Fundy Coastal Drive Family Adventures Await! NEW Indesign DOCUMENT Whether it is scaling down the breathtaking Cape Enrage cliffs, getting up close to whales and seals near St. Andrews or fine dining at Saint John s Opera Bistro, the Fundy Coastal Drive offers a variety of experiences the whole family can enjoy! By Chris Ellison Issue 1-2007 1
New Brunswick is a unique gem within Canada. We recently ventured down the Fundy Coastal Drive with the goal of identifying some of the best destinations for Canadian travelers, especially for families. The Fundy area boasts the world s highest tides, spectacular coastal seascapes and is endowed with marine life. We were thrilled that the adventurous opportunities were numerous and distinctive, depending on the city or area visited. For tourists who are new to the region, please allow us to highlight the well-known, and perhaps not so well known destinations. Moncton, New Brunswick Magnetic Hill Starting in Moncton, visit Magnetic Hill where you can drive to the bottom of this world-famous hill, take your foot off the brake and become astonished that your car will roll uphill. Your brain will tell you it s simply not possible, but you can witness the experience of your vehicle rolling upward defying everything you learned in science class. Magnetic Hill is a completely natural phenomenon that is unique to this area of Canada. Afterward, visit the Magic Mountain Water Theme Park, right next door. This area offers families a great day of fun. Magnetic Hill Zoo Visit the Magnetic Hill Zoo, which is the largest zoo in Atlantic Canada, with more than 400 animals, representing over 90 different species. Among the animals viewed include a diverse collection of animals from every corner of the globe, including a variety of lemurs from Madagascar, gibbon apes and Siberian tigers from Asia, tiny fanged deer from China, eland, lions and zebras from Africa. Auberge Wild Rose Inn When seeking the best place to stay while in the Moncton area we recommend the Auberge Wild Rose Inn. It offers first class amenities and a fine dining restaurant with a unique blend of regional tastes. A glimse of the Cape Enrage shoreline (immediate right), Magnetic Zoo (top right), Auberge Wild Rose Inn (middle right), Hopewell Rocks (bottom right). Issue 1-2007 2
Photo couresty of New Brunswick Tourism Issue 1-2007 3
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Hopewell Rocks Moving down the coast one must visit the famous Hopewell Rocks where, over the course of the day, you can witness 100-billion tons of seawater as it moves in and out. You will be amazed to walk on the ocean floor, where the ocean waves would have been crashing in well over your head just hours earlier. When high tide arrives, enjoy kayaking around the rocks. Cape Enrage Adventures About half an hour away from Hopewell Rocks is the award-winning Cape Enrage Adventures where you will enjoy one of the celebrated best views in Canada, as designated by the Frommer s Guide. There are a number of activities to do at Cape Enrage, such as rappel or climb high above the giant Fundy tides. The experience includes 2 hours on the cliff for all ages, equipment, experienced guides and instructions. High above the 150 foot cliffs, observe the panoramic view of the entire bay from Apple River to Dorchester to Quaco. Cape Enrage Adventures will also take you sea kayaking, on a guided tour through caves, or fossil hunting on the beach. Also available are guided outdoor adventures where you can wander down a coastal trail and spend some time at the beautiful Cape Enrage lighthouse, one of the oldest in the province. Fundy National Park Further down the Fundy Coastal drive is a beautiful little town of Alma and Fundy National Park of Canada, New Brunswick s first national park, created in 1948. Offered is an array of camping experiences, over 120 km of walking and hiking trails, through mountains, valleys, past sparkling waterfalls and crystal clear streams. Discover the richness of the Acadian Forest and learn the secrets of the Bay of Fundy s giant tides. In Fundy National Park you will have the chance to view hundreds of different plant species, including the rare bird s-eye primrose, found Saint John Skyline only in this park. This flowering plant took root in the at Dusk (left) and a area when the glaciers melted back from the coast sumptuous example millions of years ago. When the weather is warm, rent of the cuisine offered at Saint John s enjoy guided hikes and beach walks including inter- a canoe or kayak and explore beautiful Bennett Lake, celebrated Opera pretative programs offered throughout the summer. Bistro (top). In winter, enjoy the park s groomed cross-country ski (Photo above courtesy of Opera Bistro) trails or try winter camping. Issue 1-2007 5
An image of the Wharf and Harbour in Alma, New Brunswick (below). Alma is a beautiful little town just at the east entrance of fundy National Park. Saint John, New Brunswick Continuing along the Fundy Coastal Drive you will visit Saint John, New Brunswick. The city s historic seaport is Canada s first incorporated city! The abundance of natural wonders, historic sites, unique dining and shopping all culminate into an amazing tourist experience. Homeport Historic Bed & Breakfast I would recommend checking into the Homeport Historic Bed & Breakfast, Saint John s only 5 star Luxury B&B. Homeport, which is surprisingly affordable, is centrally located for all Bay of Fundy adventures and boasts of gourmet breakfasts, ensuite bathrooms and spectacular views overlooking city and harbour. Visit www.homeport.nb.ca. While visiting Saint John, dine at the Opera Bistro, a regional fine dining restaurant in the downtown core which has a warm atmosphere and modern décor. Some of it s features include Black Tiger Shrimp, Scalloped Potato Gratin, Mocca Mousse Napoleons and wine choices ranging from fine Riesling from Germany to wonderful Australian Chardonnay. 