May 2025 started with a busier-than-expected tour schedule. With clients from Boston, Edmonton, Montreal and Halifax, the calendar filled up quickly. While most bookings are one-time events the Montreal gang had claimed four consecutive days with various beaches to explore. My job assignment with this repeat client and her friends, as always: “Keep us safe from the tides!”
Here are some impressions from the past two weeks:
When Abbey from Boston reached out after finding me through the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark website, I knew we were in for a memorable hike. Her mission? To find the mysterious Old Wife Formation along the rugged Soley Cove coastline.
Despite the swirling fog, the rain held off, and we trekked a solid 14 km, discovering hidden sea stacks, wave-sculpted rocks, and the raw beauty of Fundy’s coastline. Abbey was an amazing hiking partner, full of curiosity and adventurous spirit – the perfect companion for a day of exploring the Aeolian Sandstone Cliffs and the Highest Tides in the World.
Saturday arrived with a dramatic flourish – the skies opened up, drenching the Bay of Fundy coastline as I set out with a family from Edmonton. Our driving tour took us from Parrsboro to Advocate Harbour and on to Eatonville for a short but spectacular hike to the Three Sisters.
Just as we returned to the car, the rain intensified, transforming the muddy roads into a slippery, nerve-wracking challenge, not unlike winter driving on black ice. We managed to navigate the twisting backroads without incident and were rewarded with a break in the downpour as we explored the first two kilometers along the windswept shoreline of Soley Cove.
Next came a wonderful reunion with Anni-Claude, a client-turned-friend from Montreal, making her third trip to the Upper Bay of Fundy shore. This time, she brought along her two besties for a focused beach exploration holiday, and the Bay of Fundy delivered in spectacular fashion.
Tuesday kicked off with a thrilling low-tide circumnavigation of Two Islands. There were a few gasps and cringes as icy waters seeped into our water shoes, but we quickly adjusted, powered by adrenaline and the sheer awe of the exposed ocean floor. Once back on the mainland, we warmed up with steaming coffee and Fundy Jewels – the perfect breakfast cookie for a day of adventure. (Here is the Recipe – trust me, they’re worth it!)
Wednesday took us to the lesser-known backside of Partridge Island, an early start leading us to a magical, rocky beach that few visitors stumble upon. The echoes of seabirds and the rhythmic crash of waves created the perfect backdrop for this hidden gem.
Thursday brought us to Cape Spencer Beach near Advocate Harbour. A 4 km hike through lush woodland led us to a stunning, stone-strewn shoreline. The hike back to the car was a little quieter – perhaps a testament to the rugged terrain – but a quick stop at Horseshoe Cove to soak up some sun and salty Fundy breezes left everyone recharged.
Friday dawned foggy and mysterious – ideal for a woodland trek to Five Islands Provincial Park Beach. With the Old Wife Formation as our goal, we meandered through moss-draped trees and rocky pathways, covering just under 9 km. Despite the mist, this intrepid crew still had energy to spare.
Finally, we wrapped up the week at Soley Cove, covering a final 2 km before the group declared victory and opted for a well-earned rest – the mark of a truly satisfying adventure. I can’t wait to reunite with this group next year!
Saturday morning arrived with a soft, overcast sky – ideal for the Soley Cove Aeolian Sandstone Cliffs expedition. I picked up Heather from the Sunshine Inn, and before long, we were chatting away about hiking, shared passions, and the thrill of coastal exploration.
We made a quick stop at the Five Islands Lighthouse Park, the best vantage point for viewing Moose, Diamond, Long, Egg, and Pinnacle Islands lined up in a perfect arc. Despite being from Halifax, Heather had never noticed the turn-off to this hidden gem – a reminder of how easy it is to overlook the treasures in our own backyards.
Once at Soley Cove, Heather’s enthusiasm for the dramatic sandstone formations was clear. She paused often to capture her own images of the towering cliffs, sculpted by wind and tide over millennia. The 12 km round trip to the Redhead and Old Wife Formation felt like a conversation between friends, made even more special when we discovered a mutual connection – proving once again that the world is delightfully small.
As we wrapped up this final tour of a busy week, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Sharing this spectacular coastline – my backyard – with visitors is truly a privilege. Being recognized as a Certified Experience Provider within the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark is the icing on the cake, a wonderful affirmation of this journey.
Thank you for following along – if you have read to the end, why not leave me a short comment? Did you know that engagement will boost the algorithm and aid exposure? I appreciate each comment and promise to respond! Enjoy the rest of your May Long Weekend Monday. Cheers, Anna
PS: Watch for more tour recaps as we progress through the second half of the month!
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers... 