Whales at warp speed

Whale watching from aboard a former FBI jet boat

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DARCY RHYNO

Ifeel like a dog with my head out the car window. We’re zipping over the calm waters of Passamaquoddy Bay out of Saint Andrews, New Brunswick like a sports car down the highway. Aboard this former FBI high speed jet drive Zodiac that goes by the name of Jolly Hurricane and reaches 65 kilometres per hour on a day like this, we’ll be on the whale watching grounds out on the open Bay of Fundy in no time.

We race past the 22-metre square rigged cutter, the Jolly Breeze of St. Andrews, another whale watching ship in this fleet, like it’s a school bus in the slow lane. Passengers exchange waves, everyone excited for the kind of adventure they favour. Aboard the Jolly Breeze, it’s a leisurely trip with a touch of the past, while ours is a crazy fast one with something futuristic about it. Aboard the Jolly Breeze, passengers are wandering about the wooden deck, drinks in hand, checking out the sails and webs of ropes. On the Jolly Hurricane, we’re dressed in puffy, orange survival suits, bobbing in our shock-absorbing seats like so many tanned minions in a weird Despicable Me spinoff.

“It’s certainly part of the adventure, getting into those suits,” says Joanne Carney, co-owner with her husband Rob Carney of Jolly Breeze Whale Watching, and our guide for the trip. I have to agree. The suits are comfortable and flexible, shielding me against the fierce wind caused by our speed. Rafts of seaweed, rocky coastline, beaches, lighthouses, rustic cabins along the shore, eddies in the currents between islands—all pass by as if we’re in a time lapse film. Then our first whale. The captain cuts the engine. Just like that, not 50 metres from shore, a humpback whale blows a spout. Well, that’s what I’ve always heard a whale does, spouts water from its blowhole. But it’s more like a cloud of mist that hovers in the air as the sleek black back of this colossal sea creature rolls to the surface, exposing its dorsal fin. Once, twice and a third time it rises to the surface. With each pass, I try to imagine what it must be like to take in great gulps of air through a hole in the back, but it’s just too foreign a concept. These are wonderfully strange creatures.

On the third pass, the whale seems higher out of the water than before. We soon learn why—it’s diving. The great body of a humpback—it’s probably 16 metres in length, weighing in at something like 30,000 kilograms—angles down into the depths, bringing its widely-forked tail completely into the air. Water pours off it as the underside, marked with bright white patches, flips into view. Just before it slips without a splash below the surface, it is the exact shape of an upside-down moustache, curled ends and all.

Excitement hums among the passengers, then we’re on our way again. Now that we’ve

put the last fingers of the mainland and the last of the near-shore islands like Bliss and White Horse behind us, we can see our destination—The Wolves. The waters around this string of five small islands is the most promising for spotting whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds. The jet drives are shoved into neutral and we coast to a quiet stop in front of Southern Wolf Island Nature Reserve. A fishing boat with a few folks enjoying a lazy afternoon on the water bobs near the cliffs.

“There are spots where whales tend to hang out,” Carney says. “It has to do with the currents and the shape of the ocean floor. The current tends to push the fish right around that island. It helps school the herring. Then the whales feed there.”

Sure enough, a behemoth rises from the depths and does its thing, spouting and inhaling, curling its body and at last diving, as if we weren’t even there. Long after the whale’s tail disappears, we’re left with what amounts to its footprint. As a whale dives, the downward motion of its tail (flukes) leaves a smooth patch of water where it disappears. In the days of whale hunting, whalers mistakenly thought these slick fluke prints were caused by oil from the whale’s skin. Then again, they got a lot of things wrong about whales.

“We know the whales’ patterns after doing this for so many years,” Carney says. “Plus, the captains have very keen eyes. They can see a whale blow from a mile or two away.”

She and Rob started their whale watching tours in 2004 when they bought the Jolly Breeze. For the previous nine years, they sailed on their live-aboard boat around the Caribbean. When they visited Rob’s parents in Saint Andrews, they fell for the place so hard, they had to find a way to stay.

Suddenly, for no reason I can see, the boat is kicked into gear and we peel off in the direction of Grand Manan Island. We travel at warp speed for what must be a few kilometres before the captain slows the boat and cuts the engine. It seems as if we’re just waiting again, except in a different place, until 100 metres off, a whale surfaces.

