The Bay of Fundy’s uniqueness lies in their world record tidal range, up to 16m or 53 feet! These incredible high tides have formed the Bay of Fundy mudflats, the largest expanse of tidal salt marshes in North America and a rare habitat and safe haven for migrating shorebirds and other intertidal creatures.
Statistics
Country: Canada
Province: New Brunswick
Established: 2007
Geographical Features: Coastal and Marine Ecosystems, Wabanaki (Acadian) old-growth forest, River Estuaries and Marshlands, and the incredible sea cave formations carved by the world’s highest tides
Best Ways to Explore: Paddling, Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Biking
Best Time to Visit: July - September
Closest City: Moncton, New Brunswick
Top Locations to Explore: St. Martins, Fundy National Park, Moncton, Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, Fundy Trail Provincial Park
Follow the Fundy Biosphere on all the below social links!
“One of Canada’s most dramatic and ecologically diverse landscapes and one of the least disturbed areas on the Atlantic coast”
A map of the Fundy Biosphere
Biodiversity Conservation
Saving the Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon
The Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon is a critically endangered keystone species in the Fundy Biosphere Region. These salmon play a vital role in nutrient cycling, enriching river ecosystems by transporting ocean nutrients upstream when they spawn and die.
However, habitat destruction from logging, dams, and urban development has pushed their population to dangerously low levels. To prevent extinction, the Fundy Salmon Recovery hatchery is preserving their unique genetic makeup while researchers work to understand why they struggle to survive in the wild.
The Fundy Salmon Recovery model
Visitors can support Atlantic salmon conservation by volunteering with the Nashwaak Watershed Association. Salmon surveys help collect crucial data on population health, distribution, and abundance, guiding future habitat restoration efforts. Check @nashwaakwatershed on Instagram for updates.
The Atlantic Salmon Recovery Project is a collaborative effort involving the Fort Folly First Nations, Fundy Salmon Recovery, Nashwaak Watershed Association, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada. By supporting these initiatives, visitors to the Fundy Biosphere can contribute to protecting Atlantic salmon and restoring the region’s rivers for future generations.
Regenerative Tourism
Contribute to Citizen Science
with iNaturalist
Get involved in citizen science and explore nature in a whole new way with iNaturalist! The app lets you record and share your observations of plants, animals, and fungi, contributing to global biodiversity research. Every photo you upload helps scientists track species and monitor ecosystems. It's a fun, interactive way to volunteer for conservation efforts while discovering the natural world around you.
Follow Biosphere Bathing on iNaturalist to get live updates on species we see in Biosphere Regions across Canada.
Count the birds at your feeder
with Birds Canada
Project FeederWatch is a citizen science project led by Birds Canada and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, tracking winter bird populations across North America. By counting birds in your backyard, you contribute to vital bird conservation efforts and help scientists understand how populations change over time.
A Hummingbird at a feeder
Survey Period: November 1 – April 30
How to Participate:
1. Join Project FeederWatch with a donation of any amount to receive materials.
2. Count the birds in your yard or neighbourhood at your own pace.
3. Submit your observations online or via the FeederWatch app.
No feeder? No problem! Natural habitats, plants, and water sources attract birds, and every count helps scientists identify species at risk. Whether you count once or all season, your data matters!
Get started today at Project FeederWatch and turn your birdwatching hobby into scientific discovery!
Help Monitor Canada’s Nesting Birds
with Birds Canada
Project NestWatch is a citizen science program tracking breeding birds and nesting activity across Canada. Led by scientists and volunteers, this long-term bird monitoring project provides essential data on bird health, population trends, and environmental changes.
A Great Blue Heron
By participating, you contribute to:
Documenting breeding bird distributions across Canada.
Tracking bird health and population changes over time.
Assessing the impact of habitat loss and climate change on nesting birds.
Understanding nesting patterns across different regions.
Whether you're an experienced birder or a beginner, your nest observations support critical conservation efforts. This data helps researchers protect Canada’s wild birds and their habitats for future generations.
Join Project NestWatch today and turn your birdwatching into meaningful scientific research.
Survey Waterbirds on the Fundy Coastline
with Nature New Brunswick
The Fundy Biosphere Region is a critical habitat for migratory and coastal waterbirds, offering key feeding, nesting, and stopover sites. Nature New Brunswick leads a citizen science project to monitor bird populations year-round, supporting oil spill preparedness and conservation efforts in collaboration with Birds Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Service.
