The Bay of Fundy experiences the highest tides in the world. The water levels can rise and fall up to 50 feet in a single day.
Because of this extreme shift, visiting Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park requires a bit of strategy. If you time your visit poorly, you will only see the tops of the famous “flowerpot” rocks poking out of the ocean. If you time it perfectly, you get to walk directly on the ocean floor.
During our East Coast road trip, we spent a couple of hours exploring the base of these massive formations. Here is exactly how to read the tide schedule and plan the perfect visit.
Understanding the 6-Hour Rule
The Bay of Fundy tides operate on a constant, predictable cycle. The water takes roughly six hours to come completely in and another six hours to go completely out. This means the landscape transforms entirely four times a day.
You do not want to arrive exactly at high tide. You will be restricted to the upper viewing platforms. The magic happens when the water recedes.
The Golden Window for Visiting
To walk on the ocean floor, you need to visit during low tide.
The golden window for exploring the beach is starting three hours before the scheduled low tide until three hours after. This gives you a massive six-hour block of time to safely walk around the base of the rocks, take photos, and explore the caves before the water starts rushing back in.
We always recommend arriving about two hours before the official low tide mark. The crowds are usually lighter, and you get to watch the final stage of the water pulling away from the coast.
Where to Find the Schedule
You must check the daily tide tables before you drive to the park. The times shift by about an hour every single day.
You do not need to guess or do any complex math. The provincial park updates their official tide charts regularly.
What to Pack for the Ocean Floor
Walking on the bottom of the ocean means you are going to encounter mud. It is part of the fun, but you need to come prepared.
- Proper Footwear: Leave your favorite white sneakers at the hotel. The ocean floor is a mix of sand, rocks, and slippery red mud. We highly recommend wearing sturdy, washable water shoes or hiking sandals. These washable travel sandals are perfect for exploring the Bay of Fundy safely.
- A Waterproof Phone Pouch: You will take hundreds of photos while walking around the rock formations. A sudden splash or muddy hands can easily ruin your phone. We keep our phones protected in a simple waterproof pouch like this one.
- Wet Wipes: The park provides foot-washing stations near the exits, but having a small pack of wet wipes in your day bag is a lifesaver for cleaning your hands before getting back into your rental car.
Have you ever walked on the ocean floor? Head over to our Facebook page and let us know!
