All that glitters is here! Discovering crystals, gems and fossils along the Bay of Fundy coast will make you feel like you’re a kid again! The world famous Bay of Fundy tides rise and fall up to 15 meters (50 feet) twice per day, revealing new treasures at each low tide. With approximately 600km of Bay of Fundy coastline to explore in Nova Scotia, we’ve pulled together 5 top sites where you can discover geological treasures for yourself.
Guest writers: Brian Hebert & Laura Thompson, Owners/Operators of Fundy Treasures & Tours
Parrsboro
Did you know that Parrsboro is home to Canada’s oldest dinosaurs?
Stop into the Fundy Geological Museum to see Canada’s oldest dinosaurs and some of the most amazing fossils and minerals the bay of Fundy has to offer. Parrsboro is also home to Partridge Island, and along with Wasson’s Bluff is recognized as one of 40 geosites located within Nova Scotia’s Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark. A walk along these towering 200-million-year-old-cliffs has impressed visitors for a number of years!
On the Parrsboro shore there are so many places to explore it will be hard to pick just one. To complete your visit make sure to stop into Two Islands Brewing and enjoy a overnight stay at Gillespie House Inn, Maple Inn or Fox Point Inn.
Blomidon Provincial Park
Blomidon Provincial Park is renowned for its spectacular views spanning over 759 ha (1,875 acres) including 180 m (600 b.) high cliffs. Here you can go camping, hiking, and beachcombing. Along the shoreline at Cape Blomidon, amethyst is the most popular mineral found. World class agate can be found in a variety of colours and patterns along the lava laden shore, Jasper and Satin Spar Gypsum and zeolite crystals are also commonly found here.
While in the area be sure to check out the many wineries in the Annapolis Valley and stay overnight in Wolfville at a beautiful inn or bed and breakfast.
Five Islands Provincial Park
Five Islands Provincial Park is home to many Mi’kmaw cultural stories surrounding Kluskap and is also recognized as one of the 40 geosites within Nova Scotia’s Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark. Here visitors can see one of the best of examples of how the supercontinent Pangea broke apart some 200 million years ago, causing an outpouring of lava.
While visiting the park, be sure to check out the Red Head Trail which offers spectacular views of the Five Islands in the Minas Basin. Keep a lookout for Agate and Jasper.
The park is open for camping June – October. There is also a nearby RV park Five Islands Ocean Resort & RV Campground. If you prefer a cottage, call ahead for availability at Four Seasons Retreat.
Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site
Walk the ocean floor where lush tropical forests covered the local landscape 315 million years ago. Joggins is the world’s most complete “coal age” ecosystem and a place where you can see fossil trees along the cliffs!
The Joggins Fossil Cliffs is also where the world’s oldest reptile, Hylonomus, was discovered in 1859. Since 1828, over 200 different species of fossils have been found in these cliffs. New fossils are still being discovered today with erosion helped by the Fundy tides. The Joggins Fossil Centre has a wide variety of fossils found here.
Blue Beach
The cliffs at Blue Beach are 355 million years old. It is only one of a few locations in the world that has fossils from the Early Carboniferous period. World class trace fossils and early amphibians have been found here and more discoveries are locked within its cliffs for the keen observer to see.
Make sure to stop into the Blue Beach Fossil Museum to see some amazing specimens found here.
About our guest writers: Brian and Laura have operated Fundy Treasures & Tours for 7 years while Brian has been giving tours for 30 years. They offer group and private fossil, gem and mineral tours at many different locations along the Bay of Fundy coastline and have have the necessary permits to conduct tours.
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