Hiking in Hopewell Rocks: trails, map and practical info

What you come to see

According to Parks NB, the tides of the Bay of Fundy have been sculpting the shore at Hopewell Cape for thousands of years. The park counts more than twenty free-standing sea stacks along two kilometres of shoreline. The park also calls them flowerpots, and they carry nicknames such as Elephant, Bear, Dinosaur, ET and Mother-in-Law. The park is designed for a self-guided visit, with interpretive staff on the grounds to answer questions.

Parks NB writes that the Ocean Floor transforms over six hours, so its admission is valid for two consecutive days, to see both high and low tide. Tourism New Brunswick writes that the Albert County coastline follows the Bay of Fundy, where the tides rise and fall farther than anywhere else on the planet.

High tide or low tide

The park asks visitors to check its tide tables before visiting to know when it is safe to explore the ocean floor. It says actual access times may vary and are at the discretion of park staff. Parks NB offers three ways to plan it: high tide first, low tide first, or both on the same day.

Three ways down to the ocean floor

• Main Deck: a large metal staircase with a spacious viewing platform. According to the park, you go down 99 stairs to the ocean floor and climb 101 steps back up.
• North Beach ramp: it has benches along the slope. Parks NB says it is suitable for wheelchairs, but many people find the ocean floor too challenging to navigate on wheels.
• Demoiselle trail: it starts behind the Interpretive Centre, heading south, and descends gently to sea level. The park points to a view of its cliffside, Shepody Mountain, Mary's Point and Grindstone Island.

A shuttle runs between the Interpretive Centre and the top of the stairway. Parks NB describes it as a nominal-fee service. Its rates also list a "shuttle service to/from upper or lower site" at $1.74.

The park's three trails

Parks NB publishes three trails, all rated "Easy":

• Ocean Floor Access Trail: accessible gravel trail, 0.8 km (linear), estimated time 0.25 h.
• Demoiselle Beach Trail: dirt road through the woods, 0.7 km (linear), estimated time 0.5 h.
• Ocean Floor (Low Tide): 1.9 km (linear), estimated time 0.5 h.

According to Parks NB, the ocean floor stroll is relatively easy until you reach the Ledges, an outcrop ridge many people use as a turnaround point. More adventurous visitors clamber over the limestone, but the park warns that the Ledges are often slippery and can shift underfoot.

Before you go

• Rates published by Parks NB: adult (19+) $18.15; senior (65+) $15.56; student (19+ with valid student card) $15.56; child 5 to 18 $10.37; child 4 and under free; family (two parents and their children 18 and under) $45.37. The park says prices are subject to 15% sales tax and may change without notice. Its All Parks Season Pass ($162.00) also covers the park.
• Hours: the park is seasonal. Its 2026 calendar ran from May 15 to June 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; June 21 to August 29, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; August 30 to September 26, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; then September 27 to October 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the current year's calendar before you go.
• Outside opening hours: Parks NB writes that the site can be extremely dangerous when the park is closed: no facilities, no staff, safety barriers that may have been removed, fast tides, and fatal rockfalls more likely in winter and spring. Access is strictly prohibited.
• Footwear: Parks NB recommends shoes with good ankle support, non-slip soles and easy to clean, because the trails slope and the beach rocks are very slippery.
• On site: the High Tide Restaurant (full service, deck over the tidal flat), the Low Tide Café near the top of the stairs (coffee, ice cream, a BBQ depending on weather), a gift shop and the Interpretive Centre.
• No camping: the park offers no camping or RV sites, and all guests and vehicles must leave before dark.
• Not permitted: swimming, drones, and launching private watercraft. Parks NB suggests guided tours from its partner Baymount Outdoor Adventures instead.

With a dog

Parks NB allows pets on a leash at all times. The permitted leash length differs between park documents: the park's FAQ says no more than 3 m (10 ft), and its pet policy 2 m (6 ft), with a leash rental at the admissions kiosks for a $20 deposit refunded on return. Owners keep control of their pet, with a muzzle if necessary (the policy requires one for nervous or aggressive pets), and clean up after it. Pets are not allowed in buildings, except guide dogs and service animals.