Kayaking Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick
Every year about 175,000 people visit Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the province appealing to people of all ages. Only a fraction of visitors actually try kayaking Hopewell Rocks, which also goes by the name – The Flowerpots.
The cool looking rock formations are located on the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s largest tides.
Every day more than 100 billion tons of water reportedly flows in and out of the Bay of Fundy – as much as all the water contained in every freshwater lake and river in the world – though I can’t imagine who did that calculation.
All visitors to Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park get a chance to see the wonderfully eroded rock formations though I think you have to have a good imagination to consider the shape to be a Flowerpot. Note that there’s a shuttle if the kilometre long walk to the beach from the Visitor Center is a problem.
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Kayaking Hopewell Rocks – where timing is everything
If you arrive at Hopewell Rocks within three hours on either side of low tide you can walk the ocean floor among the flowerpot rock formations.
I did that and could have spent hours taking photos.
But I also booked a two hour kayaking trip with Baymount Adventures so I had the chance to see The Flowerpots from several different vantage points. I’d recommend the experience.
What it’s like Kayaking Hopewell Rocks
Kayaking Hopewell Rocks on a tour around the flowerpots is very popular. It’s easy and even better – its kid and family-friendly.
Book well in advance in the summer.
Approximately 30 people were on our tour – though each group of 6 or 8 ended up with their own guide. After getting geared up with a life jacket, a spray skirt, a paddle and a dry bag we walked down to the beach.
For many it was there first time ever kayaking so the lesson on how to hold a paddle and the safety talk was useful. For me – not so much.
Let the tide float you off the beach
What was different for me compared to other kayaking trips was the way we launched.
We all got in our kayaks, adjusted rudder pedals, did up our spray skirt and then waited for the Bay of Fundy tide to float us away – granted with a quick push to move things along from the guide.
The tide rises – and falls – so quickly – just under 6 feet an hour for 6 hours (it was a 39 foot tide the day I went) so it wouldn’t have been long before we floated off naturally.
Over the next 1.5 hours kayaking Hopewell Rocks we explore the coast between the flowerpots, checked out some caves and paddled onto Shepody Bay. It’s great fun maneuvering the kayak in tight places.
The semipalmated sandpipers at Hopewell Rocks
On our return to the launch site we were treated to the sight of thousands of semipalmated sandpipers – or at least I think that’s what they were as they make up the bulk of the two million shorebirds that visit the Bay of Fundy every summer.
Other shorebirds that stop on their migration include the least sandpiper, the semipalmated plover and sanderlings.
They come to the Bay of Fundy to fuel up on the nutrient rich mudflats for their trip to South America. It was a treat to see them – even from a distance.
Useful Hopewell Rocks information
In the summer the park is open from 8 AM until 8 PM. By late August the opening hours become shorter.
Adult admission is $15 per person – good for entrance on two consecutive days. Kids are $8.00 each. Seniors and youth get reduced rates.
The park is open from mid-May until mid-October. Visit their website to get up to date pricing and times.
The park is less than an hour’s drive from Moncton.
Where to stay near Hopewell Rocks
The Shepody Bay Inn in Hopewell Cape, 8.6 km away is rated as excellent.
The Artisan Suites are even closer, at just 2 km from Hopewell Rocks. Suites offer king suites, a fully equipped kitchen, and a double jacuzzi tub. They are rated as excellent.
Mountainview Solitude Retreat – a sustainable bed and breakfast retreat, 17.7 km from kayaking Hopewell Rocks would also be a fine choice. It’s rated as wonderful.
Further reading on things to do in New Brunswick
- 12 Stops on a Road Trip in Acadian New Brunswick
- A Visit to Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick
- Glamping New Brunswick at Broadleaf Ranch
- Fundy Trail Parkway Experience in New Brunswick
- 7 Best Places to Visit in New Brunswick in Summer
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Those rock formations are amazing. It seems like it would be a lot of fun kayaking around there. I think I was there when I was very young, but not sure. Better go back to be sure. 🙂
Those are some beautiful rock formations. Great that you were able to book a kayak tour and get a little closer.
@Ted It was an interesting way to get two different perspectives.
I have been to Moncton too many times to count, but always on business. One of these days I’ll have to go back and do this little adventure!
@Nancie Considering how close the Hopewell Rocks are to Moncton it’s amazing that you missed it. They are definitely worth the visit.
Looks a very cool and unusual experience this, Leigh. Some of the rocks look almost human, a little like the moai on Easter Island. We only saw a little bit of New Brunswick, but liked what we saw. It felt very off-the-beaten track.
