Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers...

Hiking With Kids Along the Fundy Shore

Welcome back to Part 4 of The Well-Prepared Hiker mini-series!

Tips for Safe and Fun Exploring

While most of our tours are booked by adult singles, couples, or groups of friends, we are increasingly contacted by families looking to experience the magic of the Cliffs of Fundy region together. And we love it!

As a retired teacher, I jump at the chance to reconnect with the younger set. There’s something truly special about witnessing a child’s curiosity come alive in nature—and it’s a joy to plan a bespoke tour with children in mind.

Hiking with kids isn’t just a fun day out—it’s a meaningful investment in family bonding, healthy activity, and lasting memories. Children build physical strength and endurance, learn to navigate natural terrain, and soak up the benefits of fresh air. Each outing becomes an opportunity to boost confidence, encourage independence, and introduce a deeper understanding of the natural world. Observation skills sharpen, vocabulary expands, and environmental awareness grows—nurturing a lifelong sense of respect and responsibility for nature.

And let’s not forget the bonus: a hike is the perfect antidote to screen time, offering a gentle digital detox for everyone involved.

Planning for Young Explorers

When designing a family-friendly tour, we carefully select destinations that are age-appropriate in both distance and difficulty. We aim for terrain that’s inviting, not intimidating, with lots of natural interest along the way—think tide pools teeming with life, soft sand underfoot, and hidden treasures to discover. Long stretches of sand are ideal for little legs, and we always include moments of magic: a peek at where the oldest dinosaur in Canada was found, a hermit crab scuttling across a tide pool, periwinkle snails tucked under rocks, sea grass waving gently in the current, or a perfectly smoothed piece of beach glass—“mermaid tears,” as we like to call them.

Engaging Their Curiosity

Each child joining a family tour receives a string backpack filled with simple, engaging tools to spark exploration. Inside, they’ll find a magnifying glass, a rock identification guide, a notebook, and a pencil to jot down thoughts or sketches. Sometimes we add a small replica dinosaur or a treasure map to make the adventure even more immersive. Guides also carry pocket microscopes for closer looks at fascinating finds, and depending on the age group, we might play a round of beach bingo or chart special discoveries along a treasure trail.

These little additions are more than just fun—they help create a sense of purpose and excitement while nurturing curiosity and observation skills.

The Importance of Rest and Refuelling

Every child-friendly tour includes a beachside picnic. This provides a welcome moment to refuel and rest, listen to the waves, and share favourite discoveries. It’s also a time for parents to relax and take in the scenery while the kids explore nearby with their newfound confidence.

What Parents Can Do to Help

We ask that children arrive well-prepared to ensure their comfort and safety. Properly fitted sneakers or hiking shoes are essential—no flip-flops or loose sandals, please. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses help protect from the elements, and layering clothing according to the weather is always a good idea.

A child-sized water bottle is a great investment, as is a small backpack (our child-focused tours will include a small string backpack to keep) for them to carry their own supplies. Not only does this promote independence and responsibility, it also helps kids feel like true adventurers, equipped and ready to explore.

This concludes Part 4 of our hike preparedness mini series. Watch for Part 5 where we dive into emergency preparedness.

Gear Guide for Ocean Floor Adventures Along The Parrsboro Shore

Welcome back to Part 3 of The Well-Prepared Hiker mini-series!

Today, we’re digging into what to wear, what to pack, and how to be prepared for all kinds of terrain and weather when walking the ocean floor. Whether you’re joining a guided tour or venturing out on your own, having the right gear can make the difference between a great day and a frustrating one.

First Things First: Footwear

Let’s start with the all-important question: what should you wear on your feet?

Here’s the truth: ocean floor explorers cannot be fashion shoe aficionados! While it’s tempting to grab water shoes, hiking sandals, or those old sneakers from the back of your closet, your best bet is sturdy lace-up footwear with great tread. Think sneakers, running shoes, or hiking shoes/boots.

Water shoes absolutely have their place—especially on hikes like our Two Islands Circumnavigation, where shallow pools stretch across long distances. But for most of our guided experiences, they won’t offer the grip or support needed for rocky, slippery, or uneven terrain.

