Overview
Fundy National Park occupies roughly 206 square kilometres of the New Brunswick coastline along the upper Bay of Fundy, one of the most remarkable tidal environments on Earth. Twice daily, as much as 100 billion tonnes of seawater flow in and out of the bay, exposing ocean floor that, hours earlier, sat beneath several metres of water. The park was established in 1948 and protects a landscape that transitions from red sandstone sea cliffs and tidal mudflats at its shore to rugged upland plateau covered in boreal and Acadian mixed forest.
The town of Alma sits at the park's eastern gate and serves as the main service hub for visitors. It is small but provides essentials: fuel, groceries, restaurants, and accommodation options ranging from park-operated campgrounds to private cottages. The park interior is laced with more than 100 kilometres of maintained hiking trails, and the Alma–Fundy area draws naturalists, photographers, sea-kayakers, and families looking for a genuinely wild Atlantic Canada experience.
New Brunswick is officially bilingual at the provincial level, though English is the primary language in the Alma and Albert County area. Visitors from outside Canada should note that Fundy is a federally managed Parks Canada site, and entry requires a valid park pass, the details of which are best verified at the official Parks Canada website before your visit.
Before You Go
Entry and Park Passes
Fundy National Park charges a daily entry fee for adults, youth, and families, plus separate fees for camping, golf, and other facilities. Fees change periodically, so check the Parks Canada website (pc.gc.ca) for current rates before arrival. The Discovery Pass, which covers most Parks Canada sites nationwide for a calendar year, can represent good value for visitors planning to visit multiple parks.
Visas
Canada has its own entry requirements depending on your nationality, including the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system for visa-exempt travellers arriving by air. Do not rely on this guide for visa rules. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for current requirements before booking travel.
What to Pack
- Waterproof footwear and a rain layer — the Bay of Fundy coast is frequently foggy and wet even in summer
- Layers for cool mornings and evenings, even in July and August
- Insect repellent (blackflies peak in late May–June; mosquitoes through summer)
- Tide tables, available free at the park visitor centre and many local businesses
- Binoculars for shorebirds and marine wildlife
Connectivity
Cell service is limited or absent in much of the park interior. Download offline maps and trail information before leaving Alma or Moncton.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest commercial airports are Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) and Saint John Airport (YSJ). Both are roughly 60–70 kilometres from the park's main entrance at Alma, depending on the route. Moncton generally offers more frequent connections. Car rental is available at both airports and is strongly recommended, as there is no regular public transit to the park.
By Car
From Moncton, take Highway 1 west toward Sussex, then head south on Highway 114 through the Shepody Road corridor directly into Alma and the park's east entrance. The drive takes approximately one hour under normal conditions. From Saint John, travel east on Highway 1 to Sussex and then south on Highway 114. Highway 114 itself passes through the park and offers several pull-off viewpoints along the way.
By Bus / Shuttle
No scheduled intercity bus service runs directly to Alma or the park entrance as of this writing. Visitors without a vehicle should verify locally whether seasonal shuttle options exist, as private operators occasionally offer transfers from Moncton during peak summer months.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is effectively required to move comfortably within and around Fundy National Park. The park road network connects the main campgrounds, the golf course, the visitor centre near Alma, and several trailheads. Many interior trailheads require short drives on unpaved roads that are generally accessible to standard passenger vehicles; verify road conditions at the visitor centre for anything beyond routine access.
Within the park, cycling is permitted on designated roads and some trails — check current trail status with park staff, as some trails are reserved for hikers only. Sea kayaking on the bay is possible and some outfitters in the region offer guided trips and rentals, but always consult tide tables and local guides before launching independently; the tidal range makes timing critical for safety.
Alma village is small enough to walk end-to-end in minutes, so once parked near the park entrance, basic services in town are easily reached on foot.
Where to Stay
Camping
Parks Canada operates several campgrounds within Fundy, ranging from serviced (electrical hookups) sites at Headquarters Campground near Alma to more remote backcountry sites. Camping is popular and books up well in advance for July and August; reservations through the Parks Canada reservation system (reserve.pc.gc.ca) are strongly advised. Point Wolfe Campground, deeper in the park near the covered bridge, tends to be quieter and more forested.
Cottages and Cabins
The park itself operates a small number of oTENTik glamping units and similar ready-to-camp structures that are bookable through the Parks Canada system. Several privately operated cottage operations are located in and around Alma village and the broader Fundy Shore area. Search directly for current availability as operators change seasonally.
Hotels and B&Bs
Alma has a modest selection of small inns, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts. Sussex, roughly 40 kilometres north on Highway 114, offers more conventional motel-style accommodation if the Alma options are full. For a wider choice including chain hotels, Moncton and Saint John are the nearest larger centres, both around an hour's drive.
