Have you ever walked on the Ocean Floor? I am not talking about a beach, we are talking an actual ocean floor. A trip to Hopewell Rocks is the perfect New Brunswick Family Day Trip to do just that! The tides in the Bay of Fundy are the highest tides in the world. Hopewell Rocks, located in Hopewell Cape on Route 114, is the perfect spot to experience the difference between high and low tides. Kayaking around the flowerpot rocks at high tide and walking on the 2 kms of ocean floor when the tide is out.
We visit the Hopewell Rocks at least once a year and enjoy the trip every time. The kids love to explore the ocean floor. Touch seaweed, throw rocks in the water, hike along the floor and view the rock formations, and of course, play in the mud!
You can start your adventure in their welcome center with gift shop, restaurant and interpretive center. There is a nice playground outside with areas to picnic as well. If you prefer to take the shuttle to the rocks, it is coming and going all day (for a small fee). If you prefer to walk, there is also a nice slow grade hike to the lookout and stairwell down to the ocean floor. The hiking trails are wheelchair and stroller safe and accessible. You can visit the viewing area at the top of the stairs and view the terrain from the viewing deck.
We have been there with strollers before and just take all our belongings and children with us down the stairs, leaving our stroller at the top in the grassed area.
Be prepared to get dirty, there are some areas that require you to walk through muddy ocean floor. There are shoe/foot washers up at the top of the stairs for when you are leaving.
Season Dates and Rates can be found here.
In May and September every year, there is a free admission day, with donation to the local food bank. View events calendar here.
Located only 35 minutes from Moncton, 2 Hours from Saint John, Fredericton or Miramichi, about 1 1/4 hours from Sussex, 2 1/2 hours from PEI and 3 1/2 hours from Halifax , Hopewell Rocks is a perfect Day Trip destination!
Don’t forget to check the tide tables for the best times to visit. If you wish to see the tide in at full height, and also walk on the ocean floor, you could plan a trip to do both in the same day. Take a trip to local craft shops and museums or visit Fundy National Park while you wait for the tides to change. Here are some other local attractions that may be of interest.
Here is a Tourism NB video from the Hopewell Rocks.