New Brunswick’s Natural Wonders
World’s Highest Tides, Oldest Mountains and Rarest Sand Dunes
Oct 21, 2007
For the traveler in search of Mother Earth’s natural wonders, New Brunswick is a treasure trove of geological delights. Its Bay of Fundy presents one of the marine wonders of the world, and its Appalachian Mountains are some of the oldest anywhere. Plus, New Brunswick is home to the continent’s last remaining white sand dunes.
Bay of Fundy and the Hopewell Rocks
The highest tides in the world happen in New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy. They rise and fall the height of a four-story building. The awesome part about the phenomenon is that it allows you to stroll along the ocean floor and examine such unique wonders as the Hopewell Rocks. These flower-pot rock formations, so called because groves of trees sprout from their tops, are created by the volume of water—100 billion tonnes of it—that ebbs and flows here each day. You’ll be overwhelmed by nature’s artistry as you wander around and through these gargantuan sculptures that are nowhere to be seen when the tide comes in.
The Wonders of the Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountain range runs along the western edge of the province. Here are some of the oldest mountains on the planet. At 400 million years, they’re even older than the Himalayas! Amongst these majestic peaks travelers will find smaller yet no less inspiring wonders such as the El River Bar, which is one of the longest sandbars in the world. A hike along the Appalachian Trail provides the opportunity to view over 100 species of birds, as well as other wildlife, and the vistas from the top of Mount Carleton—the highest peak in the Maritimes at 2,690 ft.—will leave you breathless.
Rare White Sand Dunes at BouctoucheBay
The rarity of New Brunswick’s white sand dunes attracts sightseers from all over. The last of these wonders to be found in North America, the dunes were fashioned by the continual action of wind and ocean since the time of the last ice age, and their size and shape changes dramatically after every storm. At the Irving Eco Center in Bouctouche Bay, dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the sandbanks, visitors can learn about the 12 mile dune that stretches across the bay and stroll for several miles along the well maintained boardwalk. Leave your bicycles and pets behind, though; neither are permitted on the site.
Find More Information
Before you set out to discover the natural wonders of New Brunswick, be sure to find out the best times to visit these attractions. Tides, currents and water levels will dictate the ‘wow’ factor of your Bay of Fundy experience, for example, and you’ll want to chose the best route if you’re hiking the Appalachians. Also, the Irving Eco Center offers presentations and special events that vary from year to year. It’s best to plan ahead if you want the best experience of New Brunswick’s natural wonders.
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