You might wonder, Can I wear my favourite hiking sandals?
We understand the appeal—but unfortunately, they just don’t offer enough protection. Small rocks, sharp shells, and crispy seaweed can sneak in underfoot, forcing constant stops to shake them out. Worst of all, jagged barnacles have a way of finding the openings along the side of the sandals to cut through light-weight fabrics and nick the skin. Not only is this uncomfortable and painful, it can slow down the group and turn an exciting hike into an irritating trudge.

Dressing for the Weather (And the Unexpected)

The weather along the coast can be unpredictable, even on the sunniest of days. A hot, humid morning inland might turn into a cool breeze-fest near the cliffs.

The key? Quick-drying layers that provide sun and wind protection.

Some favourites among our guides:

Lightweight windbreakers and puffy jackets (especially in fall, spring, and on breezy days)
Merino wool base layers, even in summer! These regulate body temperature, wick moisture, and offer natural sun protection
Lightweight gloves and hats
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

Pack Like a Pro: What Goes in Your Daypack?

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Here’s our tip: invest in a good daypack. They’re affordable, versatile, and useful beyond the beach—for commuting, biking, or weekend hikes.

A solid daypack gives you hands-free mobility and keeps your essentials close. Here’s what we recommend packing:

✅ 1 litre of water per person (double that for hot days or if bringing your dog)
✅ A clean pair of dry socks for the drive home—trust us, you’ll thank us later!
✅ High-energy snacks to keep your strength up during longer treks
✅ Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
✅ Your phone and/or camera for capturing beach treasures and tide-swept views
✅ Any personal medications you might need

What Your Guide Carries (So You Don’t Have To)

Our guides are prepared with full-sized backpacks that include:

Extra water (for emergency backup)
Food and picnic supplies (for longer hikes)
A comprehensive first aid kit
Binoculars, magnifiers, and pocket microscopes
Rock ID info and other educational resources
Satellite communication device
…and a few more essentials.

We’ve got you covered—but being personally prepared is part of the adventure!

Optional (But Awesome): Trekking Poles

Before you roll your eyes and say, “Those are for old people!”—hear us out.

Trekking poles are game-changers on uneven terrain. They help with balance, reduce impact on your knees (by up to 10%!), and turn your walk into a full-body workout.
Going uphill? They help propel you forward.
Descending? They stabilize your pace and cushion your knees.

We always bring along several pairs of height-adjustable poles for guests to try. Once you’ve used them, you may never go back!

Trekking poles: an essential addition to your hiking gear!

Final Prep: Tides & Weather Apps

Being informed is being safe—and stress-free.

At home, we recommend the Government of Canada’s official tide site. On the go, we love the Tide Pro app. It predicts tides up to 28 days in advance, displays sunrise/sunset, moon phases, and even wind conditions. The paid version is especially reliable and well worth the small investment.

Other apps we swear by:

Windy.com for wind and weather trends
Weather Live for up-to-the-minute local conditions

While weather rarely cancels our tours, thunderstorms are the one exception. We don’t take chances—we clear the beaches early and reschedule if possible. Otherwise, a bit of drizzle won’t stop us. Rain ponchos are always provided!

That wraps up Part 3: Gear Guide for Ocean Floor Adventures.
Stay tuned for Part 4: Safe and Fun Beach Exploring with Kids—we’ll cover what to bring, how to keep little ones safe, and the best beach zones for family-friendly adventures.

In the meantime, pack smart, hike safe, and remember: the right gear doesn’t just prepare you—it empowers you to enjoy every step of the journey. 👣

Know Before You Go – Tides, Timing, and Terrain in and around Parrsboro

Welcome back to Part 2 of the Well-Prepared Hiker mini-series!

Exploring the ocean floor is hands-down the most requested guided hike we offer—and with good reason! It’s an unforgettable experience, but before we dive into essential gear in our next post, let’s first explore the landscape you’ll be walking on… and more importantly, how it changes hour by hour.

Many of our guests are amazed by the dramatic rise and fall of the Bay of Fundy tides. And if you’ve ever wondered how those changes impact your hike, you’re in the right place.