Things to See & Do
Tidal Exploration
The single most distinctive experience in Fundy is walking the ocean floor during low tide. At Alma Beach and along the Waterside and Point Wolfe areas, low tide exposes vast stretches of tidal flat where visitors can examine rock pools, collect periwinkles (for observation only), and see the red sandstone formations up close. Always consult tide tables available at the visitor centre — the tide turns quickly and the bay is not safe to explore when the water is rising.
Hiking
The trail network ranges from short, accessible boardwalk loops to full-day ridge traverses. Notable routes include:
- Dickson Falls Trail — a short, popular loop through old-growth forest to a multi-tiered waterfall
- Coppermine Trail — a moderate loop with coastal views and historical remnants
- Fundy Circuit — a multi-day backcountry loop of approximately 48 km for experienced hikers; backcountry camping permits required
- Black Hole Trail — leads to a dramatic waterfall and gorge on the Upper Salmon River
Wildlife Watching
The park is an important stopover for shorebirds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway, particularly semipalmated sandpipers in late July through August. White-tailed deer are commonly seen at dawn and dusk. Black bears inhabit the park; understand bear safety protocols before hiking. Harbour porpoise and occasional minke whales can sometimes be spotted from headlands during calm conditions.
Other Activities
- Golf — the park operates a nine-hole golf course; verify current status and booking requirements at pc.gc.ca
- Swimming — the park has a heated saltwater pool near the campground (verify seasonal availability); ocean swimming is cold and subject to tidal hazards
- Snowshoeing and Cross-country Skiing — some trails are groomed or marked in winter; the park takes on a quiet, dramatic character under snow
Food & Drink
Alma is well known locally for its sticky buns, a long-standing tradition at the bakeries and snack shops clustered near the park entrance. These sweet, yeasty rolls are worth trying as a genuinely local food experience. Several small restaurants and takeaway spots in Alma offer chowder, lobster rolls, fish and chips, and standard diner fare; the selection is limited but serviceable during peak season. Operating hours can be irregular in shoulder season — verify locally before planning meals.
The park itself has no sit-down restaurants. Visitors planning to spend full days hiking should bring packed lunches and enough water, as facilities along trails are minimal. Groceries are available in Alma on a limited basis; for a larger grocery shop, Sussex or Moncton are better options.
Alcohol is available for purchase at licensed establishments in the area. New Brunswick has provincially run liquor stores (ANBL); the nearest may be in Sussex — verify locally. There are no large craft brewery or distillery taprooms within Alma itself, though the broader Moncton and Saint John areas have a growing craft beer scene worth exploring as part of a wider regional trip.
Practical Information
Visitor Centre
The main park visitor centre is located near the Alma entrance and is the best first stop for trail maps, tide tables, current road and trail conditions, wildlife alerts, and permit purchases. Staff there can answer specific questions that no travel guide can reliably update in real time. Verify current seasonal hours on the Parks Canada website before your trip.
Emergency and Health
Alma is a small village with no hospital. The nearest hospital facilities are in Sussex or Moncton. In a genuine emergency within the park, contact park staff or call 911. Cell service is unreliable in the park interior — inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time before heading into the backcountry.
Money
Alma businesses generally accept major credit and debit cards, but carry some cash for smaller transactions. The nearest ATM options may be in Alma or Sussex; verify locally. Currency exchange is best handled in Moncton before arriving.
Accessibility
Some park facilities and a few shorter trails have been developed with accessibility in mind. The visitor centre and some campground amenities meet basic accessibility standards. Contact Parks Canada directly for up-to-date information on which trails and facilities are accessible to visitors with mobility considerations.
Safety
The primary safety consideration at Fundy is the tidal range. The Bay of Fundy's tides rise faster than many visitors expect, and several incidents have occurred over the years with people who ventured onto tidal flats without checking tide schedules. Always obtain a tide table from the visitor centre, note the times of low and high tide, and leave the tidal zone well before water begins to return. Do not attempt to outrun a rising tide — the bay floor can become impassable quickly.
Black bears are present throughout the park. Follow Parks Canada's bear safety guidelines: store food and scented items in bear-resistant containers or food lockers, never feed wildlife, and make noise on trails to avoid surprising animals. Trail registers at some backcountry trailheads allow you to log your route — a useful safety measure.
Hiking trail conditions can change rapidly. Wet roots and muddy switchbacks are common after rain. Wear appropriate footwear, carry a map (paper backup recommended given limited cell service), and tell someone your planned route. The Point Wolfe covered bridge area can flood during significant rain events — check conditions with park staff.