“Sedge,” Carney says. This is a humpback she knows. His dorsal has a huge notch out of it, making him easy to identify. He’s been coming around for the last couple of years, but what’s really cool, says Carney, is that he was spotted this winter in Samaná Bay, Dominican Republic. Someone posted a picture on the Jolly Breeze Facebook page.

Joanne and the other guides and captains have other favourites. “There’s one whale, Cork, that we really like,” Carney says. “He’s been coming around since we started 15 years ago. We really like a minke whale called Slice. He’s also been here 15 years. He has a little chip on his dorsal fin as well, so he’s pretty recognizable.”

“Last year we had a really fun summer,” Carney continues. “A couple humpback moms brought their babies. We were able to watch the mom train the baby with the different behaviours: breaching, tail and fin flapping. We’d see the moms jump out of the water, then we’d watch the baby jump, learning the same thing. They have their own personalities you get to know.”

It’s obvious that Joanne and the others at Jolly Breeze have grown close to these animals, visiting their summer home. “The whales are a big part of my life,” Carney says. “I just love getting out and seeing all the regulars and who’s brought babies. It’s like welcoming your family back.”

A couple of satisfying hours slip by. We spot a grey whale. Porpoises play around the boat. Carney says these are the birthing and feeding grounds for harbour porpoise. Grey and harbour seals hang out in the area. As we pick our way from sighting to sighting back toward Saint Andrews, we come across a few puffins bobbing around.

“Machias Seal Island south of Grand Manan is a well-known nesting area for puffins,” Carney says. “Thousands go there every spring. Generally, they’re known in Greenland, Norway and Iceland, but we get their outer range.”

Joanne Carney of Jolly Breeze Whale Watching. She and her husband Rob recognize some of the regular whales and give them nicknames.

Truly Spectacular!

A nature-lovers can’t miss coastal experience on the world-famous Bay of Fundy

At last, it’s time to head in. We pass the Jolly Breeze again. Carney says of their tall ship option, “That kind of tour suits everybody. It’s a slow, relaxed trip. People feel really comfortable on board, even if they’re afraid of the water.” When it came time to expand their fleet to meet growing demand, the Carneys went for powerful jet drive Zodiacs like the Jolly Hurricane. “We wanted to add a new kind of adventure that would appeal to people that prefer something a little speedier, more adventurous.”

I check to see if my tongue is hanging out the side of my mouth, that I really don’t look like a dog with its head out the window because I think when Carney says the Jolly Hurricane is a little speedier, she must be comparing it to a sports car, not a tall ship.

Here’s where to find whale watching tours in Atlantic Canada

Nova Scotia Bay St. Lawrence, Cape Breton Island Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton Island Ingonish, Cape Breton Island Neil’s Harbour, Cape Breton Island Cheticamp, Cape Breton Island Inverness, Cape Breton Island Eastern Passage in Halifax Westport, Brier Island near Digby Tiverton, Long Island near Digby East Ferry near Digby

New Brunswick Saint Andrews Grand Manan Island Campobello Island

PEI Souris Naufrage Newfoundland and Labrador Battle Harbour, Labrador Red Bay, Labrador Point Amour, Labrador Strait of Belle Isle St. Anthony Bonne Bay White Bay Twillingate Cape Bonavista Trinity St. John’s Witless Bay Cape Race St. Vincent’s Beach Cape St. Mary’s

You can pick your adventure when whalewatching with the Carneys: the more sedate trip on board the cutter Jolly Breeze, or speed it up with the Jolly Hurricane.

Your Fundy coast Road Trip awaits you

The Bay of Fundy shapes much of the coastline of New Brunswick, its mighty tides carving out sea caves and sea stacks like the Hopewell Rocks, dramatic bays and inlets, sparkling beaches…and thrilling visitors with all of its natural wonders. With historic and thriving communities along its coastline, all with their distinct New Brunswick flavour, the Quebec Fundy region is ideal for adventures. Whether you’re on a day trip and want to take in the Fundy Trail Parkway, or stay longer and explore Fundy National Park and the cities and towns along the Bay, there’s something for everyone.

Enjoy fine cuisine in one of the communities along the Bay, take in historic glimpses of our recent and ancient past through one of the UNESCO sites, enjoy whale watching or hiking, beachcombing or wine tasting…There is a world of wonders awaiting you along our Fundy coastline.

New Brunswick

Prince Edward Island

Magic Mountain Euston Park Social Tide and Boar Gastropub

Moncton, the hub city

Your Bay of Fundy adventure begins with the city of Moncton and its neighbours, Dieppe and Riverview. Nestled alongside the Petitcodiac River with its unusual Tidal Bore, Moncton is the place to pause, refresh, relax and take in some of the city’s myriad attractions.