Safety First: Tides Wait for No One

We specialize in custom, or “bespoke,” tours tailored to your interests and abilities. After joining us once, many hikers feel confident enough to return on their own—and we love to see that kind of curiosity and courage! But we also urge caution.

These beaches are not easy to escape from once the tide starts rushing in. Some stretches are bordered by cliffs and pinch points, where the water rises quickly and silently. Though many beaches in the area have cell coverage, calling for help doesn’t guarantee a speedy rescue.

Local fire departments are volunteer-run. Once a distress call is made, it takes time to assemble a crew, dispatch a vehicle, and reach the location. Meanwhile, the tide can rise at a rate of 1 inch per minute in calm conditions—and faster when the wind is up. It’s no exaggeration to say that every minute counts.

Understanding the Tides

Before planning any coastal adventure, it’s essential to understand the rhythm of the tides.

Tides are the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun, along with Earth’s rotation. Think of it like two giant invisible hands tugging at our oceans—one lunar, one solar—creating a kind of watery breathing pattern.

You’ll usually notice two high tides and two low tides each day, roughly 12 hours and 25 minutes apart. But these tides shift slightly from day to day due to the Moon’s orbit. That’s why a low tide that happened at 10:00 AM today might occur at 10:50 AM tomorrow.

Every few days, you’ll also notice bigger changes in water height—spring tides (especially high and low tides) and neap tides (more moderate changes). These are caused by the Sun and Moon lining up—or working against each other. We’ll dig into those differences more in a future post.

How to Read a Tide Table (Without Getting Lost)

A tide table might look like a jumble of numbers at first glance, but it’s your key to planning a safe outing. Every table lists times and heights of high and low tides for a specific tide station—and here’s where it gets critical.

Each coastal region has its own station, and tide times can vary significantly across even short distances. For example:

Parrsboro and Advocate Harbour have their own stations—don’t confuse them.
West Advocate has slightly different timing than Advocate Harbour proper.
Heading south toward Economy, you’ll see shifts of up to 30–45 minutes.

So, always make sure you’re looking at the correct tide station for your destination!

Some examples of tide tables for the places mentioned above:

Planning Around Low Tide Windows

Two terms are especially helpful:

Height of High Water tells you how far the tide will reach inland.
Time of Low Water tells you when the ocean will retreat to its lowest point—this is your window for beach exploration.

By using these markers, you can plan your departure and return with the tide in mind, leaving a wide margin for safety. Our guided hikes are carefully timed to maximize your adventure time while ensuring you’re off the beach well before the water returns.

Soley Cove flowerpot at low and high tide levels

Terrain Talk: What’s Underfoot?

The beaches along the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark are incredibly varied. Depending on where you go, you might find:

Sandy flats, where the walking is easy and fast,
Pebble-strewn stretches, which add some texture but little challenge,
Fist-sized rocks, which require more balance and slower movement, or
Seaweed-covered boulders, which can be wet, slippery, and require hands-on scrambling.

Navigating the more difficult sections is like a full-body experience—we use our hands for balance, our eyes for route-finding, and our feet for testing each step. Shoes will get wet, hands might get a bit slimy, and your pace will slow—but that’s all part of the adventure.

Being honest about your ability level and past hiking experience helps us craft a custom route that’s challenging, rewarding, and most of all—safe.

One Last Word of Encouragement

If all this talk of tides and terrain sounds a little daunting, don’t worry—we’re here for that. Our guides are professionally trained, experienced, and passionate about creating a positive and safe experience for every guest.

From the moment we meet you and shake hands at our welcome encounter, we’re already making observations to adjust your route accordingly. We assess footwear, mobility, and comfort with terrain—all to make sure your excursion is something you’ll remember for all the right reasons.

Next Up: Part 3 – Essential Gear for Ocean Floor Hikers
We’ll talk about what to wear (and what not to), what to pack, and how to prepare for your guided or solo adventure.

Curious? Inspired? A little nervous? That’s perfectly normal. Hit the subscribe button or follow along to stay informed, safe, and ready to explore!

Introduction to Ocean Floor Hiking, Part 1

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.

