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National park of Canada

Fundy National Park

Tidal-cliff camping on the Bay of Fundy — 40-foot tides daily.

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Where on earth

Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Fundy National Park, Worldwide. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.

Region
New Brunswick, Canada
Country
Worldwide
Biome
Coastal Acadian (0–300 m)
Best season
May – October
Difficulty
moderate
Known for
  • Backpacking
  • Hiking
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Beachcombing

Key takeaways

  • Biome: Coastal Acadian (0–300 m)
  • Best season: May – October
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Top activity: backpacking
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Photos of Fundy National Park

Fundy National Park is a national park of Canada located on the Bay of Fundy, near the village of Alma, New Brunswick. It was created on April 10, 1946 and officially opened on July 29, 1950. The park
Photo: Wikipedia contributors · See Wikimedia Commons

Topic summary

Tidal-cliff camping on the Bay of Fundy — 40-foot tides daily.

Key takeaways

  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Best season: May – October

Intended uses

backpacking

Climate suitability

Coastal Acadian (0–300 m)

Region
Worldwide
Biome
Coastal Acadian (0–300 m)
Difficulty
moderate

Tools for a trip here

Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.

backpacking

How to get there

Fundy National Park is on the Bay of Fundy near the village of Alma, New Brunswick, along Goose Bay. Confirm driving directions to the specific park destination before setting out.

  • Alma

    The village near Fundy National Park provides a geographic reference for planning arrival on the New Brunswick side of the Bay of Fundy.

  • Caribou Plains trail and boardwalk

    A walking access point to the park's upland forest and bog habitats.

Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.

Popular pursuits at Fundy National Park

  • Backpacking

    Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.

  • Hiking

    Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.

  • Sea Kayaking

    Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.

  • Beachcombing

    Tide-line walking between camps.

Animals around Fundy National Park

Browse all wildlife guides →

Maps, GPS & compass for this trip

Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.

Fishing at Fundy National Park

Planning to fish Fundy National Park, New Brunswick? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in New Brunswick are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.

Do I need a fishing licence at Fundy National Park?

  • A New Brunswick fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
  • Read the current New Brunswick fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
  • Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
  • Fundy National Park may add its own fishing rules on top of New Brunswick law — check the managing agency too.

Hunting near Fundy National Park

Thinking about hunting Fundy National Park, New Brunswick? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in New Brunswick are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.

Is hunting allowed at Fundy National Park?

  • Hunting is prohibited or heavily restricted in many national parks, wilderness and protected areas — confirm with the Fundy National Park land manager before planning a hunt, and look to surrounding public land.

What do I need to hunt in New Brunswick?

  • A New Brunswick hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
  • Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
  • Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.

A coastline shaped by the tide

Fundy National Park sits near Alma, New Brunswick, along Goose Bay, the northwestern branch of the Bay of Fundy. Its 207 square kilometres take in rugged coastline rising toward the Canadian Highlands, with views across the bay to northern Nova Scotia. The defining feature is the tidal change: at low tide, visitors can explore exposed ocean floor where dog whelks, periwinkles and seaweeds remain; at high tide, that ground disappears beneath 15 metres of salt water. Treat the shore as a changing environment rather than a fixed walking route. Check tide conditions before heading out, keep a clear return route in mind, and leave marine life undisturbed. A coastal visit needs to follow the water, not just the day's hiking schedule.

Forest, bogs and waterfall walks

The park's inland terrain gives a different view of Fundy from its exposed shore. More than 25 waterfalls and a network of over 100 kilometres of hiking and biking trails provide plenty of scope for exploring beyond the coast. There are 25 hiking trails, with Dickson Falls the most popular. Caribou Plains combines a trail and boardwalk for access to upland forest and bog habitats, making it a useful choice for seeing a different part of the park's ecology. Match the day's outing to the terrain and conditions rather than assuming every trail has the same character. For travel beyond the park, the Dobson Trail extends toward Riverview and the Fundy Footpath toward Fundy-St. Martins; these are separate planning choices from an outing on the park's internal trails.

Staying in the park and visiting in winter

Fundy has three campgrounds, a heated saltwater swimming pool and a golf course, allowing a visit to mix trail time with less demanding activities. Point Wolfe's red-painted covered bridge is another named feature to include when planning time away from the trails. Winter changes the outing: the park is available for day use at visitors' own risk, with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing and winter walking among the activities. The local Chignecto Ski Club grooms cross-country ski trails. Check current conditions before committing to a winter plan and carry clothing and supplies appropriate for cold-weather day travel. Wildlife and aquatic habitats also deserve care: monitoring in the park includes endangered Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon, brook trout, eel, martens, fishers and moose.

Route options

  • Caribou Plains trail and boardwalk

    Explore upland forest and bog habitats using the trail and boardwalk, an inland alternative to time on the tidal shore.

