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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Fundy National Park |
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Rte 114 PO Box 40, Alma, NB E0A 1B0
Phone: 506-887-6000
Fax: 506-887-6008
Open All Year
Overview. Extraordinary tides, rising and falling as much as 39 feet (12 m) every six hours, determine the character of Fundy's ragged coastline. Micmac and Malacite peoples first took advantage of the resources provided by the dense inland forests and fruitful fishing waters. Later Acadians, a French-speaking group, moved into the area, followed by British and British Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution. By the turn of this century, the upland plateau once covered by forest had been heavily logged. Since then the entire area, including both the 80 square miles (207 square km) of park and the surrounding land have been closely managed. Visitors to Fundy won't find many trees over 70 years old, but they do witness forest regeneration. Peregrine falcons are also making a comeback in Fundy. Seaside cliffs, some over 200 feet (60.5 m) tall, and eight miles (13 km) of shoreline provide excellent breeding grounds. Fundy is the site of ongoing research into human impacts on a complex ecosystem encompassing woodlands, natural drainage areas, and the sea. Today visitors enjoy exploring ever-changing tidal pools and hiking through woodlands and along riverbeds.
What to see and do. Begin your stay in the headquarters area, which lies on the eastern edge of the park. You'll find most facilities there, including the visitor reception center. Open variable hours between mid-May and early October, the center is the place to find schedules of summertime guided walks and campfire talks as well as to make backcountry camping reservations. If you'd like to explore the seashore, you must talk to a park attendant about tides. Investigating tide pools and seaside caves is fascinating but potentially dangerous, because tides rise quickly to cut off your retreat.
Two large campgrounds are located near Alma, with some sites fully developed to accommodate RVs. Take a dip in the heated saltwater pool if the ocean proves too chilly. Golfers appreciate a challenging nine-hole course, while tennis fans play on nearby courts. Drive west through Fundy, if you have only one day, following Rte 114 through the park until you reach the information center (open June-August) on the other side. Along the way, keep an eye out for moose in the river bottoms, black bears in the meadows, and beavers. Deer can often be seen munching foliage, and you may even glimpse a bobcat.
If you prefer to overnight away from the crowds, camp at the smaller grounds close to Wolfe Lake, located further inland. Swimming and boating are also popular ways to enjoy the lake.
Take advantage of 60 miles (100 km) of hiking trails to better see the park's natural treasures. Most hikes are short, taking no more than three hours, but the Fundy Circuit links several shorter hikes together to create a 31-mile (50 km) trail that could take three days to complete. Several backcountry sites along the way enable overnight stays. Be sure not to miss the many waterfalls. Over a dozen (16) punctuate the streams.
Wintertime visitors may arrange for snowshoeing, tobogganing, winter and cross-country camping (50 km of groomed ski trails). For the last ten years, the Royal Astronomical Society has held their annual Nova East Star Party under the dark skies unpolluted by city lights.
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed.
Fees: A nominal entrance fee is charged.
| Activities and Services |
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Beach |
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Bicycle Trails |
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Bird Watching |
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Cross-country Skiing |
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Fishing |
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Gift Shop |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Non-motor Boating |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Swimming |
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Visitor Center |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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