Fundy Coastal Drive NB: The Ultimate 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary (Map & Stops)
Discover One of New Brunswick’s Most Iconic Landscapes
Quick Summary: Experience the world’s highest ocean tides along New Brunswick’s epic Fundy Coastal Drive. This 5-day itinerary connects historic resort towns, reversing river rapids, soaring 800-foot ocean cliffs, national parks, and the famous Flowerpot Rocks of Hopewell Cape.
Route Overview & Map Flow
Day-by-Day Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: St. Andrews by-the-Sea & Whale Watching
- Driving Distance: 110 km (from Saint John Airport)
- Highlights: Arrive in historic St. Andrews by-the-Sea (Canada’s premier 19th-century resort town). Take a whale watching boat tour on Passamaquoddy Bay (look for humpbacks and fin whales). Explore Kingsbrae Garden (27-acre public garden), check into The Algonquin Resort, and dine on fresh lobster rolls.
- Overnight: St. Andrews by-the-Sea.
Day 2: Saint John Reversing Falls & City Market
- Driving Distance: 100 km (Hwy 1 East)
- Highlights: Drive east to Saint John (Canada’s oldest incorporated city). Visit the Reversing Falls Rapids to watch the Bay of Fundy tide force the Saint John River backwards. Explore the 1876 Saint John City Market, stroll the historic brick Uptown streets, and visit Area 506 Container Village.
- Overnight: Uptown Saint John.
Day 3: St. Martins Sea Caves & Fundy Trail Parkway
- Driving Distance: 90 km (Hwy 111 & Parkway)
- Highlights: Drive to St. Martins to explore massive ocean sea caves at low tide. Drive the 30 km Fundy Trail Parkway along 800-foot ocean cliffs. Cross the Big Salmon River suspension bridge, hike to the Walton Glen Gorge observation deck, and exit into Alma.
- Overnight: Alma village.
Day 4: Fundy National Park, Dickson Falls & Alma Seafood
- Driving Distance: 45 km local park driving
- Highlights: Explore Fundy National Park. Hike Dickson Falls (lush waterfall boardwalk) and Matthews Head Trail (coastal cliffs). Enjoy warm gooey sticky buns from Kelly’s Bake Shop in Alma and fresh steamed lobster from Alma Lobster Shop.
- Overnight: Alma village or Fundy National Park oTENTik.
Day 5: Hopewell Rocks Ocean Floor & Moncton Hub
- Driving Distance: 80 km (Route 114 North)
- Highlights: Drive north to Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. Walk on the ocean floor underneath the multi-story “Flowerpot Rocks” at low tide. Return at high tide to watch the sea rise 46 feet. Continue to Moncton, visit Magnetic Hill, and celebrate your trip with dinner at Tide & Boar Gastropub.
Where to Eat Along the Fundy Route
- St. Andrews: The Rossmount Inn (Fine dining), Char & Chowder (Seafood).
- Saint John: Port City Royal (Upscale Maritime cuisine), Saint John Ale House, Cask & Kettle.
- St. Martins: The Caves Restaurant (Seafood chowder next to the sea caves).
- Alma: Alma Lobster Shop (Wharf seafood), Kelly’s Bake Shop (Sticky buns), The Octopus’ Garden.
- Moncton: Catch 22 Lobster Bar, Tide & Boar Gastropub, Les Brumes du Coude.
Estimated 5-Day Fundy Coastal Budget (2 People)
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | $80 – $140 | ~450 km driving across New Brunswick |
| Parkway & Park Entry Fees | $60 | Fundy Trail Parkway + Parks Canada + Hopewell Rocks |
| Lodging (4 Nights) | $640 – $1,100 | Average $160–$275/night (Inns & Resorts) |
| Dining & Seafood | $450 – $700 | ~$90–$140/day for two people |
| Whale Tour / Activities | $160 – $260 | Whale watching tour in St. Andrews |
| Total Trip Budget | $1,390 – $2,300 CAD | Complete 5-day Fundy tide road trip |
FAQs
1. What is the Fundy Coastal Drive?
A world-famous scenic driving route hugging New Brunswick’s southern coast along the Bay of Fundy, connecting St. Andrews, Saint John, the Fundy Trail Parkway, Fundy National Park, and Hopewell Rocks.
2. How many days do you need for the Fundy Coastal Drive?
5 days is the ideal timeframe to explore all major highlights without rushing.
3. What is the single biggest attraction on this drive?
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, where you can walk on the ocean floor beneath 50-foot Flowerpot Rocks at low tide.
4. Can you drive straight through the Fundy Trail Parkway?
Yes! Since 2020, the Parkway connects straight through from St. Martins (West Gate) to Alma (East Gate).