Between Salt Air and Open Arms: Nova Scotia Welcomes You

A person standing on a sandy beach, taking a photo with a smartphone near rocky formations and trees, with the ocean visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers, also known as ParrsboroShoreTours.ca, is ready to roll into the 2025 season.
Registrations are a little more sluggish than last year, and while we all have our theories, a recent comment from a local accommodation provider gave me pause: some potential guests have been calling to ask if Americans are welcome in Nova Scotia.

Let me be clear—we welcome all travelers with open arms.

With 95% of our past tour clients coming from south of the border, it’s not only important, but essential, to extend a warm invitation and a friendly smile.

Come on over! There are no lines in the sand—just ocean, openness, and friendship.

Two people walking on the ocean floor between tall rock formations in a scenic coastal area under a clear blue sky.

A serene coastal view showing a shallow stream flowing towards the ocean with rocky terrain and distant cliffs under a clear blue sky.

Whether you’re clambering over ancient basalt boulders, spotting fossils in limestone, admiring the Aeolian sandstone cliffs, or walking the ocean floor where the tides leave their stories behind, each tour is a chance to connect—with nature, with history, and with a quieter rhythm of life.

A cloudy sky over a calm ocean with gentle waves lapping at the shore, reflecting light from the sun peeking through the clouds.

A scenic view of a tidal beach in Nova Scotia, showcasing rippled wet sand and impressive red sandstone cliffs lined with trees in the background under a cloudy sky.

One of my favorite moments last season was watching a couple from California stand in awe as the Bay of Fundy tides swept in faster than they imagined—laughing, wide-eyed, and completely captivated. That’s the magic we’re lucky enough to witness in the Upper Bay of Fundy region every day.

A man and a woman sitting on a sandy beach near a moss-covered rock wall, discussing a guidebook and holding some items.

Close-up of colorful seaweed, including red and green varieties, submerged in shallow water with light reflections.

This year brings a few new surprises: we’ve added early-morning low-tide walks for those who love golden light and quiet beaches, family-focussed beach excursions with pocket microscopes and magnifying glasses to walk in the footsteps of the dinosaurs, and we’re in the final recipe-testing phase for a dulse harvest and beach cookout experience. It begins with an early morning walk to harvest this nutritious sea vegetable, followed by time to relax in the sun and enjoy a dulse-enriched picnic by the sea.

Whether you’re planning well in advance or looking for a last-minute coastal escape, we’re here to help make your visit smooth and memorable. Questions? Just reach out—we’re always happy to chat.

Text: 1-306-631-8539
Email: parrsboroshoretours@gmail.com
We respond to all inquiries within 4 hours or less.

A New Season = New Experiences!

The mighty cliffs toward Clarke Head Arch

Winter is drawing to a close and preparations are in full swing for the 2025 season.

After a couple Soley Cove tour adventures in January and February we are looking forward to snow-free, milder conditions.

Over the past several months I have spent time reviewing, updating and augmenting my tour offerings by adding more experiences. This could not have been possible without the invaluable input from my liaison at Tourism Nova Scotia. Here is a link to our page on the new Tourism Nova Scotia website:https://novascotia.com/listing/tide~rollers~mudlarkers/

Have a look at the eleven listings with images and let me know what you think in the comment section below this post.

Closer to home I have been leading Thursday afternoon guided hikes for local residents and the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark. We have enjoyed some unusual ice cake formations along the beaches and snow covered trails, ideal for snowshoeing, through the woods.

Tour registrations for spring, summer and autumn are trickling in. Interest is less brisk than in 2024, perhaps due to the potential economic impact and political sparring across the border. Rest assured: Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers will help you forget your everyday concerns. Once you set foot on the ocean floor worries melt away as you and your group can’t help but marvel at millennia old rock formations altered and reshaped through wind, rain and the highest tides in the world! We welcome everyone and can accommodate most abilities. For peace of mind check out the 60+ five star reviews on TripAdvisor.

Questions? Reach out via email or text. If you want to connect via a phone call, send a text to 1-306-631-8539. Please provide a name and a time that works best and I will call back.

Looking forward to helping you plan one of your most memorable experiences in the Bay of Fundy region.

