Cape Breton Island 
Any coastal location will experience vast scenery changes throughout the day thanks to the ocean tides. As the tide recedes, more cliffs, rocks, and sand are revealed. And as the tides rise, this all disappears. However, no other location in the world experiences the range and drastic changes from the tides quite like Burntcoat Head in Nova Scotia.
Credit: Shawn Kent/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
Burntcoat Head Park is on the Minas Basin, deep within the Bay of Fundy, and is known for having the world’s highest tides. With the highest recorded tides in the world, Burntcoat Head also has the greatest range in the world between high and low tides.
So, a visit to the area’s park in the morning will look drastically different from a visit in the evening. The ocean floor is revealed and open to the public when the park is at low tide.
Visting Burntcoat Head Park
Timing is everything for a visit to Burntcoat Head Park. Either plan carefully before arriving or book one of the guided Ocean Floor Tours.
Credit: Amy the Nurse/Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
- Burntcoat Head Park’s guided Ocean Floor Tours is about 1-2km and an hour and a half in length. Experts bring you around the ocean floor during low tide with great information and details on the marine life you’re bound to come across.
- Self-guided touring is also permitted. When walking the sand and ocean floor during low tide, it is important to tread carefully while avoiding any marine life.
- The park is open daily for visitors to enjoy the short trails, picnic areas, concession, Visitor’s Centre, and gift shop. Many of the picnic areas are also covered or shaded from the trees. The concession offers several types of picnic snacks.
- There are various events that take place at Burntcoat Head Park during the operating season. These include celebrations like those for Canada Day, guided walks, culinary experiences on the ocean floor, ocean floor strolls with different themes, and August Art.
What to do between high & low tides
You’ll want to experience Burntcoat Head Park twice in a day: for low and high tides so that you can see the park transforming into an island and back again. And between those tide changes, it takes about six hours to explore the surrounding areas. Burntcoat Head Park is located in Hants County and there are plenty to do in the area.
- Walton is a small community southwest of Burntcoat. The town is also located on the Minas Basin shores, as well as at the mouth of the Walton River. The Walton Harbour Lighthouse creates another gorgeous picnic spot and has interpretive information on the lighthouse’s history.
- To the east of Burntcoat is Anthony Provincial Park, which has a great view of the area’s bright red sands and lush coastal foliage. The day-use park is open to hikers and picnickers, while the ocean views offer another opportunity to witness the area’s great tides.
- Some of the closest dining options to Burntcoat include those in Kennetcook, like Snappers Bar & Grill and Robin’s Donuts, or the closest option to the park: Bay Bites & Tidal Treats.
Explore the Shubenacadie River
The mouth of the Shubenacadie River and where it meets with the Bay of Fundy is about 30km east of Burntcoat Head. And a bit further to the south, to make it an even 1-hour drive from Burntcoat Head, you’ll find the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre in Maitland, also open May to October. The Centre provides nature trails and an observation deck for viewing the tidal bores.
- If time permits, take advantage of the local tour operators in Maitland and their boat excursions on the Shubenacadie River. Shubie River Wranglers, Fundy Tidal Bore Adventures, and Shubenacadie River Adventure Tours all offer rafting experiences.
- The Interpretive Centre’s nature trail is about 5km out-and-back.
Burntcoat Head Accommodations
There is a lot to see and do in this central part of Nova Scotia and along the Bay of Fundy. Take your time and find a place to rest between all the sightseeing!
- Choose between the cottage resorts closest to Burntcoat Head like Shangri-La Cottages, Ravens Rest Retreat, or a variety of private rental options.
- Camping is available at the nearby Parkville Campground, Home Away from Home Campground, or the Maitland Family Campground.
- Many other options are available to the east of Burntcoat Head in Maitland or to the west in Windsor and Wolfville.
Planning your Trip – Burntcoat Head Park
What: A park on Nova Scotia’s central coast with the world’s highest ocean tides. The park is open to self-guided exploration and for visitors to explore the ocean floor during low tide. Guided tours are also available.
Location and how to get there: 100km north of Halifax
Use Highways NS-354 or NS-215 to access Burntcoat Road
Best time to go: May-October
Cost: tours $15-$18 per person
For more information:
