This summer, I decided it was time to experience Canada's Bay of Fundy, not from a lookout point, but from its very surface in Nova Scotia, nestled within a kayak.
My chosen adventure? A guided sea kayaking tour with NovaShores Adventures in the picturesque and geologically fascinating Advocate Harbour.
From the moment I started planning, NovaShores stood out. Their reputation for knowledgeable guides, top-notch equipment, and an unwavering commitment to safety, especially in the powerful Bay of Fundy, put my mind at ease.
Arriving at their base in Advocate Harbour, the air was crisp, carrying the scent of salt and pine. I was immediately greeted by friendly faces and a palpable sense of excitement.
The welcoming atmosphere extended into the pre-trip briefing. Our guides, seasoned veterans of these waters, meticulously went over safety protocols, paddle strokes and what to expect from the tides.
The Bay of Fundy boasts the highest tides in the world, a force that carves the coastline into dramatic cliffs and sea caves. Hearing about it is one thing; understanding how we’d navigate it in a kayak was another, and their calm, confident explanations instilled a deep trust. I felt prepared, but more importantly, excited.
Donning my life-jacket and settling into my sea kayak, I felt a thrill of anticipation. The water, a deep, shifting blue, beckoned. Being a life-long Southern California boy, I'm no stranger to the ocean. But the water in the Bay of Fundy is amazing.
Pushing off from the shore, the initial paddle strokes were tentative, but quickly, a comfortable rhythm emerged. We were a small group, gliding silently at first, absorbing the immensity of our surroundings. The vibrant green of the boreal forest clung to the cliff tops, starkly contrasting with the reddish-brown and grey rock faces plunging into the water.
What truly struck me was the sheer scale of the landscape. From the water, the cliffs of Cape Chignecto Provincial Park loomed like ancient giants, their faces sculpted by millennia of wind, rain and the relentless ebb and flow of the Fundy tides. Our guides, with their encyclopedic knowledge, pointed out fascinating geological formations – columnar basalt formations that looked like colossal petrified organ pipes, and layers of sedimentary rock telling stories of epochs past.
The highlight for me, without a doubt, was paddling into the sea caves. It was an ethereal experience. As I steered my kayak into the cool, shadowed embrace of a cavern, the sounds of the outside world faded, replaced by the gentle lapping of water against rock and the soft echo of our voices. Sunlight filtered in from the cave entrance, illuminating the water with an otherworldly glow. Each cave felt like a secret chamber, a private sanctuary carved by nature’s hand.
Speaking of hands, while the water was mostly calm it experienced sudden waves or motions that made it difficult to constantly keep a camera in my grip. And, yeah, I was paranoid a sudden jolt would see me drop the camera in the water and have it go bye-bye.
Our guides masterfully navigated us through the aqueous labyrinths, sharing tales of local lore and pointing out hidden details I would have surely missed on my own.
We kept a watchful eye out for wildlife. Seabirds soared overhead, nesting precariously on cliff ledges, and every now and then, a seal would pop its curious head above the surface, regarding us with dark, intelligent eyes before disappearing again. It was a humbling reminder that we were merely visitors in their vast, wild home.
Mid-adventure, we pulled our kayaks onto a secluded beach, accessible only by water at low tide. It was a perfect spot for our packed lunch, a simple yet delicious meal that tasted infinitely better amidst such breathtaking surroundings.
Walking along the shoreline, I picked up smoothed, colourful stones, each a tiny testament to the power of the Bay. The feeling of the cool sand under my feet, the vastness of the sky above, and the colossal cliffs behind me created a sense of pure, unadulterated awe.
The return journey offered a different perspective, the changing light painting new shadows and highlights on the cliffs. My arms felt pleasantly tired, my mind clear and invigorated. As we paddled back into Advocate Harbour, the setting sun cast a golden sheen across the water, marking the perfect end to an extraordinary day.
My kayaking adventure with NovaShores was far more than just a paddle; it was an immersive journey into the heart of Nova Scotia’s rugged beauty. It allowed me to connect with the landscape in a profound and intimate way, feeling the power of the Bay of Fundy beneath me and witnessing its magnificent artistry up close.
If you’re seeking an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, education and unparalleled natural beauty, I wholeheartedly recommend NovaShores Adventures. It’s an opportunity to not just see, but truly feel, the magic of the Bay of Fundy.