Cheers, Anna

The Bubbling Tides…

…also known as Glooscap Grandmother’s Cooking Pots along Partridge Island Beach draw crowds every year.

The Fundy Geological Museum conducts tours all summer long and if you are at Partridge Islands two hours before or two hours after high tide you can witness the phenomena yourself.

I am always in search of new information and when I mentioned the Bubbling Tides to a scientist friend before Christmas his interest was immediately piqued. Despite the many years of spending time in Parrsboro he had never witnessed the Cooking Pots himself. My question as to what type of gas might be coming to the surface sparked his interest even more. Doubtful that it was air pushing through basalt layers below the surface he decided to start his own investigation. And I am thrilled he asked me to show him the site today.

Dr. David Piper collected several samples, noted the time and GPS coordinates and marvelled at the bubbles pushing through the pebbles at first. As the tide rolled in the bubbles churned the water reminiscent of a whirlpool.

The marshlands on the other side of the beach toward East Bay also have bubbles appearing with the incoming tide. It took some time this afternoon for these to appear. Just as we were ready to call it a day I spotted two locations on a pond in the distance. We stopped the car to rush across the squishy ground.

I can’t wait to hear about the results. What type of gas did Dr. Piper capture? He promised I would be among the first to find out. Stay tuned and I shall share the findings here.

Dr. Piper using a mason jar to capture bubbles..

I can’t imagine a better way to spend a gray Sunday afternoon between rain events. Bay of Fundy beach, bubbles and science theories. Keeping my mind sharp!

MacAlmonds Pond Trail…

While exploring the Mi’kmawey Interpretive Trail last weekend I found out about the MacAlmond Pond Trail from a fellow walker. After a morning of rushing through shops I made the snap decision to check out this new-to-me trail. What I found was a haven of tranquility!

The bear stayed hidden😊 and I had a lovely time breathing in fresh, clean air while capturing close up images after a cleansing rain overnight.

Just as I was nearing the end of the hiking loop I came across a couple decorated trees…

…the Christmas spirit is everywhere!

Soley Cove in November

A last minute invitation to join a friend and her out-of -town visitor for “a couple of hours” at Soley Cove turned into a fantastic day on my favourite stretch of Minas Basin ocean floor.

The morning was grey and misty… but we easily ignored it as soon as we stepped onto the beach. We have had a fair amount of rain over the weekend and the washed out section of the cliff and beach reminded us of the ongoing erosion along the shore.

The flat light made the colours of the cliffs pop! Best of all: the waterfalls along the shore have reappeared and we discovered a few new ones!

We made it all the way to the Red Head. The rain stopped and the sun was finally successful in breaking through the clouds for a few brief moments. There was even a tiny bit of blue sky.

I managed to capture well over 100 images. It’s always a great place to explore. Just watch your time and the pinch points!

Mi’kmawey Debert Interpretive Trail

Familiarization of Cliffs of Fundy Geopark sites is high on my list of priorities. Last Tuesday the opportunity presented itself to visit and explore a destination I had on my bucket list for some time. I took Exit 13 on the Trans-Canada, turned my wheels toward the Debert Industrial Park and headed toward the parking area just off Plains Road. Traffic along this road is steady but once you step onto the trail the truck and car engine noise is quickly left behind.

Trail signage is excellent and descriptions accurate. The path is well maintained, moderately challenging and a fantastic escape not far from the Trans-Canada Hwy junction between Masstown and Truro. From the first to the last step this trail will appeal to hikers of all levels. With its year-round access (note: parking lot is not ploughed during winter months) I plan to check it out on snowshoes once we have enough snow coverage. During my walk I captured various shelf fungi, berries, solitary autumn leaves and other contemplative photography motifs along the 4.4 km trail.

I felt like an explorer with each bend in the trail presenting new vistas and . Well spaced interpretive signs to share 11,000 years of indigenous history and provide the name of creeks teeming with small fish make this a rich educational experience.

I chose to embark on my hike without trekking poles and around the half-way mark felt a little regret. So, if you use poles, don’t leave them in the car…

…I am sure these images provide a good overview of trail diversity.