Volunteers play a vital role! Surveys occur five times a year and take just 30 minutes at various locations, from open water to river habitats.
A Sandpiper on the shore
Survey Windows:
🌱 Spring: Apr 14 – May 28
☀️ Summer: Jun 15 – Jul 31
🍂 Early Fall: Aug 1 – Oct 15
🍁 Late Fall: Nov 1 – Dec 15
❄️ Winter: Jan 18 – Feb 28
Explore the Fundy Biosphere through a birder’s lens while contributing to coastal conservation. Sign up at Nature NB’s website to get involved!
Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities
Outdoor Recreation
Guided Tour with First Nations Storytellers
Experience the Fundy Trail Parkway through an Indigenous perspective on a guided tour led by a First Nations Storyteller. Learn about the region’s cultural history, traditional knowledge, and how First Nations have lived in harmony with nature for generations.
Tour Details:
Requires advanced registration
Additional cost applies beyond Fundy National Park entrance fees, which support park maintenance
Looking for more cultural experiences? Take a self-guided walk along the Fort Folly First Nations walking trail to explore Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge and deepen your connection to the land.
Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture while supporting local communities. Plan your visit today and discover the rich heritage of the Fundy Biosphere Region.
Photo by Roy Jantzen
Backpacking the Fundy Footpath
Looking for one of Canada’s most challenging multi-day hikes? The Fundy Footpath is a 64 km wilderness trail along the Bay of Fundy coastline, offering rugged terrain, old-growth Acadian forests, pristine beaches, and breathtaking waterfalls.
Starting at the Fundy Trail suspension footbridge near St. Martins and ending at Fundy National Park, this trail demands experienced backpacking skills. Expect steep elevation changes (0 to 300 m), tidal river crossings, and primitive camping conditions.
Permits & Reservations
Entrance fees are required at Fundy National Park and Fundy Trail Provincial Park.
Backcountry camping requires reservations at both parks. Campsites are first-come, first-served
Overnight parking fees apply if leaving a vehicle. Inform park staff of your plans in advance.
Hikers must register before attempting the trail.
Purchase a Fundy Footpath map kit for tide charts and navigation.
Plan your tidal crossings before starting the trail
Experience one of the last true coastal wilderness adventures in North America—plan, prepare, and take on the Fundy Footpath for an unforgettable journey.
Kayaking the Bay of Fundy Sea Caves
Experience a kayaking adventure like no other at the Bay of Fundy Sea Caves, shaped by the world’s highest tides over millions of years. These ancient rock formations, dating back to the Triassic period, have earned a UNESCO Geopark designation for their geological significance.
Join a guided sea kayaking tour from St. Martins with Bay of Fundy Adventures, paddling past charming covered bridges and colourful fishing boats before reaching the towering red rock cliffs. Explore the caves up close, witness diverse marine life such as bald eagles and seals, and enjoy a smoked salmon snack on a secluded beach.
No experience is necessary—expert guides provide all equipment and safety instructions. This unforgettable paddling tour blends adventure, history, and breathtaking Fundy Coast scenery. Book your sea kayaking experience today and immerse yourself in one of Canada’s most spectacular natural wonders!
Discover a new way to explore
Make a meaningful contribution next time you travel by participating in local volunteer activities such as:
Surveying Atlantic Salmon with the Nashwaak Watershed Association
Documenting species in iNaturalist
Survey Waterbirds on the Fundy Coastline with Nature New Brunswick
Count birds at your feeder with Birds Canada
Monitor nesting birds with Birds Canada
Can’t travel right now but still want to contribute? Consider donating to any of the above organisations to support their ongoing work!
We hope you feel inspired to visit the Fundy Biosphere!
Already been to the Fundy Biosphere? Tag us in your photos @biospherebathing for a chance to be featured!
Blog posts related to the Fundy Biosphere
The Hopewell Rocks within the Fundy Biosphere. Photo by Roy Jantzen, Author of Wildlife Weekends in Southern British Columbia
Images used on this page are either stock photos or are owned by Biosphere Bathing. Images may not relate directly to the Fundy Biosphere.
Forget “sustainable” travel—regenerative tourism takes it a step further by actively improving the places we visit. Explore UNESCO Biosphere Regions, contribute to citizen science with iNaturalist, and discover how travelers can restore nature and empower communities.