5. What are the Reversing Falls Rapids?
A natural phenomenon in Saint John where the Bay of Fundy’s massive high tide forces the Saint John River to reverse direction and flow backwards twice daily.
6. Where is the best place to go whale watching in New Brunswick?
St. Andrews by-the-Sea and Campobello Island on Passamaquoddy Bay.
7. What is the distance of the Fundy Coastal Drive?
The main route between St. Andrews and Moncton is approximately 450 km (280 miles).
8. What is the best month for this road trip?
July and August offer warm weather, full facilities, and whale watching. September and October offer crisp weather and stunning autumn foliage.
9. Is this road trip suitable for families?
Extremely! Kids love walking on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks, seeing whales in St. Andrews, mud sliding on Tidal Bore tours, and eating sticky buns in Alma.
10. Do I need a Parks Canada pass for this drive?
Yes, a Parks Canada Day Pass is required when stopping inside Fundy National Park.
11. Are dogs allowed on the Fundy Coastal Drive?
Yes! New Brunswick is very dog-friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome on the ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks, on the Fundy Trail Parkway, and in Fundy National Park.
12. Where can I try fresh lobster on this route?
At Alma Lobster Shop in Alma, Catch 22 in Moncton, or Saint John Ale House in Saint John.
13. What is the Algonquin Resort?
A legendary 19th-century Tudor-style luxury resort in St. Andrews by-the-Sea featuring golf, spa facilities, and fine dining.
14. What nearby extensions can I add to this road trip?
Cross the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island or take the Bay Ferry to Digby, Nova Scotia.
15. How much does gas cost for this 5-day trip?
Budget approximately $80 to $140 CAD in total fuel for 450 km of driving.
Related Guides & Internal Links
- Hopewell Rocks & Fundy Tides Complete Guide
- Fundy National Park Complete Visitor Guide
- Fundy Trail Parkway Pillar Guide
- City Guide: Saint John & Reversing Falls
- City Guide: Moncton & Magnetic Hill
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | New Brunswick |
| Designation / Status | Key Destination / Regional Highlight |
| Area / Scope | Regional Highlight & Surrounding Coastline |
| Best For | Outdoor adventure, scenic drives, local dining, photography, road trips |
| Best Time to Visit | May–October |
| Ideal Visit | 2–4 days |
| Interactive Map Pin | [45.27,-66.06] |
Why Visit Fundy Coastal Drive 5-Day Road Trip?
Unlike a single park or attraction, Fundy Coastal Drive 5-Day Road Trip is an entire living landscape where nature, wildlife, and local maritime communities are deeply interconnected.
Highlights include:
- Scenic Coastal Vistas: Sweeping ocean views and rugged headlands.
- Outdoor Trails: Hiking, walking, and nature pathways.
- Historic Maritime Charm: Local culture, seafood dining, and coastal hospitality.
- Abundant Wildlife: Marine life, seabirds, and native wildlife species.
Insider Local Tip: Beat the Crowds: Visit popular lookouts and trailheads early in the morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) or during late afternoon golden hour for optimal lighting and peaceful ocean views!
Top Places to Visit
1. Primary Coastal & Heritage Highlights
Explore the core natural and cultural landmarks that define Fundy Coastal Drive 5-Day Road Trip.
Highlights:
- Walking along scenic coastal lookouts and boardwalks.
- Exploring local historical sites and heritage monuments.
- Sampling fresh Atlantic seafood at dockside restaurants.
- Photographing iconic lighthouses and ocean bluffs.
Best Hiking Trails
Popular options include:
| Trail Name | Distance & Duration | Difficulty | Key Highlights & Terrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Headland Trail | 3.5 km (1.5 Hours) | Easy/Moderate | Coastal cliff walk with ocean lookouts. |
| Forest & River Trail | 4.2 km (2 Hours) | Moderate | Shaded Acadian forest path along river bends. |
| Summit Ridge Trail | 6.0 km (2.5 Hours) | Moderate | High elevation overlook with 360-degree vistas. |
Always check trail conditions before heading out.
Wildlife You’ll See
Depending on the season, visitors may encounter a rich variety of native species:
- Birds: Bald Eagles, Osprey, Great Blue Herons, Seabirds, and migratory songbirds.
- Marine Life: Harbour Seals, Minke Whales, Harbour Porpoises, and Atlantic Cod.
- Land Mammals: White-tailed Deer, Red Foxes, Snowshoe Hares, and Moose.
The combination of coastal waters, forests, and wetlands makes the region one of Atlantic Canada’s richest natural habitats.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (May–June)
- Rivers and waterfalls at peak flow.
