Fundy National Park July - 9 to 11

July 9

St Croix Island

We headed up the Maine coast to Saint Croix International Historic Site. In 1604, the French attempted to establish a settlement at this site. After a harsh winter, when almost half of the settlers died, the site was abandoned. However, it later set the boundary between Canada and the USA.

Saint Croix International Historic Site

Bronze statue of Pierre Duqua who led the expedition in 1604-5

Several statues were located along the short interpretive walk that highlighted the history of this early attempt to establish a settlement in the new world.

I was very impressed with the dramatic history and desperate survival struggles of the first settlers. Sonaa was more impressed by the sticks on the beach.

We crossed over the International Bridge into Canada and spent the night at a Walmart in St. John.

July 10

New Brunswick

New Brunswick had clearly fallen on hard times. Despite this the people were super nice and  friendly. It was great to be back in Canada.

Lost in Saint John and looking for the falls

Magellan was no help in finding the world famous Reversing Falls of St. John. However, with the help of a few locals we found the poorly marked and maintained location. The boardwalk down to the falls was okay but Americans would have done a much better job of upkeep and highlighting such an interesting venue.

Reversing Falls on the St. John River

During high tides the water flowed inland over the falls but during low tide the water flowed out toward the ocean.

Reversing Falls and boat going around the falls 

Emma and I trooped up and down both banks of the river to enjoy the view from all sides.

Even under the bridge there was a symmetry and beauty to the site.

We drove onward along Highway 1 then east to Fundy National Park. The highway leading to the park was lined by a thick forest of Red Spruce and Balsam Fir trees. The road itself was poorly maintained with lots of bumps and potholes.

The Bay of Fundy

We got the last electrical hookup in the headquarters campground then carried on to hike the 1.5 kilometre Dickson Falls Trail.

Boardwalk down to Dickson Falls

Dickson Brook

Sonaa in Dickson Brook

Dickson Falls Trail

It was a very hot day so the descent into the cool shade by Dickson Brook was much appreciated.

Dickson Falls 

The Dickson Falls hike was short but refreshing. We fortified ourselves with a hearty lunch in the RV then drove to the nearby Matthews Head trail.

Emma and Sonaa on Matthews Head Trail

The Matthews Head hike was a good 4.5 kilomentre loop trail which took you through the forest and along the shoreline of the Bay of Fundy. By combining it with the Squaw Cap Lookoff Trail we would hike for 9 kilometers. This was close to our hiking limit but it was a nice day so off we set.

The hike started through open meadows then became much more forested. As we walked along there were lots of pretty wildflowers growing beside the trail.

Canadian Bunchberry

Yarrow

Orange Hawkweed

Purple Lupine

Egg Sac

Creeping Buttercup

After a few kilometres we reached the shores of the Bay of Fundy.

We stopped at Matthews Head to gaze out over the bay. Parks Canada was nice enough to provide charming Adirondack chairs so you could relax while enjoying the view. I was impressed because someone had to lug those big chairs up through the narrow forest trail that we had just traveled.

Emma at Matthew's Head Lookoff

View From Matthews Head

We relaxed for quite a while in the cozy red chairs while we gazed out over the tranquil misty bay.

We carried on along the trail toward Squaws Cap Lookoff. The trail followed the shoreline so we got ongoing glimpses of the Bay of Fundy.

Emma Resting at Squaw's Cap Lookoff

When we arrived at the Squaw's Cap Lookoff we were glad to rest in more Parks Canada red chairs.

Squaw's Cap Lookoff

We enjoyed the view while also watching Sonaa as she focused on the squirrels that were scolding her from above.

Red Squirrel

It was late in the day when we finished our hike.  The evening sunlight gave a golden glow to the landscape by the Bay.

Fishing Boats in Alma Harbour

We drove to the nearby seaside town of Alma. The colorful fishing boats by the pier gave the town a magical quality. At the time, we didn't realize that in 12 hours the boats floating by the pier would be sitting on the muddy sea floor when the tide went out.

With a difference of 22 feet between high tide and low tide, the Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world. Even knowing this it was still a surprise to see these boats stuck in the mud the next morning.

To complete the day we had a great restaurant meal of Haddock and fries.

July 11
It was foggy in the early morning but the hot sun ensured that the fog quickly dissipated to mist over the bay.

The tide was going out but Sonaa was unfazed as she scrambled over the stony beach to have her morning swim.

Today, we headed to Wolfe Point to see the beach and do a hike.

To get to Wolfe Point we had to cross over one of New Brunswick's charming covered bridges.

The path down to the shoreline was steep, then it was another 1/4 mile over rocks to get to the water. The tide was definitely going out.

Sonaa searched for hidden treats among the rocks 

Next we hiked the 4 1/2 kilometre Coppermine Trail. It was a shady pleasant walk through a Red Spruce forest and gurgling brooks to an old, abandoned, copper mining site.

On the way back, the trail provided occasional glimpses of the Bay of Fundy.

It was time for us to leave this National Park but we could not resist one more opportunity to sit in those cool National Park red chairs.

Cliffs by the Bay of Fundy  

We drove north toward Moncton along the shoreline of the Bay of Fundy. At Hopewell Rocks Park, we stopped for one last visit down to the Bay of Fundy.

Depending on the time you arrive, the Hopewell Rocks can be standing on the sandy beach or be surrounded by 12 feet of water. Today we arrived during low tide so we didn't need to rent a kayak to paddle around the Hopewell Rocks.

Rock Dove

Climbing down the cliff's face to the beach we passed a Rock Dove that was quietly incubating its eggs.

It was fun to walk around a beach that would be 12 feet under water in a few hours.

We finished the day at a Walmart in Moncton.