Fundy National Park

Situated on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, known for the world's highest tides, this park protects Acadian forest and coastal habitats. While large...

Fundy National Park at a Glance

Location
Atlantic Canada & Eastern Arctic, Canada, North America
Coordinates
45.617180, -65.042350
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Fundy National Park

Nearest airport: Apple River Airport, 24 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aéroport international Roméo LeBlanc / Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM), 62 km away.

Weather & Climate in Fundy National Park

The warmest temperatures in Fundy National Park occur in July, averaging 18.6°C (up to 22.5°C). The coolest conditions are in February at -6.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in May with average rainfall of 100.9mm. Average humidity: 71.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: -6.3°C (rainfall: 160.8mm)
  • February: -6.4°C (rainfall: 137.5mm)
  • March: -2.2°C (rainfall: 149.5mm)
  • April: 3.3°C (rainfall: 118.1mm)
  • May: 9.2°C (rainfall: 100.9mm)
  • June: 15.1°C (rainfall: 122.2mm)
  • July: 18.6°C (rainfall: 154.0mm)
  • August: 17.9°C (rainfall: 140.0mm)
  • September: 14.4°C (rainfall: 143.5mm)
  • October: 9.2°C (rainfall: 127.3mm)
  • November: 2.3°C (rainfall: 148.9mm)
  • December: -2.5°C (rainfall: 200.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Fundy National Park

The best months to visit Fundy National Park are June, July, August, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature -6.31°C, rainfall 160.8mm, sunshine 4.9 hrs, humidity 80.6%
  • February: Poor, temperature -6.37°C, rainfall 137.5mm, sunshine 6.2 hrs, humidity 77%
  • March: Poor, temperature -2.18°C, rainfall 149.5mm, sunshine 6.9 hrs, humidity 75.8%
  • April: Poor, temperature 3.32°C, rainfall 118.1mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 72.8%
  • May: Poor, temperature 9.24°C, rainfall 100.9mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 71.9%
  • June: Good, temperature 15.13°C, rainfall 122.2mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 79.6%
  • July: Good, temperature 18.6°C, rainfall 154mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 81.9%
  • August: Good, temperature 17.88°C, rainfall 140mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 81.9%
  • September: Poor, temperature 14.39°C, rainfall 143.5mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 82%
  • October: Poor, temperature 9.22°C, rainfall 127.3mm, sunshine 7.4 hrs, humidity 80.9%
  • November: Poor, temperature 2.26°C, rainfall 148.9mm, sunshine 5.1 hrs, humidity 79.1%
  • December: Poor, temperature -2.49°C, rainfall 200.7mm, sunshine 4.2 hrs, humidity 80.4%

Wildlife in Fundy National Park

Home to 25 recorded species including 10 birds of prey, 7 waterbirds, 5 iconic birds, 2 big herbivores, 1 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Fundy National Park

Based on average temperature of 6.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 79%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 6°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Fundy National Park

5 safari lodges available.

mid-range

Other

Similar Parks in Atlantic Canada & Eastern Arctic

Visitor Tips - Fundy National Park

Fundy National Park is a place where the earth breathes with the world's highest tides, revealing a dramatic ocean floor that feels ancient and new all at once. We love the contrast of exploring lush Acadian forests before descending to walk where the ocean once was, a truly unique sensory experience. With its low crowding, you can truly immerse yourselves in this powerful natural spectacle.

Gate Times

Fundy National Park is generally accessible year-round, though some facilities, specific roads, and visitor centers operate seasonally, typically from mid-May to mid-October. We recommend checking the official Parks Canada website for current operating hours and any seasonal closures before your visit. A Parks Canada Discovery Pass or daily admission fee is required for entry, which you can purchase online or at the park gates upon arrival.

Tipping

Tipping customs in Canadian national parks differ significantly from traditional safari destinations. For Parks Canada staff or rangers, tipping is not expected or appropriate. If you engage a private guide for a specific activity, such as a kayaking tour or a guided hike, a tip of 15-20% of the service fee is customary if you feel they provided exceptional service. We always carry some small bills for this purpose.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Canada

Travel advisory for Canada

Fundy National Park FAQs

How do the world's highest tides impact the best time to visit Fundy National Park for wildlife viewing or activities?

The summer months (June to September) offer the warmest weather and full access to park facilities, ideal for exploring the intertidal zone at low tide. To fully appreciate the dramatic tidal changes, plan your visit around both high and low tides, which occur roughly every six hours, allowing you to experience the vast difference in the Bay of Fundy's shoreline.

What unique wildlife viewing opportunities can I expect in Fundy National Park, particularly given its coastal and intertidal ecosystems?

Beyond spotting moose and black bears in the Acadian forest, Fundy National Park is renowned for its exceptional birdwatching, including various seabirds and migratory species along the coast. The exposed ocean floor at low tide reveals a fascinating array of marine life like periwinkles, barnacles, and crabs, offering a unique 'intertidal safari' experience.

What specific activities or experiences are recommended to fully appreciate Fundy National Park's unique blend of forest and coastal environments?

Kayaking or tidal bore rafting on the Bay of Fundy offers an exhilarating way to experience the powerful tides firsthand, while exploring the extensive network of hiking trails allows you to discover hidden waterfalls and old-growth Acadian forest. Don't miss the opportunity to walk on the ocean floor at low tide to explore the unique intertidal zone.

Given its location in Canada, should I be concerned about malaria risk when planning a trip to Fundy National Park?

While some general travel contexts might mention malaria risk, it's important to clarify that Canada, including Fundy National Park, is generally considered malaria-free by major health organizations. Your primary safety concerns should focus on standard outdoor precautions like bear awareness, tick prevention, and staying hydrated during hikes.

What are the typical costs associated with visiting Fundy National Park, and how accessible are its main attractions?

Entry to Fundy National Park requires a daily or annual Parks Canada pass, with fees varying for adults, seniors, and families, which can be purchased at the park gates or online. While many viewpoints and shorter trails are easily accessible by car or short walks, some of the more remote Acadian forest trails or extensive intertidal exploration might require moderate physical activity.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.