- Wildflowers blooming in coastal valleys.
- Fewer crowds at major lookouts.
Summer (July–August)
- Warmest weather and pleasant ocean breezes.
- Coastal boat tours, high-tide kayaking, and beach swimming.
- Full festival and restaurant operating schedules.
Fall (September–October)
- One of the best seasons thanks to colourful forests, cooler temperatures, and excellent hiking.
- Seasonal harvest markets and fall foliage drives.
Winter (November–April)
- Quiet snowshoeing, winter photography, coastal ice formations, and cozy lodge retreats.
️ Suggested Day-by-Day Scroll-Path Itinerary
Day 1: Coastal Arrival & Core Highlights
- Morning: Arrive in Fundy Coastal Drive 5-Day Road Trip. Explore the main waterfront boardwalk and historic monuments.
- Afternoon: Take a scenic walking trail along coastal headlands and enjoy ocean lookouts.
- Evening: Enjoy fresh Atlantic seafood dining at a local harbourfront bistro.
- Day 1 Logistics: ~85 km driving along main coastal highways.
Day 2: Wilderness Hikes & Scenic Drives
- Morning: Hike the primary trail to high cliff lookouts and scenic river gorges.
- Afternoon: Drive scenic coastal parkways, stopping at lighthouse lookouts and craft shops.
- Evening: Traditional Maritime dinner and campfire sunset viewing.
- Day 2 Logistics: ~90 km driving with frequent scenic pullouts.
Day 3: Heritage Sites & Local Culture
- Morning: Visit local museums, artisan studios, and historic heritage sites.
- Afternoon: Relax at a local sandy beach or take an afternoon boat excursion.
- Evening: Departure dinner celebrating your complete Atlantic Canada journey.
- Day 3 Logistics: ~75 km return driving to major highways.
Sustainable Travel Tips
As a protected natural sanctuary, visitors are encouraged to follow leave-no-trace ethics:
- Stay on marked trails: Protect fragile coastal vegetation and cliffside soils from erosion.
- Respect wildlife: Maintain a safe 30-metre distance from all wild animals.
- ️ Leave no trace: Pack out all trash and reduce single-use plastics.
- Support local businesses: Dine at family seafood shacks and purchase local artisan crafts.
- Follow safety guidelines: Always check tide schedules and weather conditions before coastal exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Fundy Coastal Drive 5-Day Road Trip suitable for families?
Yes! Many attractions, beaches, lookouts, and walking trails are barrier-free and family-friendly.
2. How many days should I spend visiting?
A 2 to 4-day trip is ideal to explore major attractions, complete scenic hikes, and enjoy local seafood dining without rushing.
3. Can I visit year-round?
Yes, though May through October offers the widest range of operational attractions, boat tours, and warm weather.
4. What is the best way to travel around Fundy Coastal Drive 5-Day Road Trip?
A personal vehicle or rental car is strongly recommended to explore the scenic coastal highways and trailhead lookouts.
5. Are dogs allowed?
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on most trails and outdoor lookouts.
6. Where is the best place to eat seafood?
At local harbourfront seafood restaurants, lobster shacks, and craft brewpubs.
7. What should I pack for coastal weather?
Layered clothing, a windproof/waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection.
8. Are there gas stations along the route?
Gas is available in major hub towns; always fill up before entering remote wilderness stretches.
9. Can I see whales in the area?
Whale watching boat tours operate along coastal bays from June through October.
10. Are campgrounds available?
Yes, National, Provincial, and private campgrounds offer tent, RV, and glamping options from May through October.
11. What airport is closest to Fundy Coastal Drive 5-Day Road Trip?
Major regional airports include Halifax Stanfield (YHZ), Moncton (YQM), Charlottetown (YYG), and St. John’s (YYT).
12. Do I need a park pass?
National Parks require a Parks Canada Day Pass; Provincial Parks offer free or low-cost daily entry.
13. What is the best season for fall foliage?
Early to mid-October offers peak autumn foliage across coastal and mountain forests.
14. Is cell coverage reliable?
Cell coverage is reliable in towns, but can drop in deep valleys and interior wilderness areas.
15. What nearby attractions can I combine with this trip?
Check our related guides below for regional road trip loops and neighboring coastal towns!
Final Thoughts
Fundy Coastal Drive 5-Day Road Trip is far more than a collection of scenic viewpoints—it is a living, breathing natural landscape where ocean tides, ancient forests, coastal communities, and diverse wildlife converge. Whether you are driving coastal parkways, hiking to high cliff lookouts, exploring sea caves, or simply watching the sunset over the Atlantic, this region promises an unforgettable Maritime journey.