Photo courtesy Tourism New Brunswick

Hopewell Rocks, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick – The Hopewell Rocks on Bay of Fundy 47 km (29 miles) southwest of Moncton is one of the most accessible places to experience the ‘the world’s greatest tides’. You can learn about this massive movement of water through interactive exhibits, but what’s really cool is you can kayak around the unique rock formations at high tide, then return just hours later and walk along the ocean floor after the tide has receded. The reason why the tides are so great is because of the funnel shape and length of the Bay. The gravitational pull of the moon, sun and other planets sends a wave of water up the bay that doubles up on itself as it moves up the funnel. By the time it recedes about 13 hours later, it’s just in time to contribute to the volume of the next incoming wave, causing a rhythmic effect known as sloshing. Tides can work their way up to more than 16 meters (54 feet) in some areas of the Bay.

The Bay of Fundy touches the state of Maine and then stretches for 270 km (170 miles) up between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. St. Andrews N.B is a charming resort town with sea kayaking and boat tours. The city of Saint John sits half-way up the coast on the New Brunswick side of the Bay, and as you continue north to Hopewell, you’ll pass through the 206 sq km Fundy National Park. Migratory birdwatching is very popular along the coast. Quick Tip: The tides increase by 20 percent during new and full moons.