With great entertainment and shopping, charming spa escapes and unique cultural sites like Resurgo place, Moncton offers many charms for any sort of adventurer, whether you’re travelling with family, as a couple, or as a group of friends on a getaway. For some outdoor fun, be sure to check out the marvelous wall murals dotted throughout the city, visit the Magnetic Hill Winery and nearby attractions, and stretch your legs on any of the trails in our parks in and around Moncton. New this year, the Atlantic Ballet Atlantique Canada focuses on innovative works—including exclusive outdoor performances this summer by the ocean!

Whether you’re a fan of fine cuisine or excellent farmers markets, those who want a taste of local will find something here to please you. Some new local favourites in the Hub City include Halo Donuts, for perfectly handmade road trip snacking; Epoch Chemistry for educational (and tasty!) coffee tastings; Atelier Tony for an elevated weekend brunch; or Clos for a seasonal tasting menu.

If you are a craft beer aficionado, the scene is thriving—and the brews are flowing—at assorted breweries, gastropubs and taprooms around the city and beyond: Tire Shack Brewing, Cavok, Flying Boats, Pumphouse, Tide and Boar, and Holy Whale—just to name a few!

And if you’re staying in Moncton for a few days, spend some time exploring local communities including Hillsborough, which boasts the New Brunswick Railway Museum as well as the Steeves House Museum.

THE FLOWERPOTS OF HOPEWELL ROCKS

No visit to the Fundy coastline of New Brunswick is complete without a trip to Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. Here, depending on the time of your arrival, you can walk on the ocean floor among the many giant sandstone sea stacks, known as the flowerpots scattered along the coast. These flowerpots have stood for thousands of years, although the tidal motion makes for ever-evolving structures and shapes.

Hopewell Rocks is a self-directed park with well-trained staff on hand to answer questions; an excellent Interpretive centre; gentle walking trails, great gift shop, and assorted viewing lookoffs. For the full experience, try the guided kayak adventure at high tide. Located just under an hour from the city of Moncton.

WEAR ‘EM OUT

FAMILY DAY PACKAGE

From $389.00 per family, including two adults & two children, this package includes family entrance to discover the award-winning Magnetic Hill Zoo in Moncton, Hopewell Rocks, and more. A freshly packed lunch is provided.

www.abconnect.ca 506-232-1057 hello@abconnect.ca

REVISIT MONCTON

Book a two-night stay at participating Greater Moncton Hotels and receive a FREE $50 Downtown Moncton gift card. Valid May 21- September 6, 2021.

www.visitgreatermoncton.com to book!

Hotel/direct bookings only – Minimum rates and exceptions apply – Does not apply to group reservations – Limited number of gift cards available

Walton Glen Gorge Lookout

The Fundy Trail Parkway

The Fundy Trail Parkway is a 6,323 acre/2,559 hectare seasonally-open park that hugs the southern coastline of New Brunswick, curving like a necklace along the mighty Bay of Fundy and the world’s highest tides. The park features everything that eco adventurers could want—breathtaking views, pristine beaches, hiking and biking trails for all skill levels, gorgeous waterfalls, geological wonders—and connecting all this natural wonder is the paved Parkway through the area. Whether you have only a couple of hours to drive through, or are planning numerous outings during your visit, the parkway is full of gems waiting to be explored.

Enter the Parkway at St. Martins; or opt for the eastern entrance from Sussex. Both options connect to each other, giving you access to stop along the Parkway as you wish. This year, a new section will open that runs all the way to Alma and to the entrance of Fundy National Park.

If you’re looking for help as you plan out your itinerary, the interpretation centre located approximately 10 km into the park from the St. Martins entrance. Helpful staff, snacks, washrooms and a historic interpretive center awaits.

Local favourites along the parkway for take-your-cameraout moments include the Suspension Footbridge, Walton Glen Gorge Falls, the Hairpin Turn Lookout and the Sea Captain’s Burial Ground Footpath.

So many of the attractions of the Fundy coast are now linked and accessible from the Parkway—the communities of St. Andrews, Alma and St. Martins, the Hopewell Rocks, the cities of Saint John and Moncton. You aren’t far from access to Deer Island, Campobello and Grand Manan islands out in the Bay, all must-visit attractions in themselves.

