfect. It was a chance to sit still, taste something sweet, and let the tides tell their story.

Road Trip to Hopewell Rocks

After a full day, I realized that Hopewell Rocks isn't just about walking on the ocean floor. It's about surrendering to the rhythm of the Bay of Fundy. My drive was shaped by the rain, Alma moved at the pace of the tides, and even my plans for kayaking were changed by the weather. At first, I thought I was chasing the tides, but really, it was the tides that were leading me.

If I could do it again, I'd slow down even more, maybe spend the night in Alma and let the sea show me both sides of itself: the exposed seabed at low tide and the dramatic surge of water at its highest. But even with just one day, the journey was unforgettable.

👉 If you're planning a New Brunswick road trip, give Hopewell Rocks NB the time it deserves. Let the tides set your pace. You won't regret it. At Hopewell Rocks, the tides remind you that travel isn't about control. It's about learning to move with the rhythm of a place.

Photo credits: Janet & Peter Guthrie

Hopewell Rocks NB is a must-see for anyone chasing Canada's highest tides and authentic coastal adventures.

A road trip to Hopewell Rocks NB offers fishing villages, sticky buns, and the unforgettable power of the Bay of Fundy tides.