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Hopewell Rocks is a provincial attraction on the upper Bay of Fundy where tidal erosion has sculpted the red sandstone cliffs into tall, top-heavy pillars. Often called flowerpot rocks for the trees and shrubs growing on their crowns, the formations stand in Shepody Bay near the village of Hopewell Cape in Albert County. The tides here rise and fall by an extraordinary height, which is the whole point of a visit.
The classic plan is to come twice. At low tide, staircases lead down to the ocean floor, where people walk among the pillars, admire Elephant Rock and look up at the cliffs. Several hours later the water has risen so far that only the tops remain visible, and kayakers paddle where walkers stood earlier. The shapes keep changing as erosion continues, and some well-known features have collapsed over the years. Hopewell Cape village and the Albert County Museum add local history.
Many travelers make Hopewell Rocks part of a drive along the Fundy coast. Cape Enrage, with its lighthouse above steep cliffs, lies farther along, and Fundy National Park beyond Alma offers Dickson Falls, the Point Wolfe covered bridge and the Caribou Plains boardwalk. The Fundy Trail Parkway continues the coastal scenery. Tide tables are essential for planning.
WiserMap travel guideHopewell Rocks New Brunswick Sea Stacks and Low Tide WalksPlan a visit to Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick: tidal sea stacks, Bay of Fundy walks, Cape Enrage, Fundy National Park, Alma and the best time to go.Read the guide
At low tide you can walk on the floor of the Bay of Fundy among the famous flowerpot rocks, sea stacks topped with balsam fir. Stairs lead down from the main lookout to the beach. Check the posted tide table and arrive about three hours before low tide; wear shoes that can get muddy.
At high tide the water rises up to 14 metres and the same rocks become small islands. Guided sea kayak tours paddle between the stacks and into the coves when the water is up. Tours run in summer and depend on weather and tide, so book ahead and plan to visit at both tides on the same ticket.
Elephant Rock was one of the best known formations until a large piece collapsed in 2016, a reminder that the tides keep reshaping these cliffs. The remaining stack still stands on the beach below the main stairs. Stay away from the cliff base, where rocks can fall, and follow the staff closing times on the beach.
Lovers Arch is a natural sea arch near the north end of the Hopewell Rocks beach, carved by the tides through the red sandstone and conglomerate. At low tide you can walk right under it and look up at the fir trees on top. It is one of the most photographed spots, so go early in the day for fewer people in your pictures.
Demoiselle Beach sits at the mouth of Demoiselle Creek inside the Hopewell Rocks park and is reached by a separate trail from the main site. At low tide it shows wide mud flats, and at high tide it is a quiet place to watch the water fill the bay. Expect deep mud on the flats and bring a change of shoes for the car.
The interpretive centre beside the parking area explains how the Bay of Fundy tides work, how the rocks formed and which birds and sea life live here. It also has a cafe, a gift shop and the ticket desk. Walk the short trail or ride the shuttle from here to the main lookout, and check the tide times before heading down.
In the village of Hopewell Cape, the Albert County Museum uses the old county gaol and courthouse to tell the story of the area, with cells, period rooms and local history exhibits. It is only a few minutes from the rocks and makes a good stop at high tide. It is open in the warmer months, so check hours before you go.
In nearby Hillsborough, Steeves House Museum is the birthplace of William Henry Steeves, one of the Fathers of Confederation. The house holds period furniture, family items and displays on local shipbuilding and the gypsum industry. It is a short drive up the Petitcodiac River from Hopewell Cape and is open mainly in summer.
Mary's Point on Shepody Bay is part of a shorebird reserve where huge flocks of semipalmated sandpipers stop to feed on mud shrimp each summer. A short trail leads to the beach where the birds roost at high tide. The best time is late July to mid August, about two hours around high tide; keep your distance so the birds can rest.
Across Shepody Bay near Dorchester, Johnson's Mills has a small interpretive centre and viewing area for the migrating shorebirds that gather on the mud flats in summer. Volunteers explain the birds and the long flight to South America. Come about two hours before high tide in late July or August and bring binoculars.
Cape Enrage is a rocky headland with a lighthouse high above the Bay of Fundy, about 45 minutes southwest of the rocks. You can walk the beach to look for fossils at low tide, try rock climbing or ziplining in summer, and eat at the small restaurant. The road in is narrow and winding, so allow extra time and check the opening season.
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