Beaches

Part of the Hopewell Rocks experience is a beach walk along the ocean's floor among the flowerpot-like formations. This main beach is accessed from a set of stairs off the main viewing deck and stairs/ramp beside the lower parking lot. (see park map)  

However, the park also has two sandy beaches - Seawall and Demoiselle - backed by marshlands, one at each end of the park.

Seawall Beach

At the north end of the lower site, walk beyond the parking lot to the kayak launching area.  This beach offers spectacular views of the shorebirds during their migration. Please note it is important not to disturb the birds when they are roosting on the beach. At low tide, walk the beach to the 300-year old Acadian seawall, a remnant from the 1700’s. The wall was probably constructed to protect earthen dykes running parallel behind the wall.

Demoiselle Beach

A trail behind the Interpretive Centre leads to Demoiselle Beach, a quiet sandy cove located at the southern end of the park.  It received its name during the 1700's, an apparent reference to the feminine shapes of the rock formations in the adjacent cliffs.

The beach is framed by these shapely rock formations on one end and expansive salt marshes on the other. This is an excellent viewing area for waterfowl and shorebirds. As well, watch for white tailed deer, moose, raccoon, porcupine, red fox, coyote or occasionally, even a black bear. At high tide during the shorebird migration, you will often see huge flocks of the birds swooping up the Bay of Fundy as they search for food.