With tour season upon us, I’ve been reflecting on some of the most common questions I receive—often in conversation with curious locals or through emails from first-time visitors. One question, in particular, stands out:
“Why should I walk with a guide?”
At first glance, the answer seems simple: Walking with a guide enhances the experience. But let’s unpack that a little. For many, exploring the ocean floor is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—an exciting and rare opportunity to step into a place that’s usually covered by the sea. To make the most of it, and to do it safely, having an experienced guide by your side makes all the difference.
At Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers / Parrsboro Shore Tours, our guides bring years of on-the-ground (and sometimes under-the-sea!) experience. They’ve trained in navigation, first aid, and emergency response. More than that, they’ve built deep local knowledge—knowing how to read subtle changes in weather, tide, and terrain that might be invisible to the untrained eye. Every route is chosen with care, every step timed precisely to ensure a safe return before the tide sweeps back in.
But safety is only one part of the story.
Walking with a guide turns a scenic hike into a living, breathing classroom. You’ll hear about the geological history that shaped these cliffs, the folklore woven into the coastline, and the marine life that makes its home among the rocks and seaweed. You might learn how to identify edible seaweeds, which species are protected, or which patches of algae can be foraged sustainably. We’ll show you where to tread gently, and where to linger to fully appreciate nature’s detail.
Our tours welcome a wide range of participants—from families with preschoolers and energetic teens, to newcomers to Nova Scotia, to seasoned hikers exploring the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark for the first time. We adjust our pace to suit the group, making sure everyone feels supported, safe, and inspired by the journey.
So, whether you’re a local who’s always been curious about those tours “on the ocean floor,” or a visitor planning your first adventure here, know this: walking with a guide is about more than just getting from A to B. It’s about unlocking the stories, secrets, and spirit of this remarkable place.
Curious to learn more?
Keep an eye out for Part 2: What to Know Before You Go!—or better yet, subscribe so you don’t miss a single post in the series.
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers... 