St. John, New Brunswick cruises, Canada

Your day begins with a coach drive to St Andrews, a charming resort town on the Bay of Fundy.

Here, board your boat and absorb the surroundings, as you cruise off amongst the islands keeping an eye out for eagles and seabirds, as well as seals and porpoise, who take advantage of these rich feeding areas. As you enter the open Bay of Fundy, this is where you need to watch for whales such as the finback, minke and the humpback. During your tour, a hot chocolate and cookie will be offered.

To round off your day, once back on land, you’ll have around 1 hour of free time to explore St Andrews, before returning to Saint John.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and boat. There are 50 steps on a floating ramp to access the boat. Care should be taken as this may be slippery when wet. Flat, comfortable non-slip shoes are recommended. Please dress in layers with warm clothing and rain gear, as there can be a significant temperature drop on the open Bay of Fundy. Whale and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. The Bay of Fundy tidal currents are strong and those who suffer with seasickness should take the necessary precautions. The whale and wildlife boat cruise is around 3 hours in duration. Toilet facilities are available on board.

Travel along the picturesque Fundy Coastal Drive to Hopewell Rocks. Your local guide will delight you on the way with both facts and folklore surrounding the Bay of Fundy coastal communities.

Pass through Fundy National Park, where you can often spot various bird species and even an occasional moose. Next, get ready to discover Hopewell Rocks, the icon of New Brunswick, and a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve. Experience the Flowerpot Rocks, created by the clash of continents, carved by melting glaciers, then sculpted by the highest tides in the world. Interpretation will be delivered to explain how twice daily 1 hundred billion tons of water creates tides that can rise up to 50 feet.

A light lunch will be served at High Tide Café, before taking a drive through New Brunswick countryside on your journey back to the pier.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Passengers must be able to walk approximately 300 yards over pebbled and wet surfaces, and negotiate an optional 100 steps to walk on the sea bed. Sturdy walking shoes, that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy, are recommended. Due to the extreme tidal activity in the Bay of Fundy, it is not guaranteed that you will be able to access the ocean floor during your visit and the reversing falls may not always be witnessed.

Take in the scenery as you sit back and relax on the drive to St Andrews by the Sea, a quaint town set on the shores of the Bay of Fundy. Just across the water is the historic Ministers Island, only accessible at low tide offering the rare chance to travel across the ocean floor.

As your coach takes you across the spit to the island, admire the distinctive natural marine surroundings. Once on the island, enjoy a guided tour with several stops along the way. Admire the views of Passamaquoddy Bay from the iconic bathhouse, and explore the restored Maxwell Barn and the charming summer cottage of Sir William Van Horne, founder of the Canadian Pacific Railway. During your visit, a tasty soup and a sandwich will be served, accompanied by a refreshing soft drink.

Crossing back over the ocean floor to St Andrews, enjoy an orientation drive of the town before taking a little free time to browse the charming shops and boutiques.

On your return drive to the port, a photo stop will be made at Fallsview Park to admire the mighty Saint John River.