@Sophie New Brunswick doesn’t feel like it sees the tourists that the other Maritime Provinces get. Some parts of the province feel well off the beaten path -in a nice sort of way though.
Incredible place to Kayak, and to be able to see more of the area. Hopewell Rocks looks so very pretty!
Love how you were given instructions on how to paddle, good to hear that they could help with the basics for those that are new to the sport.
What is a “Spray Skirt” for?
@Lisa A spray skirt is used to keep you dry in the kayak. It keeps the water from getting inside – and is especially useful on windy or cold days.
Interesting. Some look more like the Easter Island statutes than flowerpots!
I’m going to have to say that I don’t really see Flowerpots in those formations, but I do think they look interesting. Kayaking seems to be a good way to see more. As always, your photos make me feel like I’m there. And oh my, what a lot of birds in that last picture.
@Michele The birds were a real highlight and I am so sorry that I didn’t have time to visit the nearby St. Mary’s Bird Sanctuary.
A nice rock formation. Reminds me of Phuket islands. Wish the water was clear.
I’m hoping to visit the Bay of Fundy this fall. I’ll have to check out the kayak trip – the view looks amazing!
@Jess If you go I would do the kayaking trip here or out of Cape Chignecto -also on the Bay of Fundy but in Nova Scotia.
I love the before and after, Leigh. Nature in all its splendor. I’m not surprised you took so many photographs.
@Marcia I was glad I made the effort to get there just a little bit earlier and to walk the “ocean floor”.
What an amazing trip, and kayak adventure. Those rocks are incredible. Such are the wondours of Mother Nature. Thanks for sharing.
@Johanna It’s a popular spot for a very good reason!
I first heard of Hopewell Rocks and Bay of Fundy from a Travel Channel show and have been wanting to visit. It was considered one of the best natural wonders in the world. Love the before and after shots but especially that perfectly framed vertical shot. What an experience it must be to see the tides come in. It’s such a gorgeous area.
@Mary And it’s a terrific family trip – just don’t wear clothes you care about because of the mud.
Fabulous scenery and what a great place – I’d never heard of it before. As always your photos are great!
@Jackie Maybe one day a trip to the Canadian Maritimes will be in order. There is a beautiful coastline to explore.
Hi Leigh, I have to laugh on the coincidence! I was just in New Brunswick today for a business trip! But my New Brunswick is in New Jersey. Your New Brunswick is much more beautiful and interesting. I wish it’s where I was today. The Bay of Fundy always fascinate me. I love your photos of the flower pots. I’ve seen lot of photos of them but you’re composition and perspective is pretty unique. The kayaking looks like a lot of fun. And the masses of sandpipers are just amazing! I’m more amazed thinking that they had to fly to South America from there. I wish I have my own wings to travel.
@Marisol I didn’t know there was a New Brunswick in NJ – so I’ve learned something today. I’ve seen some flowerpot photos too but very few of people kayaking. I enjoyed just as much watching the sandpipers fly around – and I too would like my own wings.
Wow – such stunning scenery! From the rocks to the doughnut-shaped cloud, this place is gorgeous. It’s amazing to think that these rock formations were once entirely underwater. The ocean continually amazes me.
@Dana And to see how the rock formations change over the course of a tide change is very interesting.
What exciting rock formations to hike or kayak to, it’s visually stunning!
Thanks Noel -pretty scenic area – especially when the sun is shining.
Wow, what unique formations. I would love that kayaking adventure!
@Lisa This place is an outstanding destination for families – on foot and in kayaks.
Hopewell Rocks is one of my favourite places on the east coast. We have been twice but haven’t kayaked yet because I felt unsure about getting into a kayak with my younger daughter in the ocean. Now that I know someone who has done it, I feel reassured that we can handle it so next time we visit we will definitely kayak around Hopewell Rocks.
@Lisa It was pretty tame kayaking and especially in a double I really don’t think you have anything to worry about.
That’s some amazing scenery, Leigh. Very interesting about the tides, too.
@Andrew The tides on the Bay of Fundy are phenomenal = and one of the reasons there is so much interest in harnessing their energy. The Hopewell Rocks are a beautiful place to visit.
I’m loving all your Canada posts. You keep introducing me to places I’ve never heard of, but that look incredible. I really need to travel more especially in eastern Canada.
@Laurel There’s a lot of Canada that people don’t see. I’m enjoying discovering & exploring areas I’ve only seen on a map before.