Frequently Asked Questions
Our interpretive and visitor information staff answer literally thousands of questions each season. We have tried to address some of the more popular ones here.
1. What time does the tide stop moving?
2. How long may we walk on the ocean floor before the tide comes in?
3. What effect does the moon have on the tides?
4. When are the highest tides and lowest tides?
5. How fast does the water come in?
6. Why are the tides so high at this location of the world?
7. Where are the whales?
8. How were the Flowerpots formed?
9. Why is the water so brown?
10. What are the silver “targets” on the rocks & cliffs?
11. Are there any ferries to and from the area?
12. What are your hours of operation?
13. Do you have picnic tables?
14. Is your park wheelchair accessible?
15. Where do we see the Tidal Bore?
16. How far are the Hopewell Rocks from…
17. Can I bring my pet?
18. Can I explore the Hopewell Rocks on my own?
1. What time does the tide stop moving?
Tides are constantly moving. The time on a tide table identifies when the water changes direction. Our automated greeting provides the tide times for the day you are calling; our attendants can provide tide times for other dates. We have current tide tables on this site, which can be used to determine the exact low or high tide for each day of your visit. The tides change by approximately 50 minutes each day.
Alternatively, daily tides are posted in the local newspaper “The Moncton Times & Transcript”, on our website, or can be mailed to you by calling toll free 1-877-734-3429.
2. How long may we walk on the ocean floor before the tide comes in?
The ocean floor is accessible for 3 hours before until 3 hours after low tide. Various areas of the ocean floor are accessible during that time, as the water is constantly moving. Low tide times change each day, therefore the tide table must be consulted to determine accessibility times. Visitors are asked to watch all danger time signs located at the stairwells to the ocean floor. Interpretive staff stationed on the beaches can advise you on safety issues.
3. What effect does the moon have on the tides?
During the new and full moon, when the sun and moon are aligned, there is a greater than normal gravitational pull, causing higher than normal tides.
Tell me more…
4. When are the highest tides and lowest tides?
During high tides of the new moon, tides can reach 14 metres (46 ft) and during low tides of the new moon, tides can recede 30 cm (1 ft) below Chart Datum.
5. How fast does the water come in?
The tides travel at 6 to 8 vertical feet per hour, depending upon the moon phases. This may appear to be faster in some areas where the bay has a flat bottom.
6. Why are the tides so high at this location of the world?
There are a number of reasons why tides are higher in some places than in others. It has a lot to do with the shape of the shoreline and the depth of the water. The Bay of Fundy is somewhat funnel shaped and quite shallow. This causes the tidewater to become higher as it moves along the length of the ever-narrowing Bay because it simply has nowhere else to go.
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The nutrient-rich waters of the Bay of Fundy are famous for attracting more than 12 species of whales. This means we have some of the best whale watching experiences in the world. Whales may be spotted from a number of places along the New Brunswick coast, but the best place to see them or book a whale watching tour is Grand Manan Island. The best time to view is from Mid-August to Mid-September.
8. How were the Flowerpots formed?
Consider the erosion effect of 100 billion tons of water moving in and out of the Bay twice every 24 hours. By visiting our Interpretive Centre Exhibit you can travel back in time to witness the formation of the Bay of Fundy, and our famous “Flowerpot” Rocks, created by the winds and tides over millions of years!
The constant movement of water over the mud flats mixes the silt with the water. This creates the “Chocolate River” effect, known around the world.
10. What are the silver “targets” on the rocks & cliffs?
Survey markers were placed on the rocks several years ago to calculate the erosion over a period of time. At that time, it was thought that this would provide scientists with knowledge to predict rock falls and movement. This project, however, was unsuccessful. The targets remain but are no longer used.
11. Are there any ferries to and from the area?
There is no ferry service adjacent to the Hopewell Rocks. There is a ferry between Digby, Nova Scotia and Saint John, New Brunswick. This service is provided by Bay Ferries http://www.nfl-bay.com/.
12. What are your hours of operation?
The facility is open from May to October. In the spring and fall, hours of operation are based upon daylight hours, as the site does not have night time lighting. Check our Timing Your Visit page for exact times.
13. Do you have picnic tables?
Yes, in various areas of the park there are picnic tables. Some are located under picnic shelters, some are in the open and some are in the wooded areas.
14. Is your park wheelchair accessible?
Yes, we offer a wheelchair accessible facility. Our Interpretive Centre has wide automatic doors, with ramps for access to parking, restaurant and trails. Our courtesy vehicles are available to assist with transportation to and from the observation deck.
However, while every effort has been made to make the Hopewell Rocks accessible to all, we regret that due to its composition, the ocean floor is not wheelchair accessible.
15. Where do we see the Tidal Bore?
The Tidal Bore is best viewed from Riverview or Moncton, New Brunswick. Riverfront Park is located on Coverdale Road, Riverview, NB. Bore Park is located on Main Street in downtown Moncton. These sites offer an observation deck at which you can watch the arrival of the tidal bore on a daily basis. Arrival times can be obtained by calling 1-800-561-0123.
For more information on the Tidal Bore, visit the City of Moncton’s Attractions Website
16. How far are the Hopewell Rocks from…
New Brunswick is centrally located on the east coast of Canada. The park’s location on the Bay of Fundy is only an hour from the nearest airport at Moncton, New Brunswick. For map, directions and traveling times, visit our How to Get Here Page.
We are pleased to be able to permit pets on leash within The Hopewell Rocks Park, however we request that owners read and abide by our pet guidelines.
17. Can I explore the Hopewell Rocks on my own?
Yes, The Hopewell Rocks is a self-directed park, however interpretive staff are located at key areas to answer any questions you may have. In addition to the opportunity to walk on the ocean’s floor, we have two sandy beach areas at either end of the park and a number of well-marked walking trails.