In addition, the Fundy Trail Parkway is home to two UNESCO sites: the Stonehammer Global Geopark, the first so designated in North America, and the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve. You can lose yourself in the natural wonders to be found along the Parkway, which is being favourably compared to the Viking Trail in Newfoundland and Labrador and Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail as a must-do adventure. Come and “sea” for yourselves!

BAY OF FUNDY TRAIL

Get up close to the beauty of the Bay of Fundy. This 6 hour tour includes stops at the reversing falls rapids in Saint John, the Fundy Trail Parkway, and St. Martins.

www.freedomtours.com Please call for pricing 800-561-2324

WORLD OF WONDERS-ALMA

Experience the Bay of Fundy like a Local From $272.00 per person, including one night accommodations. Explore the St. Martins sea caves, fat biking in Fundy National Park, the fishing village of Alma, Hopewell Rocks and the Fundy Trail Parkway.

www.abconnect.ca 506-232-1057 hello@abconnect.ca

HISTORIC ALMA

Imagine making your living from the sea in the charming village of Alma, at the confluence of Chignecto Bay and the Upper Salmon River. Today, you go out in your lobster boat at 5am; tomorrow 6am, and in a few short days, you’ll be going to work in the evening. It all depends on tide times, which change each day! Alma is an important fishing community, with lobster and scallop harvesters working out of its harbour, providing the freshest of seafood. Get ready to sit back at one of the local restaurants and indulge in the freshly caught fare. Quaint shops, breweries and famous sticky buns are also not to miss while you are in the area. It is also the gateway to Fundy National Park, and soon the eastern access point for the Fundy Trail Parkway.

Sussex Ale Works Sully’s Ice Cream Parlour Downtown murals

Sussex: where agriculture meets the arts

Nestled in the rolling green heartland of New Brunswick’s agricultural centrepiece, the town of Sussex celebrates local farmers—especially dairy producers—as well as its history and culture. The province’s three main cities are all within a 90-minute drive of Sussex, making it a great day trip or vacation destination. Sussex is also easily accessed from the Fundy Trail Parkway, and indeed is a midway point between the Parkway and Fundy National Park.

Take a drive, a stroll or a bike ride through Sussex’s downtown to enjoy the striking murals painted on many of its businesses; Find treasures in one of the many local shops, from outdoor gear at Outdoor Elements, natural soap and skincare at Elysian, cosy handcrafted textiles at Legacy Lane and gourmet fudge at Cobblers Lane Fudge Factory. With the many artisans and shops, it’s safe to say that the arts are at the heart of this town.

Feeling inspired? Head to the AX: The Arts and Culture Centre of Sussex, where you will find various workshops on painting and ceramics on top of the rotating art exhibitions.

If you’re a history buff, make sure to visit the Agricultural Museum of New Brunswick as well as the 8th Hussars Military Museum.

When you’ve refreshed yourself in this charming town, it’s back on the highway and on the road to Fundy National Park and associated wonders!

Sea caves and culinary delights in St. Martins

Scenic and historic St. Martins lays claim to being the “anchor to the Fundy Trail Parkway,” as until recently visitors could only enter the Parkway from the community. St. Martins is part of the UNESCO-designated Fundy Biosphere Reserve and Stonehammer UNESCO Geopark, recognizing their vital and unique landscapes, geology and ecosystems. It’s also a village bustling with great food, friendly local artists, wonderful shops and shopkeepers, and more!

The community has a proud sea-faring history, having been home to a family of shipbuilders in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries: nearly 500 ships were built in St. Martins during the Age of Sail. Today, that history is commemorated by the Quaco Museum but also celebrated through the community’s fishers and through adventure tourism.

Walk on the sea floor at low tide and explore the remarkable sea caves nestled along the red rock cliffs, then head out on a guided kayak outing around and into those same caves at high water with Red Rock Adventure.

For a truly unforgettable fine dining experience, indulge in this exclusive opportunity of dining on the ocean floor, in the Sea Caves at low tide. A five courses meal awaits, with locally inspired creations served up by The Kilted Chef, Alain Bossé.

Of course, you won’t want to miss out on the seafood chowder wars, (friendly rivalry between restaurants), or the delectable lobster rolls at seaside shacks. Which ones will be your new favourite?

Stay at one of the fine camping facilities around the community, such as Century Farm Family Campground, Seaside Campground or Fundy Woods Campground & Cottages.