Seldom have I felt this much enthusiasm over a woodland trail discovery! Do yourself a favour and check it out. Invite your friends or family and immerse yourself in our local history. The Mi’kmawey Debert Interpretive Trail demands our attention.

In closing I have to mention just a couple things I noticed:

Overall the trail was remarkably clean. Perhaps this is the reason why Halloween candy wrappers stood out…

…why? If we can bring a snack with us we can certainly take the wrappers home. However, more than anything I was disappointed in the painted rocks that lined the trail in regular intervals.

This trend appears to take over in the most unexpected places! I wonder if the individuals who create these “artworks” actually know about the negative impact the acrylic paint has on our bird population? Here is some information that sheds light on the dilemma. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/wildlife-beach-rocks-painted-1.6003574

Happy weekend, everyone. See you on the trail!

Economy Falls

A visit to Economy Falls has been on my agenda for nearly four years. Between washed out, nearly impassable roads, a crazy schedule and lack of interest from hiking friends it took this much time to finally get to the long anticipated destination.

Currently the River Philip Road is a well-maintained gravel logging road. It branches off Hwy#2 on Economy and quickly leads uphill. It’s an easy drive with few rough spots. I am driving a Nissan Pathfinder in 2-wheel mode.

These images give you an idea of what to expect. It seems a long drive through wooded and clear-cut terrain. But, don’t give up: the parking area is well defined once to reach the trailhead.

I opted for the falls which rushing sound was hard to ignore once I travelled another 50 meters or so.

It’s a beautiful sound and sight. The narrow bridge is sturdy and safe. The canyon crest path on the opposite side is closed due to hurricane damage.

Economy Falls as experienced from the bridge

A small picnic rest area is found just off the path. However, there is no real view over the rushing water. I searched for the stairs to the bottom of the falls because I read that 182 steps lead down to the pool in the valley.

Once I backtracked my steps I realized that the stairs leading to the pool at the bottom were labelled as Kenomee Canyon Trail.

I followed the steps down wishing my legs were longer. Any tall person won’t have trouble but those of us blessed with a shorter stature will find this challenging, especially since each step was blanketed in leaves. This made some steps even steeper. My hiking poles helped with keeping the balance.

It wasn’t a long trek down. Once at the bottom the river beckoned.

Time to soak up some negative ions. Several deep breaths did the trick to restore my energy, shed some accumulated stress and reenergize my whole being. (Side note: did you know that the highest negative ions activity can only be found at the bottom of a waterfall? It’s a fact: Sylvotherapists regularly harness the positive energy found in the vicinity of waterfalls!)

The climb uphill to the main trail was easier than the descent earlier.

The return to the parking lot was swift and I soon found myself at the wheel navigating my way back to Economy.

Reflecting on this hike: if you are passionate about waterfalls, put it on your list. Consider the long gravel road approach, especially if it is wet. 8 km felt more like 16 km. The trail to the bridge spanning across the upper section of the falls is well maintained. If you are planning to explore the canyon and the pool ensure you are wearing sturdy footwear. Guiding a group down these inconsistent steps is not on my agenda. Difficulty balancing and the potential of twisted ankles offer too great a risk to make this an enjoyable event.

Here are the views on my way back to the highway. The mighty Bay of Fundy Minas Basin never disappoints! What a view despite the gray and gloomy day!

I hope you enjoyed my recap of visiting Economy Falls in late fall. Let me know if you found the information helpful. Wishing everyone a great weekend!

Thanksgiving Photography Retreat…

Sylvie Mazerolle and I connected in late June and the idea of a photography retreat in the area crystallized. I had the distinct pleasure to guide this dynamic group of hardy women with cameras last Saturday!

The following images and movie clips tell a better story than words. Enjoy!

Cape d’Or

From Port Greville to Spencer’s Island, Advocate Harbour to Cape d’Or and back to Driftwood Beach and Red Rocks. There was no lack of inspiration!

Sunset over Cape Chignecto

Beachside October Edition – better late than never…

Apologies for posting the newest edition rather late. Once you read through the newsletter, you will have a better idea why it wasn’t finished earlier. Thanks for your patience!

To download your copy to keep or share with friends click on the Newsletter tab in the menu.

