Arriving at High Tide
We arrived at the park around 10 am at the very end of September, just in time for high tide. If you’ve never been, high tide at Hopewell Rocks is something special. The water comes in fast, and the towering rock formations, which you can normally walk around, are almost entirely submerged, peeking out just above the surface. It’s a great sight to witness!
Walking along the viewing platforms, we took in the full scale of the rocks and the vastness of the Bay of Fundy. The water was calm, and it was hard to believe that this area would be totally transformed in just a few hours as the tide withdrew.
Timing Your Visit for Low Tide
Now, if you’re like us, you’ll want to see both sides of Hopewell Rocks—high tide and low tide. The catch? You’ve got to time your visit carefully. To see the rocks in all their low-tide glory, when you can walk on the ocean floor and wander around the giant formations, you need to check the tide schedules.
Luckily, the park’s website has all the info you need. They post daily tide times, so you can plan your visit accordingly. We’ve also checked out the Tide Forecast website to make sure we are prepared for the exact day we arrive. If you want to experience walking on the ocean floor, aim to arrive around 2-3 hours before low tide. That gives you plenty of time to explore before the water starts rushing back in.
Exploring the Park (With some on and off rain)
Even though we arrived during high tide, there’s still plenty to do at the park. The visitor center is filled with information about the unique geology of the area and the history of the Bay of Fundy’s incredible tides. We spent some time learning about how the tides are among the highest in the world—rising and falling as much as 12 meters (that’s over 40 feet!).
After that, we hit up the viewing platforms along the coastline, which offered awesome views of the submerged rocks and the misty, rain-soaked landscape. The weather added to the whole experience, making it feel like something straight out of a movie. Even though it wasn’t beach weather, walking around in the rain with the waves crashing below us was kind of magical.
We also wandered along a few of the park’s walking trails. They’re super easy to follow and take you through the forest, which looked extra vibrant with the fall colors coming in. The trails give you some great lookout points to see the rocks from different angles, and we even spotted a few seabirds flying around despite the rain.
When we needed a break, we headed to the café for some snacks and took a peek inside the gift shop for a quick souvenir. It was the perfect way to wrap up our rainy-day adventure before heading back out to explore more of New Brunswick.
Final Thoughts
Hopewell Rocks is one of those places where nature really puts on a show. Whether you visit at high tide to see the rocks towering above the water or at low tide to walk amongst them, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Just remember—if you want to walk on the ocean floor, make sure to check the tide schedules ahead of time!