If you prefer a little more luxury, stay at one of the Inns, vacation homes, or Bed and Breakfasts available to visitors. The Beach Street Inn, St. Martins Country Inn, or Salmon River B&B are all fantastic options in the area.

Don’t forget to pick your favourite flavour at Octopus Ice Cream on the wharf before heading out to your next destination!

ST. MARTINS & ALMA

Starting from $189 per person based on double occupancy. Includes one night accommodation in St. Martins with breakfast and picnic lunch, Fundy Trail Parkway passes, and one night accommodation in Alma.

www.kefitravel.ca 1-888-680-6930 info@kefitravel.ca

FUNDY COAST TO FUNDY SHORE

This 5 hour tour brings you to the seaside community of St. Martins, followed by the Reversing falls and Old City Market in the heart of Saint John

www.freedomtours.com Please call for pricing 800-561-2324

Princess Street Irving Nature Park

Saint John is Saint Awesome

The historic and fascinating city of Saint John (also known as #SaintAwesome) needs to be on your Fundy adventure list for 2021. Nestled along the Saint John River, and the only city on the mighty Bay of Fundy, Saint John offers so much to see and do, you’ll barely have time to sleep.

From the cultural and natural history wonders of the New Brunswick Museum, to the Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site, get to know about Saint John’s storied past as you also experience its thriving present. For a look at pre-human history, be sure to explore the Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark, where a billion years-worth of stories are waiting for you to discover them.

Saint John is home to the one of the longest continuously operated farmers markets in Canada, where you’ll find food from local producers, great coffee and tea, inspired work by artisans, and a great meeting place to sit and gab with friends. Once you’ve had a snack, stroll along the waterfront and explore Market Square or Harbour Passage and make your way to the Reversing Falls Rapids.

No visit to Saint John is complete without spending some time exploring uptown Saint John, where some of the finest in shopping, dining and public art await you. Over a dozen art galleries, many focused on locally created arts and crafts, are housed in historic buildings. Go gallery hopping for an afternoon and check out Paris Crew, Trinity Galleries, Jones Gallery, and the Spicer Merrifield Gallery—to name a few. If shopping is more your thing, Lordon, Urban Shoe Myth, Tuck Studio, and In Pursuit are well worth exploring. If you’ve worked up an appetite after all that shopping, Italian by Night, Vegolution, Port City Royal or East Coast Bistro are sure to satisfy your cravings!

When you want to get away to nature, you’ve plenty of choices, including the Irving Nature Park, Rockwood Park, and any of a number of great golf courses in town or nearby.

FUNDY HARBOUR’S HIDDEN GEMS

Experience the hidden gems of the Bay of Fundy coastline. Stops include Lepreau Falls, New River Beach, St.George, the Reversing Falls Rapids and Beaver Harbour.

www.freedomtours.com Please call for pricing 800-561-2324

SAINT JOHN

#SAINTAWESOME

from $109 per person based on double occupancy. Includes two nights’ accommodations, wine tasting for two at Uncorked, and parking.

www.kefitravel.ca 1-888-680-6930 info@kefitravel.ca

2-NIGHT SPECIAL

Enjoy a resort feel with the fam, including breakfast, pool times, snacks, early checkins and late check-outs, as well as $50 Uptown Dollars.

2 night stay, $239.99+tax, weekends until July 31.

www.bestwesternsj.ca 506-657-9966

SAINT JOHN

- UNCORKED!

From $629.00 for 2 people, including 2 nights’ accommodations. Explore the Saint John City Market and local shops, a tour of choice with Uncorked Tours, and dinner for two voucher at Italian By Night.

www.abconnect.ca 506-232-1057 hello@abconnect.ca

HARBOUR HAVEN PACKAGE

Experience New Brunswick’s unique urban waterfront. Wine upon arrival, breakfast for two, fantastic patio seating and $50 Uptown Dollars.

Minimum 2 night stay, $149/night.

www.hilton.com 506-693-8484

SHOP & STAY

Plan to shop your Saint John stay away thanks to Hampton Inn by Hilton Saint John, with a $25 Costco Gift card and $50 Uptown Dollars.

Minumim 2 night stay, $129/night on weeknights, $139/night on weekends.

www.guestreservations.com 506-657-4600

ALL INCLUSIVE IN UPTOWN SAINT JOHN

Induldge in breakfast for two and a $50 Mix RestoBar credit daily. Explore the uptown and treat yourself with $50 Uptown Dollars.

