…Home to Custom Guided Upper Bay of Fundy Ocean-floor Tours Tours .
Eagles and Sunshine- the perfect combo for a day on the ocean floor with participants from Truro and Toronto today.
These two teens were super engaged and took full advantage of checking out the caves, climbing a few of the rocks and flowerpots, they discovered green crabs, found a few pretty shells, captured the eagles overhead and sported smiles from start to finish.
…A Soley Cove family excursion in brilliant sunshine! This family from the GTA is embracing all the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark has on offer. ❤️
Happy weekend, everyone!
Where the waters meet: Two Islands Beach! Access by special permit during Nova Scotia trail closures.
Haze, the taste and scent of smoke were are constant reminder how fortunate we were today to explore the shallow waters at Two Islands.
Another low tide Soley Cove excursion! Cody, the pooch, was a true champion. Always happy when last minute tour requests can be accommodated and meet clients’ expectations!
I love meeting more Canadians on tour this summer! This lovely couple from Montreal explored Soley Cove at sunset yesterday and chose to book the Dulsing and Meeting of the Waters Combo early this Monday morning.
A Sunday late afternoon Soley Cove hike during golden and blue light followed by an early morning low tide and meeting of the waters at Two Islands Beach concluded their Nova Scotia vacation. We met as strangers and parted as friends!
This lovely couple cashed in a gift certificate to explore Clarke Head Arch and the stretch of beach that leads to this impressive landmark along the Parrsboro shore.
The perfect activity to start a weekend!
Two friends on their first ocean floor walk… a lovely way to begin their Nova Scotia vacation!
The tide was going out mid- afternoon and we only had access after 3:30 pm. The light was magical and these two really enjoyed their Soley Cove tour.
Last minute Clarke Head Arch Tour with a science teacher couple and their rescue from Connecticut: The beach belonged to us!
It has been busy and last minute tour inquiries have become the trend for summer 2025. When this delightful couple requested a weekend tour and found out that there was no availability they quickly chose one of two time slots still open. It was a true pleasure to get out on one of my most treasured destinations today.
Another hot day – an early morning tour inquiry and a scramble to obtain a special permit to guide tours to Two Islands Beach during the trail closures due to extreme dryness in Nova Scotia.
I am relieved and happy that a special permit from the Department of Natural Resources enables me to continue with some of my upcoming tours to Two Islands Beach.
This family from Ithaca was keen and persistent. It was great to meet up with them and share part of my backyard during this afternoon geology tour.
In the footsteps of Eldon George… this budding geologist from the Ottawa region was keen to check out the beaches at Wasson’s Bluff and Two Islands today!
There were shiny rocks and hermit crabs galore, skipping rocks was another interest and just wading in the water at low tide kept us cool and focussed.
There is no better way to spend a calm and hot day!
Fab family outing to Soley Cove! It was wonderful to spend time with this wonderful RV-travelling family and their husky Max from Ontario. Not another soul in sight while we explored Soley Cove under smoke-covered sky. It kept the heat down and the breeze was an additional bonus,
These fine folks found Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers via the Keep Your Daydream YouTube Channel! I continue to be grateful for the opportunity of conducting a tour for Marc, Tricia and Caleb in June 2023. Ever since my business can rely on connecting with KYD followers on a regular basis.
Crabs galore! Exploring the ocean floor with a marine biologist adds another dimension for this fun-loving family from Montreal😊
It was a pleasure spending time with this energetic family and their marine biologist cousin from Moncton today! What a way to start the long weekend😁
Circumnavigating Two Islands through the Hershey Kiss and experiencing the Meeting of the Waters last Saturday – what a way to start your Cliffs of Fundy Geopark holiday, Louise and Jon! This experience was topped with a rustic beach breakfast and freshly baked dulse-infused biscuits and a choice of tea or coffee.
Great start to the week: Monday morning Soley Cove tour with Louise and Jon, the dynamic couple from Massachusetts, their second tour with us during their Parrsboro area visit.
We set out under grey skies with mist in the air and finished in glorious sunshine. What a start to the week!
And today is the day that I decided that I must start posting tour images to the blog more often! it has been a phenomenal season so far with regular tours and bookings. Watch for more posts as I shall share recaps of previous tours I have conducted since May.
Epic tour for this young and dynamic couple from Toronto today! 6 am start had us witness the tide receding and rolling back in during our seven hours together! The light was perfect for photos and drone footage!
A tour like this does not come along often. The timing worked out that we hiked the entirety of Soley Cove, witnessed the “Lady of the Bay” perform her dance swirling the waters and turn the tide, bald eagles soaring overhead and morning sunshine illuminate the landscape and its visitors.
A week ago we spent a very warm (and buggy) morning at Soley Cove. The reason: an interview to support the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark re-evaluation efforts. Here are a few images:
And here is the full story:
Thank you to Kayla Hounsell and Mark of CBC The National for your time and interest! And thank you to everyone who braved the early morning hours to support the news taping♥️
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!
🌊 Exciting News from Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers! 🌊
We are thrilled to share that Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers is now officially certified as a Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark Experience Provider! This new initiative, launched by the Geopark earlier this year, aims to recognize businesses that deliver authentic, safe, and sustainable experiences within this remarkable landscape.
When applications opened in early April, I spent a rainy weekend assembling the required documentation and fine-tuning my business plan. Just under two weeks ago, I received the wonderful news, complete with the official logo – a proud moment for a small, passionate business like ours.
So, what does this certification mean for you, our guests?