6 Canadian Destinations Reversing Falls While in the city see the infamous Reversing Falls, where the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, the highest in the world, do something that doesn t happen anywhere else they push the St. John River backwards. At low tide the water rushes through the mouth of the Saint John Harbour and into the downwardflowing St. John River. This creates turbulent rapids as it encounters two ridges and a bottleneck gorge at Reversing Falls. At high tide, as the water in the Harbour rises, the downward flow in the St. John River is slowed, then stopped. This is called Slack Tide. The push of the Bay s high tides continues until the river runs in reverse upstream. While visiting the Reversing Falls, venture out on the Reversing Falls Jet Boat Rides, where you can splash your way into rapids of the Reversing Falls. Visit www.jetboatrides.com. Saint John City Market The Saint John City Market is another big draw to Saint John. It is boasted if you can t find it at the Saint John City Market, you
Photo courtesy of Saint John Tourism The image of the covered bridge at low tide makes for a memorable and relaxing experience in St. Martins, located along the Fundy Coastal Drive, between Saint John and Moncton (bottom right), Reversing falls (bottom left), Saint John Market (right). Photo couresty of Saint John Tourism Issue 1-2007 7
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probably don t need it. Open six days a week, this wonderful old building contains country vendors and green grocers, butchers and fish stalls, cafés, souvenirs and craftspeople. The Saint John City Market is the oldest market in North America. It was built in 1876, and withstood the Great Fire of 1877 that burned much of the city around it. I was stunned to realize that Saint John is home to many of Canada s, and even the world s, firsts. Examples include the first chartered bank in Canada, the first Canadian YWCA and Boys and Girls Clubs, the first Boy Scout Apple Day, first public museum opened in 1842, first female golf champion and female commercial pilot, first use of anesthetic in Canada during an operation December 17, 1847, first police union formed in 1919 and the location of the discovery of kerosene oil. Saint John, New Brunswick is a great destination! Venturing further along the Fundy Coastal Drive, you will enjoy many regional cities, such as Chance Harbour, Blacks Hourbour, St. George and St. Stephen. Among my own favourites are St. Andrews by the sea and the beautiful Deer Island, just a short ferry ride away! Deer Island is entirely rural with the major communities being Fairhaven, Leonardville and Lord s Cove. The economy is primarily driven by the fishing and aquaculture industries. 10 Canadian Destinations
St. Andrews, New Brunswick One of the much loved locations to stay for tourists visiting the area is the historic and beautiful Rossmount Country Inn, beautifully set between the forest and the sea. The Inn is near to whale-watching adventures, Fundy Isles, golf, sea kayaking, marine centre, nature trails and much more. Also not to be missed is the regional fine dining tastes available at the Rossmount Country Inn s restaurant. Chef Chris Aerni will amaze you with a market fresh modern fine cuisine. Visit www.rossmountinn.com. Kingsbrae Garden Tour Among the many local attractions to visit while in St. Andrews is the Kingsbrae Garden Tour through magnificent collections of over 45,000 flowers, plants and shrubs in this artfully designed garden. Also interesting is Minister s Island and the Atlantic Salmon Interpretative Centre which explores the mysteries surrounding the wild Atlantic salmon and its natural habitat. St. Andrews Town Wharf Visit the St. Andrews Town Wharf, which was in recent times restored after suffering a devastating fire. It has long been a working wharf where scallop draggers, fishing boats and aquaculture barges leave from each morning and seek protection from each night. Deer Island, New Brunswick Seascape Kayak Tours Another highlight was sea kayaking with Seascape Kayak Tours on the nearby Deer Island. Take the complimentary voyage on the ferry near St. George for a trip to Deer Island, where the incredible tidal current of the Bay of Fundy creates unlimited adventure. Seascape Kayak Tours Inc, established in 1994, is the original sea kayak tour operator in St. Andrews and on Deer Island. This company, owned and operated by Bruce and Malena Smith, has become an award-winning organization that offers authentic experiences with the original kayak company in St. Andrews and Deer Island! For more information, visit www. seascapekayaktours.com. Your family will have a whale of a time along the Fundy Coastal Trail. It seems obvious that there is something for every taste. What seems to be the highlight about the region is that, not only is there so much to do, the opportunities available have a strong educational component to them. What better vacation experiences can you think of where you are enjoying new experiences, and learning something you want to learn at the same time. There is a lot of information available about these experiences, as described above, and much more on the provincial tourism website found at www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca. Fundy Tide Runners One highlight for me was whale watching with Fundy Tide Runners where you can search for whales on a comfortable yet agile 25 foot zodiac boat, which, because of is size can get up close to the marine life. You will safely explore the teeming tidal waters of the Bay of Fundy and view Finback, Minke and Humpback whales, porpoises, dolphins, seals and eagles regularly encountered on the trips. Visit www.fundytiderunners.com for more information. Visit the lovely and historic St. Andrew s Rossmount Inn (bottom left), Chef Chris Aerni and his culinary team (bottom left), dusk on the St. Andrews waterfront (bottom right). Photo couresty of Rossmount Inn Issue 1-2007 11