Minimum 2 night stay, $179/night.

www.marriott.com 506-648-1981 reservations@deltasaintjohn.com

EXPLORE UPTOWN PACKAGE

A great location in the heart of uptown, including breakfast for two daily, complimentary parking, and $50 Uptown Dollars.

Minimum 2 night stay, $139/night.

www.marriott.com 506-648-1981 reservations@deltasaintjohn.com

PANORAMIC VIEWS AT HILLSIDE MOTEL

Take in the panoramic views of the Bay of Fundy, enjoy a meal from Pizza Delight, and explore the uptown with $50 Uptown Dollars.

2 night stay, $150.

www.hillsidemotelnb.com 506-672-1273 / 1-888-625-7070

ROAD TRIP GAS & GO

Stay at the Hampton Inn by Hilton Saint John and save with a $25 gas card and $50 Uptown Dollars, perfect for the next Saint John road trip!

Minumim 2 night stay, $109/night on weeknights, $114/night on weekends.

www.guestreservations.com 506-657-4600

STAY & PLAY

More like stay and dine! Enjoy a $50 Gahan House Port City Giftcard as well as $50 Uptown Dollars, just a 5 minute drive/15 minute walk away.

From $299, minimum 2 night stay.

www.hiexpress.com 506-642-2622

Saint Andrews By-the-Sea

Nestled on the shores of the Passamaquoddy Bay, Saint Andrews By-the-Sea is a National Historic Site steeped in unique architecture. It’s also a modern, thriving base for scientific study with three nearby research stations, a culinary gem with fine dining of all kinds, and a scintillating place to visit and explore.

If being on the ocean is a passion, check out the various excursions, from whale watching on a highspeed Zodiac with Jolly Breeze and Island Quest Marine, or try shark tagging with Saint Andrews Sport Fishing Co. For sea discoveries on land, make a trip to the Huntsman Marine Centre featuring the Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Stroll around historic Water Street on the waterfront to find streets filled with colourful flower beds and charming shops offering locally made goods and artworks. The century-plus buildings and homes will lead the way towards an enchanting visit to Kingsbrae Garden, where 27 acres of unique-themed plantings are waiting to be explored. Be sure to bring your appetite to the Garden Café, or to Savour in the Garden. You can also enjoy a picnic on the grounds, with a basket packed with goodies from the restaurants.

Saint Andrews By-the-Sea boasts a cornucopia of culinary delights. From delightful coffee at Honeybeans, to exquisite fine dining at the Rossmount Inn, to fresh local seafood—including, of course, lobster! Many restaurants located on Water Street offer views of the Bay to complement your meal—the Gables, Old Thyme Pizza and Seasons by the Sea Bistro are some local favourites!

Saint Andrews By-the-Sea offers a full range of accommodation choices, from campgrounds and cottages to bed & breakfast locations to a range of modern and historic inns. The jewel in the crown is the Algonquin Resort, which has been welcoming guests since 1889, and features everything from a world-class golf course to a delightful full-service spa and a selection of dining options.

SAINT ANDREWS BY-THE-SEA

Starting from $235 per person based on double occupancy. Includes two nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast, $75 gift certificate for the Chandler Room, and passes for Ministers Island.

www.kefitravel.ca 1-888-680-6930 info@kefitravel.ca

ISLAND HOPPING, FUNDY STYLE

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking to get away from it all, the breathtaking sceneries of the Fundy Isles are waiting for you! This collection of some two dozen islands sits at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy and has three main inhabited islands: Grand Manan, Campobello and Deere Islands. They are accessible by daily ferries and you can spend days in tranquil exploration. Epic sunsets, numerous lighthouses, and exciting marine wildlife sightings are to be expected on your trip through the islands. Charming cottages, B&B’s, camping and motel options are available throughout the islands.

Each island offers a unique stay and experience. Those looking for more accessible comfort, shops and amenities with great hiking, head towards Grand Manan. The Anchorage Provincial Park offers fantastic camping lots with access to the gentle walking trails.

If you have an interest in history, plan our your ferry crossings in the direction of Campobello Island. A highlight of any trip here will be the Roosevelt Campobello International Park, where you can explore the grounds of Franklin D. Roosevelt summer home, overlooking Maine, USA. From there, check out Herring Cove Provincial Park for sandy beach access, a 9-hole golf course and campground.

For a quiet retreat with fantastic kayaking, go exploring Deer Island. Better yet, carve out some time and visit all three!