  • Dickson Falls

    The park's most popular hiking trail, suited to a visit focused on its waterfall landscape. Confirm trail conditions before heading out.

  • Dobson Trail

    Extends out of Fundy National Park toward Riverview. Plan the intended section and access separately from the park's internal trail outings.

  • Fundy Footpath

    Extends out of the park toward Fundy-St. Martins. Confirm the intended route and access arrangements before making it part of a trip.

Sample itineraries

  • Dickson Falls and the Fundy Shore · 1 day

    Walk the Dickson Falls trail, then explore the shoreline near Alma. Consider ocean-floor exploration only around locally confirmed low tide, with a clear return route. Keep the coastal portion flexible rather than tying it to a fixed hiking schedule.

  • Upland Forest, Bog, and Point Wolfe · 2 days

    Spend one day on the Caribou Plains trail and boardwalk, exploring upland forest and bog habitats. On the second day, visit the red covered bridge at Point Wolfe and walk Dickson Falls. Choose additional walks from the park’s trail network according to conditions and ability.

  • Winter Day-Use Outing · 1 day

    Choose cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or winter walking according to current conditions. The local Chignecto Ski Club grooms cross-country ski trails. Confirm grooming and access before setting out; winter visits are day use at the visitor’s own risk.

Seasonal conditions

Spring

Spring; plan around current trail and tide conditions

Coastal and upland outings call for different preparation. Check footing before committing to waterfall walks or forest trails, carry layers, and keep ocean-floor exploration tied to local tide information.

Summer

Summer; time shoreline visits to local tides

Build a trip around hiking, biking, waterfalls, and the coast. Low tide exposes marine life on the ocean floor, but high tide covers that ground with up to 15 metres of salt water. Confirm campground and amenity availability before relying on them.

Fall

Fall; check current conditions before choosing walks

Combine forest walks with coastal stops, carrying layers and rain protection. Allow flexibility for weather and footing. Tide planning remains essential regardless of season.

Winter

Winter day use

Visitors ski, snowshoe, toboggan, and walk at their own risk. Cross-country trails are groomed by the Chignecto Ski Club. Check current snow, grooming, and access conditions rather than assuming every route is suitable.

Permits, fees & closures

Confirm entry requirements, camping permits, and booking arrangements with the park’s managing agency.

Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.

Hazards & regulations

  • Extreme tides: exposed ocean floor disappears beneath up to 15 metres of salt water at high tide. Check local tide information and return before water cuts off your route.
  • Rugged coastal terrain and waterfall surroundings require careful footing. Wear grippy footwear and keep back from exposed edges.
  • Bog habitats require care: stay on the Caribou Plains trail and boardwalk rather than stepping onto wet ground.
  • Winter day use is at the visitor’s own risk. Match equipment and route choice to current snow, ice, weather, and daylight.

What to pack for Fundy National Park

Coast and trails
  • Grippy walking footwear
  • Rain shell and insulating layers
  • Water and food
  • Trail map
  • Local tide information and a watch
Day-trip safety
  • First-aid kit
  • Headlamp
  • Emergency shelter
  • Charged phone
Winter outings
  • Skis or snowshoes suited to the outing
  • Warm gloves and hat
  • Extra insulating layer
  • Traction appropriate to current footing

Build this list in the gear builder →

Wildlife you may see

  • Dog whelks and periwinkles can be found on the exposed ocean floor at low tide; observe without disturbing them.
  • Endangered Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon are among the species monitored in the park.
  • Brook trout and eel are monitored in park waters.
  • Martens, fishers, and moose are monitored regularly. Give wildlife space and do not approach or feed animals.

Fundy National Park FAQ

Where is Fundy National Park?
The park lies on the Bay of Fundy near Alma, New Brunswick, Canada. Its rugged coastline rises into the Canadian Highlands, with upland forest, bogs, and more than 25 waterfalls.
Which trails offer a useful introduction?
Dickson Falls is the park’s most popular trail. Caribou Plains uses a trail and boardwalk to reach upland forest and bog habitats. Choose between waterfall scenery and an upland habitat walk, or visit both over two days.
Can visitors walk on the ocean floor?
At low tide, visitors can explore exposed ground and observe marine life. At high tide, that ground disappears beneath up to 15 metres of salt water. Check local tide information, identify your exit, and leave before the returning tide threatens access.
What facilities are in the park?
The park has three campgrounds, a heated saltwater swimming pool, a golf course, and more than 100 kilometres of hiking and biking trails. Confirm current availability and booking requirements before planning around any facility.
Are there routes extending beyond the park?
The Dobson Trail extends toward Riverview, and the Fundy Footpath extends toward Fundy-St. Martins. Treat either as a separate route-planning task rather than an unplanned extension of a park walk.
What can visitors do in winter?
Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and walking. The park is available for winter day use at visitors’ own risk, with cross-country ski grooming provided by the local Chignecto Ski Club.