Beachside, September Edition

September, a month full of changes, new beginnings and reflection. This edition is chock-full of tributes to the many wonderful people I have met over the last month. There are exciting news about an upcoming photography retreat right here in Parrsboro in October with the wonderful Sylvie Mazerolle. Last, but not least: I am facilitating an OCC (Outdoor Council of Canada) Field Leader Certification course in November in Parrsboro. Read all about it in the latest edition of “Beachside”.

Beachside Newsletter_004 Download

Foraging Weekend!

For the first time this month I had the weekend off. The weather has been stellar and the tides were favourable for replenishing our dulse stash. Dulse (Palmaria palmata) is an edible seaweed rich in nutrients and popular among maritimers. Every community boats that they have THE best dulse and with prices online of around $23/100 g for organic dulse it’s a good idea to expand a little energy on a sunny day to fill my pantry corner. My friends and I spent an hour filling our mesh bags while walking for about 2 km into the shallow waters of the Bay of Fundy Minas Basin at low tide. Once we returned to shore we spread the wet dulse onto tulle yardage and let it dry in the hot sun. Laura decided to guard our treasure while Deena and I made our way to the Meeting of the Waters. It was the most epic experience in the four years I have enjoyed this phenomena. Just have a look:

Meeting of the Waters, August 24th, 2024

Sunday it was time to get out to pick blueberries for the freezer. We always wait until the end of harvest and pick the berries along the edge of the fields where the mechanical equipment doesn’t reach. An hour in the sunshine on the top of the mountain and we had gathered 3 ½ liters of wild blueberries!

The view from the mountain never disappoints!

And just because I have not been out to look for mushrooms this summer we took the long way home…

…and found enough chanterelles to fill a small basket.

Recipes and possibilities are swirling around my head! Mushroom sauce over tonight’s roast beef… experimenting to create flakey dulse biscuits to accompany the lobster boil I am catering Friday and a blueberry sauce, lightly sweetened with local maple syrup, for the cheesecake I plan to serve for dessert. Love this time of the year: so much on offer from Mother Nature!

Busiest Tour Schedule To Date!

The last ten days have been the busiest and most rewarding this summer. Some days I could have split myself into thirds to accommodate the tour requests. I hate to disappoint anyone interested in a guided tour experience but those clients who registered well in advance reaped the benefits of being organized. It was a whirlwind of activity and Soley Cove won the popularity contest, if there ever was such a thing!

It was a real pleasure to meet couples, families and groups of friends. I have tomorrow off to regroup and get rested up for a couple early morning tours. Stay tuned for more images of new excursions next week.

Thank you to all and everyone for your interest and support!

Driving Tour, Anyone?

When clients request to see as many special beaches as possible while also witnessing tidal changes we have no problem delivering! We started out at 7:30 am and returned at 5:30 pm with huge smiles! My family from Regina, SK communicated their objectives during the winter while planning their Maritime holiday. It was a real pleasure to share the Parrsboro Shore with this lovely family! Wishing them a great time for the rest of their time exploring Canada’s East Coast!

“Worth Getting Up Early…”

…those were Dan’s words this morning as we explored the beach to Clarke Head Arch. Thanks to Kelly and Dan for booking their tour with Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers today.

Heeding the Call…

…from Tourism Nova Scotia! When an email arrived to inquire if I had August 2nd available to show two German travel photographers and writers around our fabulous area I was happy to reply with a resounding YES!

It was a long day (touring and speaking German) but I think these two well-travelled young individuals recognized the beauty and potential the Parrsboro Shore has to offer. Thank you Anne Steinbach and Clemens Sehi of http://www.travellersarchive.de for your time, interest and easy conversation.

Safe travels until we meet again!

We covered Cape Chignecto Red Rocks, Eatonville Day use area Three Sisters Loop, Spicer’s Cove, Driftwood Beach, Advocate Country Rite Stop, Cape d’Or, Spencer’s Island Beach and the Mary Celeste, a drive through Parrsboro (the most beautiful village around!), Hidden Falls and a small part of Soley Cove.

Beachside August Edition!

August Newsletter download and print version:

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