✨ Safety First: Your adventure is guided by certified outdoor leadership professionals with valid Wilderness First Aid certification. We maintain an excellent safety record, are fully insured, and operate as a registered business.
✨ Customized Experiences: We take pride in crafting personalized tours that align with your interests and goals, whether you’re seeking a tranquil tide walk or a more challenging ocean floor hike. Or better yet, a micro-experience unique to our region: Try the Meeting of the Waters or come on out for a dulse harvest and beach cook-out.
✨ Local Expertise: We connect you to the unique geology, history, and natural wonders of the Cliffs of Fundy, ensuring each outing is both memorable and meaningful.
Thank you for supporting our journey, and for making it possible for us to share this extraordinary part of the world with you!
We look forward to hearing from you! Anna
Spring is in full force here in Nova Scotia. If you are like me, you are probably out and about checking the trails and inspecting new growth.
Sometimes an interesting plant beckons or the colour of a wildflower takes us off the defined woodland trail. It’s easy to find ourselves in surroundings like these…
…and completely turned around with no idea where we came from or where the trail disappeared to. Dense forests often don’t provide the tell-tale moss growing on the north side of trees. And, if it is a grey and rainy day… well, we might be lost!
Finding our way back to the trail requires some basic skills. “But where do I start?” you might ask. Cumberland Rec in partnership with Hike Nova Scotia is offering the Outdoor Council of Canada GO Map and Compass course on June 7th & 8th, 2025. I spent a rainy Sunday with our experienced instructor Larry yesterday, scouting locations and exploring the terrain options.
Larry comes with a Search & Rescue background. He has taught map and compass skills for SAR Halifax and to numerous outdoor enthusiasts in the greater Halifax region. Larry is a big fan of the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark, he earned his Cliffs of Fundy Hike Challenge Badge last fall. If you have ever wondered what it takes to get comfortable with a compass and topographical map, join us in early June. Here is the link to register https://www.hikenovascotia.ca/courses-navigation-maps-compass/ The class is capped at 10 participants, and from what we hear, map and compass skills classes are in high demand.
Don’t feel like a frog out of water when exploring the woods…
…hop on board and join us June 7th and 8th for an action-filled weekend in Parrsboro where we learn how to use the compass, read maps and practice what we learn.
Welcome back to the sixth and final installment of The Well-prepared Hiker mini-series!
Today, we explore the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace — a simple yet powerful framework for minimizing our impact when we venture outdoors. These guidelines apply everywhere: remote wilderness areas, local parks, even our backyards.
Here’s how the Leave No Trace organization describes it:
“Each Principle covers a specific topic and provides detailed information to empower individuals to minimize their impacts. The Principles are well-established and widely known, but not static. Leave No Trace continually examines, evaluates, and reshapes the Principles through research and collaboration with biologists, land managers, and outdoor educators.”
Let’s dive into each Principle, and see how they apply — especially when walking on the magical ocean floor of the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark!
In Closing: Stewardship Begins Young
Teaching children to care for nature starts with setting a good example.
Nature walks, beach adventures, and participating in clean-ups as a family build lifelong respect and responsibility toward our environment.
Actions speak louder than words — and learning by doing is powerful.
Get outside, explore, and let the wonder of nature nurture stewardship naturally!
Sources: Leave no Trace – Canada and personal guiding experiences and practices.
🌿 Thank you for following along over the past ten days!
This wraps up The Well-prepared Hiker mini-series — I hope it’s been informative and inspiring.
Feel free to download, share with friends and family, and reach out with questions or suggestions.
Don’t forget to click follow for more outdoor inspiration—it helps boost the algorithms and keeps these adventures going. Thank you!
Welcome back to Part 5 of our mini-series The Well-prepared Hiker!
There’s a saying that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” — and nowhere is that truer than when heading out into nature. While we always hope for clear skies and smooth trails, a little preparation ensures even unexpected bumps along the way don’t spoil the adventure.
At Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers, we prioritize your safety by having emergency plans in place before you even meet your guide. But if you’re planning your own independent outing, here’s how we prepare — and how you can too — to keep the fun rolling, no matter what.
Always share your plans with a trusted contact before you hit the trail:
This simple step can make all the difference if something doesn’t go as planned. Even if you’re with a group, having someone “on standby” at home is still a smart idea.
Before setting out, check the weather (again) and honestly assess your experience level.
If you’re exploring the ocean floor (especially in the Bay of Fundy’s Minas Basin — home to the world’s highest tides!), tide timing is critical. To keep it simple: leave the beach 3 hours before high tide.
Cliffs are often unstable and scaling them is dangerous, so planning ahead prevents risky situations.
Minimum recommended gear includes:
Bonus Tip: On our guided tours, your guide carries extra essentials like hats, rain ponchos, crampons, and a comprehensive first aid kit!
Flexibility is a superpower!
If conditions change (wind, storms, unexpected tide shifts), don’t hesitate to turn around, reschedule, or choose a safer activity.
Waiting for a better day isn’t giving up — it’s setting yourself up for a better adventure!
Despite the best plans, emergencies can still happen.
Stay calm, think clearly, and remember your action plan:
Hiring a guide means you can leave hazard-spotting, tide-watching, and emergency planning to the pros — and simply enjoy the wonder of nature!
At Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers, your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities.
Expect stunning views, fun discoveries, delicious, nourishing snacks — and peace of mind knowing you’re in great hands.
Adventure safely — and adventure often!
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers...